COMMUNITY NEWS RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com

December 2014

Continued on page 2

Salmon return Page 15Legion #48 update Page 3 SKIN performance art Page 8Family tree tips Page 5

Go green with a living holiday tree Are you dreaming of a green Christmas? Make it happen by buying a living TreeKeepers Holiday Tree.

TreeKeepers is a Greenest City 2020 program encouraging residents and businesses in Vancouver to plant trees on private property. Together we can help grow the urban forest and improve the environment.

Treekeepers has four species available:Rainbow’s End White Spruce | 5-gallon | $15Baby Blue Colorado Spruce | 5-gallon | $15Douglas Fir | 5-gallon | $15Norway Spruce | 10-gallon | $30

You must pre-order your tree through the Treekeepers.ca website, and let them know where/when you would like to pick it up:

Saturday, December 6, 10-11:30 am, Kitsilano Community CentreSunday, December 14, 10-11:30 am, Trout Lake Community Centre

These are outdoor trees you may bring inside to decorate for the festivities. Just don’t leave them in a warm room for too long or they will break dormancy and start to put on new growth that won’t be happy once you return them to the cold. (Best 7-10 days, away from direct heat.)

After the holidays, plant your holiday tree

Wishing you joy and peace for the holidaysFrom the team at the RCC News

Purchase a holiday tree to help grow an urban forest this Christmas. Photo source: Treekeepers.ca

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSDecember 20142

This Holiday Be a Green Angel!To prepare you for the holiday season, check out green ideas provided by Metro Vancouver; “unexpected” examples of people giving gifts of time, experiences or long-lasting gifts. Check out the “Create memories, not garbage” video www.metrovancouver.org. You can send someone a Zero Waste holiday greeting by emailing a FREE e-card and learn more about the garbage issue. Green Living: Unlimited Leaf Collection [bold]The City collects unlimited quantities of leaves from residences who receive Green Bin collection services from October 1 to January 31 every year. Collected leaves are turned in to nutrient-rich compost at the Vancouver Landfill. This compost can be purchased by residential gardeners, commercial landscapers, and municipal park boards. For more details visit the city of Vancouver website http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/unlimited-leaf-collection-program.aspx Source: The Green Team at Collingwood Neighbourhood House

Open New Years Eve

All-day Breakfast Special $5.50 Two eggs, pancakes or hashbrowns and toast, and choice of bacon, ham or sausage.

2 Cheeseburgers & Fries $10.95$10.95

Seasons Greetings

outside in the yard or a balcony container. (More info on the tree species and sizes can be found at http://treekeepers.ca/get-a-tree.php3).

If you don’t have a lot of space at home, choose the dwarf Rainbow End Spruce. It only grows to two metres and works well in a pot on a balcony.

Or consider buying a native tree (Douglas Fir only) and

planting it in a New Year Planting Party in a beautiful urban forest: Everett Crowley Park, 8200 Kerr Street, Saturday, January 3, 9 am-noon. Registration required. Bring your family and any friends who want to help start their New Year right by growing the urban forest. Hot chocolate supplied! Together let’s get 2015 off to a great green start.

Holiday Tree - Continued from page 1

3RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS December 2014

Don Davies, MP

2951 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5J4Tel: 604-775-6263 Email: Don.Davies@parl.gc.ca

Vancouver Kingsway

You’re invited!Holiday Open House

Friday, Dec. 124 - 7 pm

at 2951 Kingsway(Please bring a non-perishable food item

for donation to the food bank)

Sign up to sustain Collingwood Legion Branch #48by Paul Reid

Members from Collingwood Neighbourhood House, RC INTERactive, Renfrew Collingwood Multicultural Artists Network, Still Moon Arts Society and, of course, the Renfrew-Collingwood Community News met with members of Collingwood Legion Branch #48 to tour the former Jaguar’s Pub location at Kingsway and Tyne. Following the tour, those present brainstormed on ways that this location might be used by Branch #48 in conjunction with these community groups.

We toured the former pub location and learned that mold issues will have the City of Vancouver needing to tear the place apart. Therefore, it will not be ready for about another year. The good news is that this renovation could be customized to fit the needs of Branch #48 and other local organizations. For instance, the rather large main room might be sectioned off or turned into more of a flex space. As you can see from the pictures, the place is currently quite a mess but does contain the basics of what Branch #48 is looking for.

While the location undergoes its renovations, the Branch needs to get their act together by the end of December – so that they are not dissolved. To aid in this, the Branch is seeking more people to come forward to become Legion members. Increasing the Branch’s membership would help their move to this location more feasible.

And this is where you come in, my friends. We need to help the Branch this year especially by signing up as many new members as it is going to take. Membership is currently $40/year. I’m in. Who is with me? In fact, I am going to go in for two memberships, and I want to see who will match me.

This is the blank slate that local MP Don Davies was talking about. The Legion needs to really rethink what its plans are, not just with our Branch #48, but with branches right across the country. Here is a great chance to set a new precedent where the Legion works hand in hand with other

Do you have stories of being part of Branch #48 or how they’ve helped the community? Let us know. Email rccnews-editorial@cnh.bc.ca. Please visit RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com to see how you can add your name to a Community Supporters List for Collingwood Legion Branch #48.

community organizations to move forward. We all want it here in RC = the organizations have spoken loud and clear. They want to help Branch #48 so that Branch #48 can continue to be a force in this community as they have been since before 1926, the year they became part of the Legion.

