February 2014
COMMUNITY NEWS
RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com
Books for Me! fosters the joy of reading at Graham Bruce Elementary school Literacy foundation builds new partnership in Renfrew-Collingwood by Julie Cheng “Thank YOU!” The heartfelt, joyous chorus of the students was music to the ears. As the grade 4/5 students filed out of the room, each clutching a book provided free of charge by Books for Me!, Mary Ann Cummings beamed. “It’s really wonderful to see how excited these kids are,” she said. Mary Ann is the president and a founding member of Books for Me! Literacy Foundation, a Vancouver-based charity that puts donations of new or gently used books directly in the hands of children. Mid January, Mary Ann, Books for Me! secretary and co-founder Dana Hirst, first-time volunteer Mai Doan, along with teacher-librarian Dee Mochrie and principal Lani Morden, were on hand to deliver the first batch of books to Graham Bruce Elementary School students. A retired lawyer, Mary Ann saw the importance of literacy first hand when she worked with prison inmates as a law student. “I became convinced literacy is the key—you need to have those skills to prosper in society,” she said. Indeed, you could say supporting children’s literacy is one of the best Grade 1 students Matthew and Derek (left to right) proudly display the books they chose to take home with them. “The cover is very cool,” says Matthew. “I think this book is good,” says Derek. Photo by Julie Cheng
Illegal dumping Page 2
Eating Out: Boston Pizza Page 5
Continued on page 3
Francisco’s Guatemala appeal Page 6 Karen Donauer, volunteer star Page 13
HELP francisco
a desk & chair set costs
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February 2014
SAN VALENTINO
Feb 14th at The Poor Italian Ristorante
POOR
Join us for a romantic Italian dinner for two this Valentine’s Day at The Poor Italian Ristorante. View our special menu online and treat your special someone to a wonderful evening!
ITALIAN
DINE OUT VANCOUVER January 17th - Feb 2nd
Canada’s largest restaurant festival! Get in on the fun and reserve your table today. 3 Courses for $38 Choices include our house made ravioli, B.C. seafood and signature Tiramisu... View our full menu at PoorItalian.com
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
How to report illegal dumping in laneways and parks The City of Vancouver is seeking your assistance to report on-view instances of illegal dumping in your neighbourhood. For more information, visit the City of Vancouver’s Illegal Dumping website at vancouver.ca/ home-property-development/ abandoned-garbage-andillegal-dumping.aspx. If you witness illegal dumping, try to observe, record and immediately report as much information as possible. A license plate is always an extremely helpful detail in identifying the person doing the dumping. Reporting Illegal Dumping: To report illegal dumping on public property: Please call 3-1-1 or email stop.dumping@vancouver.ca.City staff will ask you for a description of the material, the address or closest intersection where it was dumped, and your contact information. If you notice illegal dumping, make a note of:·
- The date, time and location· -What type of material was dumped· -A description of vehicle and/or the person To report illegal dumping on private property, contact the Vancouver Police Department’s Non-Emergency line at 604-717-3321.
Don Davies, MP Vancouver Kingsway
Happy Family Day! Wishing you a happy and safe holiday.
2951 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5J4 Tel: 604-775-6263 Email: Don.Davies@parl.gc.ca
@DonDavies
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS Books for Me! Continued from page 1
This could be your ad.
investments in the future. Studies show that children who have books in their home reach a higher education level.
For more information Contact Lisa Phone: 604-435-0323 extension 261 or Email: rccnews-sales@cnh.bc.ca
As of January 1, 2014, Books for Me! has placed more than 14,700 books with kids through programs at 11 locations, including Collingwood Neighbourhood School, Collingwood Neighbourhood House and Thunderbird Community Centre. The new local partnership with Books for Me! was formed after Lani Morden, as principal of Graham Bruce and its annex Collingwood Neighbourhood School, heard from Liz HayesBrown, the vice principal at Collingwood, how successful the program has been received by students and teachers. Collingwood Neighbourhood School and Books for Me! have been working together for a year and a half.
“As of January 1, 2014, Books for Me! has placed more than 14,700 books with kids” Programs such as Books for Me! encourage reading in the home. As Family Literacy Day this January 27 highlights, it is critical for parents and caregivers to read daily with their children and to make books and reading an integral part of their family lives. Reading, even 15 minutes a day, is important to a child’s development. Books for Me! also organizes and funds school visits by children’s book authors. “We’re so excited because author Jacqueline Pearce is coming in April,” Principal Morden said. Books for Me! welcomes volunteers and donations of books. If you are interested in volunteering or hosting a book drive at your place of work, please contact booksformevancouver@ gmail.com. You can visit www. booksformevancouver.org for more information.
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February 2014
Danny, Tanner, Sydney and Anya, from the grade 4/5 class, check out the v variety of books on display.
Grade 1 student Jaylene carefully places a bookplate in her book with the help of Dana Hirst, a founding member of Books for Me!
