COMMUNITY NEWS RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com

January 2014

Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture gathered members and friends at Slocan Hall at 29th Avenue and Slocan (2750 East 29th Avenue) in December to meet the organization’s new board of directors and look ahead to a year of performances, workshops and music in 2014. Guests feasted on holiday snacks, hot apple cider and eggnog to ring in the season.

Kickstart will be partnering with the Art House in the Field Collective (ArHF) to present events at the Slocan Hall next year. The project is a series of readings, concerts, workshops and artist talks by B.C. performers and facilitators with disabilities. The series, entitled The Fine Line Project, will run from April to December 2014, following Kickstart’s mission to develop, produce and present non-sentimental, authentic images and interpretations of the disability experience. The artists in this series will range from emerging to professional.

Other supporters include the Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS), the Renfrew Park Community Centre Association and the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. Slocan Hall is wheelchair accessible—the perfect venue for Kickstart events.

A six-member board of directors started a Membership Challenge to build the organization’s mail list in preparation for next year’s activities. Response to the Challenge was favourable, and new members agreed to take up the challenge to bring in more members. “We even got tote bags!” one new member commented.

In 2014, Kickstart will, as they said, “go where the audience is, rather than asking them to come to us.” Based in Renfrew-Collingwood, they will bring disability arts to the neighbourhoods where people with disabilities live and show the important work artists with disabilities do.

“We are very happy to be working with the Art House in the Field Collective,” says Kickstart artistic director Emma Kivisild. “We both benefit—Kickstart is thrilled to have a venue, and ArHF is glad to be able to make our art part of its programming.”

Kickstart Rings in 2014 with new local partnerships and events at Slocan Hall by Suzo Hickey

Kickstart artistic director Emma Kivisild with board members Kate Paine, Thom Andrews and Sherazad Jamal. Photos by Pat Feindel

Kickstart party goers Emma Kivisild, Suzo Hickey, Anna Knowlson, Carmen Rosen, Donna Burton, Kate Paine enjoy good company and good food.

New year, exciting new seniors schedule Page 13

Crime prevention tips Page 2

Eating Out:Thai Escape Page 5

Collingwood Neighbourhood House

Insert InsideW I N T E R 2 0 1 4

Recreation Programs

CNH Winter Recreation Programs Pages 8, 9, 10

you do not know. It is not rude, it is SAFE. 3) Do not open the door but do acknowledge the knock by talking through the door.

4) If you are home alone, give the impression that someone is home with you. For example, yell, “I have the door. Jack!”

5) Ask them what they need by talking through the door. If they need help, offer to make the phone call for them. 6) If the behaviour seems suspicious, call the police.

7) When you are at home, use your deadbolts. Deadbolts are meant to protect you while you are at home, not just your things when you are out.

8) Get to know your neighbours. It is one the cheapest and most effective forms of crime prevention.

OK. Let’s finish with a knock knock joke.

Knock knockWho’s there?Doris. Doris who. Doris locked, that is why I am knocking.

Constable Heather Brown is a 26-year member with the Vancouver Police Department and is our neighbourhood police officer who works out of the Collingwood Community Policing Centre. If you have any questions or concerns about neighbourhood safety, you may contact her at heather.brown@vpd.ca.

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSJanuary 20142

Knock knock …who’s there?

by Constable Heather Brown

Knock knock … who’s there? This is not an old knock knock joke, but it is something that has happened to me, and, I am guessing that it is something that has happened to you.

Here I am sitting in my house watching television, it could be daytime, it could be the evening, when all of a sudden there is a knock knock at my door.

Hmm ... I am not expecting anybody, so what should I do? Should I ignore the knock or should I acknowledge it. Most likely it is someone at the door with a legitimate purpose, a friend dropping by, a child selling chocolates for his soccer team or a canvasser seeking donations for a worthy cause.

