Renfrew-Collingwood Community News December 2018

December 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS Open house at Sarah Ross House

RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com

by Paul Reid On November 15, an open house at the new Sarah Ross House allowed people to see first hand the temporary housing that has arisen across from Slocan Park at 4480 Kaslo Street. Open now since mid August, this temporary modular housing complex, with 52 individual rooms, houses 52 formerly homeless men and women mainly from the Renfrew-Collingwood area. Sarah Ross House has been designed to help these people to stabilize, learn skills and move upwards and onwards.

Sarah Ross House is part of the temporary modular housing program. Photos by Paul Reid

Kitchen coordinator, Jojo, in the SRH kitchen.

Jojo and SRH manager, Kimberly Corbett.

Named in honour of an early resident of the Collingwood neighbourhood, Sarah Ross House is managed by Atira Property Management. In particular, it is Kimberly Corbett who manages the day-to-day operations of Sarah Ross House for Atira. Kim has helped in all aspects of the planning for the house, including the locating of all of the residents who now live at SRH. She combed the Renfrew-Collingwood community and beyond, seeking out the homeless, and trying to locate 52 who she thought would be well suited to live there. Kim knew that she wanted to have about an equal ratio of woman and men – something she has achieved.

Kim was also responsible in picking out the staff for SRH, including kitchen coordinator Jojo who she is so happy to have on board. Jojo is responsible for creating the menu and coordinating the cooking of two meals each day: a late breakfast/early lunch and a late lunch/early dinner. Each nutritious meal costs about $2.50 to create.

Jojo is working on a cookbook of low-cost healthy meals. She was also responsible for the amazing spread that was put out for the open house, which included Portobello sliders and beef and bannock tacos. Mmm!

Each 320-sf unit comes equipped with a kitchen, bed, table, chairs, closet, toilet and shower.

Metrotown | Vancouver Eastside Vancouver Westside | North Van Richmond | Surrey | Langley

Continued on page 2

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December 2018

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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In addition to Jojo’s kitchen and the common area, visitors were able to look around the main floor to check out the computer and TV room, the laundry room and the small library.

One of the residents, Doug, showed a group of interested persons to see his room. The rooms are about 350 square feet and come with a small kitchen, a bed, table and chairs, a closet, bathroom and shower.

The time of Sarah Ross House’s opening marked the completion of the first third of the province and the city’s plan to create 600 supportive homes in Vancouver. “It’s far enough from downtown,” says Doug, “that it’s peaceful here; sedate.”

Apparently, compared to some of the older shelters downtown, the Sarah Ross House is a huge step up.

Downtown, stories about rampant crime, alarms going off three times a night and all of the problems that come with old rundown buildings are not found here.

Portobello sliders. Mmm!

One local resident, Bernie,

who was present, said that she was alarmed to hear that a homeless shelter was to be built in the middle of single family homes with many young families. However, she also said that in the three months that SRH has been open she has not noticed any real difference with local crime - it’s about the same as before.

Still Moon Arts Society and the Renfrew Collingwood Food Security Institute have been working with SRH residents, bringing both food and art programs. Carmen Rosen of Still Moon Arts says “So far it has mostly been food and chatting about art, but we are doing the slow work of building relationships with people who have been hurt and need time to build trust. So far it’s been really interesting and feels very positive.”

Following the open house, Bernie had this to say: “For all of our (surrounding community) angst concerning the impending and subsequent installation of SRH, at the open house, I was much more than pleasantly surprised at what Kim, the program manager, has accomplished in three months. She has put together a very dedicated and accomplished team of cooks, caretakers, office staff and housed 52 homeless!

Not only did they put out a delicious spread of in-house prepared food, Kim and her staff were very open to sharing and showing how SRH is run.

Many of the tenants also took part in and some shared how grateful they are to have a home at SRH. I came away feeling that SRH is a really good thing.”

And from SRH manager, Kimberly: “I was profoundly humbled to meet so many community members and to feel that we were welcome and well on our way to being accepted as part of the community. I can only hope that this positive road we are on continues and the tenants at SRH flourish.”

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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December 2018

WE’RE MOVING ON UP ! ! !

Times are changing again. What had been an ongoing process for the last few years finally came down to a two hour city council meeting on June 24, 1994. After many community consultations and endless meetings, the Vancouver Land Corporation (VLC) project along Joyce and Vanness was finally approved. As a result, Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) will be moving (in the next few years) to a larger and permanent building at Joyce and Euclid.

To commemorate the 20-year anniversary of the Renfrew-Collingwood Community News, we’re revisiting past stories that have particularly inspired us.

This article was first published in the Fall-Winter 1994 issue of the Collingwood Collage, one of the predecessors of the RCC News.