“I like Winnie the Pooh!” says Jaylene. Photos by Julie Cheng
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February 2014
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Your family tree 1921 Canadian Census tips 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: Crecien Bencio, Julie Cheng, Kat Cureton, Loretta Houben, Paul Reid
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: Feb. 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 @ 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
by Loretta Houben The Canadian census is a wonderful At Ancestry.ca, once your ancestor’s name is entered, providing it’s in the 1921 census database, it tool for will show up highlighted. genealogists, and the recent 1911 to 1921 there was a 22 percent French, language other than English, 2013 release of the 1921 census is a increase in the population of Canada. religious body, denomination marvellous resource for those of us Thirty-five questions were asked on with abbreviations such as Meth: tracing our Canadian ancestors from the 1921 census. If you go to Ancestry. Methodist; RC: Roman Catholic; 92 years ago. ca and click on “card catalogue” and CH of E: Church of England; Pres: then “search” you will find a list of Presbyterian; Bapt: Baptist. Canada has a 92-year privacy law, options. Choose “1921 Census of unlike England’s law of 100 years Canada” and fill in the form. This is Other questions, which were all or the USA’s law of only 72 years. completely free but you need to create tallied in columns on a large page, I’m not sure as to the how and why an account by using an email address. included education; can he read, of these laws, but I was delighted write, how many months has he to begin searching the 1921 census I was thrilled when I entered my been in school since September online the day it became available in paternal grandfather’s name and 1920. Profession, occupation or August 2013. discovered that, as of June 1, 1921, employment, with specific questions he was married to Ellen and had one on status of employment. Even Since that time, the census has been son named Edward H. No one in my income and unemployment earnings fully indexed on Ancestry.ca. This family knew her real name as she for the past 12 months are listed and means that you don’t need to know died in 1926; we only knew her by whether the person was employed where your ancestor lived, but you the nickname of Nellie. This was my on census day. can simply enter the name and if first real clue and confirmation as to they were living in Canada at that her name. Also, Edward was called As you can see, that is a wealth of time, you will find them. Harry, probably his middle name, and information! For 92 years it was he died in 1925, so this is the one and kept secret, and now we can all The 1920s were a decade of great only time he and his mother appear access it, thanks to Library and change. The settling of the West on a census. Archives Canada, which has released took place, along with Prohibition it to Ancestry.ca for free. If you and women’s rights. On June 1, The 1921 census covers a lot of are really interested, you can go to 1921, enumerators were sent to material. In the first section, the YouTube and view a discussion on every part of Canada, and the dwelling number, number of family the above by Ancestry.ca—this is questions asked on the census form members, names of each person, what I used to understand the 1921 were dated from the first, meaning parish, section, township, range and census more fully. that anyone born after that date meridian of farms for addresses in is not included in the census, and the country. The next section asked It’s all there at your fingertips, and I anyone passing away after the first is a series of questions about the house encourage you to try it to trace your still on the census. itself; was the house rented or owned? family roots. You will be pleasantly How much per month if rented? What surprised at what you discover! There are 8.8 million records in this is the class of house? What are the database. A new technology is used materials of construction? Even the The next installment in family tree for the first time at Ancestry.ca for number of rooms is included. tips will focus on Vancouver City this census. Once your ancestor’s Directories and Cross Directories for name is entered, providing it’s A personal description including hunting down clues to where your in the database, it will show up relationship to the head of the family lived. highlighted. (Please see example household, sex, marital status, age at shown.) Loretta Houben has enjoyed writing last birthday, nativity (where born; give province or name of country) and these family tree articles and would love to know if any of you have had The first national Canadian census citizenship, which included year of success with your own family tree was taken in 1871. At first it was immigration, year of naturalization taken every 10 years, but after 1956 and nationality, were all asked. Racial these past few months. it was taken every five years. From or tribal origin, language; English or
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Eating Out in RC:
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February 2014
by Paul Reid
EYE CARE CENTRE
Boston Pizza
group of staff, fellow customers and friends if you got ’em. Our booth had a great view of the action, but how Greetings food fans. How are we could you not with flat this February? Have you guys got a screens galore. place picked out for you and your Okay folks, enough little sweetie come the fourteenth? about the TVs and I have the perfect place: Boston the sports action, but Pizza. you gotta admit – it’s a pretty awesome Here’s why. First off, she’s probably feature about BP. not expecting too much out of you Obviously, our good anyway, so if you were to say, “Hey friend and chairman my little lover – we’re going out of Boston Pizza is for dinner to celebrate our love,” doing something right. then you’re way ahead of the curve BP has more locations, already. And being ahead of the serving more guests curve, why not make this a true annually than any couple’s night and go someplace other casual dining concept in the that you will both enjoy. She’s country with more than 40 million going to love everything that BP’s guests served at over 340 locations extensive and delicious menu has in Canada each year! That’s a lot of to offer, and you my friend, on flat screens. top of that, are going to enjoy, in And now, onto the food portion of addition to gazing lovingly into your our review. My sweetie and I started sweetie’s eyes, glancing up to where with a double shot of appetizers your favourite sports are playing. – some very cheeky Thai wings alongside a mountain of your classic Now I’ve already checked this out, nachos – with guacamole. Love and although the Canucks are chicken wings? BP offers a wide not playing this Valentine’s, we variety of chicken wings and we will be smack dab in the middle went with the All Meat Wings – a of the Olympics action, which “boneless wing” that is actually a runs February 7th to the 23rd. breaded and fried chicken breast. And what’s really awesome to Fooled us. Very delicious and no remember, is that you don’t have to bones to reveal what a little greedy wait until Valentine’s Day to hit BP pig you might have been. – their big screens are serving up all of the best sports year round. The To accompany this appetizing feast Super Bowl, for instance! – I had a nice pint of Budweiser, which was on special and offered The night that my sweet accomplice me some kind of entry into a draw. and I took to BP, the Seahawks were My accomplice was in frozen putting it to San Francisco to win alcoholic drink heaven as BP not the National Conference title. What only had bellinis, her favourite, but a great game and what better way daiquiris, margaritas, and the one to watch it than at BP with a big fun that she decided to try, the Twisted 2850 Bentall St Phone (604) 439-1132 Business website bostonpizza.com
Come together right now with Freshslice Pizza
Pick-Up Special Rocket, a drink that contains three layers of crushed ice: a red layer with lemonade, raspberry purée and Smirnoff Razz Twist Vodka; a white layer of lemonade; and a blue layer with lemonade and Blue Curacao. Very nice. Now, we wanted to relax at BP for the entire game, so we may have had a few rounds of said drinks. No driving was involved of course. What was involved though was a medium pizza called The Amigo – a spicy chili pepper pizza with mozzarella, cheddar, green and red peppers, banana peppers, taco beef, guacamole and sour cream. The Amigo was enough to see us through to the Seahawks victory that day. It was also a victory for our tastebuds, and this, my friends, shall not be the last time. I truly do enjoy the consistently great food and service and TVs at Boston Pizza and maybe we’ll see you this here Valentine’s Day and beyond. Bon appetite.
Graham Bruce Elementary Excellence in Education
dynamic programs for K-7 students 3633 tanner st. Vancouver 604-713-4778
bruce.vsb.bc.ca
Single Extra Large Pizza with two toppings Only $7.99 *Redeemable with coupon.