Touring the former Jaguar’s Pub

Joe Sharples of Branch #48

4

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 coordinatorLisa Symons: sales and distribution coordinatorJulie Cheng: editorial coordinator

Contributors: Crecien Bencio, Akberet Seyoum Beyene, Cari Chan, Green Team at CNH, Loretta Houben, Paul Reid, Carmen Rosen, Vancouver Northeast WorkBC

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 submis-sion guarantee publication. We reserve the right to make editorial changes.

Contact the RCCNews

Phone: 604-435-0323 extension 261Fax: 604-451-1191

Editorial: rccnews-editorial@cnh.bc.caAdvertising: Phone Lisa Symons at 604.435.0323 email: rccnews-sales@cnh.bc.ca

Renfrew/Collingwood Community NewsCollingwood Neighbourhood House5288 Joyce StreetVancouver, BC V5R 6C9

The Renfrew/Collingwood Community News is an initiative of the Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH).

COMMUNITY NEWS

We want to hear from you!

Y o 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.

Next submission deadline: Dec. 10

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSDecember 2014

4

Thank You Contributors, Advertisers and DistributorsThe team at the Renfrew-Collingwood Community News salutes the writers, photographers, translators, advertisers and distributors who have made our little 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. And we couldn’t have shared these stories without the advertisers, whose dollars spent advertising with us support our efforts to provide residents, organizations and businesses with a means to 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. With warm wishes for a successful new year, —The RCC News team

ContributorsAkberet Seyoum BeyeneAnika IvijesuriyaAsh TanaslychukBarbara Faggiotto PhotographyCalvin HaCari ChanCarmen RosenCharlton AlvarezCheryl PaliddaCollingwood Branch LibraryCrecien BencioDavie BeattieDeanna ChengDennis HaDianne HoangDiego GomezEddie TabakmanEmma KivisildEsther YuenEugene OrinaEwa JaglaHeather BrownIl Centro Italian Cultural CentreJames GonzaloJennifer AbeleJennifer Gray-GrantJohn ChepilJulie ChengKaitlyn FungKaren Knights

Kat CuretonKathy RomsesKirnjit RaiLloyd AbellaLoretta HoubenMarilou BourdagesMark MananganMonica WilkinsNancy ReynoldsPartap SahotaPatricia HollingdalePatrick PainterPaul ReidPeter GreenwellPeter KwongPeter YuPrincess TetteyRania HatziouannouRavi BasraRenfrew Branch LibraryRicardo Arturo Cerna RivasRob HowatsonRobert F. EdwardsRoberta WozniakRosanne LambertSam ToSanj LalShadi MaceacShirley WongStephanie LimSusan WongSuzo HickeySydney Emo

Thea SampleThomas QuigleyTimothy ShayVancouver Northeast WorkBCVictor ZhaoVivo Media ArtsWenhuan RenYoko TomitaYujia Jiang

Advertisers1st Avenue Dental1st Avenue Liquor StoreAdrian Dix, MLAAlexander Income TaxBanana GroveBetter At HomeCandida DiasCasa Nova LandscapingCASICity Reach Care SocietyCollingwood DaysCollingwood InsuranceCollingwood LawCollingwood BIACollingwood Neighbourhood HouseDon Davies, MPFresh Slice PizzaGraham Bruce ElementaryGreek FestivalHarvey’s FurnitureHM Tax & AccountingJoyce HairLondon Square Dental

Play Music AcademyLondon Square Dental CenterKnight & Day RestaurantLittle CaesarNootka SchoolMoon FestivalPacific Grace ChurchPacific Dance ArtsPanago PizzaRenfrew Park Community CentreSee Rite OpticalSelmak RealtySt. Mary’s SchoolSushi MigaPapa Johns’ PizzaTipper RestaurantTravelholicTrocadero RestaurantVillage Artisan Market

DistributorsCollingwood Neighbourhood HouseRenfrew Park Community CentreCanadian TirePrice Smart FoodsSafewayShoppers Drug MartCanadian SuperstoreRona HardwareLondon Drugs And all of the local schools, community centres, churches and businesses

Thank You!

5

Find Renfrew-Collingwood Community News on Facebook and

keep up to date on what’s happening in our community.

www.facebook.com/ RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews

Also visit the RCCNews website:renfrewcollingwoodcommunitynews.com

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSRENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS December 2014

Two locations2582 Commercial Drive 604-707-66692889 Grandview Hwy 604-568-6121

freshslice.com

Come together right now with Freshslice Pizza

Any extra large pizza with three toppings:

*Pick Up Only *Redeemable with coupon *Grandview and Commercial locations

Only $9.99

Pick-Up Special

EYE CARE CENTRE

Family tree tips for preserving family heirlooms

 

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.

by Loretta Houben Have you ever wondered why some toys last for years and some end up in the garbage a few weeks after Christmas? Fads come and go, especially in this fast-paced world we live in. The ones who carefully kept their precious childhood toys to pass on to their descendants were wise indeed.