My favourite memory from the RCC News is writing the story about the Collingwood Neighbourhood House moving from Kingsway to Joyce. The story showed the growth of CNH and our work with Julie Cheng (editor) and others on the Communications Committee.

All those concerned with the project were invited to the council meeting to voice their opinions. Only a handful of people spoke before council. They included David Podmore (VLC president), Chris Taulu (Joyce St. Area Planning Committee), Rob Burkhart (CNH president), Ken Greene (Collingwood businessman) and various residents of the area.

Like the previous public consultation meetings, there were models and sketches of the proposed development on display. There were also many questions and concerns still being raised about the development.

These concerns included the increase of traffic, the effect of shadows from tall buildings, and the increase of the population density. Some speakers

− Jeff Mazo

also saw problems with the unit sizes proposed for housing and the effects that the development could have on the neighbouring City of Burnaby.

Ultimately, there were only nine speakers and their positions were as follows: six for the development and three against it.

10th Annual Renfrew Collingwood Artists Network presents Annex ARTISAN CRAFT FAIR Find special hand-made gifts for holiday season at the new local arts and culture facility, the Collingwood Neighbourhood House Annex, on Saturday, December 8 from 11 am to 4 pm.

Enjoy artists demonstrations in needle felting, knitting, crocheting, holiday craft making at the Annex art studio and more! Please come and enjoy tasty snacks and drinks.

Here’s your chance to support local programs at the fundraiser tables for seniors programs, homeless program and youth program at Collingwood Neighbourhood House.

The parking lot entrance is on the Ormidale Street side near Vanness Avenue.

For more info: Collingwood Neighbourhood House Annex, 3690 Vanness Avenue, Vancouver, 604-428-9142. Contact: rcmancraftfair@gmail.com

The council members’ vote was unanimous, but the individual councillors’ opinions of the project varied. For instance, Councillor Libby Davies voted for the development, but with reservations.

She said there were some “skepticism and concern(s)” about the development such as increased population density.

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December 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS

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

Paul Reid: staff writer and layout coordinator Lisa Symons: sales and distribution coordinator Julie Cheng: editorial coordinator

Contributors: Ann Wong, Brendan Chan, Debra Donohue, Ezekiel Sanz, Helen Hu, Jeff Mazo, Julie Cheng, Paul Reid, Robert F. Edwards, Sara Rocchetta, Tom Ford Photography, Tony Wanless, Yoko Tomita

We want to hear from you!

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

Suggestions for improving the paper are welcome.

We welcome appropriate, unsolicited editorial submissions if accompanied by the author’s real name, address and telephone number. The author should retain the original as we cannot return submissions without prior agreement nor does submission guarantee publication. We reserve the right to make editorial changes.

The Renfrew/Collingwood Community News does not necessarily support the views of its contributors.

Next submission deadline: Dec. 5 The Renfrew-Collingwood Community News is an initiative of the Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH).

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

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

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

A giant thank you to our contributors, advertisers and distributors The team at the Renfrew-Collingwood Community News salutes the writers, photographers, advertisers and distributors who have made our monthly newspaper so successful this past year.

We are grateful to the many contributors who have shared their stories and added to the history and richness of our neighbourhood. Advertisers, your support helps residents, organizations and businesses communicate with each other and bring our community together.

The distributors, too, play a valuable part in spreading the word.

Many thanks to all of you for making this paper your own.Warmest wishes for a successful new year, ―The RCC News team

Contributors

Adena Lee Afeed Areifiz Akberet Beyne Alejandra Margarita Tellez Espana Alyssa Yan Amber Hughes Photography Andrea Berneckas Angus Ho Ann Wong Ariel Seah Bairma Batomunkueva Bill Chan Brendan Chan Brooke Bennett Bryden Fergusson Carole Kurylowich Cecilia Federizon Chao Cheng Chris Phelps Crecien Bencio Daniel Henderson Debra Donohue Dee Gorn Dianna Lee/MOSAIC

Dylan Le Eda Ertan Eliana Pinto Emily Chan Esther Yuen Ezekiel Sanz Gabrielle Parman Geoffrey Wong Greg Hart H. Gordon Henry Tan Helen Hu Hilary Wight Hussein “DJ ASLAM” Alidina Jack Mihaichuk Janice Bexson Janice Zeng Jeff Mazo Jenny Shen John Mendoza Jordan GammonFischer Jose Manuel Joy Hanser Julie Cheng

June Lam Kaitlyn Fung Karen Lok Yi Wong Kathy Romses Kirsten Mendonça Koyali Burman Len Lina P. Vargas Lisa Gibson Lisa Symons Liz Kendler Loretta Houben Lund Milton Marianne Thomas Marina Dodis Mark White Michael Schmidt Mohini Takhar Morene O’Donaughty MOSAIC Mr. Dunlop Muriel Ann Rivard Naomi Johnson Nathaniel Frank Piché Norman Hill Paul Reid Penny Lim