There is also the possibility that it is someone wanting to break in and is trying to find out whether or not someone is home. An acquaintance of mine returned home from a midnight shift and had just crawled into bed when there was the knock knock at his door. Being too tired to get up and check out who was at the door, he ignored it. A few minutes later, there was a man crawling through his bedroom window. The thief most likely believed that no one was home when no one answered his knock.

So when you hear knock knock at your door, this what you should do:

1) Ensure that you have a peephole installed in your door and look out first to see if you know the person. 2) Do not open the door to someone

3RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS January 2014

Don Davies, MP

HappyNew Year!

gBest wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous

2014

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

Vancouver Kingsway

The holiday season is an excellent time for making new friends and rekindling old ones! This Christmas, I had the pleasure of attending and helping out for the first time at the Collingwood Village Artisan Market 2013 and I witnessed the joy of community spirit as people came together to celebrate the arts.

I met illustrators, painters, sculptors—all sorts of artists, as well as merchants of other goods. There was Joe Patterson the potter, for instance, who had been involved with the craft fair since its inception, and newcomer Karen Caguioa, who sold pili nuts to fundraise for typhoon relief efforts in the Philippines.

The Artisan Market also showcased demonstrations on Chinese calligraphy, African symbol and crochet art, First Nations cedar rope making and Mayan-style weaving. Jolene Andrews taught me cedar weaving, which made me appreciate how simple elements found in nature could be used to make art! My experience at this market was inspiring, because the artists were passionate about their work, open to new experiences and intentionally reaching out to neighbours.

I also enjoyed the festive performances. Among the performers, there was an all-ages Red Sunset Chinese dance group, a one-man Petrushka puppet show,

and three choirs—a community choir, and the Windermere and Van Tech choirs. One of the performers, Roan Shankaru, a vocalist and ukulele performer, even sold her own fabric dolls at the market! Overall, the performances added an element of holiday cheer to the Artisan Market and really helped to facilitate conversations. (Oh, and did I mention that Santa Claus made a grand entrance and took photos with kids of all ages, too?)

This year, I also discovered that people I had met in other contexts were also talented artists. I didn’t know, for instance, that Alexis Seto, a mixed media artist, printed t-shirts or that Chanel Ly, a community organizer and social justice advocate, made cute notebooks! It was a treat to be able to see them display their arts and crafts and to learn new things about them.

Toward the end of the artisan market, staff and children drew names of raffle winners. The prizes too, were displays of community involvement as they included donations from Purdy’s Chocolatiers and artisan vendors, and an organic gingerbread house created by Nadja Elacel and her volunteers. Volunteer participation was essential to the market, and their involvement throughout the event—before,

Joy of community spirit livens the Artisan Market by Esther Yuen

during and after the event—was a great reminder that community development takes place at many levels.

It was an honour to be helping out with the Artisan Market this year. This was truly a

multicultural market that used the arts to connect individuals from all around the world. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Artisan Market and would invite you to come out next year and get to know your talented neighbours!

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, Heather Brown, Suzo Hickey, Loretta Houben, Ewa Jagla, Thomas Quigley, Paul Reid, Monica Wilkins, Esther Yuen

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

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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: Jan. 10

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSJanuary 2014

Fantastic family tree tips for the new year: storing and saving your family photos by Loretta Houben

Hopefully you had time during the busy Christmas season to look over a few of those old family photos you’ve stashed away in the closet. Maybe you shared your newfound passion with the older generation, and verified a name or two. Older people love to reminisce about the past, which isn’t really that long ago. I urge you to do this while you have your grandparents and great aunts and great uncles around. I had an aunt who told me to do this with my Grandma way back in the 1990s. Fortunately my Grandma hand wrote on all her photos, but what if she hadn’t?

One of the best ways to preserve your valuable family photos is to scan each one into your computer. Scanners are now a great price, with many options available at your local Staples, Best Buy, London Drugs or any similar store. There are good ones available for under $100, and well worth the investment. Once the scanner is hooked up to your computer, simply read the instructions and begin to scan and save each photo in the best resolution possible. If you scan at low resolution, your photo will be too small, and if you wish to view it later for details, alas, you won’t be able to.

