April 15, 2008, carnegie newsletter

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APRIL 15, 2008

FREE ·

carnnews@vcn.bc.ca

www .~arnnews.org

EWSLEI'fE.R

40 I Main St, Vlltlcouver V6A 217

604.006-2289

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See Contemporary Outsiders: A Symposium of Outsider Art In association with Gallery Gachet MARION SCOTT GALLERY- 308 Water Street in Gastown

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The Bully Above

Local Colour: Paintings by Laurie Marshrtll

While walking home through Gastown the other day, I stopped by the Marion Scott Gallery on Water Street to see their current exhibit. I was glad that I did. The show, Local Colour, lives up to its name.

Laurie Marshall's paintings made me think of the late Sam Roddan. Although each artist's work has a distinctive style, they both make generous use: of colour. Like Roddan, Marshall also depicts scenes of ordinary people going about their lives in the Downtown Eastside in many of his paintings.

Marshall's uses colour to celebrate these everyday events. I enjoy his ability to convey emotion and the person~ Iity of his subjects with such simplicity. And, I especmlly appreciate how the people in his paintings are presented with dignity. But don't take my word for it. Go check it out for yourself. The 111 sl~ow runs until April 20 • You will be glad that you dtd.

--- Lisa David

By See Sea Stomp Stomp I hear his temper festering Like a Child in a fit of rage.

Stomp, Stomp, for me the noise is only pestering.

It must be instiJiing fear for her in her cage.

Now I hear his explosion come with a bang and thug, When her body hits the living room rug.

Now my heart's strings tug.

She so soft spoken and even quite shy.

What sorrow I feel when I hear her land and cry.

When the police arrive does he own his actions?

Nay, not at all, a lie is his only reaction.

So away they go, they've done their job.

But it won't be long till her life he's robbed.

Cause she's living with a selfish coward, with no control, and she thinks she has nowhere to go. .• '

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A Human Rights Complaint is being made to the United Nations. In 1976 and again in 1989, the Gov't of Canada signed on I committed to the principle that the right to adequate housing was a fundamental human right. It's been over 30 years and yet Human Rights violations are taking place in the Downtown Eastside.

Supporting Organizations: Impact on Communities Coalition, PIVOT Legal Soc, Carnegie Action Project.

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omeless Holiday Invitation It is a complete and utter waste of time talking about,

or spending money on the homeless. Why? It's like subsidizing toilet paper, instead of treating a contaminated water supply. And, with the real possibility of rising ·inflation and interest rates or a deflationary economic spiraJ,·there may soon be a lot more people looking for toilet paper in the not too distant future.

Like it or not, your identity, how you feel about yourself and especially how others regard you, is to a large extent determined by your material wealth and social standing. You are a doctor? Welcome, sir. You are homeless? The dumpster is out back.

Homeless is a powerful word that evokes fear and hatred amongst the rich and poor, but for different reasons. What homeless does not do, is come close to describing the disparate group of people who are without a home. To be sure, some have debilitating health or psychological problems and need special care, but most are simply destitute, and lack education or training. A multitude of government programs, employing thousands of well-paid and highly educated employees, are designed more to support homeless people for life than to provide them with a path to a more productive and fulfiiJing life. Education, mentoring, and opportunity are all that is missing. NOBODY living on the streets wants to be there.

This is why the homeless label is so dangerous; it keeps the public fearful and ignorant, and does nothing for those that need help. Be realistic, would you take a chance on hiring a homeless person who might be a drug addict or maybe a person with a history of mental illness or violence? Of course not; but because of the broad-brush homeless label, very few companies are willing to take a chance on capable, but im-

poverished people who want nothing more than to become productive Canadians. ......

Take a walk through the East side of Vancouver, and look into people's eyes. The homeless have a look about them that is unmistakable. That look is the resul· of the Jrecarious and impoverished world in which they live. It is almost impossible to maintain or build a health:' self-image when, daily, you must grovel for food, clothing and shelter. You feel worthless.

Please: do not take my word for this. In fact, I beg you to try s,omething quite remarkable, that you will never forget: Try homelessness for yourself. The experjence will touch your soul and you will learn some ren1arkable things about yourself and others. You will expanc your capacity for love and appreciation.

How would you experience homelessness? Read on.

Here are my 5 suggestions for having your very own Homeless Holiday.

I. Clothing- it is essential that you loo.k the part, so drop by one of the no cost clothing stores. You will be amazed at the variety and colors of your new "old" duds and you can donate your own clothes on the same visit. Believe me, at this point you will look homeless and feel oddly out of place in someone else'! shoes, shirt and underwear.

2. Money- good news here, you do not need any. In fact, you will not need money, credit cards, laptop, . cell phone or anything else that reminds you of who you are in the materialistic world. Your identity is about to change.

3. Food- no problem here either. Any homel ess person knows of several places to get free snacks and meals, so just ask anyone with that homeless look about them. Some free meals even come with a prayer service, and it's the perfect opportunity to meet your homeless brothers and sisters. Don't forget, this is for your benefit so talk with lots of people, it won't take long to sp·ot the drug addicts and people with a variety of unusual and debilitating medical conditions.

4. Shelter- this is a little trickier because shelters are often fu1l, and frequently have inconvenient rules, like throwing you back out on the street at 6:00AM. If you are unable to find a mat in a shelter, there are always plenty of doorways and dark places where you can spend the night. Your natural shivering response will be useful here and should keep from dying from hypothermia. · 5. Employment- when you are not busy looking for food and shelter or trying to keep warm, you can go

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job hunting; without a home address, phone number, or money to take a bus or transit. You walk everywhere, and with your cap in hand discover what people really think of the homeless. l promise you, after a week or two ot expenencmg the p11g11t ot homeless; you will develop a wholesome new appreciation for what it means to BE homeless.

Good luck and please be generous in sharing yo~r homeless experiences with your family, commumty and politicians. Ignorance of a problem is no excuse for making bad laws, wasting people's money, and destroying people's lives. 路 Cheers, Gordon Parnell

Join the WAVE of LAUGHTER Wedn~sdays,

l0:30a.m.

2''d t1oor gym, Carnegie Commmiity Centre .

Laughter is for All ages and abilities.

Feel refreshed and invigorated in a relaxed wHy, strengthen your immune system, give yolwintcrnal organs a massage, connect with others and ha\c fun!