Robert F. Edwards Sara Rocchetta Samein Shamsher Sarah Sovereign Photography Shadia Serrano Sharon Sun Sheri Parke Soren Elsay Stephen Elliott-Buckley Susan Wong Suzanne Liddle Taya Lawton Thuy Pham Timothy Lau Tom Ford Photography Tony Wanless Vincent Wu Yoko Tomita Zack Young

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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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December 2018

The Seniors Connection

Growing together: Ages and Stages intergenerational project

by Eliana Pinto In the nine months that the intergenerational project Ages and Stages took place, seniors and preschool kids had the chance to share different activities at Collingwood Neighbourhood House. These exchanges show that you can grow in your experiences, your knowledge and your capability to build spaces for strengthening your community, at any age.

With the constant support from CNH preschool teachers, seniors participated by leading these activities or as companions for the kids, thus breaking down barriers between ages. As a participant of the project said, “It helps to learn to be empathetic with each other, because you cannot teach how to be empathetic, you have to live it.”

The activities that happened during the project included gardening, story time, baking, visits to the Vancouver Aquarium, visits to the pumpkin patch, puppet making workshop, origami session, Zumba session, ukulele performance, and weekly visits to the preschool to support the daily activities of the children.

All these activities gave seniors and children the opportunity to learn one of the most important outcomes of an intergenerational project: building relationships and recognizing the value and diversity in the life experiences of others no matter the age.

One of the things that seniors enjoyed the most by taking part in this proj-

The Ages and Stages project brought together seniors and preschool kids in fun and engaging activities. Photos by Eliana Pinto ect was hearing and enjoying the laughter of the kids, listening to their voices and hearing the simplicity of their joy.

Despite its short life, these kinds of projects are a great opportunity to continue working towards making our community stronger and having spaces to connect with others in intercultural environments.

with children. Now that I tried, I liked it!”

This was CNH’s first intergenerational project with preschool children and senior participants, and we are hoping it is not the last. We would love to maintain it by continuing to have seniors volunteering to spend time with the preschool kids and trying to find new funding to support more activities.

One senior participant said, “Before (the project) I never went out Eliana Pinto is the seniors programs assistant at Collingwood Neighbourhood House and the manager of the pilot intergenerational project Ages and Stages, which was funded in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

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December 2018

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays Three Links Care

from the

Society team

Three Links Care Centre Recognizes Dedicated Team of Health Care Assistants BC’s Health Minister and our local MLA Hon. Adrian Dix declared October 18 as Health Care Assistant Day across the province. In response, the Three Links Care Centre hosted a celebration to recognize the inspiring skill, dedication and compassion of the health care assistants who make such a tremendous contribution to the quality of life and care of the seniors we serve.

While Health Care Assistants have different job titles (Community Health Worker, Residential Care Aide, Home Support Worker, Long-Term Care Aide, Home Health Aide, Continuing Care Assistant, Personal Care Aide) they all have an unwavering affection for seniors who cannot care for themselves - including many veterans who have proudly served our country.

As we head into the holiday season, we want to thank all the health care assistants in BC for their commitment to seniors’ care. We want to recognize students training to become health care assistants in the future. And, we want to acknowledge all the health care assistants who have served and retired, including those who have worked at Three Links over our 36 years in the Renfrew Collingwood neighbourhood.

THANK YOU!

The Three Links Care Centre celebrates the contribution of Health Care Assistants to the quality of life of seniors.

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Read On!

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December 2018

A news section for Renfrew-Collingwood learners

Beating the winter blues



by Tony Wanless

Read On!

has a web page. You can:

 Read the articles

Doctors have long understood that, in these months, most people begin to feel sad, less energetic, quieter and, often, sleepier.

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

Our moods aren’t as cheerful as they were in the summer. Life seems more difficult. Happiness has gone.

Reading levels on this page Level 1

Level 2

In Vancouver, this endof-the-year sadness is stronger. The dark, cold, rainy days and constant gloom make many people feel tired and glum.

 

Level 3



These feelings are often called the “blahs” or “The Blues” – like in the songs about trouble and heartache.

Because our bodies need light to create the chemicals in our brains that make us happy or energetic, we often feel sad and unhappy, more tired, and, sometimes, hopeless, in the darkest times of the year.

But not everyone is affected by the year-end blues. Some people live through the period with few problems while others are so sad they want to pull a blanket over their heads until springtime.

This last feeling is more formally termed seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – a form of mental illness caused by a lack of light.

Doctors say that the best way to survive the year-end months is by being involved in activities like exercise and spending more time with friends and family.

These keep you energized during the dark period. Joyful activities produce chemicals in the brain that make you happy and so help beat the blues.

