January 15, 2010, carnegie newsletter

JANUARY 15, 2010fi

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CARNEGIE

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Carnegie didn't just happen along like some flower girl in the beer parlours smiling &selling teddy bears.

Years of hard work went into forcing political dragons to give up dreaming about businessmen's clubs &parking lots.

Years of hard workto turn this stone building into something like sunrise.

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Day by day- year by year Making it happen down here.

I don't know how many people come &go, or how many hours Volunteers work to get things done, or who's responsible for what, because my mind doesn't work that way .

But we all take care of business more or less; sooner or later we all join hands.

Day by day - year by year Making it happen down here.

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There's no other community centre ,.... where you're waiting to get in off the streets as soon as the door opens every day.

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A centre like this is Something that holds the outside together; a circle of safety. a point of communication for anyone- everyoneyoung or old, smart or dumb, clean or dirty, sane or crazy.

Where else could lifetimes like these get lived together?

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Even when it's only sharing tobacco or spare change on the second floor.. . reading the newspaper on the first floor... playing a guitar on the third floor, in the theatre, on the stairway...

Learning to listen To see each other To remember the names & faces of real people in a real neighbourhood.

No other community centre to something like the Downtown Eastside.

No other community building a spaceship like Carnegiefull of black sheep, aliens in a neighbourhood of aliens, a family of aliens • learning to trust one another, ~ to remember who we are ~ -who we always were at the heart of a community.

The experiences of just opening the door for every new person who walks in off the street with a trust in sober survival.

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Day by day - year by year.

No place can be heavier than here • No place can be lighter At the centre of Vancouver's basement community the street signs, bars & boring hotel corridors almost disappear.

Even the cops have to be polite when they come in here.

People agree to respect one another but that doesn't stop them from speaking their minds.

Maybe you'd be surprised .... what's on people's minds these days the newspapers couldn't print it, couldn't even tell the whole story. ....._

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Survival of social disaster Survival of personal tragedy Survival of changes like Expo & restraint Survival of urban development where they try to wipe out your personal history & replace it with an answering service.

We are the people- day by day year by year- we are the people making it happen down here.

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Remembering to keep the traditions of street survival alive; the traditions of down-to-earth characters, like the reality of everyone who walks through the door, everyone who knows they're sharing something real in an unreal world.

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Everyone says something's happening down here Everyone's got their own idea about what's happening too.

But Carnegie's got some kind of magic with people...

Making it happen, Day by day - year by year Making it happen down here.

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You want to build a new world that will fire the imagination Tora, 1/3/87 & free the hearts of your children?

The Heart of the Community: The Best of the Carnegie Newsletter Build it around something solid, something real, like the Carnegie Centre, like the Learning Centre, 30 years ago, a group of local people saw a need in like waking up with steady hands this community- a need for a place where comwith coffee & communication munity members could gather that was safe, acin the Cabaret on Tuesdays, cepting, understanding and free of the pressures of with politics & paint & woodwork drugs and alco hol. Than ks to the vision and hard in the basement, work of all the members of the association over the music & technical skills, reading and writing on the top floor years, we now have this community centre that with healing encounters, serves so many people in so many different ways. fascinating characters ~ You have all contributed som eth ing to the Carnegie crazy contrasts Centre, t he Downt own Eastside and Vancouver as a growing strong for survival. whole, just be being a part of this wonderful place!

Stronger than the welfare freeze So on behalf of your cu rrent Board of Directors and Stronger than booze of all who have served before us, I welcome yo u to 1 Stronger than the rent increase the Carnegie Community Centre Association 's 30 h Stronger than the street front Anniversary ce lebra tion, and invite you to ask you r with commercial claws. self, "What does the Carnegie mean to me?"

At the Centre we're building Enjoy the party ! an alternative to living alone At the Centre we're making a success out of failure.

Gena Thompson, Vice President Day by day -year by year Carnegie Community Centre Association Growing up all over again Making it happen down here.

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Gena Thompson

From the ashes of yesterday's tragedy burning in the streets Climbing out of the dark, the loser's soul reaching for something that's so close it's already getting true.

Day by day -year by year.

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New beginning, chap ter, step, start, year TO YOU ALL! May your heart smile ear to ea r, no matter what barriers you face. Heck, if you endured such a journey, you ca n face another. Trust your heart; respect yourself, no matter what. Take care, okay.

In Respect, Priscillia.

The Wick (The True Story) 1will begin after the wick is turned on, m~ c~ndle being both warmth and light. Stop! Now tillS ts ~true story fallen apart last night. my parents' home tn Richmond caught fire by a goddamn candle. We already had enough lights. Columbo. was ~n, but not for long, as 1was just dozing off upstatrs. Ftrst he caught Ruth Gordon, but my eyelids had begun to drop, then, BAM! The fire detector went off like a gunshot. As I opened my door, thick black smoke, I began to choke and open windows locked for years. Then I ran, smack-dab into the smokewebs lefl by Mr. Fear! The living room and kitchen consumed in black clouds, 1 screamed, "Mom. Dad, where the hell arc you;' while they were outside thinking the commotion was from next door. Man, does fire make scary sounds. I ran into the dining room, where a candle had fallen over the whole table, d ishes, flames almost to the top, on fire. 1 grabbed an empty ice cream bucket- see ther~ really is a Satan/God Ice Cream Family!-:- and filled tt with water four or fi ve times on top of satd table. The first few seconds were scary, but the ice cream bucket proved more than able. But the top two floo rs are absolute smoke black smoke webs everywhere, on everything, at Jc~st those were the Insurance lad,Y's words.

She definitely earns her pay, she does. That s what she told us the next (Boxing) day. Anyway, l've had a lousy year. writing useless tales no one cares to read , let alone hear. YOU LISTEN UP before the next door you open engulfs you, your possessions, you~ li fe and anything else near and dear. Now. what you ve . strived for your entire life and taken. for ~ranted, ltke the real story which will have to watt, bem~ name~.

"The Wick." Is there a little Nostradamus tn me, ttctoc-tick? Two showers later, bottom line, no one hurt, no fire trucks to tum everything into black, liquid

muck. Enough truth and honesty, they 'd go up just as quick. Back to the first two lines. I'll have to finish that story next time, like a gasoline taste test. When you have no taste buds le ft, it's really not that bad.

Just be thankful you're not playing with fire and you' re the man from GLAD! Like refusing an offer that, for the moment, you can't usc but, later that night ... Now try fighting back the tears 'cuz another worthless year's come and trickled by the wayside, like the li nes of relaxation defining a li the crackled lines in your face. Oh my, so depressingly healthy, I don't know whether to say hello or goodbye. If there's an end-of-the-world brunch, please be sure to DROP by. Just too many honest faces about, most without a clue when doubts were voiced, was one or two of them you? So the next time your door seems hot or the ceiling drops by for dinner. please have Mr. Smoke Detector and Mrs. Water and. of course, the Satan/God Ice Cream Fami ly. Now, when St. Panic anacksjust by showing up, don't worry. He only ~j1ows up, or off, when your home turns into itsy, bitsy cinders. For the sinners, there arc no winners. Now EVERY word is true except for the first and last paragraph. I hope you and yours enjoyed the season of content. I have no more comments but GREETINGS, and 路av a less hectic year. (Yeah. right!) Cheers.

To Protect and Serve back of the cop car sez " beyond the calr' when they beat the brother down "beyond the call" kick in the door the baby's scream in' window smashes as I lay dreamin' 1got a warrant so you gotta let me in that 's it that's final that's all I blow you away- that's "beyond the calr' Narco dollars bouncin' on the walk neighbours know but will not talk

By ROBERT MCGILLIVRAY you got the number but you won't call them fuckas go "beyond the call" now buddy is bleedin' out in the lane we all know who's to blame 9 11 is the number on the wall no problem! We go "beyond the call" ambulance comes, firct rucks too all standing 'round with nothing to do lady on the sidewalk sez 'whatta drag' ' they just took Brother out inna bag' Cesar Como