I have a mother who did just that! In 1945, toy production was getting back in gear for the Christmas season after the Second World War ended in May. My mom Susie and her parents were shopping in downtown McMinnville, Oregon, in the USA that winter, when Susie,

who was twelve years old, spotted a lovely baby doll made by the Effanbee toy company. She wanted it so badly but when she begged her mother for the doll, she was told she was way too old. However, her parents changed their minds and her wish was fulfilled that Christmas. Susie took good care of her “last doll.” When she grew up and moved to Canada, she kept it with the clothes made by her mother and a sister in a cedar chest wrapped in tissue paper. When she gave the doll to me five years ago, it was in excellent condition, with her original clothes and shoes. Kept away from sunlight and air for so long, “Peggy Sue” has withstood the ravages of time very well. Nineteen years after that happy Christmas, Susie had two little girls of her own to spoil at Christmas in 1964. She loved to shop at Simpson Sears in Burnaby, near Metrotown Mall. That year, talking dolls called Chatty Cathy by Mattel were all the rage. They were an enormous sum: $11.99 each! Susie debated whether to splurge and buy them, and wound up putting

them on her Sears card. She took three months to pay the debt, but she and my dad sure made two little girls happy that Christmas Eve.

I’ll never forget the excitement I felt at opening the top of the box and seeing Chatty Cathy’s blonde hair! That Christmas my sister and I also got a wonderful tin doll house, complete with a full set of plastic furniture. Those gifts were enough to keep us extremely happy for many play hours.

Thanks to my parent’s pack-rat tendencies, original boxes were kept along with the dolls. This will sometimes double the value of a doll, or any toy. The original Simpson Sears price tag is still intact on my box. If possible, all boxes and contents should always be stored in even temperatures, neither too hot nor too cold, and kept from damp and mold. Of course, not everyone will have room for this, but if you do, it will help preserve the toy from dust and sunlight and keep it as a lovely heirloom.

This Christmas, my Chatty Cathy doll will be 50 years old. She is a lovely toy from the 1960s to pass on to my grandchildren if I ever have them, along with my mom’s nearly 70-year-old baby doll. With careful preservation, today’s toys will last that long, too.

Loretta Houben is a member of the British Columbia Genealogy Society and enjoys her growing doll collection. Please check the society’s website at www.bcgs.ca for free meet-ups once a month.

Christmas Eve 1964: Leona and Loretta with their Christmas toys.

6 RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Collingwood Insurance 5750 Tyne Street Ph: 604.438.9888

Collingwood Neighbourhood House 5288 Joyce Street 604.434.0323

E.41st Ave.

E.33rd Ave.

Kingsway

North Jo

yce

St.

Rupe

rt St

.

Earle

s St.

Sloc

an S

t. Renf

rew

St.

E.29th Ave.

Broadway

E.22nd Ave.

Boundary Rd.Nan

aim

o St

.

Grandview Hwy.

The Tipper Restaurant 2066 Kingsway Ph: 604.873.1010

C

E

G

FG

C

G

H

H

J

J

F

F

Joyce Hair Design 5156 Joyce St. Ph: 604.451.7680

Papa John’s Pizza #300-3340 Kingsway Ph: 604.310.PAPA

K

K

K

K

December 2014

Sushi Miga 4441 Boundary Rd Ph:604.563.0722Open Seven Days A Week 11:30 am-9:30 pm

First Avenue Dental #116 - 2800 E1st Ave. 604.254.5040

Support your local businesses in Renfrew-Collingwood

J.E.’s Alteration and Dry Cleaning Drop Off #4 3490 Kingswsay Ph:604.434.9677

Don Davies M.P. Kingsway Office 2951 Kingsway Ph:604.775.6263

Panago 5738 Tyne StreetPhone: 604.310.0001

BCD

D

A

B

7RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSRENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Collingwood Neighbourhood House 5288 Joyce Street 604.434.0323

Papa John’s Pizza #300-3340 Kingsway Ph: 604.310.PAPA

December 2014

Collingwood Branch Library 2985 Kingsway at Rupert 604-665-3953

Check out Collingwood Library for lots of free, fun kids activities this month, or pick up one of their Children’s Programs brochures to see all the great opportunities Vancouver Public Library offers for children.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS AT THE COLLINGWOOD LIBRARY

Songs and stories for children up to 5 years of age (and their caregivers):

Baby Storytime. Thursdays 11:30 am-12:00 noon. Nov. 6–Dec. 11. Free; Drop-in

Family Storytime. Thursdays 10:30 am–11:00 am. Nov.6–Dec.11. Free; Drop-in

Fun for children 6-12 years of age. (Please note that children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by a guardian.)

Lego Block Party. Wednesday, Dec. 17, 3:30 pm. Free; Drop-in

Holiday Fun for Tweens (crafts, treats and more). Saturday, December 13, 2:30 pmFree; Registration required

ADULT PROGRAMS AT THE COLLINGWOOD LIBRARY

One to One Computer TrainingEvery weekWant to learn how to use a computer? How to send an email? Or maybe you would like to learn more about VPL’s online collections, eBooks?Please call the library at 604-665-3953 and book a 45 minutes private lesson tailored to your needs!

