2. Volunteer E-Newsletter Summer-2016 - Harbourfront Centre · 2016. 7. 5. · Sheila Mitchell,...

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Volume 8, Issue 2 – Summer 2016

Genevieve

It’s hard to believe that the summer season is just around the corner. It was just a month ago that things were a little bit crazy with Forest of Reading from May 17 to 19, followed by the popular and busy HarbourKIDS:Circus during the Victoria Day weekend and finally Barbados on the Water from May 27 to 29. A huge thank you to everyone for your support and assistance. It was nice to see all the familiar faces and a large number of new volunteers at the volunteer meeting on June 11

th. Volunteer meetings are held 3 times a year: at the beginning of the year after the festive

holiday, before the summer season and before the fall in preparation for the International Festival of Authors. These meetings are important for the Volunteer Office staff to meet and connect with volunteers and to disseminate information about the major events that are coming up. Diana Webley, Senior Project Coordinator, Cultural Engagement and Activation Department, took time off from her busy schedule to present the highlights of the stellar summer lineup. Canada Day kicks off the summer season and since it falls on a Friday this year, it will extend through the weekend. Returning festivals include Ritmo y Color, Island Soul, Habari Africa, Hot and Spicy, TAIWANfest and Ashkenaz. New festivals include Future Routes and Shield to Shore. Free Flicks, Dancing on the Pier and Summer Music in the Garden have already started in late June. We look forward to working with all of you and hope that you will be able to spend some weekends with us at the amazing array of weekend events. There’s no place like Harbourfront Centre in the summer, by the lake, with gorgeous weather, summer breeze and lots of people soaking up the sunshine, immersed in the cultural scene. Come join us and be part of the hype and excitement by the waterfront! I would like to wish everyone a wonderful summer. Enjoy the sunshine, great outdoors and bonding with family and friends. Do not forget the camaraderie, fun and company of fellow volunteers at our weekend events. Genevieve Peng Volunteer Coordinator

Genevieve’s Update

Volunteer Recognition Party 2 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards 3 Spring Highlights Storytelling Festival 4 Forest of Reading 5 HarbourKIDS:Circus 6 Barbados on the Water 8 Thank Yous from Staff 9 Thank You Zuzana & Roman! 10 Volunteering Best Practices 11 Upcoming Events & Credits 12


Volunteer Recognition Party

Larry was the winner!

Toilet Paper Fashion Contest

Scott

Carissa

Annabelle

Thank you staff for your friendly service!

And congratulations to Kevin for winning the freeze dance contest!

Members of the Toronto All Star Band

Freeze dance contest

This year’s Volunteer Recognition Party had a “Big Band” theme. Photo courtesy of Jing.


Award Winners

Ontario Volunteer Service Awards By Lynn Allen

Some of them shared their favourite Habourfront Centre experiences with us. For Terry, every experience is very different and memorable. She could not pick a favourite. She enjoys the variety of cultures represented. She also enjoys piquing the interest of children in the arts through interchange with the public. She enjoys the conversations she has with people who show an interest in the arts. Terry is careful not to be too strict in the art galleries so that she does not deter children from visiting again. She likes to send them home with something, usually postcards. Terry’s favourite festivals are Power Plant events, the International Festival of Authors and Forest of Reading. Ethel loved working with the Quebec face painters and hair decorators at the HarbourKIDS:Circus Festival. She enjoys the camaraderie of her fellow volunteers and appreciates that the weekend festivals are free for the public. Ethel enjoys all of the festivals. Susan found that people she met, especially from the United States, were very surprised at how multicultural Harbourfront Centre is. Working at the information table, Susan has met a lot of interesting people. She felt that the Info Host volunteers became ambassadors for Canada. Susan enjoys supporting Harbourfront Centre’s programmes. She feels that the free events provided are a wonderful gift to the city. She enjoys all the international festivals in the summer, especially the great food. [Our apologies; in the previous newsletter Susan’s name was inadvertently left off the list of volunteers who contributed more than 60 hours.] Ricky’s most memorable experience was when he had the chance to photograph Sylvia Tyson’s performance during the IFOA in 2011. He enjoys listening to her music and was happy to hear her sing live. He enjoys volunteering at Harbourfront Centre because he gets a chance to meet a lot of people. There are always different activities to look forward to every week. Ricky always enjoys the Hot and Spicy Food Festival. He looks forward to it every year. There are great photo opportunities, and everyone has a great time.