Two locations
2582 Commercial Drive 604-707-6669 2889 Grandview Hwy 604-568-6121 freshslice.com
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
February 2014
Francisco’s Guatemala appeal
HELP francisco
Once again, Francisco Domingo is up to his humanitarian ways, this a desk & chair set costs time raising money to help build a new kitchen for the school kids in his hometown in Guatemala.
$22 110
BUY SCHOOL DESKS
in canadian dollars
As you can see from the photos to the right, the school kitchen can hardly there area be called a kitchen and dust from the road gets into the meals everytime vehicle passes.
FOR CHILDREN IN HIS TOWN
Former schoolteacher and longtime Collingwood resident,
If youFrancisco would like Domingo, to help Francisco to raise for this simplestudents yet enrolled is donating $1,500money to the cantón El Llanoendeavour, primary school in his in Guatemala to at the reception worthwhile you canhometown leave your donations students will buy school desks and chairs. Help Francisco reach his goal able to learn desk at Collingwood Neighbourhood House, 5288 Joyce Street, orbecall of $1,000 more to make sure every student in the school 604.435.0323.
spanish mam/ Collingwood Renfrew
has a seat - and an opportunity for education.
&
K
C
(local Mayan language)
cantón El Llano is
K Northlocated in the municipality of San Pedro Necta
Broadway Huehuetanango, Guatemala in the department of
or find him at work:
fdomingo@hotmail.ca
COLLINGWOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE
J E.33rd Ave.
The Tipper Restaurant Ph: 604.873.1010
Renfrew St.
604.767.1779
2066 Kingsway
E.29th Ave.
E.41st Ave.
Collingwood Insurance Ph: 604.438.9888
F
G K
Kingsway F
London Square Dental Centre #220 3340 Kingsway Ph: 604.435.4545
C G
H
5750 Tyne Street
Jo yc eS t.
FRANCISCO:
E.22nd Ave.
H
Ea rle sS t.
contact
K
Ru pe rt St.
if you would like to contribute:J
Slocan St.
116 - 2800 E 1st Ave.
Boundary Rd.
1st Avenue Dental Group Ph: 604.254.5040
Nanaimo St.
Grandview Hwy.
F E
F
Renfrew Park Community Centre 2929 E22nd. Ave. Ph: 604.257.8388
Joyce Hair Design Ph: 604.451.7680
5156 Joyce St.
Papa John’s Pizza Ph: 604.310.PAPA
#300-3340 Kingsway
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Get Involved
Collingwood eMail connects neighbours Did you know that anyone can send a message to the Collingwood eMail List that will be forwarded on to all of your subscribed Collingwood neighbours?
The Dog Days of Collingwood! The Dog Days of Collingwood! Do you have a loveable pooch? Would you like him/her to be part of Collingwood history? In the run-up to Collingwood Days, May 24-31 2014, organizers are creating a new set of Collector Cards that will tell the stories of our canine friends. If you are interested, please submit a photo and short blurb about your four-legged friend by February 21, and your dog may be selected to be part of the Collingwood Days Collector Card series. Please send a high-resolution image of your dog as well as a short blurb (80 words maximum) describing your dog and why he/she is special to andreaberneckas@shaw.ca or drop the information off at
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February 2014
Photo by Mark Evans Collingwood Neighbourhood House for Collingwood Days. Please submit with subject line Collingwood Dog Days: 1. A high-resolution picture of your special dog 2. Your dog’s name and your name 3. A 50-80 word maximum story about your dog and why he/she is special 4. Don’t forget to include your phone number, address and email Eligible canines must live in RenfrewCollingwood (between Boundary Rd., Nanaimo St., 41st Avenue and Broadway).
Let’s Play Ball! Spring is just around the corner. Time to start thinking about signing up your kids to play baseball or softball. Registration is now open for the spring 2014 season. Vancouver Minor Softball Association. Girls softball. vmsa.ca/index.php
Please forward the following types of information to collingwood@ vancouvercommunity.net! • Details about a fundraiser that benefits people in Collingwood • Contact information for a new business that just opened in Collingwood • Performance dates for a concert held in Collingwood • Details for a Block Watch Team meeting • Dates of sporting events that occur in one of Collingwood’s 9 parks (Slocan, Gaston, Collingwood, Carleton, Price, Foster, Cariboo, Melbourne) • Description of an item or pet that was lost in Collingwood • Description of an item or pet that was found in Collingwood • Description of an item to give away to a neighbour (furniture, TV, mattress) • Description of a vacant apartment or basement suite in Collingwood • Request to start a carpool or ride share • Request to start a new recreational softball team, volleyball team, or other sports team • Request to learn a new language or skill, or tutor someone in a language or skill • Request to trade extra fruit from a tree on your property To post something to the Collingwood Mailing List (CML), just send an email with the information you’d like to share to this email address: collingwood@vancouvercommunity.net A moderator will usually approve your email within 48 hours, and it will be sent to all subscribers of the Collingwood Mailing List.
Computer & Internet Basics – In Cantonese
電腦與互聯網入門 — 免費粵語電腦班
Trout Lake Little League. Baseball for boys and girls. troutlakebaseball.wordpress.com/ Vancouver Minor Baseball. Plays out of Nanaimo Park. http://www.vancouverminorbaseball. com/. Burnaby Minor Softball Association. Girls softball. burnabysoftball.org/divisions.php
Wednesdays, February 12 – March 12 (5 classes) 9 –10:30 a.m. 逢星期三, 二月十二日 — 三月十二日 (共五堂課) 上午九點至十點半 Collingwood Branch, 2985 Kingsway Admission is free. Registration required. 604 438 8214 Get started with computers! Learn basic usage skills for Windows computers, including email and searching for information on the Internet. Register now as space is limited. 一切從電腦開始 ！學習視窗系統的基本運作, 包括電郵發送及互聯 網資訊浏灠。此免費電腦班以廣東話教學，歡迎參加, 座位有限, 現在就報名吧。 For more information about this event, contact MOSAIC at 604 438 8214
A Partnership Program: : www.mosaicbc.com
報名及查詢請電 MOSAIC: 604 438 8214
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February 2014
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Remembering Dennis Tayler July 19, 1943–December 18, 2013 A life well lived, a life well loved
Dennis, a gentle, kind humanitarian, a man of compassion In April of 2005 we were driving home to Vancouver after spending the winter in Mazatlan Mexico. We were experiencing problems with our van so we stopped in Obregon in the state of Sonora. We were travelling with friends Art and Liz Goddard. They followed us around trying to find a mechanic who could even look at the problem. Finally we found a backyard mechanic next to an empty corner lot filled with garbage. The mechanic determined it was an electrical problem and we would have to wait until Monday to get it fixed at a different place. It was Saturday so Leo, the mechanic, invited us to stay in our campers in the vacant lot until Monday. By then it was getting late so the four of us settled in to stay for the night. Art did an inventory of the garbage in the lot for something to do. It was an interesting report. We spent the night listening to some great music playing at a wedding reception across the street. Dennis went to check out the action and helped to load and unload chairs for the reception while he chatted with the workers. In the mechanic’s yard there was a homeless man called Pancho who slept in the back of an old station wagon on a piece of cardboard. Pancho, who spoke a little English, introduced himself and said he would be our security for the night and to not worry about the action across the street. The next morning after coffee we said goodbye to the Goddards, since there was no point in them staying any longer. Besides we had the company of two dogs, a cat and lots of roosters, chickens and many baby chicks running all around us. I spent the day reading and Dennis went for a walk and chatted at length with Pancho. It turns out Pancho was epileptic and had fallen down during a seizure the night before. He had bandages on his face.