I live on the corner of Hastings and Main.

Where crime is open and showing for view.

So one has warning as to what to do.

Not like some places where crime runs like cream All because it is not so openly seen.

Only people trying to pay the bills abound.

In my hood the real swindlers I slavers aren,t found.

They only drive by in black windowed limousines.

With a police escort they pass by so stingy and mean.

In my hood we are known by name.

Not living on a scale driving one insane.

Buildings aren ,t so tall that you can ,t see the light, The streets so empty you can ,t enter them at night.

The parks are all happy places They are not there just for show.

They are places where everyone is welcome and all like to go.

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Five minutes of laughter = an hour at the gym

Facilitator: Gyata Shultz

Ode to The Hood

By See Sea I love this 'hood, it's the best by far.

Folks are friendly and warmly greet you on the street.

Whenever you happen to meet.

Where people gather, care and meet is at Main and Hasting Street.

I live on the corner of Hastings and Main.

But Friends from another life think me insane.

Folks in my building are friendly and most are nice.

Some on the streets even will flaunt their vice.

Down here, you can see what you have and you know what you've got.

They don't hide behind hedges and high walls ~heir guilt and their rot.

You know when you are down and out they care.

Because they have all at some time also been there.

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My hood is a place where parking lots don't abound, But foot leather is in vogue pounding the ground .

To the market, Doctor, or to a show.

Walking is the way most of us go.

The living room of our community its biggest delight. lt is the Carnegie Community Centre, where we pass many a day and night.

On painting, poetry, pool, pottery and plays we are able to spend our days.

Ballroom dance, disco, karaoke, the library, games rooms, outings and all, Means our neighborhood is constantly having a ball.

The Newsletter, HUM I 01 documentaries and learning centre keep us all well informed.

With bingo, ball games, yoga, opera, concerts, dances and movies our lives are adorned.

Our minds are well nourished our tummies are too.

With cuisine un-surpassed, that's my point of view.

However it is the love of the people, how it abounds That makes I iving at Main and I lastings, the best around.

For together we are strong and powerful and whole.

In a world not so kind my hood is the best place to go

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Are You fea楼leM/!

More Psychiatric-Style Care?

By PAULR TAYLOR A phone call from Harvey Breen M.D., FRCP. MD is Medical Doctor; FRCP may be Fellow of The Royal College of Psychiatry. Dr. Breen is a retired psychiatrist and, amongst various positions of residency at hospitals and medical centers in both California and British Columbia, co-founded and was Director of the Granville School for Emotionally Disturbed Children in Vancouver.

He was also the Director of the Cordova Hospital, "The hospital that no one wants to run away from!"

It was this sentiment that Dr. Breen has carried with him throughout his career and now, in retirement, he's been lobbying the provincial Health Authority toreexamine the strictures and stereotypes involved with psychiatric wards and the people and treatments there.

Dr, Breen has observed first-hand how non psychiatric patients improve when they have been moved to psychiatric wards due to the unavailability of beds in the rest of hospital care floors. If you've never enjoyed the perks of a psych ward, here's a few of the things that are part of life and treatment there.

-Staff talk to you about your illness and will listen to personal problems -Events, physical activity, graffiti boards, murals, collage, much more inter-patient talk -Nurses have a much more accepting attitude and psychotherapeutic help with integration, involvement -distress and loneliness are curtailed positively via games, workshops, soft aerobics, and more.

The lack of more psychiatric facilities and an underlying base in psychology for more hospital and clinic staff keeps our medical system running on half-power ... and all that's needed (though, according to the 'experts' with decision-making power, not quantifiable) is a much more humane and caring atmosphere.

Dr. Breen continues to fight for such improvementseven. in the face of the profit-driven, less is more, isolation and in-quick/out-quick thing we have now.

Our community has a lot of psychiatric survivors and current mental health consumers. Each one of us has opinions on what would vastly improve care and how the seeming preponderance of drug therapy and painkilling at any cost can be revolutionized. If you would like to share or correspond with Dr Breen, his address:

Dr. Harvey Breen MD, FRCP 34- 1507 West 12th Avenue 路. Vancouver BC V6J 3E2

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Do you want to have your voice heard?

Fearless City is looking for more expressive men and women living in the Downtown Eastside to gather twice a month to share their stories, writings and creativity with each other and to have their voices heard on the Fearless Blog.

What can be expected? l) Facilitated writing workshops designed to tap creativity, generate stories, personal manifestos and poetry relevant to DTES writers.

2) An opportunity to write and share with the writing group for feedback.

3) \Vorkshops about blogging and design basics.

4) An opportunity to post writings that were generated into a blogging format.

When?

On the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, 7pm

April 24, May 8. Free!

Where?

Gallery Gachet, 88 East Cordova.

Who? Writing Facilitator: Shannon 'Rayne' Pidlubny, local writer and performer of spoken word, performance poetry, monologues and short stories.

Slogging Facilitator: Lorraine Murphy, the prolific raincoaster.com blogger and DTES resident.

Sponsors: DTES Community Arts Network's www.fearlesscity.ca project and the BC Arts Council. .. ..

COMMUNITY MEETING WHERE: FIRST UNITED CHURCH WHEN: TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 3-5PM * With food and refreshments *

Community members and residents Meet, talk and strategize about the current housing situation in the Downtown Eastside.

Organized by Concerned Community Members, Advocates and Organizers.

For more information contact: 604-339-3234

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION WEEK Volunteer Dinner ·~ Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Theater at 4:30pm SHARP! Special honour goes to David Wong, Life Time Achievement Award Plus the hilarious 'Sketch Off1 Comedy Team Your contribution and hard work is appreciated by the many people who benefit by your services. Let the staff serve you!

Please pick up your dinner ticket from the Volunteer Program Office on the 3rd Floor 11

ANNUAL VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION PARTY and AWARDS' CEREMONY FRIDAY APRIL 18TH, 4 • 6PM. THEATRE Honouring the contributions of ill[ our volunteers.

Every year the Carnegie Association (along with the peer nomination process) selects an outstanding volunteer as its Volunteer of the Year. The person is selected because he or she has met a high standard ?f performance consistently throughout the year. It ts always a very tough decision because there are so many volunteers deserving recognition. At the party, Awards will be presented to the Volunteer of the Year and four Special Merits will be given out.