Also, most religions have created something to help the (mostly western) world survive the blues.

It’s called Christmas, which began as a religious ceremony in much of the Northern world as a way to cheer up people in the darkest time of year. Now, it is almost a month-long celebration that makes us happier.

So have a merry, happy Christmas, everyone. And try to remain cheerful.

doctors sad quieter sleepier moods

Definitions:

gloom blah chemicals unhappy hopeless

exercise energized joyful cheer celebration

disorder: a state of confusion affected: acted upon; influenced formally: in accordance with the rules of convention or etiquette western: living in or originating from the west, in particular Europe or the US

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December 2018

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Windermere Climate Change Conference: The world is in your hands

by Sara Rocchetta and Helen Hu On November 9, 2018, a class of 19 passionate high school students from the Windermere Leadership Program showcased their hard work with the 10th annual Climate Change Conference (C3). This year’s conference brought over 150 like-minded students from across the Lower Mainland to one place.

These grade 11 students displayed incredible determination and commitment while planning this event, making it a huge success. The theme of the event was The World is in Your Hands and promoted the concept that it’s up to youth to help make a difference in the world.

Participants canned blueberry lavender jam in a workshop led by Brendan Chan.

With it being the 10th annual Climate Change Conference, the students wanted to have a new take on the conference. The main focus for this year was to have fun, engaging and interactive workshops. Students learned about how issues of access, power and privilege are intertwined with climate issues. Topics included social justice, imagining the future we want, climate action and water literacy. There were also more hands-on workshops, like candle making and jam making.

C3 featured keynote speakers MP Don Davies, BC MLA and Health Minister Adrian Dix, Rita Wong, and Stacey Gallagher, who spoke about the importance of the young generation standing up for what they believe in, and various current issues such as the Kinder Morgan Pipeline, Site C dam, and Indigenous rights. Issues that youth have the right to be educated on because they – we – are the future.

The sponsors, Earnest Ice Cream and Whole Foods, donated generous items for C3. Earnest donaated 200 scoops of delicious ice cream and Whole Foods provided two $25 gift cards.

Free delicious samples from Earnest ice cream. Left one is vegan chocolate and the right is cookies and cream. Photos by Ezekiel Sanz Another goal of C3 was to support local organizations, which was brought to life thanks to the donors.

If you did not get the opportunity to attend C3 this year, come to the 11th Annual Climate Change Conference!

Remember, the world Participants created candles from beeswax is in your hands. in a workshop hosted by Hives for Humanity.

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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December 2018

VCS students honour soldiers of Renfrew Heights

by Julie Cheng On November 11, Vancouver Christian School opened its doors and invited the community to take part

in a beautifully moving Remembrance Day ceremony to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War. “Vancouver Christian School has been in the Renfrew Heights neighbourhood for the past 40 years and this is our way of supporting and connecting with our community,” writes Lead Principal Ellen Freestone in an email.

The wreath was presented by the Nicholas de Gonzalez family: parents Greivin and Lisa, and their children Samanta, Edgar and Kaspar.

Grade 4 and 5 students sing a sweet, soaring rendition of In Flanders Field.

Photos by Julie Cheng

Remembrance Day has always been a very important part of the school culture and living among the memorial street signs has prompted many conversations in the classrooms, Freestone notes.

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The school has just finished a complete rebuild and is located in the middle of what’s called the “War Zone” or “Diaper Hill,” where houses were built for World War II vets and their families.

Streets around here are named after famous battles such as Normandy, Dieppe and Mons, as well as soldiers, like Worthington, after two brothers who died one week apart in battle.

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December 2018

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Year-end tax planning

by Ann Wong The year 2018 is almost over and it is time to reflect on how we have done. It is a good time to do some housekeeping before the holidays begin with shopping, partying and all the festivities of the season.

For those of you who have extended health benefits, use some of them before the new allotment starts.

If you need glasses or contact lenses, order them now. If you have paramedical services on your plan and have been thinking about seeing a chiropractor, acupuncturist, naturopath, dietitian, massage therapist or physiotherapist, among others, this is the time to book your appointment before the plan resets again for the new cycle.

Some other areas to consider are deductions and contributions. Deductions are amounts that reduce the income you earn for tax purposes. If you have high medical expenses, make sure all the receipts are tabulated. Some people may have moved due to work requirement and moving expenses are deductible. For young families, there are childcare expenses and, in some cases, spousal support (also known as alimony). Note child support is neither a deductible nor taxable item.

Contributions are the savings towards an investment vehicle to reduce, defer and save taxes. Some examples of these are: Tax-free savings account (TFSA) allows you to con-

The following is a paid advertisement by Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver/Kingsway tribute to the plan with after-tax money; the growth and withdrawal of funds are tax free. This year, the maximum amount is $5,500 (plus any unused room from previous years).