On December 22, a large crowd packed into the multipurpose room at Collingwood Neighbourhood House to celebrate the life of Dennis Tayler, also known as Hank, Dennis the Menace, Nicho and Bumpa. His wife Terry started the celebration by saying that her life partner would have been uncomfortable being the centre of attention in front of so many people. Dennis passed away peacefully on December 18, 2013, with the love of family around him. A humble man, Dennis never sought the limelight but touched many lives in many meaningful ways. From his neighbours at home and abroad, to the homeless he served at the CNH Saturday breakfast program to politicians at the local, provincial and federal level, he treated everyone the same way: with kindness and respect. Guests spoke of his humour (like his pun,“Don’t sweat the petty stuff and don’t pet the sweaty stuff”) and ability to navigate the streets of Vancouver (“He was my personal GPS”). He was considerate, making sure he danced twice with Terry at events, thinking always of including the children and being a friend to animals. Dennis, you will be missed, but you will stay with us in spirit.
Dennis asked him if he had seen a doctor and he said yes. The doctor had given him a prescription but he had no money to get it. So Dennis said “come with me,” and away they went to the pharmacy to get the prescription filled. It turns out there were two prescriptions and they had to be taken at different times. Dennis wrote out a schedule for Pancho to keep it all straight. Then Pancho told him he had no watch or clock to tell the time, so Dennis took off his fake Rolex and gave it to him. After that Pancho realized he had no glasses to read the schedule, so they went back to the pharmacy and Dennis bought him a cheap pair of reading glasses. Now we thought he was all set only to find out later that night he could not see to read as the lot was pitch black and there was no electricity. Fortunately, we had a spare flashlight and batteries to give him. Pancho was so happy and grateful. He kept saying to Dennis, “you are an angel sent to me by God, I will be forever grateful.” Of course Dennis said, “de nada amigo.” The few hundred pesos we spent was literally nothing to us, but it meant the world to Pancho. To show us his gratitude Pancho cooked us up a dinner of fried potatoes, onions and peppers over a fire in an old tire rim using some sort of well-used pans he had scrounged from somewhere. What a tasty meal it was. The following day after our van was fixed, we said goodbye to Leo and Pancho and continued our trip home without any more incidents. The next year on our way south to Mazatlan we stopped in Obregon to check on Pancho. Leo the mechanic said that Pancho had returned to be with family in Tijuana. There is no better story to exemplify the wonderful humanitarian nature of Dennis Tayler.
—Terry Tayler
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
9
February 2014
In Memoriam: Ann Matthew 1960–2014
Ann Matthew was a dedicated volunteer and dear friend to the Morningstar Breakfast Program at Collingwood Neighbourhood House, where she worked every Saturday with the kitchen team to prepare bag lunches and morning meals for thousands of our neighbours over the years. Her contribution to Collingwood was far more than that, though. She was living proof of the indomitability of the human spirit. Ann had clearly had more than her share of adversity, but she took the worst life could throw at her without complaint. She remained steadfastly as she always was, an incredibly tough yet exceptionally generous, caring and compassionate soul. We miss her unconstrained optimism, her contagious laughter and the energy she brought to our dark and early mornings. Ann brightened up our lives. In Ann’s honour, CNH will be planting flowers in her honour by the sign on our front lawn, where they’ll bloom each spring for years to come. You can see them now at the front desk. Ann (centre) with her buddies at the Morningstar Breakfast progam.
All FAMILIES WELCOME!
(“A House to Play and Learn”) Amlat’si is a drop-in program for families of all cultures with children from birth – 6 years of age and their extended family. Child development activities with an Aboriginal focus(crafts, storytelling, play time).
Day:
Monday
Time:
3:00 – 5:00 pm Lots of indoor and outdoor play, beautiful crafts, storytelling and more! Nutritious snack for everyone!
Free
Location: Collingwood Neighbourhood House, 5288 Joyce Street
St. Mary’s School
Nurturing the heart, mind & spirit. We provide a comprehensive education that embodies the Catholic faith.
(2 blocks south of the Joyce Street Skytrain Station)
Amlat’si is a friendly, creative, comfortable and supportive Family Drop-in where parents can socialize and play and learn with their children. Families are also invited and welcome to stay for the Parent Support Circles and All Nations Families Branching Out Dinner and Program 5239 JOYCE STREET • VANCOUVER • BC • V5R 4G8
For more information please phone 604-435-0323 Valeria Mancilla, Amlat’si Program Manager/Nancy Sweedler, Child Development Coordinator Or drop by Collingwood Neighbourhood House and learn more about us! Funded by Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\My Documents\RC_Community_News\february_2014\Amlatsi Flyer.doc
Register your child for kindergarten for the 2014 -2015 school year. 604 - 437-1312 • www.stmary.bc.ca • office.smarv@cisva.bc.ca
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February 2014
Read On!