Carnegie Community Centre: My Memories/ History, My Thoughts/My Dreams

I found out that you could become a member for on I~ one dollar a year. For this, you could use the library, check out books, C D's excetera, plus borrow games and musical instruments and more awesome free ' ~hones, and computers, to use. Inexpensive good food 111 the c~fetena on the second floor, gymnasium sports, a Learnmg Centre, seminars, mail delivery- what more c~uld I ask for; they even have a weight room and semors lounge downstairs. Now, I thought to myself: "this is sure gonna beat my boring. depressing,

and cramped, and nol to menlion pest-infesled, single I vaguely recall, rattling south, down Main Street, room occupancy suile; hooray! " from off-Broadway, somewhere or other. and I bailed l fo und out soon after I discovered the Carnegie Cenout, at the corner o f Main and l lastings by Owl Drugs. tre, that the residents in the area called it "lhe living Not knowing where I was really going or where exactroom ojlhe neighbourhood'. That is such a cool comly I was headed, when I first saw Carnegie I recall standing there, and staring at it with a mixture fot1ing and warm and fu zzy phrase. A place and' space where you could meet tons of new friends, and I found of reverence and awe. I simply had an urge to go into I could even volunteer pretty well anywhere in the out this histo ric building, instantly, as soon as possible, like right now! Slowly l walked towards it, wondering building, and earn tickets to buy food and drinks in the cafeteria! if I would be allowed to enter; what was inside? Was Over the years I have done all of these things. and it an office, building, bank? I had no idea. used all.of services at one time o r another, I have perI went in and saw the information desk, no one said formed 111 the Carnegie cabaret, ! met up with Vananything to me about leaving, some securi ty guards couver Moving Theatre for the I00'11 ann iversary of just glanced at me, and so I felt free, to begin to g inthe Carnegie Centre, along with a cast of thousands in gerly wander around, taki ng in all its surprises; it was the monumenta l "In lhe Hearl ofthe City Community exactly like opening up a really humungous birthday Play". There are thousands and thousands of others or Christmas present. j ust like me in Vancouver and beyond whose lives It was and means much more to me than j ust another have been transformed, much improved, empowered. historic, beautiful structure. It was a beacon of light. and r~cordcd by their life expanding experiences, just and hope, in the 1990's of the Downtown Eastside by bemg a small and (big) part of the Carnegie Comcomm unity. Everyone and anyone is welcome there, munity Centre. from early in the morning unti l very late at night, a It is truly a un ique building. It is and always will be safe place to go for adults, sen iors, children, and famia safe place to go, for free, out of the rain, to feel lies, with a myriad o f activities and free services to good, natural~y without having to go to a night club, participate in, open to us 365 days a year. beer parlour, Just to get off the street for a little to chill out, gather your thoughts, ponder. read, re~t, dance, whatever you please, whatever your wish, to get away from it for a little while. to escape into a Ho llywood, or a profound documentary. it's your choice take your pick of the many activities, you' re welcom~ to join or participate; a shelter from the storm fo r a ' little ~vhi le, an escape. from a hectic rat race, o r just a beautiful escape from the cu rrent situation for awhi le l propose a toast for each and every one of us: "Long live the Carnegie Community Celllre, long may she reign. " Rockyn Robin Livingstone

Humanities 101 Documentaries for January 2010

M y Last Chance

Carnegie Theatre 6:00 PM Saturdays January lOth : COMMON PEOPLE MAK ING A DIFFERENCE

In the aftermath of childhood I grew up to become a fierce man on a crooked path leading nowhere I g uess this is my last chance

Authorized Biography of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sharif Abdulla: Finding Our Way in Turbulent Times J anu ary 17th.

Carnegie Community Centre Celebrates Thrity Year Please welcome Greg and Dr. Butler as they take ove the Documentary Evenings for the next three months while I'm away. They are hosting the featuring of Documentaries on and about our Downtown East Side with a s pecial evening of documentary treats. Look for the titles wel l posted in the community and plan to attend an evening celebrating our history.

Let Greg and Margot surprise you January 24 and with their choices for these evenings. Look for announcements a week before the showings.

I'll miss you all while 1 am away and look forward to returning home in April to 路the same wonderful community. There is no place like the home we know an love. Knowledge will set you free, and love conquer all. All the best in the new year, Colleen

Movie Nights at Spartacus Books

My last chance infirmity rang in my ear in lost thoug ht reality disappeared decided to take a drink - become King 'n leader or-a-day, but alcohol steadfastly buried my crown Many people stared in d isbelief as I stagger, trip ' n fall to the ground They tried to help - I'd growl like a wild animal wounded, down but not quite out of my mind paramedics, cops ' n skid row bums know who I am they'd pick me offthe s idewalk, wet, stinkin of decay What a life they'd say. Why don ' t you turn it around?

I'd laugh, get up ' n continue my journey of destruction Destruction led me on a revolving door o f jail life Couldn't help but think that jail was my 2"d ho me I got down on my knees o ne day "in" prayer I asked for reflection of truth -'cause this's my last chance All my relations, William Arnold Combes

684 East Hastings

Every Sunday at 8:30 p.m.

January 17, 20 I 0 - Anti-Repression Ground Noise & Static, a report on the protests against the Democrat and Republican National Conventions. Miami Model, against the prescribed template of paramilitary opp ressio n, warfare, etc. activists converge in Miam i...

January 24, 20 I 0 - Dictatorship in Congo This documentary traces Mobuto's life , dictator of the Congo (Zaire). The fi lm makes it clear that U.S. leaders like Bush considered him a safeg uard agai nst commun ism, and we have no reason to believe that the Congo's current government is much better.

January 31, 20 I 0 - Women Struggle "Some American Femin ists" Documenting one o f the most s ignificant Movements in the 1960's & early 70's, second wave feminism. Inspirational interviews with Ti-Grace Atkinson, Rita Mae Brown, Betty Friedan, Margo Jefferson, Leila Carb and Kate Mi llet.

Readers: My s ister Starla went to the hospital in Calgary. She had a broken leg . She told her friend ' I shouldn ' t be here. I'll never g et out!' How true.

She threw up and it went into her lungs; apparently she had bronchitis. Starla passed away Dec. I I and was buried in Saskatoon on Dec.l7. My auntie Margaret, from Westbank BC, and her daughter Peggy were there representing the Wuttunee stde of the family. My thanks for the ir caring s upport.

Starla leaves two d aughters, Linga and Dawn, and one son, Bi lly Joe. She also had two grandchildren.

Starla had beautiful vio let eyes and long blond hair.

1 will never forget her. I will miss her forever. My heart is broken in two . Rest in peace my beautiful baby sister.

Marlene Wuttunee

MOTION ON NOTICE Missing Women Inquiry MOVER: Councillor Ellen Woodsworth SECONDER: Councillor

No Sense

I I have written books and for 30 years am an activist on homes fo r all.

I am so confused, torn between my needs as a low WHEREAS: income disabled 76 year-old woman. I have li ved here I. Both the Vancouver Police Department and the in my home for 17 years ; when I moved here it was Royal Canadian Mounted Police support holding a for 55 and up (a seniors residence). public inquiry into the investigation into Vancouver's Everyone with different needs and resources needs a missing women at the earliest opportunity; home, but to throw us all together- the elderly. the 2. An inquiry has the power to identify what went disabled, the mentally ill, people dying of cancer, peowrong in that investigation so that change can be made ple missing legs from kidney failure etc .. and the menat all levels of policing; tally ill who are recovering addicts (and now addicts 3. The Downtown East Side community and families not in recovery) .... so little resources for us because of and friends of the missing women have already waited cutbacks .... for almost eight years with no commitment from their Our home is now unsupervised chaos and overworked government to investigate what went wrong in the inmanagers can't keep up. This holiday has seen addicts vestigation; and bringing in addicts: it hasnt been safe; our stair wells 4. Women continue to be murdered and go missing have feces and urine; bedbugs, cockroaches ... Yes the across Canada and investigations continue to stall. managers try their best but it's overwhel ming ....

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED Why is it that we as a society won't take care of the THAT Vancouver C ·11y c ounc1·1wn·te a 1e tter to Bn·t·IS h elderly and the homeless? Build rehabs, build recovery . • Att orncy Genera1ca 11 111g · c · homes. give the mentally ill resources and protection .or an 1m med'1ate Co Iurn b1a s and safe housing. commitment to a public inquiry into the investigation I don ' I want to move out of my home. I just want us into Vancouver's missing women and for the said inall to have a safe home. I'm so stressed and feel guilty quiry to be held as soon as the publ-ic~a.,.ti. o,n~b~anP!in~t~h~e._,~~b~c~~ca~u=s:.: e 1 DONT WANT TO GIVE UP MY I!OtvlE. Robert Pickton case has been lifted 1 Sign me SHEILA BAXTER, DESPERATE. ruth, Compassion and Forbearance S4~ Buddha teaches us to tolerate outside the wall looking up straight up the teachings of Jesus tell us to fo rgive beyond the house the outline of a hawk soaring seven times seven, seventy times seventy beyond the night suddenly as if shot it flounders a very tall order when in our rage before the dawn broken wing stalls and plummets we dream of disfigurement when sounds sounds sounds straight down in a nash death is too good for some people strange to see in this city slithering gurgling so we go with the embers of anger of glass & steel - something real jabbering sounds burn beneath the surface timeless in the effort ever ready to explode worms gossiping the bird of prey does the Sky dance in some poor bastard 's face eels networking of survival and supremacy My new year's wish slugs intertwining in realms unknown to man \ forgetfulness when forgiveness closer to bone and si new tendrils coils is beyong my mortal self flesh and blood unlanced boils I pray for patience the talons rip the flesh free mate with soil -the old Chinese saying: and I walk on stunned sit by the river long enough to creep to crawl by this spectacle and you wi;; see all your enemies float by. upon all us all a show of worlds pure and new Pray for patience and a lively step before one may wake just for those you' ll need it in due time to bone's blackest pall with eyes turned to heaven to dance on the bastard's grave Lee Rydman AI

Vancouver Foundation Arts Grants Scene In the last issue of the Newslener, red-faced me, CC, inadvertently left a few names o ut, and details of the story. It was put to print while still in progress; my apologies. and now to set the record straig ht.