There were six recipients of the Volunteer Awards this year:

Terry Himal – 20 years Ethel Sacks – 15 years Susan Starkman – 10 years Karen Sinotte – 5 years Ricky Yu – 5 years Zuzana Badinovac – 5 years

Ethel, Dorothy, Terry, Zuzana, Karen & Genevieve


Storytelling Festival

What Does Storytelling Mean to You? By Pauline Beverley

“Storytelling is the conveying of events in words, sound and/or images, often by improvisation or embellishment*,” says Wikipedia. And all these forms were presented and performed over a two-day festival from April 9–10 to enthusiastic crowds.

Volunteers did a great job in welcoming and assisting guests to ensure that they had a memorable experience. Eji proved this when he said, “I enjoy being a greeter to interact with guests and provide direction to Harbourfront Centre activities.” We wanted to know what storytelling meant to volunteers and John’s quick response, “I do not try telling too many stories because I might be found out”, was priceless! Here are a few other interesting responses: “At this festival, I learned the way of life of different cultures from their stories.” - Maria

This year’s festival featured storytellers from across Canada, Haiti, England, France and First Nations.

Maria, Greeter at Miss Lou’s Room

“Storytelling is different from reading a book. It gives an opportunity for children and grownups to share the same experience at the same time.” - Maria

“One of my first memories at about four was my

grandfather reading Treasure Island to me. I

always fall asleep quickly but it made me an avid

reader for life*” - Bobsie

“Storytelling to me means knowing about my

ancestors’ past experiences and sharing my

culture with future generations.” - Eji

Eji, Greeter at Marilyn Brewer Community Space

John, Greeter at Lakeside Terrace


Forest of Reading

Inspiring Youth to Read By Scott Uminga

Forest of Reading started as a small sapling with the Silver Birch Awards programme to promote reading among preteens. Today, it has grown into a three-day festival that includes French books and programmes for a wider range of age groups, as well as several satellite festivals across Ontario. It is always encouraging to see youth being inspired to read and gather together for a common interest. This festival takes it a step further by celebrating the authors with live nominations for different categories, making it feel like an award show. In addition, there were many interactive discussions, opportunities for autographs, and intimate workshops where authors talked about the production and ideas behind their books, stimulating creative energies in young minds. It was great to see a local large-scale event where children’s voices and choices are appreciated. The sheer variety of people that came and the overall excitement showed that children’s interest in books is still alive and growing.

Anne, Greeter at Concert Stage Dorothy, Greeter at Studio Theatre

A large enthusiastic crowd at the Concert Stage

Courtesy of Scott

Silver Birch Awards


HarbourKIDS Circus

All in the Family By Pauline Beverley

Hula hoops, poi spinning, airbrush tattooing, Lego building, music and circus shows were some of the many activities

that families enjoyed at HarbourKIDS:Circus. But, there was one family doing their part to ensure that a fun time was

had by all. So we wanted to know what makes volunteering “all in the family”? To get some answers we spoke with the

father, mother and daughter team of the Chawla family to get their thoughts on volunteering with Harbourfront Centre

(HFC).

Parul How long have you been volunteering at HFC? I first volunteered at HFC back in 2003–2004, at the Milk International Children's Festival. I had just started university and wanted to volunteer in the community. HFC was perfect because I could pick my hours and what I wanted to do. The festival was amazing and working with children was relaxing and fulfilling, so I could not have asked for a better experience. I graduated and travelled, and now 13 years later I have moved back to Toronto. The first place I applied to volunteer was HFC. The entire team is so supportive. It really feels like being part of a family. My most memorable experience was preparing costumes for a booth at the HarbourKIDS:Circus Festival. I got to meet other volunteers and see behind the scenes just how much effort goes into making these festivals successful.