Renfrew Branch, 2969 East 22nd Avenue at Nootka, 604-257-8705

FALL STORYTIMES AT RENFREW

Babytime (0-18 months). Wednesdays 11:15 am, Nov. 5-Dec. 10

Toddler Storytime (18 months-3 years). Wednesdays 10:15 am, Nov. 5-Dec. 10

Family Storytime (all ages):• Mondays 2:00 pm, Nov. 3-Dec. 15• Saturdays 11:15 am, Sept. 13-Oct .18 & Nov. 8-Dec. 13

**Coming in January: Toddler Box Party!Wednesday, January 14, 10:30-11:30 am• A special box party just for toddlers. The library provides crayons, music and cardboard boxes of all sizes to play with and draw on; you provide the toddlers!• For ages 12 months-36 months• Free and drop-in

Parents’ Night Out: Apps for Your Little One, Thursday, December 11, 6:30-8:30 pm• For parents and caregivers for children ages 2-5. Learn about sharing iPad and smartphone apps with your young child while supporting early literacy skills. • Adults only, please. Registration required; call branch for details.

SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAMS AT RENFREW LIBRARY

Special program: Minecraft with iPads, for ages 8-12, Wednesday, December 10, 4-5 pmRegistration required; phone branch for details. The library supplies the iPads!

Winter Break Fun• Film Screening: THE POLAR EXPRESS for ages 5-12, Monday, December 22, 2:00-4:00 pm• Lego Block Party for ages 5-12, Monday, December 29, 2-4 pm

What’s happening at your local library Get Involved6th annual Collingwood Village Artisan Market Sunday, December 7, 11 am-4 pmCollingwood Neighbourhood House5288 Joyce StreetFree

Local artisans from the Renfrew-Collingwood area will showcase handmade crafts and special entertainment by community choir group and dancing. Enjoy local artisans’craft demonstrations and making crafts at the spot. Raffle draw for a chance to win an original gingerbread house and food baskets prizes! Contact: rcmancraftfair@gmail.com.

Performance Opportunity: Developing Characters for Collingwood Days 2015Application deadline: December 15

The 2015 Collingwood Days theme is our local heritage, and organizers will be re-visiting the stories told in the collector card series. These stories have been creatively documented and reflect the many facets of our neighbourhood’s history: from the stories of the First Nations and immigrants who settled here, to the history of our natural habitat, arts institutions and businesses.

Do you have any great ideas about how you would turn a character or story on a card into an interactive performance or art activity.

Organizers will select and hire between five and seven performers to create a character/performance to animate a Collingwood collector card on • Sunday, May 24th during our Renfrew Collingwood Art Crawl• Saturday May 30th Collingwood Days event at Carleton Elementary• One other short outreach performance during the week from May 25-29th

Application deadline is Monday, December 15Drop of at Collingwood Neighbourhood House, 5288 Joyce Street for Carmen RosenOr email to stillmooncarmen@shaw.caQuestions? Contact Carmen Rosen at 604-255-0355

More details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/306758332851441

Green Thumb Theatre wants your stories!In honour of Green Thumb Theatre’s 40th season, they’re looking for parents or teachers who saw Green Thumb shows when they were in school and now have school-age children seeing our plays. The plan is to create an archive of community memories to chronicle the impact Green Thumb has had on the lives of BC youth (that’s four million audience members and counting).

One year from now Green Thumb will celebrate 40 years of bringing professional theatre to every corner of the province, from Fort Nelson to Bella Coola, Port Alberni to Revelstoke.

If you remember seeing one of our shows as a kid, they’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment at www.greenthumb.bc.ca, email info@greenthumb.bc.ca or call 604-254-4055 and tell your story.

2014 Winter MarketsThere are now two winter markets open for your local food pleasure!Winter Market at Nat Bailey Stadium - Sat, 10 am – 2 pm, Nov 1 - Apr 25New! Winter Market at the PNE - Sun, 10 am – 2 pm, Oct 5 - Dec 7

8 RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSDecember 2014

�s �e Season to PartyThank you to ourWINTER CARNIVAL

Partners & Sponsors

Make Collingwood part of your Holiday

Shopping Experience.

From the Members, Board, and Staff of the Collingwood Business

Improvement Association.

❉ Safeway ❉ Starbucks ❉ Collingwood Community Policing Centre

❉ Collingwood Junior BIA ❉

Thank you for Supporting Collingwood Merchants

SKIN Friday, December 58:00 pm-1:00 amVIVO Media Arts Centre2625 Kaslo Street, Vancouver **Free event**

Nine Vancouver artists will be exhibiting a one evening media-art and live electronic performance, curated and produced by students from VIVO Media Arts Centre’s Career Development Mentorship with media artist, Wynne Palmer. This event is hosted and supported by VIVO Media Arts Centre in conjunction with a BC Arts Council Youth Engagement Grant.

SKIN addresses abstract concepts, derived from the material form of the physical body as a point of departure. The exhibition explores concepts including body architecture, gender, body shame, the remediated body, body as machine, collective health and spatial interactions. The famous Protagorean statement, “man is the measure of all things” (aside from relativism) is an inspiration for using the human structure as a referencing unit of infinite things.

Exhibiting/Performing Artists:

Crista Dahl is originally from Seattle, Washington. After moving to Vancouver, Crista joined Intermedia in 1970 and in 1973 joined the Satellite Video Exchange Society, now VIVO Media Arts Centre. She is the senior advisor, archivist and volunteer coordinator for the media library and archive, which now bears her name.

Zandi Dandizette is a Vancouver transplant from Portland, Oregon, and is a recent Emily Carr graduate with a BMA in animation. As an interdisciplinary artist, she tries to embody her work whether in design, performance, animation or curation.

Alanna Ho is an interdisciplinary artist and composer based in Vancouver, working primarily in the mediums of performance

VIVO Media Arts Centre presents a free performance: SKIN

9RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS December 2014RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

www.VancouverSCT.ca

BROADWAY CHURCH PRESENTS...