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
A news section for Renfrew-Collingwood learners
New Read On Writer
Read On!
Hello, please let me introduce myself. I’m Cari, the new writer of Read On.
has a web page. You can:
Read the articles
Print worksheets
I worked as an ELSA teacher at Collingwood Neighbourhood House for five years. Now I am home with my two girls, Senna (age 3) and Aven (1).
http://renfrew collingwood community news.com/ category/read-on/
I am very excited to be able to share news and stories with you. Please send me any writing, poetry or ideas you may have. I hope that you will find Read On to be interesting and useful. Thanks for reading!
Reading levels on this page Level 1
Cari and her two girls.
Level 2
What is Valentine’s Day? The 14th of February is Valentine’s Day, a day to show your sweetheart how much you love him or her. You may give him a card or some chocolates, or maybe enjoy a romantic dinner together. But why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day? Where did this holiday come from? Traditionally, February 14th was a day to celebrate Saint Valentine (a saint is a very important and holy person in the Christian church). There are different ideas about who Saint Valentine was, but the most popular story tells of a man from Terni, Italy. Valentine was a priest who went against the ruler of that time: Emperor Claudius II. The emperor fought many wars and wanted to build his army. He thought that if men were not allowed to get married, they would serve longer as soldiers. He made it illegal for men to get engaged or married. Valentine secretly performed marriages for many couples who were in love. This is why he became known as the saint of lovers and couples everywhere. Valentine was martyred (killed for his beliefs)
around 270 A.D. Sometime between 495 and 500 A.D. the pope declared February 14th to be the feast of Saint Valentine. It is amazing to think that Valentine’s Day has been celebrated for more than 1,500 years. The way it is celebrated may have changed over the years, but this idea has not: honour the beloved. Even if you don’t have a sweetheart, be sure to tell someone how much they mean to you this Valentine’s Day. You can download this Valentine’s Day word puzzle at
renfrewcollingwood communitynews. com/ category/read-on/
Level 3
Philip loves helping people with their cell phone problems. Philip Liu is the operational manager for Bell Mobilekorner, Vancouver’s fastest-growing mobile services solution for business and personal use. Now with six locations in the Lower Mainland, Mobilekorner’s Collingwood location opened in November 2013.
right device to fit your personal needs and budget. From Androids to iPhones, and Galaxies to Blackberry; rugged phones designed for the worksite like the Rugby, or phones that you can use facial recognition and scroll with the wave of your hand – Mobilekorner has it all.
Whether it’s a phone, tablet, satellite TV\ or accessories you require, Mobilekorner is open 365 days per year to serve their customers in Mandarin, Korean and English. Mobilekorner’s specialty is business. “Our wireless business experts collaborate with you to design a custom wireless business plan designed to reduce your monthly wireless costs while meet your specific business and financial objectives.”
One area that Mobilekorner does not mess around is when it comes to their service plan. They are a proud Bell authorized dealer. “Bell was first on the scene so they have the best towers, the furthest range; with the strongest, most reliable signals.” They also have the fastest LTE network which now reaches speeds of up to 150 MB! With over 6,000 hotspots across Canada, Bell also has the largest free Wi-Fi network in the country.
What sets Bell Mobilekorner apart from the big box stores or mall kiosks is their excellent service. “Because we are not working on commissions at Mobilekorner, we are able to take the time with our customers and to go that extra mile. We can help clients to get out of their current contract; we can help them move the data from their old device to their new one, as well as to provide ongoing technical advice and support.” Mobilekorner even makes house calls!
Will all of this superior service and quality come at a superior price? Suprisingly, no. The staff at Mobilekorner give clients the best bang for their buck. “With flexible rate plans and features, we are very competitive and can always match or beat or competitor’s pricing.”
Another advantage that Mobilekorner has is that they carry a wide variety of mobile brands, so they can match you with the
Phil hails from a suburb of Beijing named Ren Qiu. He came to Canada in 2007 to study high school in Squamish. He next moved to Vancouver and attended Simon Fraser University. Phil loves snowboarding, swimming, hiking and reading. He also loves keeping up with the latest technology and helping people with their cell phone problems.
CBIA UPDATES Lunar New Year – Year of the Horse February 8, 2014 Collingwood celebrates the Year of the Horse with traditional Lion Dance visiting participating businesses along Kingsway between Rupert and Boundary Road. Come out and watch the colourful lions bless the merchants to bring good fortune to their customers and their business for the coming year. Jr. BIA members will be handing out red envelopes with goodies. The festivities begin at 11:30am until 1:30pm. We thank the Hon Hsing Athletic Club once again for being our official Lion Dancers.
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Turn Down the Heat Week February 1 -8, 2014 This is the second year the Collingwood BIA will be participating in this province wide initiative with Fortis BC. We challenge our businesses and the residents to Turn Down the Week to save on your energy costs
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and help out the environment. Asking everyone to put on a sweater. The Collingwood BIA is also collecting sweaters, hats, scarves and other warm clothing and will donate it all to the Renfew-Collingwood Homeless Committee. You can drop off your clothing items at the Collingwood BIA office #300 – 3665 Kingsway and Bikram’s Yoga and Vancity – Collingwood Branch during the week of Feb. 1 -8th. Collingwood Days has been set for Saturday, May 31st 2014 from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Go to the website www.collingwooddays.com for vendor applications and sponsor information. Let’s showcase Collingwood business, artists and entrepreneurs!