This party is for YOU- please join us for food, entertainment, your favourite T-shirt of the year, door prizes and more. Pick up your ticket from the Volunteet· Program Office. followed by a LIVE BAND DANCE 7- IOPM with

'NOT THE ROCKINGGUYS' . .... hosted by John Ferguson and Colleen ... Events every day of the week .... please look for the Voluntee1· Program Event Guide.

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The spirit of volunteerism is a passion of minemo~tly because of the people who embody a spirit whtch compels them to do service for the good of others. Because of you, I get to be around what moves me the most almost every day .

1 am often humbled by the goodness I see in so many of you. If I were a fairy god mother I would wave my magic wand and make everything good for you, but I am not, so all l can do is tell you how much l appreciate you and hope that my sincerity reaches your hearts.

All of you who do so much for those who can never repay you, may your own spirits be enriched.

Sincerely, Colleen

POOLROOM After 5 years of amazing dedication, inspiration and good old-fashioned hard work towards our Pool Room, AI Homenchuk has stepped down as President. Thank you AI, for just everything. After 5 years as Vice President, Rocky Baptiste has been nominated as our new President with Mo Blixt as Vice President. Congratulations!

Volunteers of the Month- March 2008 Peter Hutterman, Senior's Coffee Donna Baran, Plants and 2nd Floor Receptionist

VANCOUVER OPERA "The Night Before the Opera" '

"LA BOHEME"

By Puccini

The first 75 people will receive free tickets to the final dress rehearsal of the opera.

Wednesday, April 23, 7pm Carnegie Ce.n tre Theatre Vancouver Opera & UBC Learning Exchange in collaboration with the Carnegie Centre.

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IJ Sing-a-Long with the Crow City Singers

News from the Library Main & Hastings Book Club It continues every Tuesday from I lam to 12pm. We

meet in the third floor gallery. There is no Book Club ~n Tuesday, April 15 because of Volunteer Appreciation Week events. On Tuesday, April 22, we start a new book: Wayson Choy's All That Matters. Set in Chinatown in the 1930s and 1940s, the book tells one family's story, but weaves in politics, wartime, mahjong and kitchen gods. If you'd like to join the book club, either talk to Beth in the library, or just show up on Tuesdays at I I am.

Poetry: From Inspiration to Publication

Tuesday, April 15, 7 .30pm to 8.30pm Kitsilano Branch, 2425 MacDonald Street (at 8111 Ave) On Tuesday, April 15 (that's today!) poet and editor John Donlan will help you understand how a poem is created, from first draft to publication. Participants will learn how a poem is revised, improved, and the mechanics of submitting work for publication.

Sure, the event is on the wrong side of town, but it's just a #22 bus ride away!

Old time classics like Hank Williams and all the song' you love to sing ...

Every Thursday at 2 PM in the 2nd Floor Lounge at Carnegie -Starting Apri/17, 2008 2)

Carnegie Jazz Band Concert Friday, April25, 1:00PM in the Theatre

· 3) Hear the traditional Gospel sounds of UNITY Saturday, April 26, 3:00PM , Carne~ie

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Theatre

North Vancouver Community Band Wednesday, April 30, 7:30 PM in Carnegie Theatre

5) Ciuerrilla Gardening 101 with David Tracey Guerrilla Gardening 10 I is a brief introduction to the art ard science of using plants to reclaim public space for the public good. It explores the history of guerrilla gardening as a political tool for ecological engagement: and offers tips on how to get growing.

Prest ntation & Discussion Thursday, May 1' 1-3:00 PM Classroom II Field trip: Thursday, May 8

New Books

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Are you looking after a loved one? Chicken Soup for tile Caregiver's Soul ( 158.1) is a collection of inspirational stories to fi II you with renewed hope, courage and strength.

Show me your tattoos! That's the question that tattooed photographer Kip Fulbeck asked hundreds of people for his book Permanence: Tattoo Portraits by Kip Fulbeck (691.65). He also asked people to describe their tattoos and why they have them. From Holocaust survivors to hipsters to Hell 's Angels, this book documents a multitude of tattoos in words and pictures.

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As part of a donation from the Morris & Helen Belkin foundation, the library has got lots of great new Dorling Kindersley books. These are highly visual, gorgeous books about all sorts of topics, including: Perspective (70 1.8) Impressionism (759.4) Photography (771) Mars (523.43) Da Vinci and His Times (940.21)

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Beth, your librarian

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BRITISH COLUMBIA ACHIEVEMENT FOUNDATION Ms. Ethel Whitty Carnegie Centre 40 I Main Street Vancouver, BC V6A 2T7

Science 101 Information Sessions (Drop in)

Rc: Terry H.unter & Ms. Savannah Walling Re: James Pau 2008 British Columbia Community Achievement

The Advisory Council of the British Columbia Community Achievement Awards recentl y met to select this yea r's recipients for the British Co-. lumbia Community Achievement Awards. 路 I am pleased to advise you that your nominees were selected as three of the 45 recipients.

Under separate cover, we have notified your nominees of th is award. l am pleased to extend an invitation to you. a> the nominatOJ.:, to attend the Presentation Ceremony at Government House in Victoria at 2pm on April 2Jrd. An official invitation wiJJ be sent to you next week.

Nora Newlands, Executive Director

Science I01 is a four month, non-credit, barrier free course offered to residents of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and other inner-city communities.

This course provides an introductory science education in physics, astronomy, chemistry, computer science, earth and ocean sc ience and biology and is taught by University of British Co lumbia professors and graduate students. There is no fee for the course and no pre-requisite knowledge is required.

Bus tickets are provided to cover the cost of transROrtation to and from UBC Campus Meal tickets are provided for bi-weekly lectures Books, paper, pens, computer and library access provided free of charge. Cost of field trips and community activities are covered Child care is available for a limited number of participants Tuesday April 151h 2:00-3:30 p.m. Meeting Room, UBC Learning Exchange, 121 Main Street Thursday April J 7'" 4:00-6:00 p. m. Meeting room, Gathering Place, 609 Helmcken Street Contact: Ryanne 1ames Science 101 Coordinator UBC faculty of Science 604-317-7842 : Rv:aJ1n_~(a), interchan.ge .ubc.ca

WAR By sinead o'connor Until the philosophy, Which holds one race superior And another inferior, Is finally and permanently Discredited and abandoned, Everywhere is war.