The wind up Vancouver Foundation's DTES Small Arts Grant 's evening was the culmination of a lot of work behind the scenes by some noteworthy individuals in our community. Due to previous space restraint I now mention them .

Most noteworthy was the effort from start to fini sh o f Rika Uto. quietly guiding in the background, skilfully communicating and rarely having to "force anything."

She helped those overseeing the process of selection.

Then there was Pat McSherry, who b rought a career's worth of experience in arts grants to help severa l community members with their own proposals (i.e. writing up project descriptions. timelines and budgets).

Her warm and bright presence was appreciated and also needs noting.

Our favourite character in the process was, as expected, Steve Lytton, a DTES Advisory Committee Member. He did what he docs bcst... bask in the spotlight of public speaking, while apologizing for not making it to the meetings. What would we do without Steven? We love ya! Other dedicated Advisory Committee members in attendance were Douglas Dunn, Esther Rausenberg, and Sid Tan. Thanks to Jennifer Merasty for her help early in the granting program.

The New kid on the block, cutting edge Diane Fair-

field, wore a beautiful furry red coat. Admirers of her digitally-manipulated paintings asked her about her art process. "Digital artists have a bad rep ... it is not like I just bring one of my paintings into Photos hop and click on one o f those fancy filters ... No, it's not that easy!". Her generosity in introducing to others this complex art form is an appreciated asset in the community. Her works arc absolutely stunning !

We were lucky to have 3 of Garnet Tobacco's paintings because he often has them sold before the paint is dry. Sarah Race had exquisite photographs dealing with gender. Also Elwic Xie told the touching story of his Chi natown childhood. Katherine Soucie's unique handmade garment colo red with rust from the DTES was inspiring. Robi Smith 's paintings, ditto. Bruce Ray's graphic novel, quietly evolving most mornings at Gallery Gachct, was represented by its first three pages thereof. Priscilla Tail 's illustrations incorporated two verses of lyrics by guitar icon, Mike Richter.

Brenda Dallaway, a skilful illustrator with whimsical content and a knack for the contemporary, delighted viewers. Other artist works enjoyed included Montana King, Cameron Drysdale. Wendy Sexsmith, and Colleen Carroll.

Most of all we wish to clear up the names omitted in the last issue o f the newsletter. They are as follows: FOR THE RECORD: Sean Gunn enveloped the room with beautiful music while everyone enjoyed the art show.

We all later met in the theatre to enjoy a puppet and clown show; Just Enough, a live ly performance put on

by Maggie Winston. This was foll owed with music and a singing performance by Heidi Morgan, accompanied by Peter on the violin while Mom, Joyce Morgan proudly sat in the aud ience.

Further we wish to note and thank the Carnegie office staff for their he lp and patience in handling all the tyrants and divas of the DTES Sma ll Arts Grants Program. for without your people skill s dampening artistic licenses. where would we all be?

Last but certain ly not least, the g lue pulling the whole process together and seeing it from concept to fini sh, was the task and accomplishment of Jason Bouchard.

Jason , we thank you for a difficult job very well done.

Pigeon Park Savings seem to have done a remarkable thing and actually got themselves a public phone number- 604-678-8276. I called & double checked that we can give it o ut.

...@,"""'"JBJ...

Carnegie Theatre Workshop

New year's program - Play reading -

RAYMUR MOTHERS

by Bob Sarti - 3pm Fri JanlS Carnegie Theatre Everyone welcome!

rmJCla s ses m One Acts, Directing, Street Theatre, also perform at Home Ground

Fridays , 3pm-5pm Jan 22 , 29 , Feb 12 Led by Teresa Vander tuin For more info call 604-255-9401 email : thirteeno fhearts@hotmail.com

r-------------Sketches of Dave Ogilvie

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Merging of classical beauty with the monsters of the ld February 1 to 26th, 2010 Opening Reception on Monday, February 1st, 4:00PM Carnegie Art Gallery 3rd Floor

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INFORMATIVE OPEN HOUSE FOR CARNEGIE'S LEARN TO WALK I RUN CLINIC Preparing you for the 2010 Sun Run

OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 17TH FROM 12:00PM- 2:00PM (GYMNASIUM, CARNEGIE CENTRE) RUN I WALK Clinic starts SUNDAY, JAN 31-APR 25 SUN RUN ISMAY 9TH 2010

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13 WEEKS OF FREE TRAINING NUTRITIONAL EDUCATION PRE-RUN/WALK SNACKS FITNESS EDUCATION MENTORSHIP PROGRAM FREE ENTRANCE TO THE SUN RUN LEADERSHIP BY CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS GET HEALTHY & SOCIALIZE FEEL GREAT!

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WANT TO LEARN MORE- SEE YOU THERE

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When we plant a rose in the earth, we notice that it is small but we do not notice it as "rootless and stemless." We treat it as a seed, giving it the water and nourishment required ofa seed. When it first shoots up out ofthe earth, we don't condemn it as immature and underdeveloped, nor do we criticize the buds for not being open when they appear. We stand in wonder at the process taking place and give the plant the care it needs at each stage of its development. The rose is a rose from the time it is a seed to the time it dies.

Within it, at all times, it contains its full potential. It seems to be constantly in the process of change, yet at each state, at each moment, it is (whole) as it is.

Gallwcy

. .Using the library to find out about the Carnegie Centre

byBethoavies

The library has lots of information about the Carnegie Centre, its history, and its role in the Downtown Eastside community. We also have lots of books by local writers. Come and check us out! ~

How to find information

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Downtown Eastside Special Collection: A co llection of hundreds of books, reports, articles, DVDs, program guides and other information all about the Downtown Eastside. From CCAP reports to Heart of the City festival guides, you' ll find it all here! Ask the librarian to see any of the materials.

Newspaper clippings: Articles from newspapers and magazines about the Downtown Eastside, including lots of information about t he Carnegie Centre. Ask at the desk if you'd like to see the files.

Library catalogue: Some of the books about the Carnegie Centre are in the library catalogue. Ask a librarian to help you find things.

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Carnegie Centre: A Vancouver Public Library Guide To celebrate the 30 h Anniversary of th e Carnegie Centre, we produced a guide to finding materials about the Carnegie Centre on the Internet, at the VPL Central Branch, and at the Carnegie Branch. Pick up a copy at the library!

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Some of the books, DVDs, and other materials available at the library

Being True to Ourselves: Downtown Eastside Poems of Resistance, by Sandy Cameron (821 C182b) Bruce: The Musical [DVD] (782.6 S192b) The Carnegie Centre: The Architectural History, by Sue Newman {725.8 N55c) ~ Carnegie Free Library {Canadian Inventory of Historic Buildings) {025 VB) Jill'" Carnegie Library: The Rehabilitation of the Carnegie Library Building, Vanco uve r History, Volume 19, February 1980 (025 V2) Condemned: Carnegie Opera 2006 [scrapbooks & sheet music] (792.0971 VS-7) Death in a Dumpster: A Passion Play for the Homeless, by Sheila Baxter (822 B35d) Fighting for Community: Stories from the Carnegie Centre and the Downtown Eastside, by Sandy Cameron (307.7609711 C18f1) A Grand Old Sandstone Lady: Vancouver's Carnegie Centre, by Ann Curry (025 V3) Hastings and Main: Stories from an Inner-City Neighbourhood, by Laurel Kimbley (971.133 H357k) Th is book contains interviews with Carnegie seniors from the 1980s In the Heart of a City: The Downtown Eastside Community Play (822 135m) and scrapbooks on Publicizing the Pl ay, Managing th e Play, Memories of the Play (792.0971 135) The Heart of the Community: The Best of the Carnegie Newsletter, edited by Paul Taylor (820.8 H43t) Keys to Kingdoms, by Bud Osborn (821 0814k) Oppenheimer Park: Poetry by Bud Osborn, Prints by Richard Tetrault (821 0814o) Th e Soul of Vancouver: Voices from the Downtown Eastside (821.8 VS) Still Lasing Hotel Rooms: CCAP's 2009 Hotel Survey and Report (333 V20) Surviving with Grace: Writing, Essays &Poetry from the Carnegie Centre Writers Workshop (820.8 S963c) Taking Another Look at Class, by Sandy Cameron (305.50971 C18t) These are the Faces: Carnegie Centre CD Project [CD ] (784.5 T41 c) Thursdays: Poems and Prose from the Downtown Eastside (821.8 V6) When the Spirits Dance, by Larry Loyie (J921 L9232a- in Aboriginal collection)