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Contact us on Facebook for contests and current news from the BIA and our members. www.facebook.com/shopcollingwoodvancouver
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*This page is sponsored by the Collingwood Business Improvement Association
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February 2014
The Seniors Connection
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Helping seniors live well in Renfrew-Collingwood
Community lunch a huge success The ever-popular Collingwood Neighbourhood House Community Christmas Lunch sold out in two hours this year! Janet Lee did a wonderful job as the afternoon host. More than 100 community members joined in for a fabulous turkey dinner cooked by the very talented Najia Elacel and her team of helpful kitchen elves. Barry Londry made a fantastic batch of hot apple cider. Daniel Louie, from the Urban Village Church, and Angus Chan, from the Collingwood Baptist Church, provided outstanding musical talent and prompted the most successful sing-a-long CNH has ever had! The crowd was serenaded with two performances: the Collingwood Towers Seniors Literacy Group, who spent weeks learning and preparing for “Deck the Halls” and “The Christmas Song” solo from emerging singing
sensation Jason Hsieh, who was joined by Peter Greenwell from CNH on the saxophone. None of this would have been possible without all of the volunteers and community organizations who donated time, food and money to make this happen. We would like to send sincere thanks to the following people and organizations: Panaderia Latina Bakery, Bamboo Café, our local Safeway on Kingsway and Tyne, Costco downtown Vancouver, the Renfrew Collingwood Food Institute, Ken and Annabelle, Hoo Yee Ching, Ann Rivard, Mr. Furey, Ryan and the ABE students, Stephanie Lim and the Collingwood Towers Seniors Literacy Group, as well as all the people mentioned in this article. Thank you!
Two-part legal workshop coming up The Seniors Wellness Group at Collingwood Neighbourhood House had a lot of fun in the month of January with a lively Chinese New Year celebration with great food and beautiful dancing, and an interactive discussion on interculturalism with Alden Habacon, director of intercultural understanding strategy development for the University of B.C. There’s lots of buzz about doing more activities that bring people with different backgrounds together. It turns out no matter where in the world we were born, most of us love music, dancing,and food! The Seniors Wellness Group gets a bit more serious in February and March with a two-part legal workshop. Part 1 will be Monday, February 17, 1:15 to 3:00 pm, when we welcome a representative from the BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support for a presentation on powers of attorney, joint bank accounts and representation agreements. The 60- to 90-minute workshop provides older adults with information to protect their finances, recognize and respond to financial abuse, and to access resources for further assistance. Part 2 will be Monday, March 10, 1:15 to 3:00 pm, when we are visited by Stephen Miller, a lawyer from Stephen M. Miller Law Corporation. Stephen will explain the new Wills Estates and Succession Act and answer any legal questions that arise during part 1 and require a lawyer’s perspective. Please register for the February 17 and/or March 10 sessions at CNH reception or by calling 604-435-0323. For any questions, ideas or transportation requests, please call seniors program coordinator Kat Cureton at 604-435-0323 ext. 227, or email kcureton@cnh.bc.ca.
Renfrew Collingwood Better at Home is currently seeking experienced housekeepers who speak Cantonese. Please phone 604-435-0375 for more information.
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
13
February 2014
Karen Donauer: volunteer superstar
by Crecien Bencio
Dear Neighbors,
When Karen Donauer volunteered for the first time in the Community Lunch Program at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH), she was shy and didn’t know what to say to others. “It was strange to me.” Karen has now been volunteering at CNH for the past three years. Her presence always lights up the kitchen. On a Tuesday lunch in January, Karen comes in with a beaming smile and her contagious friendliness. “Hi Najia how are you? I like you. Hi Barry! You are my helpful boss!” She washes her hands, whips on her apron and gloves, and helps set up before the busy lunch rush. She happily greets lunch patrons, always introduces herself with a smile and asks how they are doing. Najia Elacel, the community cook at CNH, noted, “At first, Karen used to be nervous and not talk at all. Now she loves to start a conversation, is more open to others and will not hesitate to make new friends. She has learned to work with others and is sincerely dedicated in her volunteer role.” From working with Karen, Najia has discovered what a huge heart Karen has. “She has the utmost compassion and is very intuitive about other’s feelings. When she knows I am feeling sad she will talk to me heart to heart and tell me how much she cares for me and how loved I am.” Barry Londry, the chef famous for his Tuesday soups, says, “She is a very nice person. When
The following is a paid advertisement by Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver/Kingsway
Happy Lunar New Year – 2013 Year of the Horse Gung Hey Fat Choy! Happy New Year! I would like to wish everyone great health, prosperity and happiness on this year of the Horse. Seniors’ Health and Wellness Fair – April 2rd Each year I am proud to host a Seniors’ Health and Wellness Fair and I am pleased to invite all seniors and their families to attend the seventh annual fair on April 2rd at Renfrew Park Community Centre. Doors will open at 10 am. There will be over 20 exhibitors providing information on issues such as heart and stroke, arthritis, diabetes and more. The day is always informative and fun. All participants receive a free, healthy lunch.
Karen Donauer and Renfrew-Collingwood Food Security coordinator Stephanie Lim enjoy a laugh in the kitchen. she volunteers at CNH she has become not only more outgoing and expressive, but also more open to the community. She’s very proud of her volunteering role at CNH and we are very grateful to have her with us. She loves to joke that she’s my second memory; she remembers everything, and reminds me when I am a little forgetful. ” When Karen is not volunteering at CNH she plays bowling (both 5 and 10 pin) and floor hockey and also commits her time to the Richmond Animal Protection Society. She likes to hang out at the Bamboo Café and take walks around the neighbourhood. The Community Lunch Program
at Collingwood Neighbourhood House is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:00 noon. The cost for a senior’s lunch is $5.00, which includes an entrée, salad, dessert, coffee and tea. You can find the monthly menu in the Renfrew-Collingwood Community News (see page 14) or pick one up at reception at CNH. We would love you to drop by the lunch and chat with other participants and learn about our many other community programs at CNH. For any questions, ideas, or transportation requests, please call seniors program coordinator Kat Cureton at 604-4350323 extension 227, or email kcureton@cnh.bc.ca.
Introducing RCC News’ Seniors Connection coordinator The Renfrew-Collingwood Community News is thrilled to announce that Loretta Houben has joined its team as its volunteer coordinator of the Seniors Connection page. You already know Loretta for her fascinating series of family tree articles. A long-time resident of the Collingwood neighbourhood, Loretta’s other articles include one about herself and the doll Chatty Cathy both turning 50 (September 2010 issue) and “A Prairie boy arrives in the big city: Remembering Christmases of long ago” (December 2011 issue). If you have any story ideas for the Seniors Connection section, please feel free to email Loretta Houben at rccSeniorsConnection@gmail.com. Welcome, Loretta, to the team! Loretta Houben and her dad, who is holding the story of his family moving to Vancouver in 1941.