FOR TICKET INFORMATION VISIT

art and installation. She earned a BFA in Contemporary Music Composition and Theory from UVIC, and is an active art educator for youth.

Anchi Lin is an interdisciplinary artist currently pursuing her visual art degree at Simon Fraser University. Her performance and video art is informed by concepts such as language, identity, gender and cultural norms.

Marchien Veen is an interdisciplinary artist with a prime interest in conceptual art and theory. She has received her bachelor of fine arts from the University of BC with a major in visual art. Her work focuses on dissociative disorders manifested through futile labour and repetitive tasks.

Wynne Palmer is a Vancouver-based interdisciplinary artist, curator and producer. She holds BFAa in graphic design and photography and visual arts. Her practice focuses on the space where the natural world and technology converge.

Vincent Parker is an artist and musician working in Vancouver, BC. He has his own instantly recognizable brand of original electronic music that is informed by East Van bass music culture and the psychedelic roots of the Pacific Northwest. Everything Vincent does is entirely performed and conducted Live P.A.

Matt Troy is a media and event curator, promoter and producer. Graduating in 2012 from ECUAD and interning for media artist Paul Wong, Matt is now the Director of Vancouver Art & Leisure, hosting live media shows, performances and events.

Corie Waugh is an interdisciplinary artist based in Vancouver, with a focus on process-based projects. Corie has earned her BFA in Visual Arts from UBC Okanagan. Waugh explores the unsaid; her focus is on physical interaction and experience.

Lead Curator/Producer: Wynne PalmerCurators/Producers: Zandi Dandizette, Alanna Ho, Anchi Lin, Marchien Veen, Corie Waugh

10 RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSDecember 2014

Read On! A news section for Renfrew-Collingwood learners

Read On! has a web page. You can:

Read the articles

Print worksheets

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

Reading levels on this page

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

The Season of Giving The holiday season is here! Everywhere you go there are lights, shining trees and music. The stores are full of things to buy. Every year there is more. More sales, more things to do, more people to buy for. It can be tiring!

This year, take time to give. Not just to your friends and family, but to someone who really needs it. Giving feels good. It helps others. Giving is what this season is about!

Giving Toys Some families don’t have enough money to buy presents for their children. The Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau (LMCB) takes toys and gives them to these families. They have been doing this since 1930. In 2011 they gave away more than 100,000 toys. They also give clothes and food to families in the Vancouver area.

The LMCB gets the toys through donations. A donation is when a person gives money, time or things because they want to help someone else. You can give toy donations to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau at Oakridge Shopping Centre or at a firehall.

The LMCB also needs volunteers. They have hundreds of volunteers helping them. They do many fundraising (making money for their organization) events.

If you are a low-income family and you need help paying for gifts for you children, LMCB can help. You will need to show proof of income and give some information about yourself.

For more information about giving toys, volunteering and getting help, see the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau website: www.lmcb.ca

Giving in Renfrew-Collingwood There are ways to give in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood, too. Schools and churches often have their own programs for giving. You could also ask at a community centre or neighbourhood house to see if they need donations or volunteers.

The Morning Star Program at Collingwood Neighbourhood House needs donations. This program provides showers and breakfast for homeless people every Saturday. Donations of warm coats, rain jackets, jeans, hats, socks and shoes are welcome. They also need donations of new shampoo, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

This is the season for giving. It is the best time of year to think about helping other people and giving in whatever way you can.

The Season of Giving

L O W I N C O M E E G Z P Y W L E R S V B E C I N Q G P A V Q L B V J O M H I H U X P D K C F A J U S L S L S W R I I F W S S H I W I U V V E Y K L B V F A F E A Y F N S A B F O M K P N L R R C D E T W N T H N X B K D E N I N A L E U T D U Z U N Y O Q T F H T Q E B O U D U A S T S T I R I N G R N O F R A J E E E S M I Q W R A E I E N W G J V C P O X C Z T J S S E L E M O H Z O N C P I J Q Q W I V Y I B K F Y D Q O E D M Z N L X V R B F B X U N B

DONATION FIREHALL FUNDRAISING HOLIDAY HOMELESS LOW-INCOME PRESENTS SALE SEASON TIRING VOLUNTEER

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

*This page is sponsored by the Collingwood Business Improvement Association

CBIA UPDATESComing Events:

November 29th Yellow Pages Shop the Neighbourhood

Thank you to all the merchants and shoppers who participated in the Yellow Pages “Shop the Neighbourhood” campaign to help promote shopping locally in our neighbourhoods. This was a nation wide event. Neighbourhoods in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver participated. Keep on Shopping the Hood!

November 29th Winter Carnival and Community Tree Lighting 4 – 8 pmAfter you have SHOP THE HOOD, come by the big tent located on the corner of Tyne and Kingsway in the Safeway parking lot for our annual Winter Carnival and Tree Lighting. Bring in a donation for the Food Bank and be entered into a draw.

“It was a shock to find out how many people were into this,” says Kayli Jockims of Magic Stronghold Games (MSG). Kayli is holding down the stronghold while her boyfriend and owner of Magic Stronghold Games, Jordan Woo is on tour, following the Grand Prix of Magic: The Gathering.