Alka Why would you recommend HFC as a place to volunteer? It is a great place for everyone to experience diverse cultures and learn about each other. This offers volunteers a chance to make new friends and to network for jobs and entertainment. I also feel that the attitude of the volunteer office staff is great as they give full respect to volunteers and make sure they have breaks and refreshments. The staff also keeps the challenges of volunteers a priority. HFC is a platform which has something for everyone, a physically challenged person, new immigrants, non-English speakers, young and old. It helps people to get out, enjoy an open sky and give something back to society which I am sure makes everyone feel great.

Ashok Why is volunteering overall, and in particular at HFC, important? Volunteering has many positive effects on a person, as well as on society as a whole. It develops interaction with fellow human beings, which brings a sense of belonging; it provides opportunities to learn — every volunteering activity teaches something new; it proves the adage “Virtue is its own reward”. This all applies to volunteering at HFC. HFC offers diverse activities, for children or the elderly, from literature to entertainment, culinary to culture. HFC is a reflection of what Toronto and Canada are all about — diversity, understanding, acceptance and progress of mankind. It is a gateway to making friends, learning through others’ experiences and humbling oneself by mingling with volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.


HarbourKIDS Circus

A HarbourKIDS:Circus Gallery Photos by Stefano, Holmes and Ricky

The Animal Show Red Pepper Spectacle Arts Roaming Circus Performers

Hermine, Fundraising Assistant

Clayford, Crafts Assistant

Hula-Hoop Practice

Sea and Sky Circus Show


Barbados on the Water

More than Just Rum By Kevin Catalig

When I came to Harbourfront Centre for Barbados on the Water I knew nothing about Barbados. I missed The "Know Your Bim" Quiz, unfortunately. In the end, though, I think I gained more than bits of trivia. In his fish-cake cooking demonstration, Creig Greenidge, with an entertaining conversational style, talked about the ways different Caribbean countries make their curry. Sheila Mitchell, while discussing her children's book "I Love You, Grandma!", looked at her past and how her grandmother influenced who she is today, as well as differences between grandmother-grandchild relationships across time and culture. Musicians like Elan Trotman and The Gibbs Brothers set the mood with their instrumental mastery. Also, it was probably the most times I've heard the word rum in a single day. What I found most striking, though, was the visual arts exhibit curated by Angela Haynes. One vibrant painting in the collection showed flying fish in crystal blue water, which really characterized Barbados as the “gem of the Caribbean”. A few pieces used symbols to depict the ways the times are changing and the Barbadian diaspora. Other pieces depicted a simpler time and life on the island, perhaps when the artists were children. It might sound crazy, but I began to feel a sense of nostalgia for another time and place ("borrowed nostalgia", in a sense). If you want the chance to see life in another place through another person's eyes I recommend spending more time at curated art exhibits whenever they're available.

Born in London, England, Angela Haynes is a self-taught, mixed media artist who now resides in Canada

Angela

Angela’s painting


Thank Yous from Staff

This wonderful group of big hearted people come together every Tuesday to prepare materials for School Visits workshops. Their contribution is very much appreciated by all the School Visits teachers. We could not manage without their hard work and support. A huge thanks to the Prep Volunteers from the School Visits team.

School Visits By Anne Devitt

World Stage Volunteers

Carissa, Margaret, Dorothy, Anne Devitt, Alka, Anne, Elinna & Kurt

From Tina Rasmussen, Director of Performing Arts “Thank you to the World Stage volunteer team for another season under our belts. The action of volunteerism is a human philanthropy and I thank those who give so generously.” From David Followes, Front of House Manager “Thanks to all the volunteer ushers for their tireless effort during the World Stage Season.”


Farewell and Bon Voyage!