I found this out the hard way when I scanned in a family photo (please see my article from December 2013 of the RCC News) at a very low resolution, and now am unable to determine a specific clue due to the fuzziness of the image. Scanning takes time and commitment but is truly well worth it for yourself and future generations.

You will need to store the photos in files on your computer, so take time to label the folders using a system that makes sense to you, so you’re able to locate the photos at a later date. There are many ways to do this, as each computer program is different. The fun part comes after the photos are saved. You can then share with other family members around the world, providing they have a computer too. One of my favourite ways to do this is to upload my photos to Facebook. I make sure only family members are able to see them. I’ve created a family group on

Facebook, and invited family members only. So far no one else has shared any photos, but I’m hopeful the idea will catch on!

There are also blogs. I use Blogger to upload my photos for free, new and old. Since I began in 2009, I’ve had a few relatives which I had lost track of contact me and reconnect, so this is very exciting indeed. Family genealogy is currently one of the most popular hobbies, and people use the internet as a tool to search for family members. My mother’s maiden name is very unusual (Brutke) so when that name is entered into the search engines, my posts with old photos pop up immediately! I make sure to leave my email address on my blog so relatives can contact me.

Another fantastic site to post and keep your photos for free is Flickr.com. You can store hundreds of photos for no cost, so if something should happen to your computer, your mind can be at rest. Of course, the best option of all, once you’ve scanned in your precious photos, is to have two back-up devices: one that you keep, and one that you store off site, maybe at your in-law’s or parent’s home, or at work. These devices are now reasonably priced and small enough to carry easily.

After the scanning is complete, you should save and store your actual paper photos safely, too. I store mine in the sturdy cardboard boxes sold at Michael’s craft store. They have cardboard dividers that you can label and insert between photos so that you can section them in year order. One box can hold many photos, and it’s a convenient size and can stack well in a closet. They are often

on sale for $2.50 each.

If you work on this project one night per week, in no time you will be finished, and you’ll experience a feeling of great accomplishment! Then you can return to searching for more names to add to that family tree.

The next installment will feature aspects of the 1921 Canadian census (a great genealogy tool), which was newly released to the public in the summer of 2013.

Loretta Houben looks forward to a New Year getting deeper into genealogy research, and wishes all of you following these monthly series on family tree tips all the best for a successful year!

Excellence in Education

Graham Bruce Elementary

dynamic programs for K-7 students

3633 tanner st.Vancouver 604-713-4778

bruce.vsb.bc.ca

New Year’s Day, 1970: Loretta Houben (in the middle) with her two sisters and her dad.

5

Eating Out in RC: Thai Escape by Paul Reid

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSRENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS January 2014

4902 Joyce Street, Vancouver 604.428.4448

Dine in / Take outFree Delivery from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm within 2 kilometres with minimum $25 purchase

Open Tuesday to Sunday: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm

Greetings food fans. It brings me great pleasure to share with you the goodness that is Thai Escape. Opened this past October, Thai Escape is owned and operated by the team of Pierre Allen and his wife, Jutamat. And if you haven’t heard it yet, let it be known — Thai Escape rocks!

Pierre was our friendly host, making us feel comfortable and providing excellent service while Jutamat worked her magic in the kitchen. An authentic Thai chef with years of experience, I urge all Renfrew-Collingwood community members to treat yourself to Jutamat’s masterful cooking.

We started with the Thai Spring Rolls — deep-fried rolls stuffed with bean vermicelli noodle and veggies; served with homemade plum sauce ($5). Next was what turned out to be one of my favourite soups in this whole wide world — Tom Kah, a hot and sour soup with coconut milk, mushrooms, lemongrass, kaffir, lime leaves, galangal, green onions and cilantro (Large $9.00) And for the main course, Cashew Nut stir fry with roasted cashew nuts, bell peppers, onions, green onions and roasted chili (your choice of Chicken, Beef, Tofu, or Vegetable — $11). Everything tasted fresh and truly out of this world delectable.