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Carnegie Centre - Thirty years of dignity, acceptance and friendship Thirty years ago, a group of local people saw a need in this community- a need for a place where community members could gather that was safe, accepting, understanding and free of the pressures of drugs and alcohol. Thanks to the vision and hard work of all the members of the association over the years, we now have this community centre that serves so many people in so many different ways. You have all contributed something to the Carnegie Centre, the Downtown Eastside and Vancouver as a whole, just be being a part of this wonderful place! So on behalf of your current Board of Directors and of all who have served before us, I welcome you to the Carnegie Community Centre Association's 30th Anniversary celebration, and invite you to ask yourself, "What does the Carnegie mean to me?"

Enjoy the party!

Gena Thompson, Vice President Carnegie Community Centre Association

In 1972 the venerable, but unused, Carnegie Library was put up for sale by the City of Van couver. Immediately, with the leadership of the Downtown Eastside Residents Association, a campaign was waged to change the course of history and convert the building to a community centre; a place where people could come together to work and play and express who they were in a community. At the time there were some who didn't believe the residents of this neighbourhood would use such a place but the first day the doors opened, on Jan. 20, 1980, thousands of people came to participate. To this day, there are two thousand a day who enter the doors and share some of their life's joys and woes with each other.

The Carnegie Centre feels like some kind of miracle at t imes. Perhaps that's because it's so unique and even if you travel widely you will never find anot her place th at feels as if it's made of the

same fabric. It's in the folds of that fabric where you find the respect for each other that is a hall mark of the place. Certainly we are not perfect.

There are sometimes arguments, even loud ones, but at the core of the place and the people is a commitment to endure and to support each other in the face of the very real life difficulties that many people in the neighbourhood face. It's that commonality that is the strength of the place.

Many here have lived with adversity; most have struggled with loss and with want. There seems to be a deep understanding that the struggle to survive in very tough circumstances doesn't make you less of a human being it makes you more; more kind, more tenacious, more philosophical. more angry. People laugh here too, and make music and art and write beautiful words because those things express what is too often hidden or unspoken in our day to day lives; they express the soul of the people here.

It's no surprise that the place has always fostered the call for social justice and advocated for the most basic human rights to a good home and nutritious food. The Carnegie Centre was born out of an insistence that everyone is worthy of a place to be accepted for who they are and supported to become the best they wish to be. It's in the culture and the history of the Carnegie to stand up for the right to have a place where you belong.

So together, the staff, the volunteers, and the Carnegie Association continue to try to uphold the intentions of those who struggled to make this place a reality. The City of Vancouver can be very proud of the fact that even in difficult financial times the commitment to support the Carnegie Centre has never wavered. This is the City's statement of belief in the valu e of the people of this neighbourhood and the response to their courage and resilience.

Ethel Whitty Director, Carnegie Community Centre

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ~ CIIJI..-t:y CIIJb-8 •Clllebraa.J Tlil'tY Years

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Carnegia Community Contra

by Savannah Walling The Carnegie Community Centre opened 30 years ago on January 20, 1980. It was born out of six years of bitter struggle to save the building by the Downtown Eastside Residents' Association and 30 groups and agencies who believed this neighbourhood needed recreational and social facilities. They were helped in the long fight by City Councillors like Harry Rankin, Darlene Mazari, and Mike Harcourt, DERA members Bruce Eriksen, Libby Davies and Jean Swanson and many, many other citizens.

The Carnegie Community Centre is housed in a renovated 107 year old building designated an historic site under provincial legislation. These renovations won architects Downs- Archenbault and the City of Vancouver the Award of Honour from the Canadian Heritage Foundation. The Centre is owned by the City of Vancouver. funded through its Community Services Group and operates in a partnership between t he Carnegie Community Centre Association (elected annually from the members) and the City of Vancouver. Fifteen Board Members advise the Carnegie Director on all aspects of the centre's activities; represent neighbourhood interests; create opportunities for expression of community voice; advise city staff on programming ideas; assist in fund-raising, publish a bi-weekly newsletter and advocate on issues such as housing and homelessness through the Carnegie Community Action Project (CCAP).

open every day of the year (and all night on Christmas Eve). The public reading room is said to be the busiest in Vancouver - it was awarded the 1986 BC Li brary Association Merit Award for its services.

The Carnegie Centre has a library reading room (a branch of the public library), theatre, gymnasium, cafeteria, kitchen, games rooms, classrooms, meeting rooms, a Learning Centre, art gallery, senior's lounge, weight room, patio, and is wheelchair accessible.

The Centre provides a variety of activities; operates off-site programs (Oppenheimer Park and Street Outreach); and sponsors or co-produces memorials, parades, sports teams, festivals, art, mural and media projects, concerts, plays- even a community opera.

Situated in the oldest neighbourhood of Vancouver, patrons come from many cultural backgrounds, including Chinese, French and Spanish speaking people and Aboriginal people.

The cost of membership is S1 and the centre's programs are free to members. The Carnegie Centre is the only community centre in Vancouver where nothing, (except the healthy affordable meals) is bought and sold- even payment of classes. It is also the only community centre in North America that is

The centre exists because the community is involved and active. "Volunteers are the driving force behind the delivery of every program and service provided

by Carnegie", says volunteer coordinator Colleen Gorrie, "Over 600 volunteers perform a variety of essentialjobs for the centre's day-to-day operation.

There are over 200 scheduled shifts every tvvo wee~ not counting drop-in or Community Service volunteers." Volunteer tickets are redeemable for food in the cafeteria; a monthly banquet and camping and day trips are provided. Said to be one of the best in Canada, Carnegie's Volunteer Program was awarded the 2003 Community Service Award - Group for the Lower Mainland. In its thirty years, the Carnegie has become a model for inner-city community centres throughout North America.

A centre like this is Something that holds the outside together; a circle of safety. a point of communication for anyone- everyoneyoung or old, smart or dumb, clean or dirty, sane or crazy.

Learning to listen To see each other To remember the names & faces of real people in a real neighbourhood ..

We are the people - day by day year by year- we are the people making it happen down here.

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From Tora 's Poem Carnegie

•••••••••. •••••••••••••••••••••••• l:anllllll:lnnaty l:altl'l· tallllri-Tli1Y Yan • •• • • ••• • • ••• • • ••• • • ••• • • •• •• • ••

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Share your thoughts and memory and it will be added to the giant Carnegie Memory Wall in the theatre during the 30th Anniversary Commemoration event on January 20! leave at Carnegie front desk.

•• •• •• • • . • • •• •• •• •• • •• •• • ••• • ••• • • Clrll!*l c.a.ny Clltn. ~ 1lli1Y v...

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Mt1 ra.voarice m.em.or{1 or C'Ae Ca.rn.egie is

Share your thoughts and memory and it will be added to the giant Carnegie Memory Wall in the theatre during the 30th Anniversary Commemoration event on January 20! Leave at Carnegie front desk.

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Clrlelll &oolllllllty Centre· Celalra~ Tlirty Yara • • •• • · • •• • • • · • •• •• • •• • · · •• ••• •••••

Camegie -The Uving Room of the Downtown Eastside "Carnegie is a rock. Carnegie is home. Carnegie is community spirit. Carnegie is wonderful people.

Carnegie will always give us hope." Libby Davies, Member of Parliament (Vancouver Eart) CARNEGIE

By Kelly Stewart

Carnegie is where somebody always cares Where your troubles are easy to share Nonchalant we seem to be But when it counts, there are we Disappear for a day or two Someone will send out a search party for you Watching over us, the silent few The folks of Carnegie, thank God for you Broken hearts, broken smiles life seems somehow not worthwhile Then out of the gloom, appears a beacon of hope The Carnegie, where a hot coffee and a warm greeting From the people inside help you forget for a moment The reality of your nights A place of safety if only for an hour A place where people talk in soft voices Not the usual shouts and screams and people so mean You hear outside Somedays Carnegie can feel just like a warm jug

The Carnegie is everything! It's my home.