More about that, but first, what is this Magic Stronghold Games, you ask. Firstly, it is a store that stocks a wide variety of all sorts of games and game accessories. Some of them are board games, but the game that is still what it’s all about, is Magic: The Gathering. Cards are traded, bought and sold. They can go up or down in value. The most expensive card ever is the Black Lotus, which is valued at about $25,000.

First published in 1993, Magic: The Gathering is a tradable card game (TCG) where players build their collection of cards by trading with friends, assembling decks of cards, and battling against an opponent and their deck. Players cast spells and summon creatures to knock their opponents down from 20 life to zero. The game is constantly changing as new cards are released throughout the year.

The game mixes skill with luck. There are lots of strategy books and players can brush up on their deck strategy by visiting the MSG website. Home of local tournaments and events, Magic Stronghold Games is open 365 days per year. Yes, even Christmas. “It’s like a big family here, and the social nature of the game makes it easy for anyone to get involved and make lots of friends. You might come in by yourself, but after you sit down and play some games, you’ll meet lots of new people,” says Kayli.

They have been in their new home at the corner of Boundary and Kingsway (tucked behind Starbucks) since May. The store contains A LOT of games and accessories, including an estimated two million or so Magic cards. There are other Magic products, hobby supplies, board games, miniatures and many other card games and variations. Not sure about a game? MSG has many games open and ready for people to come in and play. Including role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons? Now we’re talking. Any good Dungeon Masters out there? On a side note, the company that owns Magic, Wizards of the Coast, bought the rights for Dungeons and Dragons in 1997 (from inventor Gary Gygax and TSR) after it went virtually belly up.

At the time of writing, Jordan is in Ottawa and prior to that, New Jersey, where over 4,000 contestants came out to compete. The winner won $4,000. Although the prize money is not yet at the level of Texas Hold’em, where players win millions, the tournaments are similar in the way that thousands start out and compete until only one remains. Magic players are becoming real celebrities and the prize money is growing. The prize purse for this year’s World Magic Cup is $250,000.

Jordan was born and raised in Vancouver. He loves great movies, great meals and all types of games. Jordan, has been in it from the beginning; started as player, making friends, going to competitions. With Magic Stronghold Games, Jordan was able to turn his true passion into his profession. He now has a staff of 13. “I’m not married but I do have a beautiful girlfriend.” Jordan also has two sons, Keegan and Dominic. “Gaming is great for all ages. Come in and our great staff will assist you the best they can.”

While Jordan Woo (not pictured) was at the Grand Prix of Magic tour in Ottawa, Josune, Markus, Kayli, Kris, and Baker helped to hold down the stronghold.

Itinerary for the Winter Carnival4:00 pm - Children’s activities, hot chocolate and coffee provided by Starbucks Boundary Plaza and cookies by Safeway. Raffle Prizes.4:00 – 7:00 pm – Balloon Twisting by Bent Air Balloons4:30 – 5:00 pm – St. Mary’s School Choir5:00 pm Official Lighting of the Community Christmas Tree5:00 – 7:00 pm Photo’s with Santa $3.00 FREE! 5:30 – 6:15 pm Christmas Magic Show by Zany Zack Voted 2013 Children’s Entertainer of the Year.7:15 pm - Classic Holiday movie and popcorn brought to you by the Collingwood Community Policing Centre

Share your Collingwood Christmas shopping or dining experience

on social media and win prizes!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE COLLINGWOOD BIA BOARD AND STAFF. ALL THE BEST FOR A HAPPY AND

PROSPEROUS 2015!

12 RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSDecember 2014

Forever Young Project at Collingwood Neighbourhood House by Crecien Bencio

Have you noticed all the new and exciting seniors programs at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH)? This fall, CNH has hosted intergenerational technology workshops, holiday luncheons, field trips and a monthly karaoke program, to name a few. These new programs are part of the Forever Young project.

The Forever Young project is designed to bring seniors and youth from a variety of backgrounds together to share their skills and talents. The main goal of the project is to connect with more seniors in the neighbourhood through fun and affordable activities. The project is funded by the New Horizons Grant from the federal government.

“The Forever Young project has helped connect isolated seniors in the neighbourhood who have not been involved in their community,” says Janet Mcleish, the project coordinator. “Forever Young has also given many people opportunities to have a greater involvement at CNH, whether it is through participating in accessible and inclusive programs, or through volunteering and being involved in the steering committee.” To deliver the project, Janet has collaborated with a number of community programs and organizations in Renfrew-Collingwood, including the Renfrew-Collingwood Better at Home Program, settlement services at CNH and the Collingwood Community Policing Centre.

Forever Young will be presenting an intercultural and intergenerational talent show in the spring of 2015. For more information on Forever Young activities and senior services and programs at Collingwood Neighbourhood House, look for the CNH daytime activities advertisement in the RCC News, pick up the daytime activities brochure at reception at CNH or call CNH at 604-435-0323.

Office of the Seniors Advocate seeking applicants for council of advisersThe Office of the Seniors Advocate is setting up a council of advisers. The council will be made up of seniors from around the province who bring experience and perspective from diverse backgrounds, ages, geographical areas and cultures. The council will bring forward issues and concerns from their communities and from their own experience. They will also review projects, reports, communication materials and recommendations developed by the Office of the Seniors Advocate.

The seniors advocate office is seeking representation from seniors all along the health care continuum—from completely independent and active seniors to those requiring care, including the voices of seniors who speak for themselves through a proxy (family caregiver, spouse or child).