Until the ignoble and unhappy regime Which holds all of us through, Child-abuse, yeah, child-abuse yeah, Sub-human bondage has been toppled, Utterly destroyed, Everywhere is war.

Until there is no longer first class Or second class citizens of any nation.

Until the color of a man's skin, Is of no more significance than The color of his eyes, I've got to say "war" .

War in the east, War in the west, War up north, War down south, There is war, And the rumors of war.

That until the basic human rights, Are equally guaranteed to all, Without regard to race, I'll say "war"

Until that day, There is no continent, Which will know peace.

Children, children.

Fight! We find it necessary.

We know we will win.

We have confidence in the victory Of good over evil Of good over evil Of good over evil FIGHT

Until that day the dream of lasting peace, World-citizenship and the rule of International morality will remain Just a fleeting illusion to be pursued, But never obtained.

And everywhere is war.

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MOM - Evelyn Asham

This is a bit of a story 'bout my mom, just to let you know a bit about her. From { my point of view she was an exceptional person. Mom pretty well raised 9 children on her own. Our dad was a fisherman on Lake Winnipeg He fished 4 seasons a year which left us fatherless except for a coupla weeks a year.

Well now that you have a bit of an idea of what my mother had to contend with maybe it'll give you a bit of an insight into her personality. The earliest thing i remember was her making us bring in snow and filling up the tub on the firewood • stove so she could bath us at least once a week. We lived in a 2-room shack in .a little village called Beaconia. It's on the east side of Lake Winnipeg about 100 miles from Winnipeg. It was where my mom's family lived and her dad was also a fisherman. There were just 8 or 9 families in the village.

I only have time to tell you a little bit about her. So here goes Mom was a well-liked person. Later on when we moved to Selkirk she became a waitress and worked at one time or another in most of the little restaurants in town. I imagine she got to know everyone.

When i was about 5 years old mom and i were walking some·where and as usual i asked her lots of questions. After seeing one dog sniffing another I asked mom "What's that dog doing?" She said 0 Lookin for the dog with the Golden Ass." I asked ~'You mean there's a dog with a golden ass?"

She said aYes and they find it by smelling each other." Then she sorta laughed .

We were pretty poor at that time. In my ~-year old mind, gold was even better than money. Now i knew where i could find some. A little later we stopped and there was a dog nearby. I went over and lifted up the dog's tail. Mom yelled at me. "Hal, what are you doin?" I said "Lookin for gold." She said, "Don't be silly. You won't recognize it. ,~!;·• ·· Only another dog can recognize the golden ass." She said "It's different for dogs' than • it is for people. So you won't know even if you see it." I didn't realize til later how wise my mother was.

Here's another little yarn about my mom. As I said I was a little rascal. I was caught doing something or other and I had to go to court. I was only about 10 or 12 at that time. Mom came with me to court. When the judge seen who it was he said 'Til take • this in chambers." I thought I'm in real trouble now. As we entered the judge's chambers he said "Well Evie what do you want me to do with him?" Mom said,. ~' Let him come home please." He said "Okay now let's go back into the courtroom ." So we went back into the courtroom and he sentenced me to some probation. Mom used to serve him in his favourite restaurant and she was his favourite waitress. I guess I got lucky that time.

I know you would have liked my mother. She's been dead for a little over 18 years now and I still see her every so often and of course I talk to her every now and then. Have a good day.- hal

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Coma maka

Grootlno Cards with Llsal

Saturday, April 19th 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

3rd Floor Gallery No experience necessary. All materials supplied.

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4th

Canadian Comml.IJnity Play Exchange Symposium .

Sunday, April 27 to Wednesday, Apri130, 2008

The Downtown Eastside Community Play "In the Heart of A City' (2003), produced by the Carnegie Centre an9 Vancouver Moving Theatre, w~.s a landmark production that is recognized nationally for its impact and quality. Over 80 local DTES involved residents performed in this amazing production.

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Cast and crew of 'In the Heart ofA City:

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Photo: John Endo Greenaway

Now Vancouver Moving Theatre is hosting The 4th National Community Play Exchange Symposium to bring together community play artisVproducers to promote ongoing idea sharing, discussion, mutual support and inspiration ·With the theme of New Directions, this year's symposium will explore new styles of community play building, creative logistics of interdisciplinary integration, and establish new connections among artist producers nationally and locally. The symposium, produced by Vancouver Moving Theatre, includes public events, round table discussions, informal meetings and practical workshops exploring. The opening date of the Symposium coincides with the closing date of Vancouver Moving Theatre's community-engaged production of A Downtown Eastside Romeo and Juliet.

PUBLIC SESSIONS Monday Apri/28, 1-Spm Presentations- Downtown Eastside-involved collaborative community play artists and participants -Carnegie Opera, The Shadows Project, and more.

Carnegie Theatre, 40 I Main Street Tuesday Apri/29, 6:30-8:30pm .

Public Dialogue - a discussion focusing on developing the next generation of community artists Sponsored by the International Centre of Art for Social Change, Segal Graduate School of Business Simon Fraser University, Harbour Centre, 500 Granville Street Wednesday Apri/30, lOam-2:30pm Presentations- visiting National and Va:11couver collaborative community play artists Roundhouse Community Centre, Pacffi.c and Davie Streets

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The Premiere of

'R""""""'

A Vow ntow V\1 E

An original tragic-comedy inspired by the old tale of Romeo and Juliet and everyday life on our Downtown Eastside streets Two households, both alike in dignity In fair Vancouver, where we lay our scene

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Now listen. This is one hundred percent confidential.

I'm negotiating with the City to buy the Carnegie Centre ----路-----~ -----

Desperate Love Mike Richter, 2007

Hansel's Lament (You've Never, Ever Seen Me) 漏 Jim Sands, 2007

Irrefutable force all the sceptics decried Immutable power when hearts are allied Connection so real it cannot be denied Desperate love in the downtown eastside

My parents are such crazy people They drag me all over this earth From war torn towns to grand upheaval It just keeps getting worse

The poison of passion, the prison of pride Hatred so old it has petrified The gloomy tomb looms for a groom and a bride And their desperate love in the downtown eastside

Afghanistan the day the war began Riots in Paree They've seen all the troubles in this crazy, crazy world But they've never, ever seen me.

