April2016

April 2016

COMMUNITY NEWS

RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com

Students lead 6th annual Earth Day Parade Sunday, April 24, 2016

by Youth for Climate Justice Now For exactly five years now, Vancouverites have been marching down Commercial Drive to the tune of The Carnival Band in celebration of our planet and Earth Day (which falls this year on April 22). Spirits are always high as youth and community members parade down the streets engulfed in a sea of banners and picket signs.

The marchers are accompanied by a giant windmill made from pop cans strewn together with chicken wire and a trio of fossil-fuelloathing dinosaurs who are just as eager as the rest of the participants to express their environmental concerns.

Business operators and cafe goers drift away from their duties and conversations to gaze at the over 200 strong group of marchers headed towards Grandview park where speakers and entertainers await.

Windermere student organizers, community youth and cycling dinosaurs all gather to march for environmental justice in celebration of our Earth.

Photos courtesy of Y4CJN photographers

For four months now, a new group of Grade 11 students from Windermere high school have been hard at work organizing the 6th annual Earth Day Parade and Celebration. The event is organized entirely by these students, together known as Youth 4 Climate Justice Now, with guidance from their teacher Vagner Castilho.

One student organizer, Gabriele Liessi, has been busy filling out event permits.

“I’ve been attending for the past three years and it’s always something I look forward to. I think the event is a great way for youth like me to get involved with climate-related issues and Continued on page 2

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April 2016

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Earth Day Parade: Continued from page 1 to show adults just how important having a sustainable future is to our generation,” Gabriele says.

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The high school organizers aim to attract students from all over Vancouver out to the march and parade to educate and stand with each other in the battle for a greener future. Of course, people of all ages — young and old — who are concerned for the planet are encouraged to show up. In

the past more than 1,000 people have attended the celebration and amazing environmentalists such as David Suzuki have even been guest speakers.

This year, the parade and celebration will be happening on Sunday, April 24.

Bring your family, friends, signs, banners and spirit! Costumes are encouraged as well so don’t be afraid to dress up. For more information, please visit www. earthdayparade.ca

Windermere Leadership program wins Earth Day Canada award November 2015, the Leadership program at Windermere Secondary School won the Group Hometown Heroes Award from Earth Day Canada for their environmental work. The prestigious award comes with a $10,000 cash prize to support their work.

Over the last 10 years, the Windermere Secondary Leadership Program (WSLP) has spearheaded a number of large-scale and far-reaching environmental initiatives and events.

WSLP’s most notable environmental accomplishment is the education and empowerment of students across Vancouver through three major community events: the annual Climate Change Conference (C3), that brings over 300 students from across Vancouver together for a day of presentations, workshops and hands-on action; the annual Earth Day Parade and Celebration, a community event that has attracted up to 1,000 people and shut down Commercial Drive; and a film screening of two environmental films, Directly Affected and Spoil, with a special panel to address students and educate.

In addition, WSLP’s accomplishments include a garden with 25 large garden beds, 30 fruit trees, 20 perennial berry bushes, greenhouse, aquaponics system and a composter that can hold up to two tons of food waste; a grassroots program where leadership students present sustainability lessons and mentor Grade 6 and 7 students; car free day; a bike program with a fleet of 30 bikes for physical education classes to use; and a successful campaign and fundraising initiative that reduced the number of plastic water bottles going to landfill by over 50,000 to date, through the purchase of three special water fountains.

The Leadership program also had 50 students attend the Global Climate Race in Stanley Park last year and raised $1,000 for solar panels for the Stanley Park nature house.

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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April 2016

Buzzing into action: Youth invite pollinators to the ravine FIRST CLASS FREE!

by Chitha Manoranjan It takes just a short stroll along the trails of the Renfrew Ravine to realize that spring is here! Fresh leaves are unfurling like tiny flags hanging on once-bare branches and colourful blossoms burst into life celebrating the spring air. Now is the perfect time to dust off those gardening gloves and dig out your tools from the shed—the youth in Renfrew-Collingwood sure are!

The Grade 9 Leadership students at Windermere high school spent the last two months carefully tending to tiny little wildflower seedlings that will soon make the Renfrew Ravine their home. Still Moon Arts has been working with the class on stewardship and arts initiatives this year with their expanding Youth Engagement Project. Now, with the support of master beekeeper Brian Campbell, Still Moon Arts and the students are making the Pollinator Project their next big thing!

The keen teenagers spent a session with Campbell learning all about native bees and their importance to our ecosystem. The class got to look up close at old bee houses as they talked about suitable habitats for bees and got to look even closer at deceased bees as they continued finding out about the different types that exist in the Lower Mainland.

There’s a lot of buzz about pollinator gardens and bees—all with good reason. These This April, Windermere youth will join beekeeper creatures are Brian Campbell to plant their precious seedlings in intricately woven the Renfrew Ravine. Photo by Daisy Martin-Moore into the fabric of our survival but have seen an alarming decline in their population worldwide.

Habitat loss and pesticide use are among the leading causes of their loss. But wildflower and pollinator gardens are spaces for bees to thrive. By creating more of these spaces, the positive impacts of a healthy bee population is transferred across the surrounding ecological system.

Come April, the youth will once again join Brian Campbell with their precious seedlings and plant them in the ravine. This is being done with the hopes of building a larger network of pollinator havens that will work alongside other stewardship initiatives to contribute to a healthier ravine ecosystem.

If you’re stinging with curiosity and want to find out more about pollinator gardens and bees, Brian Campbell will be speaking at the Still Moon Arts Society’s annual general meeting on Thursday, May 5, 2016.

More information is available at stillmoon. org Chitha Manoranjan is a resident of RenfrewCollingwood and the youth engagement coordinator at Still Moon Arts Society.

Bees are important for human survival and wildflower and pollinator gardens are spaces for them to thrive. Photo by Carmen Rosen

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April 2016

Is the Community Connections employment program right for you?

COMMUNITY NEWS The mission of this non-profit publication is to provide the residents, businesses and organizations of Renfrew/Collingwood with a medium for community communication.

Are you wanting to get back into the workforce after an absence but don’t know where to start? Are you facing challenges in your life that are preventing you from moving forward? Are you dealing with issues related to health, family, disability, housing, low confidence or personal losses?

Paul Reid: staff writer and layout coordinator Lisa Symons: sales and distribution coordinator Julie Cheng: editorial coordinator Contributors: Ashty Omar, B. Baker, Bev

Ferguson, Cari Chan, Carmen Rosen, Chitha Manoranjan, Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Daisy Martin-Moore, David Cooper, F. De Canya, Joyce Area Residents Association, Norman Hill, Northeast Vancouver WorkBC, Paul Reid, Robert F. Edwards, Suzanne Liddle, Youth for Climate Justice Now

Maybe you need educational upgrading or training to move ahead, or want to change your career path. Sometimes we need someone who will listen and help us make a step-by-step plan to achieve our employment goals.