The council will meet four times per year, by phone or in person. Advisers are expected to be able to travel to the lower mainland of B.C., read material in English, and use a computer, alone or with assistance.

Seniors who would like to serve on the council of advisers must submit their application form by December 18, 2014. The council will be announced in February 2015. Advisers’ terms will initially be one to three years, with three year terms for future appointments.

The application form and details are posted on www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca. Seniors can also get more information by phone at 1-877-952-3181 (250-952-3181 in Victoria) or by email at info@seniorsadvocatebc.ca.

The Forever Young project has organized many activities in the fall and winter, including arts and crafts activities and senior lunches.

The following is a paid advertisement by Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver/Kingsway

13RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS December 2014

The Seniors Connection Dear Neighbours:

Holiday Open House The holiday season has arrived! I’m wishing you and your family a safe, happy holiday. I hope you’ll join me for a Holiday Open House at my community office. Drop in for lunch, festive treats, and cheer! Saturday, December 20th, 11am – 2pm, 5022 Joyce Street. Talking Traffic in Collingwood

Thanks to all those who came out to our public meeting on November 4, to talk about traffic issues in our neighbourhood. I appreciated hearing your experiences and concerns about safety and traffic issues. Many of you also emailed me to share your thoughts and suggestions of changes that could improve traffic issues in the area. If you’d like to share your ideas about how we can make things safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians in our increasingly busy neighbourhood, please email me at adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca. We need to work together to try to make positive changes.

Staffing Changes

This month I’m saying good bye to pinch hitter Constituency Assistants Haida Arsenault-Antolick and Idy Leung who were filling in for great, long serving CAs Amanda van Baarsen and Que Tran Hoang. Welcome back Amanda and Que Tran!

Free Public Access Computer

A reminder to those seeking computer access for social assistance applications, BC Housing files, resume creation or housing and job searches: I have set up a public computer in my constituency office with quick links to Ministry websites, government services, and community resources. All constituents are welcome to drop by during our office hours (Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm, and on Friday by appointment). My Constituency Assistants are happy to help with any difficulty.

Holiday Office Closure

Our office will be closed over the holidays from December 22, 2014 to January 2, 2015. See you in the new year!

The last goodbye to the Queen of Malta Place by Akberet Seyoum Beyene

It was a mid-October morning when I went to visit my lovely Cathy at the Burnaby Hospital where she had been residing for almost a month. She had been at the hospital frequently over the last few years, for various illnesses, but she had never stayed there for such a long period before. This time was somehow different. It felt as if the ambulance that had come that September night had taken from her lovely home for good.

Cathy passed away on October 15, 2014. I had the honour to hold her right hand beside her hospital bed. Sitting there I recalled the many wonderful and joyful times I had been fortunate to share with her and her family. Catherine

Folkard was one of the elders that I met through the Better at Home program at Collingwood Neighbourhood House. From the very beginning she showed me trust and true motherly love. She opened her heart and introduced me to her large circle of beloved family and friends. Because of her I met important people in my new life who give me the strength to look for hope and carry on.

While I was looking at my precious friend lying in her bed, I knew that she was ready to depart for her long journey home. In her weak voice Cathy assured us of her love for us as often as

she could, before she lost the command of her voice. I couldn’t help my tears.

Cathy was the most caring and generous person and she felt like my Canadian mom to me. Being one of the original settlers in this neighbourhood around Malta Place, she had lived here for more than 50 years. She often told stories of the early years and how the neighbourhood had changed so much over the years. Last summer we were so happy when Cathy joined us again for our yearly neighbourhood barbecue, being in the midst of us—our Queen.

I will miss her when I see her empty chair, or when I see the senior’s shuttle, which had been such a familiar sight on our cul-de-sac. I’m going miss her voice saying “welcome love” or “goodbye love,” simple words that meant so much to me.

Cathy would have turned 96 on November 17 and we were already looking forward to arranging a party for her. I will never forget her.

Rest in peace my dear Canadian mom. Read Akberet Seyoum Beyene’s touching story from December 2012 of how she first met Cathy on RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com.

Longtime Renfrew-Collingwood resident Cathy Folkard passed away recently at age 95. Akberet Seyoum Beyene will always remember Cathy as her beloved Canadian mom.

14

This page is sponsored by the Collingwood Neighbourhood House

Collingwood Neighbourhood HouseH I G H L I G H T S

COMMUNITY LUNCH

Collingwood Neighbourhood House invites you to lunch every Tuesday and Thursday. Please note that seniors are served at 12 noon; others are served at 12:10 pm. 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.”

December Lunch menu

Tues 2Carrot soup Salmon OR vegetable quiche Salad Walnut cookie Thurs 4Chicken OR vegetarian cacciatore with rice Salad Persimmon upside down cake Tues 9Bean soup Spinach pie OR meat pie Salad Orange pudding Thurs 11 ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON!Live music, door prizes, seasonal treats *Advance tickets required*Purchase at CNH Front Desk (limited number available) *Seniors: $7 Adults: $8 Students/Children $5 Tues 16Kale and cabbage soup Turkey OR vegetable and cheese sandwich Salad Cranberry orange cake

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSDecember 2014

LIKE us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnh.bc.ca

FOLLOW us on Twitter: @collingwoodnh

Make a resolution to enrol your child in an art class in 2015

Want to stay up to date with new activities, programs and events at CNH? Follow us on Facebook or check out our Twitter feed.