Registered education savings plan (RESP) is typically set up by parents and grandparents who allocate aftertax funds to save for their children or grandchildren’s education. The contributions are not deductible while the growth is tax sheltered, and the funds are eventually withdrawn by the beneficiary at a lower tax rate. The federal government provides an annual 20% grant based on the contributions up to a maximum of $500 per year, or $1,000 if there is unused room from the previous year, and up to a maximum of $7,200 for the lifetime of the plan. Some families may also qualify for the Canada Learning Bond worth up to $2,000 per child.

Registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) – the deadline for this is March 1, 2019, but it’s always better to save early so that compound interest earnings take into effect sooner. Find out your RRSP room and contribute the maximum that you are able to save. If you turned or will turn age 71 this year, make one last contribution before you need to convert your RRSP to a registered retirement income fund (RRIF).

Spousal RRSP – in the same vein, if you are a higher income earner (Spouse A) and your spouse (Spouse B) earns significantly less than you, consider contributing to a spousal RRSP so that you can reduce your taxes and have the growth be sheltered in your spouse’s account until withdrawal time.

Note once the contribution has been made by Spouse A, the funds belong to Spouse B. If withdrawals are made within three years, the taxes will be attributed back to the contributing Spouse A. Careful planning is required to use this strategy.

This is meant to be a brief overview. If you have specific tax questions, seek the advice of a tax professional like a chartered professional accountant (CPA).

Ann Wong has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Financial Management Advisor (FMA) designations and is also a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI). Send her an email if you would like to obtain a budget worksheet and schedule a complimentary consultation. ann_wong@ marianchan.com

Dear Neighbours, The holiday season has arrived. I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday !

C3 Conference Congratulations to the student of Windermere’s Leadership Program on the 10th annual Climate Change Conference (C3). Each year the conference attracts young changemakers across Vancouver to take action on climate change. Thanks to all the participants for their thoughtful questions and comments, that I had the pleasure of responding to. I always appreciate the active participation that my young constituents take on matters that are important to them. Please feel free to contact me at 604-660-0314 or Adrian.

Dix.MLA@leg.bc.ca , if you’d like to share your ideas on how we can work together to make our community great.

Holiday Open House I hope you’ll join me and my staff for our annual Open House at my Community Office.

Drop in for lunch, festive treats, and caroling.

I am looking forward to celebrating a year of achievements with you, my friends and neighbours !

Date: Saturday, December 15th, 11am – 2pm Location: Adrian Dix Community Office, 5022 Joyce Street, Vancouver BC Volunteers Welcome !

Throughout the year, we welcome volunteers to work with us at our community office. Duties include office assistance, special projects or events that need some folks with varied skills.

Please drop by the office, contact us at 604660-0314 or email Adrian.Dix.MLA@leg.bc.ca to let us know if you are interest in volunteering.

Insulin pumps As the Minister of Health, I am proud to share with you that the provincial government is working hard to make life more affordable for British Columbians, by expanding insulin pump coverage. British Columbian requiring one to manage diabetes will have access under PharmaCare, regardless of their age. For more information, visit BC Gov News https://news. gov.bc.ca/Search?q=type+1+diabetes Office Hours Our regular office hours are: Monday to Thursday 9am-4pm and open by appointments on Fridays. If you cannot make these regular hours, contact us and we’ll arrange a special appointment that fits your schedule. Our Office located at 5022 Joyce St., Vancouver, BC V5R 4G6. Tel: 604-660-0314, email: Adrian.Dix. MLA@leg.bc.ca Sincerely, Adrian Dix, MLA Vancouver-Kingsway

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

December 2018

The other guy’s opinion: Glad to be a welcoming Canadian

by Robert F. Edwards What a difference a line makes on a piece of paper or on a globe of the world. Yes, I’m referring to the line that separates Canada and the United States into two separate countries.

I’m very proud to be a Canadian. I’m also very grateful to live in the Collingwood area of Vancouver. I’ve often said that living in the Greater Vancouver area is like living in United Nations. We are so multicultured. What a wonderful feeling it is to enjoy the diversity of people who have different cultural backgrounds, different religious beliefs and, in many cases, have a different colour complexion. We are blessed and yes, that is the right word, blessed to have so many diversified cultures that make up the best of all worlds.

Just to mention a few, we have in the Lower Mainland some of the most diversified creative restaurants in the global community. Anything from Chinese food to Italian to Greek to East Indian to Mexican and the list goes on. I’ve visited and thoroughly enjoy different ethnic foods and often it’s a family operation. I get talking to the waiter or waitress only to find that they are also one of the owners.

It gives me an opportunity to learn from what part of the world they came from and what they’re willing to share with us here in Canada.