We want to hear from you!

Yes, You! Send comments, community events, press releases by regular post, fax or e-mail.

Suggestions for improving the paper are welcome.

We welcome appropriate, unsolicited editorial submissions if accompanied by the author’s real name, address and telephone number.

The author should retain the original as we cannot return submissions without prior agreement nor does submission guarantee publication. We reserve the right to make editorial changes.

Next submission deadline: April 10 The Renfrew/Collingwood Community News is an initiative of the Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH).

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Yo u C a n F i n d t h e RC Community News @ Libraries, Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Renfrew Park Community Centre, The Italian Cultural Centre, Collingwood Policing Office, other organizations, religious institutions, schools, laundromats, Starbucks, Rona, Superstore, Canadian Tire, Walmart, London Drugs and Safeway coffee shops, restaurants, markets, corner stores, other businesses, and coffee tables all over Renfrew-Collingwood.

Contact the RCCNews Phone: 604-435-0323 extension 261 Fax: 604-451-1191 Editorial: rccnews-editorial@cnh.bc.ca Advertising: Phone Lisa Symons at 604.435.0323 email: rccnews-sales@cnh.bc.ca Renfrew/Collingwood Community News Collingwood Neighbourhood House 5288 Joyce Street Vancouver, BC V5R 6C9

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

EYE CARE CENTRE

Kiwassa Neighbourhood House has been offering preemployment and job search programs for 35 years. Its highly experienced staff and welcoming and inclusive community space provides people of all ages and walks of life access to a broad range of programs including licensed child care, support for newcomers, family and parenting programs, food security, volunteer opportunities and social, educational and recreational programs for all ages. Everyone who takes part in programs at Kiwassa shares in a culture of inclusion, community, belonging and positive contribution.

Kiwassa’s employment program, Community Connections, is run in partnership with MOSAIC and other service providers to deliver WorkBC Employment Services in the Vancouver Northeast. Anyone who is unemployed or underemployed (less than 20 hours per week) and lives within the Northeast Vancouver area can join the program.

One young woman, Sylvia, is making positive changes after joining Community Connections. She is intelligent, motivated and a good communicator, who has had some learning challenges and mental health issues. Her work history included a lot of temporary and entry-level customer service work. A

Community Connections services include an in-depth assessment and pre-employment, job search and job maintenance supports through workshops and one-to-one counselling. Photo courtesy of the Northeast Vancouver WorkBC centre professional assessment purchased through the program clearly identified her strengths and the necessary accommodations if she was to return to school.

Through career planning, Sylvia found the courage to pursue her dream job. She conducted labour market research, talked to people in her field of choice, researched schools and explored funding, all with the continuous step-by-step support of her case manager. Her desire to complete two years of training and then work in the field was only enhanced by this reality check.

Learning accommodations were arranged with her school of choice upon acceptance.

Sylvia has completed her first semester successfully and meets with her case manager to review her progress. Although it is hard work, she loves what she is learning and has the support of her classmates and instructors.

Community Connections services include an in-depth assessment and pre-employment, job search and job maintenance supports through workshops and one-to-one counselling. The staff provide career planning, employer connections, and access to funded training, certificates and educational upgrading.

Their supports include advocacy and connection to agency and community resources. Their work with community members is individualized, longer term if needed, and client-centred.

If you would like to meet with the Northeast Vancouver WorkBC centre to talk about your options, call 604-254-5401 and ask to speak to a case manager with the Community Connections Program. Or email the program coordinator at sandrad@kiwassa.ca

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Eating Out in RC

April 2016Family Lines Collingwood Ad-10/03/16

by Paul Reid

Kamome Japanese Bistro

5228 Joyce street (604) 428-5228 Open Tuesday - Sunday 11:00AM 8:00PM Unlike most Japanese restaurants in Vancouver these days (which at last count was over 600), Kamome is not your run-of-the-mill, Chineserun, sushi restaurant. No. Owner/ chef Mika Walker is of true Japanese origin, from Osaka, and – surprise The Salmon Ja-panini is destined to – you won’t even find sushi at Kamome. What? No sushi? What else become a west-coast classic. is there you may be asking. If this is you, then I especially urge you to visit beef, prawn, salmon or unagi (fresh-water Kamome and find out. eel) with various vegetables and sauces. These carefully crafted combinations are wrapped As a Canadian who had the unique with rice and seaweed and then grilled with a pleasure of living in Japan for 18 panini press. months, I can tell you that Kamome is the real deal. This is where the I can tell you first hand that the Smoked Japanese will be going to get their fix Salmon Ja-panini is killer! The salmon along of food like mama used to make. And with asparagus, red pepper, lettuce and for the rest of us – we, too, can thank cream cheese was the perfect combination. our lucky stars that we live in such a Although the inspiration is clearly Japanese, multi-ethnic metropolis as RenfrewI am sure that you will agree that the Salmon Collingwood, where we can find the Ja-panini screams “west-coast classic.” Way real deals from all over the world on to go Mika – your Ja-panini invention is our doorstep. an important culinary discovery and I look forward to trying them all.

The Kamome menu offers a wide selection of seafood, meat and Another specialty of Kamome, and even vegetable onigiri that ranges from better than sushi, are the Rice Canapés $2.50-$3.50 each. Onigiri is a (pictured below). Wikipedia tells us that a Japanese fast food that is a rice ball canapé is a type of hors d’œuvre – a small, wrapped in seaweed with various prepared and usually decorative food, held in ingredients in the middle. the fingers and often eaten in one bite. You can sample the five varieties of rice canapé for There is also a wide variety of $12, or you can order an entire party tray of donburi, which is a Japanese rice 25 rice canapés for $50. bowl dish with various toppings and sauces. Chicken Teri Don ( Also at Kamome are side chicken with teriyaki sauce), Unagi dishes like Hiya Yakko (cold Don (fresh water eel with teriyaki tofu); Edamame (boiled sauce), Ikura Don (salted salmon green soybeans); Ikura roe), Ebi Ten Don (Prawn tempura Oroshi (salmon roe and with tempura sauce) are a few of radish) and potato soup. the choices ranging from $4-$6 for a small and $7-$12 for the larger For dessert, try the red bean bowls. muffin and green tea ice cream. I have been hearing Next, it is my pleasure to tell you good things about the ice of Mika’s very own creation – the cream shakes that come in Ja-panini. This is Kamome’s original vanilla, green tea, and azuki grilled rice sandwich that comes in (red bean) $5. many delicious varieties like chicken, Kamome Japanese Bistro is Mika’s first restaurant.