Stan Hudac The Carnegie staff make me feel good.

The Carnegie is an extension of my family.

Alvin Stewart The Carnegie is an oasis - a refuge, where we can see all our friends.

Louis The Carnegie is the community castle - it provides refuge with dignity.

Brian Brinsmead

STOP AT CARNEGE AWHILE

Song lyrics by Amron, a well known performer at Carnegie Published in The Carnegie Crescent Vo. II, NO. 4 - Nov. 1982 Stop at Carnegie awhile Lose that frown, put on a smile Something here for everyone, Lingering long past the setting sun.

Stop at Carnegie awhile Drop into the Concert hall Music coming from the heart Welcomes all to share a part Oh stop at Carnegie awhile Folks you'll meet cou ld stretch a mile You'll be glad that you did say, "I stopped at Carnegie today."

Stop at Carnegie awhile.

Suit your mood, Then pick your style.

Something here for everyone, Lingering long past setting sun A place where everyone knows your name.

A second home. A place to feel connected to community.

Stewart (The Carnegie Centre) is where I first met and began to appreciate my neighbours and became involved with my new community.

Colleen Carroll (Carnegie Newsletter, April 1, 2006) I became homeless for two weeks and four days in 1999. I would come to the (Carnegie) library. It was safe and it was warm.

Anonymous

The Carnegie is like my family.

Ada Dennis

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Calendar of Events WEDNESDAYJANUARY13 • Volunteer Recognition Supper, Theatre, 4:30pm

THURSDAYJANUARY14 • Carnegie Action Project Workshop: Prepare Your Speech for City Hall, Theatre, 3pm-4:30pm • AIDS Support Group Informational Open House, Pottery Room, 3pm-7pm

FRIDAY JANUARY 15 • • • • •

Carnegie Jazz Band Open House, Theatre, 11 :30am-2pm Vancouver Public Library Book Giveaway, sidewalk outside Carnegie, 2:30pm-3:30pm Have Your Portrait Done, on second or third floor, 2:30pm-5pm Carnegie Theatre Workshop Open House, Theatre, 3pm-5pm R & B Dance Music: Michelle Richard and Friends. Theatre, 7pm-1 Opm

SATURDAYJANUARY16 • Carnegie Singers, throughout building, 10am- 10:15am • Carnegie Community Centre Chess Tourney Premier Th1rd Floor Art Gallery & Classroom II, 1pm-5pm • Documentaries for Th inkers: Films about the Carnegie and the DTES including Bruce the Musical, Carnegie Opening (1980) and others, Theatre, 6pm-10:30pm

SUNDAY JANUARY 17 • Walk Run Program- Orientation for the Sun Run, Gym, 12noon (time tbc- contact Sandy MacKeigan) • Annual Carnegie Anniversary Pool Tournament, Seniors' Lounge, 1pm-Spm • Movie Night, Theatre, 6pm

MONDAY JANUARY 18 • Carnegie Village Choir Open House, Theatre, 1pm-3pm • Cultural Sharing, featuring Indian Time Drum, Theatre, 6pm-8pm

TUESDAYJANUARY19 • City Proclamation Recognizing the Carnegie Community Centre Association m1d-morning. Vancouver City Hall Council Chambers • Pancake Breakfast, Dunlevy Street at Oppenheimer Park, 11 am-1 pm • Music Jam 2pm, & Cabaret 7pm, Theatre

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 20 • Carnegie Community Centre 30th Anniversary Commemoration, Theatre, 2:30pm-5pm+ • 30th Anniversary Supper- a special favourite meal from t he Carnegie Kitchen, Spm • 30 Years! Tales from the Carnegie-memory lane w/staff & members past and present Theatre, 7pm

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · •· · tanlelil Clmllality te1tre · talebratq 11lrty Years ••• • •• •• • • • • • • ••• • • • •• • • • • •• •• • • • •

30th Anniversary Highlights R & 8 Dance: w/ Michelle Richard and Friends Get the Carnegie Rockin'!

• Theatre • Friday January 15, 7pm- 10pm

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Documentaries for Thinkers: Documentaries featuring the history, residents, artists, and stories about the Carnegie and the Downtown Eastside.

• Carnegie Theatre • Saturday January 16, 6pm-10:30pm Bruce the Musical (130') Theatre in the Raw's Bruce the Musical

by Bob Sarti

Skidrow (30') Award winning CBC documentary

by Alan King about homelessness in the 1950's Carnegie Community Centre Chess Tourney

The Battle for King of the Castle: Your Move Mate!

• 3rd Floor Carnegie • Saturday January 16, 1-Spm

Annual Carnegie Anniversary Pool Tournament

Rack 'em up!

• Sen1ors' Lounge Pool Room •

DTES Community Play (1 1') H1ghlights of the Downtown Eastside Community Play (2003) Dear Vancouver (14') A moving personal journey

by Sharon Kravitz about her relationship with Vancouver Heart and Home (25') A documentary about the DTES and the Heart of the City Festival through the eyes of DTES native artists Steve Lytton and Kat Norris The Fight for Community Recognition (5') Digital aural history slide show about the fight for recognition of the Downtown Eastside with Sandy Cameron, Bob Sarti, Jean Swanson, Sheila Baxter

Sunday January 16, 1-Spm 30 Years! Tales from the Carnegie Carnegie Community Centre 30th Anniversary Commemoration

Join staff and Carnegie members past and present for the official Carnegie 30th Birthday Party.

Featuring Beverly Dobrinksy, Steve Maddock, Jason Logan and the Carnegie Village Choir, Dalannah Gail Bowen and Wyckham Porteus, Harmony of Nations, Stan Hudac, Carnegie poets, Mayor Gregor Robertson, a giant memory wall, a Carnegie photo booth, Carnegie Memory Lane video booth, and ... a Special 30th Birthday Cake from the beloved Carnegie Kitchen.

Staff and Carnegie members past and present in a gab-fest of memories and stories from the Carnegie. Including Mr. Robert Sarti and Mr Master of Ceremonies Michael Clague • Carnegie Theatre • Wednesday January 20, 7pm

• Carnegie Theatre •

3oth Anniversary Gallery Show A treasure trove of 30 years of Carnegie memo rabilia lovingly gleaned from the Carnegie's archives by Sharon Kravitz. See everything from old posters to awards to the Carnegie, from archival Carnegie newsletters to old photos and press clippings, and from books about the Carnegie to past anniversary program guides.

Wednesday January 20, 2:30-Spm

• Carnegie Third Floor Cases •

· · · · · · •· · ·- ·- · · · · · ·-- · · · · · ·- · · · · · · Cneala I:IJuuity Centre· tele•ralilllllil'ty Yean .... •... •. ••· ••· •· · · ·. · · · · •· · · · · · ·

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Downtown Eastside Centre for the Arts Creating Opportunities for the Artist in Everyone

To Honour Our Mother: Do Our Stories Lie with Fa rley Mowat: Matriarch and elder lise Schweder Bruderer Clements joins with her daughters and grandchildren to tell their stories and explore the consequences of story and historical manipulation and exp loitation, with particular focus on the stories of Farley Mowat as they pertain to them. This is about setting the record straight in art and history.

January 20 Opening Night: Bruderer Fashion Show. Musical Perfo rmances Indigenous inspired fashions by Sandra and Pat Bruderer, as well as up and coming designer, 19 year old !leather Williams. Musical performances by Tara Willard and Camillia.

January 2 I Birch Bark Biting: One of the Rarest and most threatened Indigenous art forms.

Pat Bruderer is one of the last remaining practitioners of this art form, bringing it to a level of articulation never before witnessed in history. Single layers of bark are painstakingly harvested, then folded and binen with the teeth to produce elaborate stories and panerns. Discussions about history, traditional uses, as well as participatory demonstrations.

January 22 Hereditary and Traditional Perspective: Conve rsations on issues of the day.

Come listen and participate in conversation with traditional peoples and spiritual leaders about the issues facing us all.

January 23 She Keeps The Door (Sa ndra Bruderer & Splitting The Sky (Jo hn Boncore): In Conversation.

This dynamic couple will be presenting their views and current work, including Splitting the Sky's upcoming historic court case pertaining to the war crimes of George W. Bush, as well as readings from their book.

January 27 Make it Real: Authenticating and protecting indigenous art forms.