Our Canadian government took in well over 20,000 refugees from Syria as well as Canadians themselves sponsored refugees from Syria. I’ve been told the number of refugees could be as high as 65,000 to arrive in Canada. When these people arrived at the airport, our Canadian government was ready to integrate them into their new homes. Whether it was the schools which had special needs for the new Canadians on arrival or the parents going to language classes and seminars on what it was like to live in Canada. Not only the government but the people of Canada took a personal interest in trying to find suitable homes as well as employment for these new Canadians. A job well done, Canada.

On the other side of the border or line between Canada and the United States there’s a raging battle of the present administration on refugees coming from South America. The group of refugees range from anywhere from 7,000 down to 2,000 depending on the statistics.

The U.S. President has sent military

personnel, security guards and other groups to defend the border. Texas and Arizona have already started a militant group that is going to aid and assist the military with their own guns and attitude. The President stated what a beautiful sight barb wire is when it’s been strung across the border, very sad. If any of these refugees are able to get through the border, they will be apprehended, placed in detention areas until they’re flown back to the country they escaped from.

Yes, Canada does have a reputation of being multicultured and mighty proud of it. We’ve set a high standard of welcoming refugees, immigrants and diversified nationalities. I am truly glad to be a Canadian.

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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

December 2018

Community of Christ celebrates Christmas with music and good food

by Debra Donohue Get ready for a season of great music in the neighbourhood. Community of Christ Church at 3333 Kaslo Street (at East 17th Avenue) will celebrate the Christmas season music and food, and you’re invited.

Professional pianist Bill Costin (www.billcostin. com) will play the grand piano during the Sunday morning services December 2, 9, 16 and 23. Bill is trained in classical and jazz and is a piano instructor and vocal audition coach. He has worked with successful artists like Michael Bublé, Dal Richards, Chris Diamantopoulos, Denis Simpson and Sibel Thrasher.

From December 6 to 22, Bill will be working with Juno award-winner Jim Byrnes in Bah Humbug! at the SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts in Vancouver. Bill is the musical director for this modern-day take on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

In December, all of us will get to sing with Bill as he plays piano during the Sunday morning services at Community of Christ. One of the highlights is he’ll accompany the church choir led by Lotus

award-winner Brian ‘Hoot’ Gibson. Sunday services start at 11:15 am, coffee time is 11 am.

On December 2 at 12:30 pm, Community of Christ will hold its annual Dickens Christmas Tea following the Sunday worship service. Everyone is invited to wear fancy hats and gloves, enjoy tea sandwiches and sweet treats, and sing Christmas Carols. Shahnaz Rahman from the Surrey Women’s Centre will be presented with more than 70 Christmas stockings for women and children who use the services of the SWC, and there will be one or two surprise guest singers.

On December 16, Community of Christ is having a traditional Christmas luncheon following the Sunday service. Turkey with all the trimmings will be served and Santa has promised to drop by. The Christmas luncheon begins at 12:30 pm. RSVP to info-vc@CofChristVancouver.ca or 604-435-5344.

Community of Christ is a contemporary and inclusive church that believes in peace and justice, practising good environmental habits, and the worth of all persons. To find out more call 604-435-5344 or go to www.CofChristVancouver.ca

Get Involved Annual Christmas Bake Sale December 1 & 2, 10 am to 2 pm 4541 Boundary Road, Vancouver Presented by the Philanthropic Ladies Society of Saints Nicholas and Dimitrios Church Offering a LARGE assortment of baked items: Take ’n Bake bougatsa, spinach & cheese pies and specialty pastiche.

Homemade lentil soup, pizza, fresh bread made on site and so much more Monthly movies for adults 55 + - First Wednesday of the month Champlain Heights Community Centre, 3350 Maquinna Drive in southeast Vancouver Next movie: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, featuring the classic, The Sound of Music •Movie starts promptly at 12:20 pm. All are welcome.

•Meet and greet 11:00 – 11:30 am (tea & coffee available) •Luncheon at 11:30 am for the first 30 seniors to register •To register call 604-718-6575 •Luncheon sponsored by donations to SVSAC SOCIETY •Suggested donation: $3.00 to help with cost of luncheon Presented by the South Vancouver Seniors Arts & Cultural

Bill Costin will play the grand piano during the Sunday morning services at Community of Christ Church on December 2, 9, 16 and 23. Photo by Tom Ford Photography

Centre Society and Collingwood Policing Centre. For more information, contact the Southeast Vancouver Seniors Arts & Cultural Centre Society, www.svsacs.org, 604-325-0163 or svsacs @ gmail. com.

RCL Branch 179 - Legion Café – Where Conversations Matter Drop by for conversation and coffee in the upstairs lounge the last Sunday of every month at Grandview-Collingwood Legion Branch 179, 2205 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. The last Sunday of every month, from noon to 1:30 pm. These are open, hosted conversations where people gather to share their stories. Everyone is welcome to join. Free.