Kamome means “seagull” in Japanese and Mika named it that as “it is like summer, warm and cozy.”

Well, I never had connected seagulls with warm and cozy before, but having been to Mika’s restaurant, Kamome, I believe it is the perfect name. Go taste the 5 kinds of rice canapé fresh, homemade goodness (Tuna Mayo Asparagus, Ebi Chili for yourself and say hello to Avocado, Smoked Salmon Ikura, Mika for me. Bon appetit.

Ham & Egg, Unagi Cucumber)

Lesbian Family Heraldry: An Achievement of Arms

Shelley Stefan April 12 – June 30, 2016

Opening: Tuesday, April 12, 7:00 – 10:00PM Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00AM – 5:00PM Il Centro Italian Cultural Centre 3075 Slocan Street, Vancouver, BC www.italianculturalcentre.ca Tel: (604) 430-3337

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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

April 2016

Call for visual artists who live with a disability How to apply To be considered, you will need to submit the following: 1. All your personal information including you name, mailing address, phone number, email address.

2. A written statement about yourself, your work, exhibition/artistic history, and anything else you would like us to know about you and your work.

3. Up to 8 images of your work. We will be looking at these images to gain a visual understanding of your work. We will not specifically be selecting works from these images.

4. An image description list, which should include title, size and medium for each image you are sending us.

Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture is seeking B.C. visual artists who live with a disability, for the possible inclusion in three upcoming exhibitions.

Kickstart’s programming year is being called Every Day in Every Way. The theme is open to multiple interpretations and can be viewed as having layers of political and social meaning, particularly for people with disabilities. Their hope is to bring awareness to the contributions made by artists with disabilities, to our cultural community, every day and in every way.

Deadline for submissions is June 1, 2016

These three curated group exhibitions will be at: The Gallery at The Cultch, August 2016 Unitarian Church of Vancouver, September 2016 Vancouver Island (location TBA), February 2017

Email your completed application to kickstartdirector@gmail.com *Please put “Every Day in Every Way” in the subject line.

All mediums will be considered and it’s free to apply!

Have any questions? Email at kickstartdirector@gmail.com

Artists will be notified of our decision by July 1, 2016.

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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Get Involved Important planning for the future of public schools

The Vancouver School Board (VSB) has created a city-wide facility plan that could result in the closure of some schools. The VSB is holding workshops and open houses throughout the city about this issue.

The VSB is “looking for public input that will help shape and inform the plan, particularly on issues related to possible school closures, heritage retention, and use of surplus buildings and properties.”

The consultation in the RenfrewCollingwood neighbourhood will be: Saturday, April 2 Renfrew Park Community Centre 2929 East 22nd Ave Workshop: 12–1:30 pm Drop-in Open House: 1:30–3 pm You can also fill out the survey: http://surveys1.fluidsurveys.com/s/ VSB/futureofschools/ For more information, go to www. vsb.bc.ca/VSBengagement

Joyce Skytrain Mural Project

Youth in the neighbourhood are working together to create a mural representing our community that will be placed at Joyce-Collingwood Skytrain till December 2017. They are looking for volunteers between the ages of 13 and 25 to help with the project. Workshops will take place at Collingwood Neighbourhood House, 5288 Joyce Street, every Saturday in April from 12 to 4 pm.

For more information contact Crecien Bencio at cbencio@cnh. bc.ca or at 604-435-0323 ext. 225

The Gallery at the Cultch presents

Works from Jacqueline Karista and Laurel Swenson Opening Reception: April 13, 6-8 pm This event is free and open to the public!

Exhibition dates: April 12–May 7, 2016 Location: The Cultch, 1895 Venables Street, Vancouver Gallery Hours: 12-6pm, Monday – Saturday, or by appointment The Gallery at The Cultch is wheelchair accessible.

April 2016

From the artists: Jacqueline Karista: While working as a speech pathologist in Vancouver, Jacqueline began taking art courses in Greece and locally at Emily Carr University. Her focus in art school, for years, was painting, which eventually lead her to photography. Her images and inquiries reflect interests in nature, abstraction and psychological states.

Laurel Swenson: Traditionally trained, Laurel Swenson has recently returned to painting after being a video artist and graphic designer for the last 15 years. “I am currently working on process-driven, abstract work, pursuing abstraction in effort to create work that is evocative, emotional and open to the viewer’s interpretation beyond my own. This process-driven work develops over time with layers of texture, colour, blood, sweat and tears. And a sense of humour.”

Share the Hastings Park love Market lovers, have you checked out your newest place to shop local during the winter at Hastings Park? The Hastings Park Winter Market features an amazing line up of organic farms, meat and seafood, artisanal prepared food, and hot food trucks each Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm until May 1. There’s FREE parking at Gate 2.

Get the freshest produce in season from Hastings Park regulars Crisp Organics, Cropthorne Farm, Shalefield Organic Gardens, and The Promise Land Farm. Stock up on grass-fed meat from Greendale Meats, Ocean Wise seafood from Blue Comet, and heritage pork (and more!) from Urban Digs Farm.

Hastings Park also boasts a roster of vendors exclusive to this market that you won’t find at Nat Bailey: Dogwood Brewing, Gillespie’s Fine Spirits, Lita’s Mexican Foods, Livia Sweets, Mixers & Elixers, Muy Rico, Solodko Ukranian Bakery, and The Raw Guy.

Give your feedback on development around the Joyce-Station SkyTrain Station Here is an opportunity for you to fully understand the city’s plans and to give your feedback.

The city hopes to take the plan to city council in June so this is one of you last opportunities to comment on it before it goes to council.

PLAN TALK JOYCE-COLLINGWOOD 車站 區規 劃研討會 April 6, 2016, 7 - 9 pm • 2016 年4月6日, 下午7時至9時 Collingwood Neighbourhood House • 高羚活鄰舍中心 This is a learning session that will include an overview of the plan and an opportunity to discuss the following topics in depth: •Transportation and pedestrian connections • Housing affordability • Amenities • Building types and heights Due to limited room capacity, registration is required. To register, please visit http://www. eventbrite.com/e/plan-talktickets-24035971237 or sign up at Collingwood Neighbourhood House’s reception. 作為一個講習會我們將會提供該計劃 的簡明概要，並為深入討論以下關鍵 論題提供的一個機會：

交通與行人通道

住房可負擔性

配套設施

建築物類型與高度 由於房間容量限制，須經註冊。 如需註冊，請瀏覽：vancouver.ca/ joycestation 或前往高靈活鄰里之 家 (Collingwood Neighbourhood House) 前台註冊

TRANSITION AREA OPEN HOUSE 過渡區域資訊會議 April 13, 2016, 4:30 - 7 pm • 2016年4月13日, 下午4:30時至7時 Collingwood Neighbourhood House • 高羚活鄰舍中心 This event focuses on the proposed zoning changes to permit duplex, townhouse and 4-storey apartment buildings. All residents in the transition areas will receive a letter with further information on the proposed changes. 該會議將將聚焦於提議的分區變更以允 許建築城市屋及四層公寓，並將解釋市 政府為何考慮為鼓勵建築於地面的家用 住宅而對這些區域進行重新分區的理 由，以及其對於作為居民和/或業主的 您將有何種影響。過渡區域的所有居民 均將收到載有會議詳情的信件。

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Letters to the editor City action needed for local parking and speeding problems We live at Church Street and we would rather it be a Residents Only parking street. All kinds of out-of-town car owners park their cars here all day and take the Skytrain to their destinations.