Spring Legislative Session The spring session of the BC Legislature will begin on February 11th, with the Speech from the Throne, followed by the introduction of the government’s 2014 Budget on February 18th. I am always happy to hear your thoughts and ideas for legislation and would welcome any suggestions you may have for the spring session. Apply Now for Neighbourhood Small Grants I am pleased to have the opportunity to share information about our own Collingwood program to increase the amount of diverse, community events happening in our community. Through the Neighbourhood Small Grants Program, any resident can apply for and receive $50-$500 of funding to host a community event! This funding can be put towards block parties, community gardens, roadside planters, a neighborhood street hockey tournament, cooking classes, mural painting supplies, or anything other ideas you have to brighten up our community! Apply online at http://www.neighbourhoodsmallgrants. ca/south-vancouver or pick up a form at Collingwood Neighbourhood House, 5288 Joyce St. (the corner of Joyce and Euclid). Mandarin and Cantonese Caseworker I am pleased to welcome back Idy Leung to our office. My Constituency Assistant, Que Tran Hoang will be taking some time off to care for her newly born second child. In the interim, Idy will be providing assistance in Cantonese and Mandarin between the hours of 11:00am and 1:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Welcome, Idy! Free Public Access Computer I have met with several constituents who have expressed difficulty accessing a computer, necessary for social assistance applications, BC Housing files, resume creation, and so much more. As such, I have set up a public computer in my constituency office with quick links to Ministry websites, government services, and community resources. All constituents are welcome to drop by during our office hours (Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm or on Friday by appointment). My Constituency Assistants are happy to help with any difficulty.
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February 2014
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Collingwood Neighbourhood House
HIGHLIG H TS
New children’s recreation programs launched Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) offers a number of exciting recreation programs for children. Here are three new programs starting up at CNH this year.
Collingwood Neighbourhood House invites you to lunch every Tuesday and Thursday. Please note that seniors are served at 12 noon; others are served at 12:10 pm. 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.”
Open Gym This program encourages children to explore various types of sports and expand their interest in sports and minor games. Activities vary from the most popular sports such as soccer, basketball and floor hockey, to fun minor games such as capture the flag, tag, four-corner sports, California kickball etc. Ages 9 to 12. Mondays, 4 – 5:30 pm $48 for 10 classes. Pre-registration is required. No class Feb 10 Baton Baton is a combination of dance, gymnastics and twirling a baton. Learn how to twirl a baton, a new skill! With baton twirling you work on hand-eye coordination and overall body coordination while having fun. Please note that the cost of the program does not include the baton. Ages 7 to 12. Saturdays, 11:45 am to 12:30 pm $45 for 10 sessions. Pre-registration is required.
February menu 2014 Tues 04 Sweet and sour soup, Satay (peanut sauce) chicken or tofu in pita bread, Salad, Sesame cookie Thurs 06 Turkey shepherd’s pie (vegetarian option), Salad, Ginger cookie
Basketball Make new friends while practicing and learning basketball skills! Fun, skills development and learning positive values such as teamwork, cooperation and respect are central to this program. Ages 9 to 12. Wednesdays, 4:50 pm – 5:50 pm. $45 for 10 sessions. Pre-registration required. For more information or to register please call CNH at 604-435-0323.
2014 CNH brochure released CNH has released its new brochure showing all of the opportunities to get active and get involved at CNH. Pick up your copy or find it online today!
CNH has staff and volunteers who can offer assistance and information for free, in a variety of different languages.
The publication outlines all of the services, programs and initiatives offered through CNH. The neighbourhood house offers recreation, family and community, youth, child care, seniors and adult programs and services. CNH offers child care for infants, toddlers, children aged 3-5 and for children who need before and after-school care.
CNH also offers meeting rooms, a kitchen and a gym to rent. A children’s party package includes space rental, a leader and activities.
There are also many arts and cultural activities and events, opportunities for community engagement and information about volunteering –at CNH, in a program or on a committee-- too. There are free services for new immigrants, such as English classes or personalized help to get settled in Canada. Need help and not sure how to access it?
COMMUNITY LUNCH
CNH offers seasonal computer courses “on demand”; call CNH to express an interest. Past courses have included, “Fix Your Own PC” and “Microsoft Word and Excel”, for example. It also offers a résumé typing service. To view the brochure online go to http://www.cnh. bc.ca/programs/. It is available in English, Chinese and Spanish.
This page is sponsored by the Collingwood Neighbourhood House
Tues 11 Corn chowder, Pepperoni or vegetarian pizza, Salad, Chocolate cake Thurs 13 Cabbage roll (meat or vegetarian), Salad, Pecan tart Tues 18 Tomato lentil soup, Tuna salad sandwich, Salad, Shortbread cookie Thurs 20 Chicken wings/vegetarian sausage, Roasted yam, Salad, Mango pudding Tues 25 Mushroom barley soup, Quiche (veggie/ham), Salad, Walnut cookie
To pick up a copy of the brochure visit: CNH, 5288 Joyce Street Bamboo Café, 5103 Joyce Street Collingwood Community Policing Centre, 5160 Joyce Street Office of Don Davies, MP 2951 Kingsway Office of Adrian Dix, MLA 5022 Joyce Street Formosa Academy, 5621 Killarney Street Collingwood Library, 2985 Kingsway Renfrew Library, 2969 E. 22nd Avenue Renfrew Park Community Centre, 2929 E. 22nd Avenue Evergreen Community Health Centre, 3425 Crowley Drive (at Joyce Street) For more information please call CNH at 604-435-0323.
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February 2014
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Programs at the Collingwood Branch Library 2985 Kingsway Children’s programs There are lots of free kids’ and family-friendly programs at the Collingwood Branch library. Saturday Afternoon Family Board Games – drop in • All the best board games and puzzles for the whole family. Everyone can join in the fun! Every Saturday afternoon starting 11 Jan., 2:00pm onwards Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration – by registration • Welcome the Chinese New Year with a story and a traditional lantern craft. A program for children aged 7-12 yrs. Please note children under 8 years must be accompanied by a guardian. Friday afternoon, 31 Jan., 2:00 – 3:00pm (Professional Development Day!) Family Literacy Week – drop-in • A week of word games and language fun promotes literacy in the family. 28 Jan. – 1 Feb. drop in any time to join the fun.