December 16 at 10:30 am:

"Solomon's Christmas Dilemma" (Children's Presentation)

December 23 at 10:30 am:

Christmas Sunday Service Celebrating good news of great joy at Christmas

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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December 2018

Paid Caregiver Wanted A 35 year old woman with a developmental disability is seeking a paid caregiver to live with in their Renfrew Collingwood area home.

Please email chad.clippingdale@spectrumsociety.org if you are interested and would like more information.

RENFREW PARK COMMUNITY COMPLEX 2929 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5M 2Y3

604 257-8388 Centre: ext 1 Pool: ext 2 Fax: 604 257-8392 Website: www.vancouver.ca/renfrewrec or www.renfrewcc.com

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

Holiday Hours of Operation Sat Dec 22

Pool Fitness Ctr 8:30am-4pm 9:30am-4pm

Sun Dec 23

1pm-5pm

1pm-5pm

Program Highlights

Workshops

Centre Area 9:00am-5:00pm Closed

Mon Dec 24

1pm-5pm

1pm-5pm

Closed

Tue Dec 25

Closed

Closed

Closed

Wed Dec 26

1pm-5pm

1pm-5pm

Closed

Thu Dec 27

6am-9:30pm 6am-9:30pm

Closed

Fri

Dec 28

6am-9:30pm 6am-9:30pm

Closed

Sat Dec 29

8:30am-4pm 9:30am-4pm

Closed

Sun Dec 30

1pm-5pm

1pm-5pm

Closed

Mon Dec 31

1pm-5pm

1pm-5pm

Closed

Tue Jan 1

Closed

Closed

Closed

LEGO WEDO 2.0 Robotics (6-13yrs)

Tomorrow's Playground The LEGO WEDO 2.0 system provides an exciting introductory experience into the world of Robotics! WEDO 2.0 supports a hands-on, "minds on" learning solution that gives students the confidence to ask questions, and the tools to find the answers.

Using LEGO elements, WEDO combines coding and robotics projects built on key science standards. Students will build projects such as a Walking Elephant, Climbing Monkey, and more! This class Encourages science exploration and experimentation, and incorporates Activities across Science, Engineering and Technology with STEM Education.

3:45pm-5:15pm $75/3 sess 183883 Mon Dec 3-17

Red Cross Babysitting Training (11+yrs) First Aid Hero So you want to be a babysitter, or your parents want you to take this course so they feel confident leaving you at home alone?

Babysitting with First Aid Hero emphasizes learning through real life scenarios. Covered in this course: Exploring the Business of Babysitting; Creating Safe Environments; Safely Caring for ages 0-12; First Aid Skills. Please bring a bag lunch (no nuts please), yoga mat, medium sized doll or stuffed animal, plenty of water and snacks.

183486 Sun Dec 16

10:30am-5:30pm

Winter Registration Information Swimming Lessons ......................... Tue, Dec 18th Centre Programs ................................... Ongoing Register early so you don’t miss out.

Breakfast with Santa (2+yrs)

Wibit Inflatable Day in the pool

Saturday, Dec 22nd from 2:00pm–4:00pm

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

$60/person

Join us with your family and friends for a waffle breakfast.

Fun crafts and games will complete your visit. All participants 2+yrs and or adults must pay and register for this event.

Breakfast seating: 9:30am-10:30am.

Sat Dec 8 183937 9:30am-12:30pm $2/Entry/person 182278 9:30am-10:30am $5/entry & breakfast/person 183405 11:00am-12:00pm $5/entry & breakfast/person

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December 2018

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH)

H IGHLIG H TS

Joyce Location: 5288 Joyce St. ; Tel: 604-435-0323 / New Annex Location: 3690 Vanness Ave. ; Tel: 604-428-9142 / Visit: www.cnh.bc.ca

Stories of Change in a place to belong, a place to grow!

By Shadia Serrano The following stories of change are real examples of people that Collingwood Neighbourhood House has been able to help in diverse ways, thanks to the programs offered or the effort of its employees/volunteers.

Six years ago, when Anna first came to CNH to volunteer with the program, she was unaware of the kinds of issues children have to face daily. She was also unsure of what she wanted to do in the future, after graduating from Windermere Secondary School. However, with help and support from Sanjeev Karwal, CNH’s Peer Education Program Coordinator, Laura Contreras, CNH’s Youth Engagement Manager and Mariah Forsythe, Youth Mentorship Worker and from experiencing the program Anna not only discovered the exceptional leadership skills that she possesses but she also unearthed her passion for working with youth and being a great mentor.