Shoppers who do not want to pay parking at Kingsway also park at Church Street taking parking spaces for residents.

Motorists coming up from Joyce and turning left to Church Street, and motorists from Tyne Street turning to Church Street are going at faster speeds on this residential neighbourhood, that speed bumps should be installed.

Vancouver City council will not do anything here because this is not Vancouver West, and it is still years away from city elections.

Last time the street cleaners came, they cleaned the north side of the street but not the south side of the street. We phoned city hall 3-1-1 but got no action. Later the truck sweeper came and made a pass, but then cars have already parked, so the street was not swept all its length. Bad service for too much city taxes that property owners pay. ─F. De Canya

What happened to two neighbourhood institutions?

Hello! Thanks for all the good work!

Just a suggestion for an article. The subjects: the closure during 2015 of two real “neighbourhood institutions.” I am referring to: 1.Bino’s restaurant near Joyce and Kingsway. It was the last of the chain (I was told there were once about a dozen in all). It was very popular with neighbourhood seniors for many years and many of its “regulars” were most upset when it closed. Regular waitresses Ina and Holly were there for many years. What happened?

2. The former thrift shop operated by the Burnaby Hospital Auxiliary for so many years on Kingsway between Rupert and Joyce. Did it relocate?

Thanks, ─B. Baker Editor’s note: According to Angela Evans from the Collingwood Business Improvement Association, the owners of Bino’s have retired and the thrift shop has moved closer to Burnaby Hospital. Stay tuned for more information!

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April 2016

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Renfrew-Collingwood Heritage Committee begins to officially document the Gaston/Senft/McHugh historical collection

by Paul Reid The new Renfrew-Collingwood Heritage Committee has begun the exciting yet daunting task of going through the boxes and boxes and boxes of historical memorobilia that were collected by local historians Sadie Gaston, (and her nieces) Bobbi Senft and Jackie McHugh.

Each artifact and photo will be carefully examined, documented and organized. Working with advice from the Vancouver Archives and the Museum of Vancouver, many of these items will no doubt find their way into these collecti0ns.

The RC Heritage Committee will also be working with the RCC News so that we may share with our readers these wonderful treasures from our community’s history. Here, we offer you an initial glimpse into some of these.

In addition to documenting the Gaston/Senft/McHugh collection, the RC Heritage Committee is ready to continue the work of collecting more items and photos from our past. If you have something to be documented or that you would like to donate, please contact the committee through CNH at 604-435-0323.

Above: Let’s begin with the woman who started our community historical collection. As the photo is labelled, that is Sadie Gaston on the right along with Jean Crowley (of Avalon Dairy fame).

Left: you can see where these two historical figures have been immortalized at the intersection of Gaston Street and Crowley Drive.

Above again: I am not positive as to who is the woman with Sadie and Jean above, but I believe it may be Barbara Nielson, author of Collingwood Pioneers.

This is a photo taken on Joyce Street looking south. You can see Carleton Elementary in the distance. It appears that the street is being freshly paved.

Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society is seeking loving and dedicated foster parents who are willing to share their homes and provide foster care for Aboriginal babies, children, and youth in the Greater Vancouver area. We invite Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal applicants.

Information Sessions are held on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 6:45pm in our office at 3284 East Broadway, Vancouver. For more information, please email foster@vacfss.com or call 604-216-7447.

Here is Oben’s General Store on the north side of Kingsway, near Lincoln Street. The Oben family, too, has had a street named after them. The Telus building in the back gives a clue as to the location.

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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April 2016

Coastal City Ballet celebrates its 5th anniversary season with the Canadian premiere of Swan Lake

by Bev Ferguson Coastal City Ballet presents the highlight of the 2015-2016 season: the illustrious and beloved ballet Swan Lake, a Canadian premiere choreographed by Irene Schneider.

Schneider presents a modern twist on a timeless classic that the whole family will love, on Saturday, May 21 at 8 pm at the Playhouse in Vancouver and on Friday, June 10 at 8 pm at the Surrey Arts Centre in Surrey.

Schneider’s Swan Lake explores the human emotion of a romantic love contrasted against a realistic and practical love of an arranged marriage. Odette (White Swan) comes to Siegfried in his dream, embodying the ideal of true love, while Odile (Black Swan) is presented to Siegfried by the evil Rothbarth as the woman he is to wed.

Schneider gives us a story that is more relatable to modern day while maintaining the tradition and essence of the Swan Lake we all expect to see. Audiences will not be disappointed to experience the classic Act 2 with the beautiful swans dancing in unison and the tragic ending of Act 4.

The diverse talents of Coastal City Ballet along with the beautiful score of Pytor Tchaikovsky, glorious costumes and imaginative sets brings this heart-wrenching love story to life. This full-length masterpiece is one not to be missed, that young and old alike will enjoy.

Li Yaming, artistic director of Coastal City Ballet, is excited to stage this ambitious ballet in the company’s fifth season. “I wanted to challenge the dancers and the company,” says Li, “and provide Vancouver audiences with a magnificent classic such as Swan Lake.”

Irene Schneider’s first commission for Coastal City Ballet was in 2012, when she choreographed the world premiere ballet Hansel and Gretel. “A long friendship has kept me in touch with Li Yaming, artistic director for Coastal City Ballet, and in the following years I came to choreograph A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Coppelia and Cinderella. Coming back to Coastal City Ballet to remount Swan Lake is like coming home,” says Schneider.