Conversations with people involved in the indigenous arts movement discussing the recognition, authenticating, and support of First Nations arts and crafts. Panelists include Pat Bruderer, who as worked on this issue for years, & guest keynote presenters working on behalf of Norval Morrisseau, including: Gabe Vadas (Weekan) who was Norvals agent for 20 years; Bryant Ross of Coghlan Art who continues to represent Norval for over 20 years; and Mark Anthony Jacobson. .Janum-v 28 Food, Clothing, Shelter, Youth, Art: What does our fi.1ture look like? Conversations surrounding our collective future, with particular focus on necessities of life and the plight oftoday's youth, finding our way back to a meaningful existence. Jadeon Rathgeber will discuss his experiences and perspective from his own life, and will be joined by Thorn Evans with analysis of the big picture . .January 29 Five Ring Circus: The Olympics portraying a false image of indigenous reality Conversations exploring false images in promotion and culture, with particular focus on the Olympics and the realities facing indigenous peoples.

January 30 IND ART 'N ACT ION FINAL SALE AND AUCTION Includes art by Mark Anthony Jacobson, Pat Amos, Jadeon Rathgerber, Cyrile Derrick

January 19

All events take plctce at tlte Inter Urban Gallery at 1 East llastings at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, please contact the Downtown Eastside Centre For The Arts and Dalannha Gail Bowen at 604689-2787 or dalannah@decentreforthearts.com or Thorn Evans at 604-999-2182 or symmetryasmagic@yahoo.ca.

Carnegie Newsletter March 1, 1988

' I looked', said he to her; 'I looked at the clock and my mind fell slow, I looked at the sky and my mind felt huge, I looked at the ocean and my mind felt depth, I looked at the earth and my mind felt home

A poet, a poet, a poet If I weren't a truck driver I'd be a poet, I'd transport the words from up high on down below.

And I wouldn't punch a time card, just blink my eyes ... if I weren't a truck driver.

*

I looked for a friend and I found you, I looked for a god and I found people, I looked for a life and I found now,

If I wasn't a policeman I'd write the stories, I'd escort the phrases across the pag and collect the royalties .

1 wouldn't drive a car at night, I'd dream material... if I weren't a policeman.

I looked for love and I found us all..

Dean Obrol

If I weren't a housewife I'd be a millionaire, writing all the romance-novels selling 'em like hotcakes.

I wouldn't slave over the housework I'd pay to have it done ... if I weren't a housewife.

*

If I weren't writing I'd be looking for a job, I'd have money for everything and why'd I worry?

1 wouldn't miss a meal, I'd just pay the bill if I weren't writing Dean Obrol...

and music in common; David McC. who plays music with me whenever Ba-Ba-Ba Bhar-ba-ra an' Anita song. (sic) Robert's "Four-Aces' when it comes to music, and a good heart that comes from being born on Dec. 25 There is a Lee where there is no competition, with the Jones'.

'When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary speaks to me.'

This list is not complete, only always to be updated Dean 0. from the heart

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HomeGround

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For the homeless and undemoused residents of the Downtown Eastside OrganiZed by the Cameg~e Community Centre and the Downtown Eastside Ne~hbourflood House

Jt

Events in January •

H~ Q~

Downtown Eastside Neig hbourhood House • • (Jackson & Hastings) • Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, II a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you want the name of a loved o ne you lost this Banner Painting, Zines & Traffic Sign Painting year added to the Women's Memorial Quilt, to be • Saturday, January 16'\ 2 to 4 p.m., carried on the Women 's Memorial March on Harmonica Club February 141h, Oppenheimer Park (Dunlevy Street) • Fridays, I 0 a.m. to 12 noon Contact Dia ne Wood Banner & Traffic Sign Painting.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays a t the Also, Oppenheimer Learning Group Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House Tuesday, January 19th Pancake Breakfast Or email at dianeew@vcn.bc.ca Carnegie Community Centre (Main & Hastings) . .

• January 27'h, I to 4 p.m., 3'd floor, Classroom 2 If you want to make a n 18" x 24" block for the Aboriginal Storytelling Quilt, Diane can give you material and sewing • Fridays, 3 to 5 p.m. s upplies.

Street Theatre, lmprov, One Acts

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~ HomeGround F.bruo~2010

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• *february

Highlights

for !be homeless ood underhoused residents o l lhe Ogwntown Easl slde Organized by the Carneg1e Community Centre & the Downtown Eastside NcHghboumood house

3 day Street Event

Open House Days at the DiES Nei9hbourhood House

Nut to the Park

Lant ern Parade

feb 19th-21st Great food, Entertainm ent

8 Big Events

Aboriginal feast

ot OppQnheimer Park

at Oppenheimer Park Satu rday feb 6th

Street lheatre lmprov One Acts

Drummin9 Worksho ps

Blues Har monica Buskers

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St reet Soccer lournament "Goin9 for Gold"

Yo9a

free food foot Soaks

Storytelling

Not A Conspiracy Th eory - an overview

By Rolf Auer I have been reading a fascinating book, the most recent one by Donald Gutstein. a contributor to The Georgia Slraighl among many publications, titled No/ A Conspiracy Theory: How Business Propaganda Hijacks Democracy.

I am prompted to write about this now, because I just finished reading a Jan. 9 column in The Globe and Mail by Jeffrey Simpson titled "Prorogation wi ll not loosen the PM's grip." (You have, of course, heard of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's prorogation (delay) of Parliament late in December 2009 (for the second time in a year), kill ing all bills in process at the time.

The delay lasts until sometime in March, after the Olympics.) In his column, Simpson attempts to shrug off any perceived backlash to Harper's action. "So what?" he writes. Typical small-c conservative propaganda, !thought, for Simp~o n is, if nothing else, a conservative. Then, late in the column I came across this passage: "[attack ads on television are]the politics of constant warfare, as political scientist Tom Flanagan, a former Conservative campaign advisor and Harper confidant, wrote so perceptively in these pages earlier this week." Alarm bells went off, for Flanagan is a Senior Fellow at the right-wing think tank called the Fraser Institute, which has managed, over the course of some 30 years to insinuate itself deeply into news media perspectives all over Canada.

Notice how it wasn't mentioned that Flanagan was connected with the Fraser Institute? That's part of how the propaganda is subversively conveyed.

I'm using this prorogation issue as an example of how propaganda is dispersed. In the Jan. 9 Vancouver Sun I came across an article titled, "Proroguing wiped out ~II government legislation," by Andrew Mayeda.

In it, llarper is quoted describing proroguing as a "routine" procedure. Well, l expected nothing better from hi m. But then there was a quote from a Queen's University political scientist named Ned Franks: "Going back 50 years or so, there used to be a session every year, roughly.'' What was this? More propaganda?

Was Franks connected with the Fraser Institute? No. How about the C. D. Howe Institute (another rightwing think tank)? No. Maybe he was tied into the business world somehow? No. li e was just an emeritus professor of political science at Queen's and nothi ng. more. So I started digging on the Internet. I found thiS

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website: http://www.counterwcights.ca/2009/l 2/hohum-i t' s-december-t ime-to-prorogue-pari iament-incanada-again-whatever-that-means-etc-etc/ It has an article by Randall White, who quotes from a book

by J.R. Mallory titled The Slruc/ure ofGovermnent, wherein it states that prorogation is the normal end to parliamentary sessions (which would explain ~ar~er'.! claim). Where it isn't normal is when the sessiOn 1sn 路 as long as it is supposed to be, which is what the last two sessions. Harper has prorogued have been. I quot.

Mallory: "The prorogation ... of Parliament before a session has lasted a reasonable time is unusual, and rightly thought to show a lack of respect for parliamentary institutions."

Remember how Harper prorogued Parliament the fi rst ti me using the phony excuse that the Separatists were about to take over? Well, ll arper and Tom Flanagan co-wrote an article titled "Our benign dictatorship" in 1996, wherein they advocate a coalition between Reform and the Bloc Quebecois as one way for coi1servatives to seize power. (p. 159) Iron ic? To say the least. If not outright duplicitous. The book iJ filled with facts like these.

But 1 didn't intend to discuss ll arper's prorogation of Parliament in this article. It was intended as a discussion of Donald Gutstein's new book on how prop: ganda has changed the course of the news media and of government over the past 30 years.

According to Gutstein, by their very nature, newspapers are corporate in composition and have been so since before the turn of the 201h century and therefore have always been beholden to busi ness interests. The rich and big business have always used the news media to advance their political interests through (how else?) pro~a颅 ganda. "As the roll call of billionaires and multimillionaires demonstrates, the media barons have beer successful in the news business, even given the dramatic downturn of2008. They're also in the game for the power and influence that media ownership can buy. This fact has been evident since the nineteenth century when aspiring politicians like William Lyon Mackenzie and Amor de Cosmos raised their profiles and promoted their political programs by starting newspapers." (p.l99) Think Cilizen Kane.