A river of tears that must somehow be dried ' The will of a father that must be denied A man of the cloth who can serve as a guide To desperate love in the downtown eastside

I was born in the rumble of nine eleven And raised in the path of a tsunami They keep looking for trouble while I'm praying for heaven But there's always just one more thing to see

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A story so deep it has spread far and wide It's been centuries now since the author has died If he were alive he'd be fit to be tied By our desperate love in the downtown eastside

Earthquakes in Peru, wild fires in Malibu New Orleans getting washed to the sea They've seen all the trouble in this crazy, crazy world But they've never, ever seen me.

I'm just a little boy Full of wonderment and joy And I really need to find a place to pee, They've seen all the troubles in this crazy, crazy world But they've never, ever seen me.

PAY AS YOU CAN PREVIEW - WEDNESDAY APRIL 16, Bpm Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Avenue, www. firehallartscentre.ca April 17-20 and April 24-27 Thursday to Saturday Spm, Sundays 2 pm. $15 & $10 (plus s/c) tickets at the door, or in advance at 604-689-0926 Some coarse language and adult content. Children may attend at parent's discretion "Parents are indeed capable of routinely torturing their children without anyone interceding." Alice Miller, psycho log is

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April 3, 2008.

Dear Mayor and City Councillors, l am writing in support of the request from the Carnegie Community Action Project (CCAP) for an urgent meeting with City Council to discuss the impacts of the city's EcoDensity plan and ongoing and rapid condo development in the Downtown Eastside.

I strongly agree with the CCAP that even without the EcoDensity plan, the rapid development taking place in the Downtown Eastside is causing an enormous impact, with more to come.

A brief walk through the Downtown Eastside clearly shows the extent of the impact already, as new condo sites are on almost every block. I am extremely concerned with the rate of development and the lack of equal SRO replacement with social housing.

In over 3 5 years of involvement with the Downtown Eastside I have never witnessed such massive changes taking place such as those now fuelled by the Woodward's development. It presents a critical threat to the stability of the community for low-income residents.

Adding EcoDensity to the Downtown Eastside will exacerbate an already serious situation.

If ever there was a time for City Council to step in, it is now, before it is too late. No other neighbourhood in Vancouver has had to endure such dislocation and . displacement of low income residents. This is the community where people have the least amount of resources and options to cope with eviction and dislocation. City Council has a major responsibility to ensure that this neighbourhood is stable and livable for low income residents who have lived in the community for decades.

At the very least, no further plans for EcoDensity should proceed in the Downtown Eastside, pending the request from CCAP, and a full evaluation ofthe rate of market re-development and loss of low income housing units.

The City of Vancouver has halted development under similar circumstances, when the rate of redevelopment threatened the existing community. I can recall this in Kerrisdale, the West End, and Shaughnessy. In this situation in the Downtown Eastside, low income people are literally being forced out as the neighbourhood experiences fundamental shifts in housing and

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demographics.

I call on the Vancouver City Council to urgently respond to the CCAP's request, and not let the situation worsen.

Yours sincerely, Libby Davies, MP Vancouver East

SUMMERJOBSFORSTUDENTSAXED YANCOUVER - The Conservative government has cut thousands of dollars from the federal 2008 Canada Summer Jobs program. In Vancouver, this will mean a decrease in the number of summer jobs for post secondary students, as well as cutbacks to day camp programs typically run with the funding.

Libby Davies, Member of Parliament for Vancouver East, says her riding has been pa11icularly hard hit.

While the program's budget in East Vancouver for 2007 was $684,772, in 2008 it will receive only $423,473 -a whopping 38% decrease. "I know of one agency that is suffering a 40% cut compared to last year, and another a 30% cut. Both provide services that support vulnerable inner city children and families, who will now be in jeopardy."

The government uses a funding formula based on outdated 2001 Census infonnation concerning student population and unempl.oyment rates.

The reduction also means high quality, career-related student jobs will go unfilled, and students will be unable to earn enough salary to pay tuition fees.

Davies has been lobbying the Hon. Monte Solberg, Minister for Human Resources and Social Development, for adequate funds. Given the federal government's massive savings due to last year's municipal strike, there should be funds this year to support a viable Canada Summer Jobs program.

"Because many municipal day camp programs were closed due to the Vancouver civic strike last summer ' the federal government saved hundreds of thousands of dollars. I'd like to See those savings reinvested into this year's Canada Summer Jobs program."

Received from Davies' Constituency

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HOMESICK

Life is so funny We all have our ups and downs We strive on a daily basis We suffer, from all we will find happiness.

To smell the crisp dry air where humility is a dream, ITo see familiar faces grown old 'and be remembered as I was, I not as I am,

A monthly event for women's history buffs.

Wednesday

April 30, 2008 7pm-9pm

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And friends who are not transient.

For all these things I yearn i each fall, which in West Texas is really :the beginning and not the end. ~

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For Nurse Carie Jo Blackshare

A person will always find a way to happiness Never quit in your endeavours Achievement will come to one Fight with every tooth and nai I It may take many years, or even one day Take baby steps Leap into many things but mostly live this life of yours.

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In whatever you achieve I hope you will be happy

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Never say FAIL It will come together one day Just keep on pushin'

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"No Laughing I I Matter, ~

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Adventures, Activism & .

Politics"

All my relations, Bonnie E Stevens

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I Margaret Mitchell I~ ~

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social activist. OBC and NDP MP for East Vancouver (1979-93)

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Book signing follows. Book proceeds to the Margaret Mitchell Women's Fund

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Rhizome Cafe 317 East Broadway free, drop-in only food & beverages for purchase limited seating

come early & have dinner www.herstorycafe.cafe •

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Life's travails can seem to entail detours+ distress, chaos and mess haplessness negative progress Less and less Yet make the effort to smile sly do never become, jaded eye

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as just the same the night turns to day and winter's annual death eventually thaws away will dawn a new day the ultimate achievement to see this simple some will sa) is all for which we should pray

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rab b1e-rouser

Apru at Kntzome

:ate* Community Space* Arts Venue 317 East Broadway, Vancouver

ton our Walls msplantation: Painting Roots+ Diaspora ntings by Afuwa Granger Jwa was born in Guyana, under a full moon. She's :n messing with concepts of ethnicity, gender and tuty ever smce.