Schneider is an independent choreographer who has created over 60 ballets presented in numerous opera houses in Germany and throughout the world. After finishing

Co a s t a l Ci t y B a l l e t presents Swan L ake VANCOUVER Date: Saturday, May 21 at 8 pm Ticket prices: From $25.00 - $45.00 with discounts for groups of 10 or more Address: Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC Box Office: Vtixonline.com /604.241.7292 Vancouver Playhouse 604.665.3050

SURREY Date: Friday, June 10 at 8 pm Ticket prices: From $25.00 - $35.00 with discounts for Groups of 10 or more Address: Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey, BC Box Office: www.surrey.ca 604.501.5566 https://tickets.surrey.ca/TheatreManager/1/ login?event=1670

Above: Coastal City Ballet presents Swan Lake in a Canadian premiere choreographed by Irene Schneider. Photo by David Cooper her professional ballet career, primarily with Stuttgart Ballet, she began teaching and choreographing. Her career led her to Magdeburg Ballet, where she was artistic director for 15 years.

Coastal City Ballet is a repertory ballet company, based in Vancouver, that provides performance opportunities for emerging dancers, both Canadian and international. Coastal City Ballet’s repertoire ranges from original story ballets to classical and commissioned contemporary works by established international choreographers.

Since its conception in September 2011, Coastal City Ballet has successfully presented nine productions to audiences in greater Vancouver and Regina, Saskatchewan, including its first original story ballet Hansel and Gretel in 2012, as well as the staging of classical excerpts and commissioned world premieres by Wen Wei Wang, Joshua Beamish, Erica Trivett, Farley Johansson, and Artistic Director, Li Yaming, among others. www.coastalcityballet.com

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10

April 2016

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Joyce residents want to stay in the neighbourhood by the Joyce Area Residents Association

The Joyce Area Residents Association (JARA) has been continually engaging residents to advocate for more community-oriented planning with the City of Vancouver. From the beginning, JARA has strongly resisted the displacement of our most vulnerable community members, including renters and seniors.

In a community dialogue on March 2, JARA presented the results of community surveys conducted with single-family homes affected by the recent precinct review. JARA surveyed all 179 homes and were able to reach 93.

Overwhelmingly, we found that a majority of residents want to stay in the neighbourhood. Some 40 percent of the homes surveyed had little to no knowledge about the plans. Many were surprised to hear that their home is proposed to be the future site of apartments or townhomes.

The community needs more time to learn and provide feedback as some residents are hearing about the plans for the first time while the city is

nearing the end of the planning process.

Fifty-five percent of homes surveyed don’t want to sell and 78 percent want to stay in the neighbourhood.

From the conversations, it was clear that many long-time residents have a strong connection to their community. Forty percent confirmed that they have renters.

With the removal of single-family homes, impacts may include a significant loss of affordable rental units and displaced renters.

We urge city planners to remove the proposal of apartment and townhomes from the precinct eeview that will eventually displace long-time residents from the community. There is clear evidence that the existing homeowners and renters do not

support this proposal and want to stay in the neighbourhood. The number of affordable rental units in the area need to be maintained as the incoming development will not replace these units.

JARA continues to advocate for more community input, more language accessibility, and more protections for truly affordable housing in relation to the median

income of our area. The group will continue to advocate for fair and reasonable development that preserves the affordability and culture of the neighbourhood through community events and communications with the City of Vancouver and developers.

Stay in touch with JARA at joyceareaRA@gmail.com or tweet @ joyceareaRA

The other side of housing development Robert F. Edwards I would like to express my views on the article “Collingwood speaks up about housing developments” from the February issue of the RenfrewCollingwood Community News.

The Joyce Area Residents Association has three main complaints or concerns about the area concerning the Skytrain around Joyce Avenue.

First of all, I have lived in this area for over 45 years and obviously have seen many changes. In my opinion, the people who live in this general area find it more than acceptable to their needs. Also, we are not opposed to change.

When I moved to this area so long ago, my wife and I both didn’t think we could afford to live here; nevertheless, our friends and neighbours have found over the years that we could still live here.

Just on the other side of Boundary Road there are low-cost rentals that are available. They are definitely within walking distance of the Joyce Skytrain. I would like to remind some of the people that haven’t been here as long as I have that there was no Skytrain, there was no Metrotown and the long-creative retail outlets on Joyce Street did not exist. In many cases, the little bit of apartments that were available were no more than two stories.

Referring back to Joyce Street, many years ago there definitely was no neighbourhood house and the Roman Catholic church was a small wooden frame.

Today Joyce Street along with Kingsway is a bustling freeenterprise, small business mecca.

I thoroughly enjoy the variety of retail outlets, to say nothing of the restaurants that are familyowned businesses. These have all cropped up because of the larger density in the area.

Referring to the lady who has been here seven years and is finding rental housing or accommodations more expensive—the Tenancy Branch only allows a 2.9% increase per year on rental properties. Lowcost housing or rental properties are a major concern throughout the Greater Vancouver area.

I would definitely suggest that high-rise apartments (anything from 17 to 35 stories) will only increase the variety of free enterprise in the general area. If we close off this area to development, the general condition will deteriorate rather than improve. As older people retire and the houses become

rental property, the general area of Collingwood will deteriorate and attract an unsavoury bunch of people.

Neighbourhoods will deteriorate and criminal activity will increase and crime will be the aftermath of restrictions.

If the citizens of Collingwood would take the opportunity to see high density around the Skytrain stations we will notice that we are no better or no worse than other areas. I also notice that many of the new developments not only accommodate apartment dwelling, but many cases serve as a threefold purpose with housing, retail outlets and offices.

I’m looking forward to the future and I’m also looking forward to staying in Collingwood.

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

The Seniors Connection Bill’s year with the Better at Home program at Collingwood Neighbourhood House

by Suzanne Liddle Bill Leaper first connected with the Renfrew Collingwood Better at Home program in March 2015. Bill had been living in Southern California for 30 years, where he worked as an entrepreneur, before moving back to Vancouver a few years ago.

Bill moved back to Canada because he needed a number of operations on his eyes and he eventually lost his sight completely three years ago.

A year ago, a friend suggested that Bill get involved with the Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) and access some services from Better at Home that would make living independently easier for him. His reply? “No Thanks!” Luckily his friend was persistent and eventually convinced Bill to see what services were offered. Bills says he is very thankful that he did.

Now Bill uses the seniors shuttle and is a loyal member of the Better at Home Walking Club.

Using the shuttle has made it easy for Bill to get to and from all of his medical appointments safely and on time. “It’s a lifeline,” he says. Of course, the shuttle is not just for medical appointments; Bill gets a ride to and from the walking club each week and also uses it to go grocery shopping. A Better at Home volunteer accompanies him to the store and they shop together.

Bill also goes to the Apple Store with a volunteer to learn more about using the audio apps on his iPhone and he is looking forward to technology advancing even more. He finds the shuttle driver, Lund, and the volunteer drivers all really helpful and flexible.

Bill has always been an active guy and used to

11

April 2016 The following is a paid advertisement by Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver/Kingsway Dear Neighbours, March has been a lively month for activities in the Legislature!