Newspapers were successfully used in wartime propaganda campaigns during the First ~or l d v-:ar.

But such campaigns didn't really take flight until after the Second World War. After the welfare state was established as a resu lt of the war. business interests

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immediate!~

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began covert campaigns to undennine support for 1t.

• In Canada, these campaigns didn' t really take root Jillll .. ' .. until the 70s and 80s, with the establishment of right- T Say It Isn't So wing ·'think-tanks" like the Fraser Institute and the Have a Happy New Year. fac t or liction, ain't that the C. D. !lowe Institute, and the Business Council on Natruth. Now you' re too tired to move, too far strung out tiona! Issues. The Fraser Institute was an exampl e of to get in the act. Gotta go out, no doubt, to live, to "grassroots propaganda,'· circu lating tailor-made press hunt, to mind my P's and Q's. That's nothing terribly new. So, that stuff won't make the corporate news. releases to newspapers across Canada advocating for 20 I 0 isn't something extra special. Just another money th ings like the privatization o f Medicare or o f Crown assets, for example. The C.D. Howe Institute was an orgy, world-wide-watched shindig, and then away, on example of"tree tops propaganda" and appealed to the we go. I've got no current plans upon my nearly blank judgment of the "elites." The BCNI, made up of the agenda, you know. Right, maybe the same for you.

Are you gonna romp around, under the sun? Oh, yeah, most influential (read highest paid) C hief Executive Oflicers in Canada, exerted their influence directly on amidst the late winter melting snow. Though I've got some wishes, l can only hope that they'll come true, to the federal government. When it said "cut program spending," the government cut program spending. get me through the hard times. Just keep on comi ng, When it said "cut corporate taxes," the government cut steady.- I've still got my health. On second thought, corporate taxes. that ain't quite true. Christmas was a true, blue blast That was in the beginning. Like the infamous adverof fun for me. To just hit the bricks for come what tisement used to read, "You've come a long way, may, "Thy will be done," and so now I turn this quick, baby!" Now you can hardly open a newspaper withnew page in the book of Life and Death.

Oh, no, you're not my type, although thank you so out reading some form or another of propaganda.

Sources of this have proliferated many times over much for laughing. I'm way too busy running around since the early 70s. in circles or, at least, I sure seem to be. Oh, well, In an Oct. 6, 2009 interview with Craille Maguire that's the city life for ya. Oh. sorry, you're right.

You, too, know the drill. Uh-huh, just go for broke G ill ies, Gutstein said, '·Repetition is one of the key and pop yet maybe another prescribed coloured pill. I aspects of any successful propaganda campaign ...."

Think of the Fraser Institute's flawed assessment of could care less about past and current earth-shattering schools that newspapers publish year after year unti l events. Oh, no, that's not true. I'm just so sad, downpeople start to believe it. (For the refutation, see the cast and somewhat, maybe slightly, bitter. Maybe I'll CCPA website.) lind some grub. Maybe al so cover my lousy overdue " If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the rent, then creep on by at a rather slow pace, almost in a truth." This is mistakenly attributed to the Nazi Minismurky blur. I can't make time march fa ster, just going ter of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels. (Ironic, isn't it?) with the flow in a trance-li ke, exhausted stupor When I think about that statement, I think of the spent. cashed out, exhausted and des potted - carrying on, unforcefully, in sackcloth and ashes. Somebody's Tory TV attack ads. Now how is it that 1 think of a supposed Nazi propaganda statement at the same time . doin' someb'Ody wrong. I'm hurting inside, outside, constantly, like a humming. dive-bomb in a tempest, as !think of Tory propaganda? Gutstein's book got me thinking, that's for sure. At $22.95 and 376pp, it stirring, raining down havoc in a fury. Troubled and turmoiled, Mother Earth is slowly, steadily unravclwill get you going too! r----------------------.. ling, as predicted, as pre-ordained, in fact and liction, 'PaCifiC BluegraSS a perfect storm of conflicts and confusions. At lirst, rapid gains are made, and then sudden, severe, timed A variety of bands playing Bluegrass, Folk and like clockwork, mounting countless losses, and all for Country Music ! what? Nothing really gained. Yeh, that's right, a big Wed. February 3, 7- 9 pm fat zero of nothing, however, 1 must leave for now; Carnegie Theatre more later. ror my time, and yours, marches on . .__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. .

ROBYN LIVINGSTONE

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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Meade

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61141&S.2289

THIS NEWSl.ETT'ER IS A PUBUCATION Of THE CARNEGIE COMMUNITY CENTRE ASSOCIATION Articles represent the views of individual

ContnbutoB and not of the Association.

CFRO

lm.-7Fll co-Qp Ubm

.Ne~t issue is Monday February 1 t. • 5

SDBMISsiON DEAni.JNK Thursday January 28

WANTED Artwork for the Carnegie Newsletter

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Small illustrations to accompany artides and poetry Cover art -Maximum size: 17cm(6 o/.1 wide x 15cm (61 high Subject matter relevant to issues pertaining to the Downtown Eastside, but all work considered Black & While printing only Size restrictions will apply (i.e. if your piece is too large, it will be reduced and/Of cropped to fit All artists will receive credit for their wOO.; Originals will be returned to the artist after being cop!E!o· Tbr puOtll:a6"on; Remuneralion: Carnegie Volunteer ticl\ets.

ackn~~l~dge.th~~-~~rnegie C~~~~~ity C~ntre,

We and this Newsletter, are occurring on Coast Salish Territory

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Editor: PauiR Taylor; Layout assistanc--Lisa David Cofurtion & distribution crew: Bill, Liu Lin, Harold, Mary Ann, Miriam, Kelly; Videha, Rolf, Jackie, Ida, Lisa, Robyn, Nick.

2009 DONATIONS: Barry M.-:.$150, Libby 0.-$70, Rolf A.-$50, Margaret 0.-$40, Jenny K.-$25, Sue K.-$30, Michael C.-$50, Jaya B.-$100. Christopher R.-$180, Mel L.-$25, Greta P.-$25, Leslie S.-$25, Harvey B.-$25, Sheila B.-$100, The Edge -$200, Wilhelmina M.-$50, Glenn B.-$100, CEEDS -$60, Bob S.-$100.

Vancouver Moving Theatre -$100 Anonymous $1510

Please make submissions to Paul Taylor, Editor.

SHIATSU MASSAGE TIM STEVENSON CITY COUNCILLOR SERVING THE COMMUNITY WITH PRIDE ----

City Hall,

(Starting January 22"d)

Fridays, l-4pm, Carnegie Centre Gym

First come - first serve.

Please sign up with the Therapists §§Lifeline§§§

453 W 12'h Ave, VSY 1V4 Phone: 604-873-7247

Jenny Wai Ching Kwan MLA

GET CLEAN! Shower up at the Lord's Rain There is a shower facility at Gospel Mission, 327 Carrall Street ijust off Pigeon Park). There are towels, soap, shampoo -the works! & Coffee Monday 10am-3pm; Tuesday Ladies onl~ 1-4pm Everyone 7 - 8:30am Friday 10am-3pm; Saturday7 -lOam lei on parle Francais; Hablamos ~spanol

Working for You 1070-1641 Commercial Dr, VSL 3Y3 Phone: 604-773-0790

Solder & Sons Used books - Coffee .& Tea Curious audio recordings & e qu tpment · 247 Main Street - 31 5-71QR

THE 2010 HOMELESSNESS HUNGER STRIKE RELAY A hunger strike to coincide with the 2010 Olympics to raise awareness about homelessness in Vancouver and across Canada .

Each week a new volunteer begins their fast.

Every day of my strike - January 10 - 16th, I will be at the Carnegie Centre to hear your views about housing and homeless ness .

Write down YOUR VIEWS and ideas about housing and homelessness and I will take your messages back to Parliament!

SUPPORT MY BILL FOR A NATIONAL HOUSING STRATEGY Please sign the petition in support of my bill that is before Parliament. Bill C-304 brings civil society, Aboriginal communities and all levels of government together to make sure there is adequate , affordable housing for everyone .

For more information, please visit www . 201 Ohomelessness . ca 1 or visit my website at www.libbydavies .ca than ever, we need your support to ensure adequate, safe and affordable housing for all.

Bill C-304 is a framework for housing action. It ties the federal government to its international obligations for adequate housing. It also forces the federal government to sit down and consult directly with Civil Society Organizations, Abo路 riginal communities, and provincial, territorial and municipal governments to develop coordinated strategies and programs while respecting provincial and municipal jurisdiction.