Collingwood Neighbourhood House invites you to lunch every Tuesday and Thursday. Full meal prices are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for students and $3.25 for children under 12. Items can be purchased a la carte or “to go.” *Joyce location

December lunch menu Tues Dec 4 Black bean soup Chicken melt or veggie melt panini Salad Pecan caramel tart

Anna When Anna moved to Renfrew-Collingwood she decided to be part of the of the Peer Education Program, a CNH leadership program for high school students that brings them to local elementary schools where they explore a social issue facing youth in the community.

COMMUNITY LUNCH

Thurs Dec 6 Chicken or mushroom risotto Salad Orange cranberry cake

Anna feels like her mind and heart have opened up to become more understanding and accepting towards others, which is why she loves to volunteer her time at CNH, her school and in the community, despite her busy high school schedule, extracurricular activities and her part-time job.

Anna’s advice to the youth: “Trying new things can be scary but taking small steps towards new challenges can help you grow and discover a lot about yourself.”

Michael and Don After his wife was sent to a nursing home, Don, 86-years-old, felt his house and his life were empty. Everything started to change when he met Michael at the CNH Morning Star Program, the man who became not only a person to share the rent with but also a friend to share his life.

Michael, 44, has started a new life getting away from alcohol abuse. He started a new job but, like many people in Vancouver, he was still struggling to find a place to live.

After Don’s wife moved into the nursing home, Don had to carry the financial responsibility of paying for both his own housing and for his wife’s new home.

This page is sponsored by the Collingwood Neighbourhood House

Tues Dec 11 Chicken noodle soup Veggie sandwich Salad Vanilla pudding Thurs Dec 13 Christmas lunch

*Community Lunch will return on January 8th/2019

Happy Holidays!

This was a huge financial burden for himself and for his family.

Knowing both of these stories Ana Mateescu, CNH’s Homelessness Coordinator, had the idea of pairing Michael and Don and finding a home for both of them.

Ana suggested Don rent a room in his home to Michael, so that Don was able to lower his costs and Michael was able to get a more affordable place to rent in the Metro Vancouver area.

One year later, Don and Michael are still living together; they attend CNH’s Morning Star Breakfast Program every Saturday and they go grocery shopping together but the most important part is that they have became roommates, great companions, and good friends.

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December 2018

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

WHOÕS WHO IN COLLINGWOOD 604.639.4403 info@shopcollingwood.ca www.shopcollingwood.ca @shopcollingwood #300-3665 Kingsway

COLLINGWOOD BIA UPDATES Winter Carnival and Community Tree Lighting On November 24th we held our annual Winter Carnival and Community Tree Lighting Ceremony under the huge tent in the Safeway parking lot. The community tree will be lit for the holiday season. The event was full of holiday cheer, from the Silver Belles Carollers, Windermere Ensemble and the St. MaryÕs School Choir to the fabulous entertainer, Matt Henry, showing off his talents. Cookies, hot chocolate, photos with Santa, balloon twisting and arts and crafts for everyone to enjoy. The Collingwood BIA would like to thank the Collingwood Community Policing Centre for partnering with us and as a finale to the event there was a classic holiday movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

New Banners and Logo The Collingwood BIA has been in the process of rebranding our logo and look. New banners line the Kingsway corridor.

If you look carefully you will see the bike in the logo. It was important for our organization to keep the theme of transportation both for historical reasons as well as present day. Kingsway has and will always be a major transportation corridor that represents all modes of transportation. Please let us know what you think of the new look.

Have a Safe and Happy Holidays from the Board and Staff of the Collingwood BIA. All the best for 2019!

Join the Board We are always looking for new board members. Criteria to be a board member: own a commercial property; business tenant over 6 months; passion to make the Collingwood commercial area grow to help make a healthy neighbourhood.

#shopcollingwood

Upcoming Events

Shop Collingwood for those on your Christmas list.

February 16: Chinese New Year Lion Dance May 25: Collingwood Days Festival

www.collingwooddays.com for more info

16

December 2018

Thank you

for joining us at the

Winter Carnival

presented by the Collingwood BIA - Your local merchants

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Don Davies MP Vancouver Kingsway

And a big thank you to our

sponsors & partners! ���������������� ����������������������������� ������������������������������� ������� ���������������������� ��������������������������� �����������������������������

You are warmly invited to our

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Friday, Dec. 14 5 pm to 7 pm

at 2951 Kingsway (just west of Rupert)

Happy Holidays!

- The Collingw!d BIA

WOMEN’S WORK

Reflections on the History of Women in Textile

September 12–December 30, 2018 OPENING

Wednesday, September 12 • 7:00–9:00PM HOURS

Tuesday–Saturday 10:00 AM–5:00PM 3075 Slocan Street, Vancouver, BC www.italianculturalcentre.ca Tel: (604) 430-3337

Community Office 2951 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5J4 604-775-6263 | Don.Davies@parl.gc.ca

DonDavies.ca