In Victoria, I met with members of the Vancouver Fire Fighters Union to discuss issues which are of importance to fire fighters, as well as medical students from UBC to share strategies for improving PharmaCare delivery in BC.

Our constituents in Vancouver-Kingsway have been equally active. In Legislature I was proud to highlight the work that a group of Windermere Secondary students are doing to support educational opportunities for girls in Northern Ghana. The youth of Vancouver-Kingsway is a tremendous community resource, and their contributions speak to the importance of engaging with their needs and our local schools.

Bill Leaper steps out with the local walking club accompanied by Cindy Honda and Lasab Asfau.

Photo courtesy of Collingwood Neighbourhood House run 15 miles a day, six days per week and was also a mountain biker. He misses the desert heat of California, rising early and getting things done before the day got too hot.

Since joining the walking club, Bill hasn’t missed a week. Every Wednesday at 10:30 am he leaves with the group to walk to a local park or another area of the city. He is guided by two of the other members and they chat and get to know each other as they walk. Bill likes to contribute—he says it’s all about give and take.

Bill enjoys the time with the volunteers and members and recommends that others come and give it a go!

Suzanne Liddle coordinates the Better at Home and seniors programs at Collingwood Neighbourhood House.

Do you have an idea for an activity that you’d like to see for seniors at Collingwood Neighbourhood House?

We’d love to hear from you!

Every Monday afternoon the Monday Fun day group gets together for activities, games and workshops that are focused on health and wellness, interculturalism, creativity and fun! The program is open to everyone and costs $2.50 with snacks provided. The first Monday of every month is FREE bingo and birthday cake! Join the celebration and get to know some new friends. This month there will also be a talk on using essential oils and one on preventing falls. Pick up a copy of the monthly bulletin at the CNH reception for the full schedule.

Each Thursday morning, Collingwood Seniors get together to socialise and chat over some refreshments at the weekly coffee social from 10:30 to 11:30 am. This group is always happy to welcome new members. For more information call the Collingwood Neighbourhood House at 604-435-0323 or visit the website: www.cnh.bc.ca

Finally, my Constituency Assistants and I wrapped up our Lunar New Year celebrations with the community luncheon at Renfrew Community Centre. As usual, the Chinese seniors at Renfrew did a stellar job in putting together a vibrant event.

Vancouver School Board Open House – April 2 In January, Vancouver School Board trustees voted in favour of closing as many as 13 schools in exchange for overdue seismic upgrades from the provincial government. The school board is now seeking community input for the Long Range Facilities Plan (LRFP), a framework which will guide the future of schools in Vancouver.

The provincial government is requiring that Vancouver schools must be filled to 95% capacity before upgrades would be considered. This means that many of our valued elementary and secondary schools in VancouverKingsway will not be considered qualified for these upgrades, and the future of these schools remain uncertain. When our schools risked closures in 2010, we sent a strong message to the government that our schools are an important resource to the community of Vancouver-Kingsway. I ask that constituents attend the Open Houses to learn more and make our voices heard.

VSB Engagement - The Future of Our Facilities Renfrew Community Centre (2929 E 22nd Ave.) Saturday, April 2, 2016 Workshop 12:00 - 1:30 pm Drop-In Open House 1:30 - 3:00 pm Please visit adriandixmla.ca and www.vsb.bc.ca/ vsbengagement for information and updates.

10th Annual Seniors’ Health & Wellness Fair – April 6 The annual Seniors’ Health and Wellness Fair enters its tenth year in 2016! We are delighted to invite all seniors to join us on April 6th at Renfrew Park Community Centre for a day of food, learning, and performances.

Exhibitors will be present to share information, as well as answer questions that you may have about your health and wellness.

Doors will open at 10 am, and the event will run until 2 pm. All participants will receive a free and healthy lunch.

To register, please call Renfrew Community Centre at 604-257-8388.

12

April 2016

Read On!

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

A news section for Renfrew-Collingwood learners

Idioms: From A to Z

Read On!



has a web page. You can:

What are idioms? Idioms are the words and expressions we use that have another meaning. They can be very confusing to English language learners. For example, if someone tells you it’s “raining cats and dogs” you might be very worried. Cats and dogs are falling from the sky? Of course not! Raining cats and dogs is an idiom meaning it is raining very hard.

 Read the articles

 Print worksheets

Idioms are fun to learn and a great way to improve your understanding of English. I have made a list of idioms from A to Z (there are many more than these) and given an example of each.

http://renfrewcollingwood communitynews.com/category/ read-on/

Have fun with these! Why not try using some of these idioms with your friends?

Idiom

Meaning

Example Learning to ride a bike is no problem for me; it’s as easy as pie.

I wish I could go to Paris this spring but I’m broke.

As easy as pie

Very easy

(to be) Broke

No money

Cut it out!

Stop doing that!

Down in the dumps

Feeling sad/unhappy

Elbow grease

A lot of physical work put into doing something

Fender‐bender

A very small car accident

Get it

Understand

Have one’s hands full

To be very busy

In time

At the right moment

Jump the gun

Start too soon or do something too early

Keep one’s chin up

Stay happy, be brave in a difficult time

Lend a hand

Help

Make up one’s mind

Decide, choose

Nuke

Warm in the microwave

I’m happy to lend you a hand with eating those cookies.

Have you made up your mind about what you’d like for dinner?

If the pasta is cold just nuke it for 30 seconds.

Once in a while

Sometimes, not often

Every once in a while she walked home from work.

Pooped (adjective)

Tired, exhausted

Quite a few

Several, many

Rain or shine

Whatever the weather, it will not change.

By the end of the week at work, I’m completely pooped!

There are still quite a few people who don’t have a cell phone.

The party will be on Saturday at 10, rain or shine.

Shoot the breeze

Talk casually. Chat with someone in a relaxed way.

Tightwad Under the weather

A person who doesn’t like to spend money.

Someone who is “cheap.: A little sick

Vent

To express anger; release strong feelings

What’s up?

Asking how someone is or what is new. Can also be used to ask what is wrong.

Used to express surprise. Similar to saying, “Really?”

Tell someone to stop talking

You don’t say!

Zip your lip!

Cut it out! Your screaming is giving me a headache!

She’s down in the dumps because her boyfriend left her.

With a little elbow grease we can make this old chair look new again.

We had a fender‐bender on our way to work, but luckily there was no damage to the car.

I don’t get it. Why is the bus always late when it is raining?

That woman with five kids really has her hands full!

You’re here just in time to see the sunset!

Don’t jump the gun by getting married before you are ready.

Keep your chin up! Things will get better soon.

Sometimes the neighbours like to get together and shoot the breeze.

My uncle is such a tightwad. He didn’t even give us a gift when we got married.