Follow us

Next month Collingwood Neighbourhood House will be offering a range of recreation and leisure programs. Please look in the January edition of the Renfrew-Collingwood Community News or check out our website, www.cnh.bc.ca for the full schedule of classes we offer.

Meanwhile, here is a bit of a preview of two artistic programs for children:

Clay Adventures is for children aged two-and-a-half to six (and up). There are two classes, divided by ages.

Participants will explore clay through various techniques of hand building like coiling, stamping, texturing and slab work. In this class participants can make special gifts and learn the process of pottery making and glazing.

For those aged two-and-a-half to five classes take place on Saturdays from 10-11 am. The new sessions start on January 24 and run through March 28. The cost is $60 for the 10 sessions and parent participation is optional.

For those aged six and up classes take place on Saturdays from 11 am to 12 noon with sessions also starting on January 24 and run through March 28. The cost is $60 for the 10 sessions. Adults are welcome to join this class; the cost for adults is $80 for 10 sessions.

Arts and Crafts is for children aged five through nine. It takes place on Saturdays from 10 am to 12 noon.

In this program, children learn a variety of visual art media and methods in a free-flowing, fun environment. Children can discover, experience and share the joy of the creative process. Techniques include painting, collage, casting, relief and the use of recycled materials to create forms.

Classes start on January 24 and running through March 28. The cost is $65 for 10 classes or $6.75 drop-in. Art supplies are included in the fee.

For more information about these and other CNH classes, or to register for a class, please call 604-435-0323.

15RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS December 2014RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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

Christmas Luncheon (55+yrs) Wed 12:00-2:30pm Dec 10 $12/person Christmas Lights Tour (55+yrs) Thu 6:00-8:00pm Dec 11 $20/person Christmas in the Country (55+yrs) Thu 9:30am-4:45pm Dec 18 $89/person

Red Cross Babysitting Training (11+yrs) First Aid HeroSo 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 lunch for the day)

Saturday, December 13th 9:30-12:30pm

$5/person Meet Santa and join us with family and friends for waffles,

fruit and bacon breakfast, fun crafts and games. This event is suitable for children up to 12 years old.

Tickets are limited buy them early. Come for the whole duration of the event to meet Santa

and play before and after you eat. Breakfast will be served from 10:30-11:30am.

Wibit Inflatable Day (Inflatable in the pool) Saturday, Dec 20, 2014 3:00pm–5:00pm Come and join in the fun! *Regular admission rates apply

Pool Hours Fitness Hours Centre

Hours

Mon 6am-9pm 6am-9pm Closed

Tue 6am-10pm 6am-10pm Closed

Wed 6am-4pm 6am-4pm Closed

Thu Closed Closed Closed

Fri 1pm-5pm 1pm-5pm Closed

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

Sun 1pm-5pm 1pm-5pm Closed

Mon 6am-9pm 6am-9pm Closed

Tue 6am-10pm 6am-10pm Closed

Wed 6am-4pm 6am-4pm Closed

Thu Closed Closed Closed

Fri 6am-9pm 6am-9pm Closed

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

Sun 1pm-5pm 1pm-5pm Closed

Dec 22

Dec 23

Dec 24

Dec 25

Dec 26

Dec 27

Dec 28

Dec 29

Dec 30

Dec 31

Jan 01

Jan 02

Jan 03

Jan 04

Social media and your job searchDid you know that many employers these days Google candidates before making a hiring decision? Facebook is not only a job search tool. It’s also something recruiters and hiring managers use to qualify or disqualify candidates. Here are a few things to consider when you are using social media sites.

Posting inappropriate content• Posting inappropriate photos of yourself and others.• Don’t post anything you may not want a hiring manager to see.

Being too vocal in your opinions• Your opinions could be red flag for hiring managers. • You’re entitled to your views, but if you’re overly vocal or outrageous in your comments, it may scare away employers who do not share the same views. • Avoid political arguments or malicious attacks on others. • If you are being loud,

obnoxious or cruel online, the assumption is you’ll be the same in the workplace.

Sharing too much• Telling everyone every little thing you are doing, thinking, reading, watching, listening to; can be a big problem, even for the non-job seeker. • Your social networks are not limited to friends and family, future coworkers and supervisors may end up with access to the same information.

Follow basic professional etiquette and you will find you will get a much better response from the people you are trying to impress.

This job search tip has been brought to you by the Vancouver Northeast WorkBC Centre located at Commercial and Broadway. For more job search tips and information about their services please call 604-708-9300 or visit www.employmentworks.ca

Renfrew-Collingwood chum salmon return once again

Chum salmon appeared in Still Creek early November. Photo by Carmen Rosen

The salmon have returned in Vancouver November 5 to spawning in Still Creek. There were about a dozen chum salmon stretched out between the Vancouver Film Studios and Opus Framing in behind Canadian Tire. This is the third year in a row that the salmon have come back to Still Creek, after an absence of more than 50 years.

For years, community members and organizations have worked tirelessly to restore Still Creek and bring back the salmon, including the Rivers Institute at BCIT, Burnaby and Vancouver Streamkeepers and Still Moon Arts Society.

Check out the awesome YouTube video, Salmon return to Still Creek, created the first year the salmon returned: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XWH4us7M8w.

16 RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSDecember 2014