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1ens Boys' Choir Thursday, April 17th, 7:30pm 1s is the poetry your mama warned you about! Katz ~Choir's solo member) is raw, unapologetic, witty l soulful. ABC will be joined by Gina Young et a/ $10 sliding scale

One Is Illegal Benefit Concert with Ora Cogan 111 I Erica Mah Friday, April 18 , 7:30 o remarkable songwriters will cast their spells and their stories in this special concert to support the rk ofNo One Is Illegal, a grassroots organization t fights for the rights of immigrants and refugees. ~ concert will include a screening of two short films 1eckpoint" by Alex Mah, and "Borderless Me" by areh Mohammadi, 2007 Out On Screen Festival. suggested donation. but no one turned away.

nbamoto Saturday, April 19t11, 8:00pm l by marimba and mbira master Kurai Mubaiwa n Zimbabwe, Zimbamoto performs a varied fusion raditional Shona songs, jazz & rock improvisals! With Shambunata on drums, Cameron Hood on s. and Mark Campbell on guitar. ) at the door

nily Sunday at Rhizome: Pancho and Sal 1day, Apr 20. Doors 4:30, show 5, supper til 7:00 1cho and Sal perform folk songs from all over 1th America, using a variety of instruments includtiny charangos, big furry bombo drums, flutes and re. They sing in English and Spanish, and invite ir audience to clap and sing along. This is part of zome's Family Sunday series: events, activities supper for all ages. Bring the kids-and your etites for good food, creativity, and fun! ~gested donation

$2for kids and $3.50 for adults, no one turned away

in Street Literary Tour Thursday, April 24, 6pm :al writers, Michael V. Smith and Elizabeth Ba1sky, lead a tour of literary events starting at RhiI

zome, winding through the neighbourhood, back to Rhizome and to other venues. Writers and poets read at each stop along the way. This event is part of BC Book and Magazine week, an annual celebration of BC's vibrant publishers, writers and readers. Free 11 Cafe Rebelde Friday, April 25t , 7:00pm Join us for this monthly informational and social event in support of Latin American social movements.

April's topic is to be announced.

Free International Workers' Solidarity Cultural Night Saturday, April 26th, 7:30pm The May Day Organizing Committee presents an evening of performances and solidarity messages from community groups, to celebrate a militant International Workers' Day. This event will seek to build international solidarity among workers and oppressed people around the world against imperialist globalization, war and plunder. $5 s uggested donation, but no one turned away Family Sunday at Rhizome: Disco, Bilby!

Sunday, April 27'11 , 4:30-7:00pm We'll be out on the disco floor again! Dj little d will be mixing the old school and the new. Bring the k~ds out for some disco dancing fun. This is patt of Rl11zome's Family Sundays series: events, activities and supper for all ages. Bring your appetites for good food , creativity, and fun!

By donation, no one turned away for lack offunds.

Herstorv Cafe: Margaret Mitchell Wednesday, Apri130'11 , 7:00pm Herstory Cafe presents Margaret Mitchell OBC, social activist and former NDP MP for Vancouver East ( 1979-1993). Mitchell talks about her new aut~b.io­ graphy "No Laughing Maller, A~ventw:es, A~ttvlsn~ & Politics. " She took on the hard 1ssues mcludmg: VIolence against women, redress for Head Tax payers, community development, housing and welfare. Book signing follows with book proceeds to the Margaret Mitchell Fund for Women. www.herstorycafe.ca Free, drop-in only, limited seating so come early.

Where we are: 3 17 East Broadway Vancouver, BC, Coast Salish Territory I

For more information: 604-872-3 166 . www.rhizomecafe.ca rhizome@rhizomecafe.ca

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THE CYANIDE POET Be kind unwind & rewind when you apply to the School for the Regifted; the Cyanide Poet is forcing my hand a performance I can't stand call me when there's nothing but ashes to be sifted, like volcanoes being mankind's first fireplace maybe that's how God gets rid of His Trash no more smokes but plenty of mirrors I'm losing this one too aren't I? This clock I out of time, I've lost my temper flares & my findings indicate a worse day does not exist like a man being pushed off a cliff I'll give the cadaver dogs something to sniff while the whole of humanity drifts ... away today I believe it! Denial is a terrible waste of time commonly accepted wisdom must stand in line all these lines, where do they go? 1 to the people who walk blind dogs because the world is machinery; 2 to all you important cogs, used up and thrown down like a playing card why weren't you around a round or two ago, I know 1 know no I didn't but today I believe it!

I'm just a litany of disturbing news, all that & weather too, this anti-fabrication is for me as well as you.

How many sleeves are up God's Shirt? the sun is only one and enough to keep me painfully alert, waiting to follow drink but don't swallow the odds aren't even close let alone even on the likes of seeing him again then the School for the Regifted rings he's there still waiting to follow any takers You coffin makers, circuit breakers, satanic bakers, the "I've been in a war!" fakers, get up to your knees and worship your Maker(s) please remember to be kind, rewind then unwind - just don't wait to follow 路because today I believe it! With love? The Cyanide poet.

Robert McGillivray

COMMUNITY DENTAL DAY Friday, Apri118, 9- 4pm.

Eastside Walk-in Dental Clinic 455 East Hastings

2 VOLUNTEER DENTISTS All Procedures except complete root canals ...庐 I

A Heavy Heart Creator. Creator of the heavens and the earth and all living things within. Turtle Island on which I stand has changed from the time of my ancestors. Today my heart is angry, saddened~ and heavy. My eyes grow dim and I grow tired daily, and my youth is behind me; but my creator guides me forward and onward. So much pain. so much sorrow, and so much hurt. Our people are dead and dying daily, like particles of sand which wither away in the wind and then are forgotten over time. Unlike before, my people were strong and proud like the tree that stands strong in the wind, or mighty as the eagle. soaring in the wind. proud yet graceful. Must we continue to blame our white brothers and sisters for our addictions, our sickness, our brokenness? Are we like children lost in the wilderness? Did not our Creator create the red man like the white man. with a brain to think. to choose for ourselves?

It is true that alcohol has decimated our people for generations. Have we not yet learne~ over time?

How long must we wallow in our pain and at death's door before we as a people awake!l as if from a coma, a deep, deep sleep, a bad dream, rippling from one generation to another? Awaken we must.

Have we lost the vision of our ancestors, who fought so hard for future generations t.o continue?