I’m feeling a bit under the weather today so I’ll just stay home and rest.

Thanks for letting me vent to you about my problems. I feel a lot better now.

What’s up with Ron? He never wants to talk to me.

She’s pregnant? You don’t say!

Okay, kids, time to zip your lips and listen.

Your Collingwood Branch #48 Update Things continue to rock and roll with Branch #48. We invite you to attend our Spring Flea Market on May 1st as either a buyer or a seller. All proceeds will be going to supporting Veterans and their families.

13

April 2016

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

by Paul Reid

Individual Table Rentals $25.00 Sunday May 1st, 2016 (Set-up 10 a.m. ...Sale: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Elks Lodge (5454 Fraser Street) Limited available – advance prepay only Contact Bill : Text/Call 778-840-5118 or legionbranch48@gmail.com

RENFREW PARK COMMUNITY COMPLEX 2929 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5M 2Y3 604 257-8388 Fax: 604 257-8392 Website: www.vancouver.ca/renfrewrec

Jointly operated by Renfrew Park Community Association and Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation.

Spring Registration is ongoing, register early so you don’t miss out.

For our full listing of programs check out our website or drop by and pick up a brochure. GST excluded. Registration has now started. Register early so you don’t miss out.

Renfrew Licensed Preschool

Community Lunch Program (All Ages)

This is the time to come and check out our preschool facility and speak to our ECE certified teachers. Bring your child, and your questions. Activities will be set up for children.

Spring Program Highlights

Open House - Tue, April 26, 4:00-8:00pm

Registration - Fri, May 6th

Priority registration is given to siblings and those currently in the program. Forms will be handed out on the day of registration at 6:00am.

Special Event Highlights Tulips of the Valley (55+yrs) Fri

Apr 8

8:15am-6:30pm

$94.28/person

Ice Skating at Trout Lake Rink (10-13yrs)

Price includes entrance and public transportation.

Fri Apr 15 9:00am-3:00pm

$15/person

Seed Swap (19+yrs)

Collingwood Neighbourhood House Come to the Renfrew-Collingwood Food Security Institute’s Seed Swap to find out what you can put in your garden.

Sat Apr 23 11:00am-3:00pm Free

April Showers Luncheon (55+yrs) Wed

Apr 27

12:00-2:30pm

$8.57/person

Fri Apr 1-Jun 24 $4.76/Adults & Seniors

12:00-1:00pm $3.33/Children & Youth

Rhythmic Gymnastics (4-12yrs)

Olympia Rhythmic Gymnastics Rhythmic Gymnastics is a beautiful combination of gymnastics, ballet, along with the self expression and rhythm of dance by using hand apparatus such as rope, hoop, ball, clubs or ribbon.

4-6yrs Sa Apr 16-Jun 18 11:00-11:45am $45/10 sess 7-12yrs Tu Apr 19-Jun 21 3:30-4:30pm $60/10 sess 7-12yrs Sa Apr 16-Jun 18 12:00-1:00pm $60/10 sess

Writer’s Showcase (6-12yrs)

Gloria Chi Get your ideas and thoughts on paper in a creative manner.

Focus on creative writing and sharing your unique projects with your classmates. Add artwork to your project to create the ultimate masterpiece! No session May 22.

6-8yrs Sun Apr 10-Jun 12 12:00-1:00pm $54/9 sess 9-12yrs Sun Apr 10-Jun 12 2:30-3:30pm $54/9 sess

Junior Geniuses (6-12yrs)

Gloria Chi Explore the world of math and science by doing fun experiments and engaging activities. A fun way to inspire the genius in you!

No session May 22.

6-8yrs Sun Apr 10-Jun 12 11:00am-12:00pm $54/9 sess 9-12yrs Sun Apr 10-Jun 12 1:30-2:30pm $54/9 sess

French Explorer (9-12yrs)

Gloria Chi Make some French food, speak some French and play some games in French. No session May 22.

Sun Apr 10-Jun 12 3:30-4:30pm $54/9 sess

Hands-On Cooking Classes (19+yrs)

Niclas Galdamez Participants will practice fundamental food skills, including proper knife techniques, reading ingredient labels, cutting up a whole chicken, and making a healthy meal for a family of four for $10.

Wed Apr 13-May 18 5:30-7:30pm $12/6 sess

Abs and Toning (19+yrs)

Please pre-register as space is limited.

Mon Apr 18 8:05-8:35pm

Alicia Meek

Qigong and Tai Chi (19+yrs)

Please pre-register as space is limited.

Mon Apr 4 9:45am-10:45am

Free Lisa Low

Walking Group—Information Session Wed

Apr 27

7:00-9:00pm

Free Free

Wibit Inflatable Day in the pool

Saturday, Apr 16th from 3:00pm–5:00pm

Come and join in the fun! *Regular admission rates apply

14

April 2016

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH)

H IGHLIG H TS

CNH welcomes Syrian refugees to the community by Norman Hill “Will there be a war in Canada?” This was the question that a young Syrian refugee in our community asked a CNH settlement worker a few months ago, still fearful from the experience of having fled a war-torn country.

For several months, CNH settlement workers have been doing whatever they can to help Syrian refugees living in our community adjust to life here.

CNH Settlement Services Coordinator Marcela MancillaFuller In January, CNH Settlement Services Coordinator Marcela Mancilla-Fuller and CNH’s Arabic-speaking chef Najia Elacel visited the 2400 Motel on Kingsway, where the refugees were being temporarily housed, and invited the families to CNH’s Saturday Fun Group and a special lunch afterwards.

At the Saturday Fun Group, the regular participants -- mostly Filipino newcomer youth -- welcomed the Syrian children and gave them priority to play in the gym. CNH staff and volunteers prepared the lunch and interacted with the Syrian families.

Several community businesses generously donated ingredients for the lunch, which included a Halal beef stew, rice, lamb sausage and a salad.

When settlement worker Karen Caguioa found out that a Syrian boy wasn’t eating his lunch because he was suffering from a bad toothache, she took him and his family to a local dental clinic. The dentist kindly extracted his bad tooth at no charge.

Since then the boy has referred to Karen as ‘Momma Karen’.

At a meeting the following Monday, the Syrians said they were feeling depressed because of the difficulty of finding housing, their inability to understand English, and their isolation.

Settlement workers told the refugees they would support them as much as possible. This message of genuine welcome seemed a great relief to the refugees.

COMMUNITY LUNCH Collingwood Neighbourhood House invites you to lunch every Tuesday and Thursday. Full meal prices are $6.25 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for students and $3.25 for children under 12. Items can be purchased a la carte or “to go.”