Key amendments were also made to the bill to make it stronger and ensure accountability to our international obligations through the development of an independent review mechanism.

An update on Libby's bill for a National Housing Strategy Thanks to the tremendous efforts of housing and poverty activists from across Canada, and the work and cooperation Dear Friends, of the Liberals and the Bloc, a pan-Canadian housing stratDespite the shutting down of Parliament through prorogaegy is close to becoming a reality. tion, my bill for a National Housing Strategy, Please let me know of your support for Bill C-304, and mon C-304 is still alive and will be referred back to Committee importantly, let your Member of Parliament know. when the House comes back in March. I am hopeful that Contact me at daviel@parl.gc.ca or through my website at the Committee will agree to report C-304 back to the House www.libbydavies.ca. of Commons for a final debate and vote as soon as possible.

Sincerely, Libby Davies, MP I Vancouver East But there is still work to do to get this bill passed and more

NEO-GREED QUANDRY

A CALL FOR ARTISTS SUBMISSIONS Th e Downtown Easts ide Centre for The Arts is ca lling on dow ntown east side a rtist s to create a graphic for t he 1'1 NightHawk Aboriginal Ar ts & Music Fest ival.

The winning graphic w ill be the signatu re logo fo r the ' Festival ta king place March 21, 2010 in Crab Par k. ' Ple ase s ubmit your artwork t o : The Downt own Eastside Cent re For The Arts 1 East Hastings St . Vanco uver, BC 604-689-2787 De adline fo r s ubmissio ns is Ja nuary31, 2010 The w inner will receive a gift certificat e fro n Framing & Art Supplies

Money is God Wi ll it deliver you from evi l?

I

Sing in praise of work.

Work to what end?

Greed is a virtue.

Will it shield you from hate?

Know everything about little.

Is ignorance bliss?

Let mean spirits govern.

Will they foster happi ness and peace?

Demean the poor.

Will you devalue yourself?

Create hell on earth.

Which planet will you flee to?

Carnegie Community Action Proj ect 401 Main St , Vancouver V6A 2T7 604-839-0379; 604-729-2380

January 13, 20 I0 ll ello City Counci l members, It would be great if you could read this before dealing 1 w ith the Historic Area Height Review on Jan. 19 h.

CCA P really appreciates some of the things this council has done to get affordable housing and shelters: The motion at the UBCM to get a national hous ing strategy; • Removing the 10% daily/weekly option from the SRA bylaw; • Better enforcement of maintenance standards; • Kerry's interviews on the rad io this week about the need for even more shelters; • Gregor havi ng the goal of ending homelessness by 2015; And we understand that the provi nce and feds have to build more ho using and that the city doesn't have the tax base to take on this entire responsibility. l lowever, we are afraid that there is a big hole in what you arc trying to do to end home lessness. That hole is the impact of Wood wards and gentrification on the low- income community in the DTES.

It's survival of the fittest.

Will your species s urvive?

Don Macdonald

We are hoping you will consider these facts before making a decision to increase density in the H istoric Area (western part of the Downtown Eastside): The SROs are the last housing before homelessness.

Dis placement Fact # 1: Rents are increasing.

Hotel rents are escalating beyond what people on wei· fare, disabi lity and seniors can afford. According to CCA P's hotel s urvey, the number of hote l rooms rent· ing for over $425, $50 above what people on welfare and disability have for rent, increased by 44% between 2008 and 2009. In other words, about half of the privately owned SROs are renti ng for more than low income people can afford. Probably as a result of these rent increases, CCAP also fou nd that the number of hotels where two people are staying in one tiny room quadrupled between 2008 and 2009.

Disp lacement Fact # 2: Hotels near Woodwards

have the highest rents.

Accord ing to data from CCAP's 2009 hotel survey, I( hotels with about 450 rooms, East o f Main, are renting rooms at over $425 a month. But 15 hotels with about 11 30 rooms, West of Main, are renting rooms at over $425. Th is statistic shows that, in general, the hotels closer to Woodwards have the highe ~t rents.

Displa cement Fact #3: More empty rooms .

According to a survey by the Jodyne Keller of the VPO in December 2009, some hotels have large numbers of vacant rooms, which are not for rent. In CCAP's experience this usually means they are getting ready to sell or to upgrade and rent at increased rents (maybe to students of the new SFU Arts School).

These hotels include the Colonial Hotel (90 vacant units). and Argyle Hotel (40 vacant units). The Golden Crown Hotel (28 units) is empty and renovating as is the Burns Block (28 units). Other hotels may be doing this also. With increased rents these hotels will not be available to current low-income OTES residents.

These hotels are all located near Woodwards.

Displacem ent Fact #4: Th e City counting m ethod doesn 't g ive a clear picture.

City staff continually inform council that its I for I replacement policy (for every I SRO that is lost, a new social housing unit should be built) is being met.

However, the city does not take into account rent increases that make the SROs unaffordable to very lowincome people. Nor is it examining the impact on low-income OTES residents of owners holding rooms vacant. And the city includes provincially owned hotels as new social housing when they are newly social but not new accommodation.

For these reasons CCAP believes it is crucial that the city take a step back from its "revitalization" policies to gage whether or not the "without displacement" part is actually happening too. If low income people are being displaced, as CCAP believes they are, then · homelessness will keep increasing.

This is why CCAP wants a social-economic study of the impact ofWoodwards and condos in the OTES BEFORE more density is a llowed. The study should look at what has been the impact of Woodwards and condos on the assets and tenure of the low income community and on homelessness.

Anothel' considel'ation about th e H eight Review : Planning staff have told CCAP that they want extra height so they can get amenities from developers. The ·'amenity" that low income OTES residents want the most, according to our research, is housing. But we have seen pro formas from the Buildi ng Communities.

Society that show very few social housing units will be built by condo developers as amenities. For every 7-10 condos we. might get one soc ial housing unit in

good economic times. This means that to get the 6000 units of social housing that the OTES needs, we'd have to have 42,000 condos, which would totally wipe out all the assets of the low income community that we uncovered in our mapping with over 200 residents.

Our other fears are that the communi ty would be split arguing over whether heritage, housing, childcare, etc were the most appropriate amenities, or if the amenities were designed for the benefit of the new richer residents and not for more vulnerable low income res idents.

Wh a t CAP wants: the city should not consider "outright" or even "conditional'' height increases, or any additional supportive regulatory framework to facilitate increased development within the OTES Heritage Areas under review. These proposed policies will lead to demolition of heritage buildings and further displacement of low-income residents. Instead , we recommend the following: • A social-economic study of the impact of Woodward's on the tenure • and assets of the Aboriginal and low-income communities.

• A vision for the whole neighbourhood.

A short term local area planning process in which Aboriginal and low-income residents have a say proportionate to their numbers and with a goal of desig ning a plan to ensure Vancouver's low-income and heritage districts are secured.

Something else to consider : CCAP could consider the staff's proposal for a " moderate" height increase in the historic district " if' we could get a National Housing Program and 50% raise in welfare rates "first." Council could consider '·holding back'' approval for 6-12 months conditional upon a serious effort made by reps from Chinatown, business and developers to lobby for housing and better incomes to allow the low-income community to compete with the developers for tenure. This national subsidy could help the OTES community build housing for Chinese families, Aboriginal famil ies, working families, seniors, low-income singles as well as supportive housing and indirectly preserve the historic district as well. New zoning is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Council could use the energy that is pushing for zoning change to help the Mayor achieve his goal of building affordable housing and ending homelessness in Vancouver.

Historic Area Height Review Tuesday, January 19'1' at 2 p.m. Hear staff present report to council Friday, Januan !2"" at 9 a.m. - Speak to council al City H< II

Be heard.

Be strong.

Speak out.

City council might approve more

condo towers in the Downtown Eastside.

C'CAP position: The City ~hould not consider ··outright"" or even ··conditionnl .. height increa-;es. nor any additional suppmti'e n:gulotory framcworl.. to facilitate incrca.•cd development "ithin the D fES Heritage i\ rcas under rcvic\\. These proposed policies will kad to demolition ofhcrnage huildmgs and further displacement of IO\\·income residents. Instead. we recommend the following: i\ social-economic >tudy I of the impact of Wood\\ard's on the tenure and a'se" oft he Aboriginal and lo"income eommunitics.

2. i\ vision for the "hole neighbourhood 3 A shon tenn loc.1l area plannmg process m which Abongmal and low-mcomc re>odcnts have a \3} proponoonatc to thcor numlxrs and with a goal ut desognmg a plan to ensure Vancouvers IO\Hncomc a nd hcntagc dostnct~ arc

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