We must learn to walk again, like a newborn baby.

We must learn to laugh, cry, sing, and dance, as in the days of old. We must walk into the future strong and united. We must have new visions, new dreams. stories. songs, and dance. Why? Our forefathers' struggle must not be wasted. We must learn the tools of the white man. Our children must be given a fighting chance for any hope for the future. Today, we can no longer wait for leaders. We are the leaders of today. tomorrow, and beyond.

Today we are weak and lost with no direction, no hope, no leaders to lead, no elders of old to guide us.

A nation lost. Today I feel so helpless, so alone.

There must be hope, new dreams, and a new vision.

We must start today, We can't afford to wait for tomorrow. The stakes are too high. The future begins today.

In Friendship, Stephen Lytton

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Affordable Housing

By See Sea In a time, before income tax came to be.

Our ancestors lived by rules of economy.

Yes, l/8th of your income for housing was the rule.

For those of the old school.

A las, Vancouver has become a city most cruel Half or more of our income to shelter is the rule.

Employers are crying for workers they say.

Workers, that is, small businesses can afford to pay.

But workers here can't afford to live, Unless all their pay to their land lord they give.

Working full time and living on the street.

Is how some their needs they try to meet.

In a short time, they find themselves not so neat.

Income only for rent, Translate into local businesses never seeing one cent.

Next a lack of affordable housing causes small businesses to fail.

But the story does not end here, Eventually in time perhaps a year:.

Without a middle class that is healthy and strong.

Corporations eventually' II be singing the same song.

Paying attention to the lot of the poor. for a healthy economy can't afford to shut that door.

Feeling compassion, taking action for their situation.

Prevents economic collapse of our whole nation.

Our ancestors knew affordable housing was the key.

If we wanted to realize a strong economy.

World Poetry Night March 3 I, 2008 Stephen Lytton was one of the featured poets reading his works at the World Poeby Night held at Central Branch of Vancouver's Public Library. Steven did an admiral job of representing the passionate poetry of the down town east side. At the end of his readings he was awarded a certificate of recognition by the World Poetry Society.

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w~ f w拢拢hout: You've heard about motherhood, fatherhood, sisterhood, brotherhood, neighbourhood, sharing and carin; and trips like that. Some of us ain't got none but sure路 ly wish I would .. mostly I'm just a little leary .. when people get too close I can get suspicious like I be wearing, searching, reality on display, trying to be resiliant and strong all along the way and yet, alone, never in a hurry, to always remain above the fray, avoiding downers, chatting up cheerfully to the dogooders and not bad anymore.

It's about sorting all of this jazz out, like a mixed up bowl of swirling steaming scalding A 1 alphabet soup What's the deal? ya know truth be told sometimes I feel like droppin' out of the whole of the human race nary breathing a word, just being whisked & swept away with hardly a trace, like I've never really mattered, to back way off with no more nowhere people riding my case This world would be like subterranean undercover ' ' with no real friends, relations nor lovers and to forget the solar sun warming my still and frozen face. Also I'll cancel out rain on window panes, my glassy eyes, the beating then the pounding in my bursting ears pitter patter and no one to talk to ... do you really think it'd be possible to miss all this most often trivial chitter chat~er chit-chat? is this all so cynical and sardonic .. could it be slightly distorted, a desperately emotiona point of view?

Do you realize 1 may be fooling with you possibly puzzling and even second-guessing me; do you have yours or should I just count my meager blessings??? I ain't no fun ya know to dodge the truth, to kid with games, or to accuse with false conceit and selfishness in laying blame Well it's not my fault- yeh, that's my lame excuse to heap on my conscience: OH NO I'm not a victim!

That dark notion I wi II never stir up nor entertain.

What am 1 then you ask self who is this dude who so dearly does not want to be misconstrued Okay here it is: I am an isolated survivor, that's who I am and who I've got to be. I said this is so making it a point of fact yet does it matter at all except to say last路 ly that you've finally found me out and bully for you because I've exposed and unravel ed my heart. Suffice it to say I've been caught in the act. I am what I am and that's all that I am.

ROBYN LIVINGSTONE

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Hi Paul and Co.,

DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE WOMEN'S CENTRE J. Kwan: 1 would like to express my congratulations to the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre for celebrating their 30th anniversary. High levels of violence, homelessness, addictions and poverty characterize the downtown eastside community. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, injustice and injury.

Life on the street poses more dangers and exploitation for women. The centre is one of few safe places in the downtown east side for women and their children. They provide support for over 300 women every day by providing hot meals, clothing, secure mailing addresses, phone and computer access,functioning and secure toilets and showers.

The inequality for women continues today in Canadian society. There are 67 percent more women than men who earn less than $30,000 a year. One in five women continues to live in poverty in Canada; 56% of lone-parent families headed by women are poor compared to 24 percent of those headed by men. Women and youth account for 83% of Canada's minimumwage workers, and 70% of workers living in abject poverty in the world are women.

Rural women constitute the majority of 1.5 billion people who live in absolute poverty. Women own only 1 percent of the land in the world, according to the food and agricultural organization of the UN. Women work 23 percent of the world's working hours, producing half of the world's food, but earn only 10 percent of the world's income. And 37 percent of women of colour in Canada are low-income.

The link between poverty and health is clear. Lack of access to affordable housing, transportation, food and non-secure health benefits such as medications lead to poor health. Women and children who arc poor are 路 also more likely to be socially isolated.

I ask all members of the House to help me congratulate the women's centre for their good work and commitment to ending poverty for women.

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I want to tell you how good it is to be able to read the Carnegie Newsletter in Cyberspace! .

I can't go the Downtown Eastside more than a few times a year to pick up a copy of the Newsletter, so when I can read the new issues on the Internet I feel less separated from the missed magic and sometimes misery ofV6A, which helps me to keep a much better bearing on the real world, as opposed to what I see on the evening news.

Drink a toast to your Webmaster and to all connected with THE Carnegie Newsletter.

Sincerely, Garry Gust

"The upholders of dogma partly realize that clear, penetrating vision portends their doom. Consequently, some of them even exhot1 their followers, "Do not read such and such books ... Do not even touch those books. They will cloud your judgment, confuse you."