April lunch menu Tuesday, April 5 Cream of Broccoli Soup Roast beef / Veggie Panini Salad Orange Cupcake Syrian refugees and CNH staff enjoying a meal at Chef Najia’s home. Photo by Ashty Omar.

To address the refugees’ lack of English language skills, in late January CNH started to provide the refugees with regular English conversation classes in space donated by the nearby Muslim Association of Canada Centre. CNH volunteers and staff volunteers, including some staff from CNH’s Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program, taught the classes. CNH staff also voluntarily provided childminding for the children while their parents were in class.

After starting CNH’s English classes, the refugees became noticeably happier. And after settlement workers developed a relationship with them and began to address some of their needs, the refugees started to trust their new neighbours. They even began sending their children alone to CNH where the children connected with CNH youth workers Robert Moya and Valerie Wong.

One day, Marcela and Najia took two of the refugee women out for coffee to give them a little break from the stress of dealing with their situation. One of the women said she was so worried about her children’s education. But after the coffee break she said, “I’m okay now – I know it will happen.”

Settlement workers also connected with Pine Ridge Housing Co-op in Burnaby and did a presentation to co-op members about how they

This page is sponsored by the Collingwood Neighbourhood House

could welcome a Syrian family. The members raised $2800 to cover the family’s co-op share purchase and organized a welcoming committee for the new family. Marcela said it’s great to think that this family will now be living in such a supportive community.

The Syrian refugees seemed to really appreciate the care and concern shown to them by CNH staff and volunteers. As some Syrian students moved away to permanent housing elsewhere, they said to their English teacher, “Thank you. You made a difference in our lives.”

As she reflected on her staff’s experiences and extraordinary dedication to working with the Syrian refugees, as well as other refugees and immigrants, Settlement Coordinator Marcela wiped tears from her eyes and said, “We work with people as people, not as an organization. This is what distinguishes our services.” She also said that it’s been wonderful to see how local residents donated time, money, food and goods to help the refugees.

If you know of a recent immigrant or refugee who could use some free help getting settled in our neighbourhood, please contact CNH at 604-435-0323.

To learn more about CNH’s Settlement Services, visit www.cnh.bc.ca/ immigrant-services CNH’s settlement services are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Thursday, April 7 Roast Chicken on Rice / Veggie Option Salad Zucchini Chocolate Cake Tuesday, April 12 Vegetable Soup Tuna Melt / Grilled Cheese Salad Chocolate Chip Cookies Thursday, April 14 Steamed White Fish with Tofu and Green Onion Quinoa Salad Lime Shortbread Cookies Tuesday, April 19 Mushroom Barley Soup Egg Salad Sandwich Salad Marble Brownie Thursday, April 21 Stuffed Chicken with Feta Cheese / Spinach on Creamy Penne Salad White Chocolate Cookies Tuesday, April 26 Chickpea Tomato Soup Crab and Salmon Patties Salad Coconut Macaroon Thursday, April 28 Meat and Veggie Loaf with Mashed Potatoes Salad Date Bar

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

15

April 2016

Beckie and Shadi of Nurture Rx Pharmacy Let’s have a warm welcome for pharmacist Shadi Al Hawari and Nurture Rx Pharmacy, which recently opened in Renfrew/Collingwood on February 16. It is a one-stop shop for your medicinal needs and is right next door to Forward Care Medical Clinic. This is Shadi’s second pharmacy. His other pharmacy, Lakeside Pharmacy, is all the way up in Fort St. James where Shadi and his wife, Fatima, have lived for six years now.

At Nurture Rx Pharmacy, you will find a large variety of products to help you with your health care needs. You can enjoy free deliveries for your medications and also blister packing of your meds at no extra charge. Nurture Rx boasts top-notch customer service and personalized patient care from Shadi and his team: pharmacy technician Beckie and relief pharmacist Ahmed. This team has the ability to serve you in Mandarin, Arabic or English.

Shadi (pronounced shaw-dee) has been a licensed pharmacist registered with the College of Pharmacists of B.C. since 2008. He enjoys the clinical side of the pharmacy, working one on one with clients. Shadi currently has certifications in diabetes, arthritis, and is working on his certification in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or COPD) and mental health.

CBIA UPDATES l COLLINGWOOD DAYS IS HERE ONE MONTH AWAY!! !

Festival Day May 28th 11:00 am - 4:00 pm! !

Please go to the website www.collingwooddays.com You can also sign up to volunteer for the many events that will occur during the week of May 23 - 31st. Have a booth in the International Marketplace or Food Court.! !

Pancake Breakfast, Dog Agility Shows, Kid Zone, Art and Crafts, Main Stage and Demonstration performances. ! !

Shadi does a lot of medication reviews. A free service at Nurture Rx, for 30 minutes Shadi will go over the history of your medications with you to see what might possibly be improved. Sometimes there are medication conflicts, side-effects or problems with dosage that can be addressed. Following the review, a report is then sent over to your regular doctor.

Shadi is from Irbid, Jordan. He moved to Canada in 2005 and to Vancouver in 2007. He and wife Fatima both love playing tennis and Shadi was once a member of the Jordanian national tennis team. In fact, Fatima’s father was Shadi’s tennis coach; that’s how they met.

Shadi has recently taken up guitar and after two months can play a couple of songs. “It was my dream for over 20 years.”

Shadi and his wife have two sons, two and five years old. They try to visit their family in Jordan at least once a year. Shadi would like to see his sons have a good knowledge of both Canadian and Jordanian cultures, and to take the best of both. His wife and he have been fundraising in Fort St. James in the hopes of bringing two Syrian refugee families to Canada. Needing $27,000 per family, with their first fundraiser they managed to raise $7,000. (Way to go guys!)

l Jr. BIA !

The CBIA would like to thank the 2015 - 2016 Jr. BIA students at Windermere Secondary School for another year of success. All the best to the graduating students and we hope you stay in touch. Many past Jr. BIA members have stayed connected to the BIA and have worked as summer students. Have a great summer and we’ll see you in September with some new members. ! l New Website: !

CBIA has developed a new website with updated business directory and news will be posted regularly. !!

Be a part of Collingwood Days 2016 the Biggest Little Festival in Vancouver. ! ! l

DON’T MISS OUT GO TO THE WWW.COLLINGWOODDAYS.COM TO SIGN UP!! !

See the full page ad this issue (back page) for more information.! !! l SPRING IN COLLINGWOOD !

Spring banners will be up to brighten up the streets. Spring flowers are blooming in the 20 planter boxes and Clock Tower gardens. Thank you to the businesses who have adopted the planters outside their business. REMINDER: to water the planter box at least once a week. If you business would like a planter to adopt contact the BIA office 604.639.4403. !

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Don’t miss Collingwood Days 2016 See back page of this issue for more information.