Lego Block Party – drop in • Express your creativity with Lego! A program for children aged 5-12 yrs. Lego provided (and Duplo for smaller hands). Please note children under 8 yrs. must be accompanied by a guardian. Tuesday evening, 4 Feb.,7:00 – 8:00pm And our regular programs continue, too… Family Storytime • Stories, rhymes and songs for the whole family Thursday mornings, until 6 Mar., 10:30-11:00 Babytime • Songs, rhymes, lap play and books for baby Thursday mornings, until 6 Mar., 11:30-12:00
Adult programs ESL Book Club – by registration • Enjoy practising your English conversation and reading skills in a supportive environment while
learning about culture and meeting new people. This program is most suitable for intermediate speakers.
Tuesday Jan 21, Feb 18, Mar 18, Apr 15, 7:00 – 8:00pm Chinese Internet and Computer Basics – by registration • This course will be conducted in Cantonese and co-sponsored by MOSAIC. • Come and join us for this 5-session hands-on classes. • Get comfortable with using a computer keyboard, and get an overview of basic computer functions. • Learn about what’s available on the Internet and how to find it. • For more information and to register, please call MOSAIC at 604 254-9626
Feb 12, 19, 26, Mar 5, 12, 9:00 – 10:30am
What: An early literacy program for male caregivers and babies When: Saturday January 18 – March 8, 2014 3:30-4:30pm Where: Renfrew Library 2969 E. 22nd Ave. 604-257-8705 Who: For babies 0-18 months and their male caregivers Registration is required. Space is limited. Please register by phone or in person at Renfrew Library
For our full listing of programs check out our website or drop by and pick up a brochure. GST included. Registration has now started. Register early so you don’t miss out. Hatha Flow Yoga (19+yrs)
Wed Mon, Feb 10
Pool
1:00pm-5:00pm
1:00pm-5:00pm
Fitness Centre
1:00pm-5:00pm
1:00pm-5:00pm
Centre Area
11:00am-6:00pm
Closed
There are spaces available starting February 2014 Please call 604 257 8391 for more information. Hisae McMichael
8:30-9:30pm
Feb 13-Mar 13
Hatha Yoga - Beginner II (19+yrs)
$37.50/5 sess Hisae McMichael
Thu Sa
7:00-8:15pm 9:15-10:30am
Feb 13-Mar 13 Feb 15-Mar 15
Saturday, February 8th 12:30-3:00pm Free
Ana Yu
5:40-6:50pm
Feb 12-Mar 12
$46.25/5 sess $37/4 sess
Come celebrate Family Day at the centre. Join us for an afternoon of family fun. We’ll have games, crafts, face painting, balloon animals and the bouncy castle.
$40/5 sess
Yogalates (19+yrs)
Espirito Santo Mauricio
6:00-7:00pm
Feb 18-Mar 18
Vegetarian Cookery (55+yrs)
Licensed Preschool
Thu
Sun, Feb 9
Hatha Yoga - Beginner I (19+yrs)
$40/5 sess
Fatima Kheraj Vegetarian food is no longer the challenging option that it used to be – now it’s easy being green. Creating exciting vegetarian recipes is a breeze. Wed 1:00-3:00pm Feb 19-Mar 5 $5/3 sess
Sweetheart Luncheon (55+yrs) Wed
12:00-3:00pm
Feb 12
$9/person
Fairmont Empress Afternoon Tea (55+yrs)
Thu
6:45am-8:00pm
Feb 27
$125/person
Wellness Workshops with Alicia (19+yrs)
Combo discount available for 4 workshops $50/4 sessions
Eat, Cook, Learn - Simple Vegetarian
Wibit Inflatable Days:
Saturday February 8, 2014 3:00pm–5:00pm
Come and join in the fun! *Regular admission rates apply
Wed
7:00-9:00pm
Feb 5
$50/4 sess or $15/1 sess
Wed
7:00-9:00pm
Feb 12
$50/4 sess or $15/1 sess
Wed
7:00-9:00pm
Feb 19
$50/4 sess or $15/1 sess
Wed Tue
7:00-9:00pm 12:30-2:30pm
Feb 26 Mar 4
$50/4 sess or $15/1 sess $50/4 sess or $15/1 sess
Meal Planning for Health & Weight Loss Cleansing for Health & Weight Loss DIY Home and Body Products
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February 2014
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Are you part of Generation Squeeze?
Thoughts to chew on as BC celebrates Family Day, February 10 Squeezed between lower incomes and higher costs for housing, tuition, child care and saving for retirement? You are not alone. Young families are squeezed on all sides. Today’s young mothers and fathers need to work harder and longer than did
their parents. Many are struggling just to survive. Generation Squeeze (www. gensqueeze.ca), founded by Paul Kershaw, PhD, Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) at the University of B.C., is a campaign that aims to help young families.
How young families have fallen behind Between 1976 and 1980 the median family household income in B.C. was $65,360. About 30 years later from 2005 to 2009 it was $68,580. But in 1976 there were only 54 percent of women in the labour force and in 2010 that number has climbed to 82 percent of women in
the labour force. This means that it now takes two earners to make almost the same as one earner did 30 years ago. Since two earners barely bring home today what one breadwinner did in the 1970s, we’ve gone from 40-hour work weeks to closer to 80 hours. The result? The generation raising young children is squeezed for time at home. Young people are also squeezed for income because housing prices are nearly double, even though young people often live in condos or trade yards for long commutes. Despite devoting more time to the labour market, the generation raising young children is squeezed for income because the cost of housing accelerated far faster than young families’ earnings. And they are squeezed for services like child care. The change in the labour force means the generation raising young children is squeezed for services like child care that will help them balance successfully raising a family with earning a living. That’s why the Coalition of Child Care Advocates and the Early Childhood Educators of BC have proposed the $10/day Child Care Plan, so families can access affordable, quality child care. Today, younger Canadians work and study more to have less. Their earnings have dropped by 11 percent since 1976, even though they are twice as likely to have post-secondary education. The squeeze tightens when starting a family. Families can lose up to $15,000 in household income after their baby is born, even with parental leave benefits. To find solutions and what you can do to help, go to www. gensqueeze.ca.