Thank You Zuzana and Roman! By Lynn Allen

Zuzana and her husband Roman have volunteered at Harbourfront Centre in many different capacities. They are moving to Europe shortly, and we will miss them greatly. They are both very creative artists and will leave us with many happy memories. Zuzana’s most memorable experience with us was IFOA. She especially remembers a panel discussion with one of her favourite authors, Jo Nesbo. He mentioned finding his book on a shelf at a bookstore with a “Staff Favourite” label only to be told later that the label was on the wrong book. Linwood Barclay was one of the other panelists, and he used the same story as his own in the next year’s IFOA. Oops! Zuzana joined Harbourfront Centre because she lives in the neighbourhood, but stayed for five years because of the fellow volunteers and the way Genevieve and Dorothy value and appreciate their work. The Hot and Spicy Food Festival is her favourite, because she enjoys being part of the food demos. Volunteering at Harbourfront Centre has been a very positive experience for Zuzana. Five years ago, she would never have thought that she could speak in front of large audiences or be a team leader. She has accomplished both. Thank you! Roman’s most memorable moments were always at IFOA. He says, “Our collective culture is based on literary diaries kept by those we call

authors and to have them read to us from these texts is a privilege I will always remember with fondness.” Roman started at Harbourfront Centre in the summer of 1975, not as a volunteer but actually as an employee of the federal government. As an artist hired to create a place where the public would interact with artists, he was classified as a clerk—4

th class. The government had no rubric for

artists or craftsmen yet. It was the second summer of the experiment by the lake called “Harbourfront”. They were given a former truck depot that they spent the summer converting into various studios that are still in the same place today. Harbourfront was so out of the way that not even the TTC stopped there. Ann Tindal was organizing events then and Greg Gatenby had the idea that people would come to Harbourfront if he started an International Festival of Authors. Everyone thought it was a long shot. Roman and the other artists built glass and pottery kilns, assembled weaving looms and made tables for the fabric studios and benches for the jewelers. Roman shared a studio with Ugandan sculptor Yosuf Kivubiro, and they held free art classes in the evening. No one had an inkling that Harbourfront was going to turn out the way it did. Roman says, “It is now hard to see what Toronto would have been like without Harbourfront CentreQand Harbourfront Centre without its volunteers. Here’s to another 40 years. Cheers.”


Volunteering Best Practices

Dress appropriately. Wear comfortable shoes as you may be on your feet a lot; no flip-flops please.

Casual clothes are fine, but no short-shorts, low-cut tops or t-shirts with slogans.

You can cancel a shift online up to 7 days before the event. Later than that, you will need to email or call the volunteer office. Just not showing up is very stressful for everyone on the day of the event. Thanks, and have a great summer!

Volunteer Reminders By Sean McCluskey

Treat our patrons with politeness and respect. Please don't talk on your phone or wear dark sunglasses when addressing a visitor.

When you sign up, you will find plenty of information on what the shift requires. Please don't sign up for something you really don't want to do. For example, if for some reason you don't want to work with children maybe Craft Assistant is not for you.

But if you sign up as a floater, you must be prepared to be flexible!


Upcoming Events & Credits

Sean McCluskey

Coordinator/Layout

Lidia Jarmasz

Editor/Writer

Lynn Allen

Writer

Genevieve Peng

Advisor/Editor

Christine Dang

Layout Design

Photos courtesy of: Tom Bilenkey, Ricky Yu, Holmes Pasiminio, Stefano Rodriguez & George Lobb

Kevin Catalig

Writer

Pauline Beverley

Writer

Scott Uminga

Writer

When you log in to MyVolunteerPage, be sure to scroll down for volunteer news, especially VolunTALE. June featured a prof i le of Susan Goldenberg , Harbourfront Centre Volunteer, journalist and award-winning author. You will also find a convenient list of all the 2016 summer festivals. Alternatively, you can visit Harbourfront Centre’s website here: h a rb ou r f r on t ce n t re . com / f e s t i va l s /upcoming/

Important Dates Date: Saturday, September 17 Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm International Festival of Authors (IFOA) Presentation & Training

Date: Saturday, December 3 Time: 3:00pm - 6:00pm Volunteer Year End Bash

2. Volunteer E-Newsletter Summer-2016 - Harbourfront Centre · 2016. 7. 5. · Sheila Mitchell,...

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Transcript of 2. Volunteer E-Newsletter Summer-2016 - Harbourfront Centre · 2016. 7. 5. · Sheila Mitchell,...