However, the facts speak differently. The facts are that merely browsing through such books may or may not influence peoples' minds, but studying them with proper understanding will definitely break the shackles of dogma." (PNS-16)

Walking Eagle Premier Gordon Campbell of B.C. was invited to address a major gathering of the Indian Nation last weekend in Kitimat, B. C ... ....... He spoke for almost an hour on his future plans for increasing every First Nation's present standard of living. He referred to his career as Mayor of Vancouver, how he had signed "YES"- for every Indian issue that came to his desk for approval.

At the end of his speech, the Tribe gave the Premier a plaque inscribed with his new Indian nameWalking Eagle. The proud Campbell then de- . parted in his motorcade, waving to all.

A news reporter later asked the group of chiefs how they come to select the new name given to Campbell. They explained that Walking Eagle is the name given to a bird so full of shit it can no longer fly.

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-Low-income housing closures December 2007 to date Star Beach Haven - 19 rooms at 658 Alexander Street (evicting all tenants as precondition of sale. currently at arbitration).

Backpacker·'s Inn - 42 rooms at 7 West Hastings at Can·all (fewer than I0 tenants remain, closed by owners as precondition of sale, power and gas shut off, same owners as Star Beach I laven).

334 Carrall Street- 30 apartments (closed in February by owner Robert Wilson for renovations and conversion to condominiums).

Marie Gomez Place- 76 apartments at 590 Alexander Street (social housing closed in January by the province, condemned due to mold, scheduled to be rebuilt in next 4 years).

Dominion Hotel · 67 rooms at 2 10 Abbott Street (closed in January for renovations) .

Columbia Hotel - 69 rooms at 303 Columbia Street (CCAP discovered it was no longer renting monthly in December, reported the apparent SRA bylaw violation to the City of Vancouver, no evident response).

Phoenix Apartments - 18 units at 514 Alexander Street (closed, likely as precondition of sale in February).

Pacific Hotel- 58 units at 208 East Georgia Street (14 units of72 total were closed in 2005. Owned by Porte Development, remaining 58 tenants provided 6 months notice April, 2008.

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St. Clair Hotel- I5 units at 577 Richards Street (illegally converted to to uri~l accommodation this month, rents only by week and day during the summer, confirmed April 7, 2008, not yet reported to City of Vancouver, one monthly tenant remains and is filing for arbitration).

TOTAL: 9 build' .5 , , 394 units of low- income hous ·

The people are Iined up in front of the church it's a cold night. The dampness and cold are felt deep in their joints. They shi ver away in huddled groups trying to stay warm and dry but not succeeding.

They stay like this, soaked to the skin, for two hours or so waiting for the doors to open, with the hope for a hot meal and maybe if there in the right place in line they might get a warm place to sleep for the night, out of the cold and rain. When the doors open they fil e in out of the night air to the smells of hot food and the sounds of music being played on the piano. The volunteers are lined up ready to serve the food and greet their peers who have fallen on hard times with kindness and compassion also with great respect. For by the grace of G9d go they. ·

By Mike Pratt

lost. In addition, thousands more SROs lost to rent increases.

I sit in this doorway damp and shiveri ng. The rainfalls in a steady drizzle the ai r is frost so the cold gets in my joints. I begin to straighten up from my night of bingeing and the depression starts to set upon me like a wet blanket. I start to feel like l'm drowning in a sea of guilt and shame. To think my life has evolved to this point seems like a bad dream. To awaken to nightmare of mental anguish, that 1 never seem to be able to wake up from is a nightmare of my own doing. To awaken from this prison I have put myself in . is to bear the truth about myselfthat I have been running from all my life. As I start to face the truth about my Iife. The rain begins to stop, and the clouds begin to clear. Opening up the sky so the sun can spread its warm rays. As I begin to warm up the wet blanket of my life begins to li ft off me 1 start to see a new beginning and I breathe in the dawn of a new day.

By Mike Pratt

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DOWNTOWN

NEEDLE EXCHANGE VAN- 3 Routes:

EASTSIDE

604-685-6561

YOUTH

City -

5:4~pm

- 11 :45pm

Overnight- I 2:30am- 8:30am Downtown Eastside - 5:30pm - 1:30am 0

ACTIVITIES SOCIETY

CFRO 102.7FM CO-OP RADIO

()04-251 "3310

Snb~adssinn

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deadline for 1aexC issue:

Monday, April 28 .

PauiR Taylor has been the volunteer editor of the Carnegie Newsletter since 15 Dec 1986-21 years.

NEWSLETTER THIS NEWSLETTER IS A PUBLICATION OF THE C AH.NEGIE COMMUNITY CENTRE ASSOCIATION

Articles represent the views of individual contributors nnd not of the Association.

-.-- ..... ------------ , .. . . . ..... · .. - · · · ~ We ·ackoowledge -that·:Carnegla· communl~y· G(intrei and this . ·

I Newsletter, are.hap,penlng.Oii;the.Sq~ftmi~~:Nation's "territory.

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Artwork for the Carnegie Newsletter

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TIM STEVENSON (lTV COUNCILLOR

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• SERVING THE COMMUNITY WITH PRIDE

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CITY HALL 453 WEST 12TII AVE. V5Y 1V4 Phone: 604.873· 7247 Email: t lm. stevenson®vancouver. ca • (.

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Jenny >

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Small illustrations to accompany articles and poetry Cover art- Maximum size: 17cm(6·3/4") wide x 15cm(6") high.

Subject matter relevant to issues pertaining to the Downtown Eastside is preferred, but all work will be considered Black &white printing only Size restrictions must be considered (i.e., if your piece is too large, it will be reduced and/or cropped to fit) All artists will receive credit for their work Originals will be returned to the artist after being copied for publication Remuneration: Carnegie volunteer tickets

Please make submissions to: Paul Taylor, Editor.

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2008 DONATIONS: Barry for Dave McC.-$250 Rolf A.·$50 Margaret D.-$40 Paddy ·$70 Huddy $50 Michael C.-$50 Judy E.·$10 Wilhelmina M.-$15 Libby D.·$70 Callum C.·$100 The Edge -$200 Jenny K.·$22 Penny G.·$40 p $· Wes K.-$50 Mel L.-$50 am 8 .- ·

Working for You 1.070-164t (~mnmerchliUr V51~ 3Vl ·- - . .l~fl!!U~i 115-Q1?~ --'~~1 .11:!-QftH · ---··· ....

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