Pierre shared with me his round-the-world adventure of how he and Jutamat met and wound up in Vancouver. Pierre grew up in a small mining town in Quebec with his grandparents. He later became a forestry technician. In 2001, following the re-election of George Bush Junior, Pierre felt it was time to evacuate the continent. He journeyed to Europe and embarked on a 3,000-km journey from Paris to Spain, stopping along the way to work odd jobs. From there he made it to Switzerland where one day Pierre came across a Lonely Planet Guide Book for Thailand. This inspired the next leg of his journey. Instead of walking however, this time Pierre sprung for air transportation.

On his third day in Thailand, Pierre found work in a day spa where he worked for the next year. Following the spa’s closure, Pierre headed for Chiang Mai in the North where he began teaching French. And finally, Pierre met the love of his life there in his language class, Jutamat, and they eventually married and came to Vancouver.

So, great food (at reasonable prices), excellent service; I’d also like to give a quick nod to the decor — which is nice and features the beauty of Thailand. Also, you get a view of the North Shore mountains as an added bonus. For these fine reasons, I see no excuse for Thai Escape not to become a great enduring hit with us here in RC.

Bon appetit.

EYE CARE CENTRE

Top: Cashew Nut Stir Fry. Bottom Left: Tom Kah soup; Bottom Right: Thai Spring Rolls

6 RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

London Square Dental Centre #220 3340 Kingsway Ph: 604.435.4545

Collingwood Insurance 5750 Tyne Street Ph: 604.438.9888

Collingwood Neighbourhood House 5288 Joyce Street 604.434.0323

E.41st Ave.

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The Tipper Restaurant 2066 Kingsway Ph: 604.873.1010

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Joyce Hair Design 5156 Joyce St. Ph: 604.451.7680

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

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January 2014

Renfrew Park Community Centre 2929 E22nd. Ave. Ph: 604.257.8388

Kinesiology student feels lucky to be involved in the RC INTERactive programby Monica Wilkins

I got connected to the Renfrew Collingwood INTERactive program through a kinesiology course called Intercultural Health and Physical Activity at the University of B.C. I feel very lucky to have been involved with RC INTERactive in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood. The community has been inclusive and welcoming right from the first time I stepped into the Collingwood Neighbourhood House, where the project is administered. It has been rewarding to witness community change and to be

involved in the process. It makes me appreciate all of the great things that happen in society—change on a large scale is not fast or easy. This program has so many different people involved! I think that the RC INTERactive program is an amazing program that has already done a lot to make people more active and to connect the residents in the community. Throughout my involvement, I have made an impact on the community, but also the

community has made an impact on me. The inclusive environment has encouraged me to be more positive and I have learned the importance of letting every voice be heard.

Being involved in a project that relates to what I am studying has been a fabulous experience. Every student in my class was involved in some sort of community-service learning project where they have been able to be connected to part of the community. Our class of 60 students has made a small difference in the city of Vancouver and maybe even beyond. I hope that more university

students get the opportunity to be involved practically with what they are learning about. I hope to keep connected to the project. Thanks Renfrew-Collingwood!

Monica Wilkins is a kinesiology student at the University of B.C. She works part time at Renfrew Collingwood Seniors Society and is also a yoga instructor.

Find out more about the INTERactive program at http://www.cnh.bc.ca/neighbourhood-stuff-to-do/interactive/

7RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSRENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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

January 2014

Get InvolvedFirst Step - Programs and Services for Newcomers

Kiwassa Neighbourhood House runs an information session on the government programs and services available for newcomers and long-termed immigrants.

12:30-2:30pm Friday, January 24, 2014

Renfrew Library, 2969 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver

To register, please contact Kim Lu, 604-254-5401 ext.222, at Kiwassa Neighbourhood House

Still Creek Stories

Story collecting and art events in the new year!

This year Still Moon Arts Society is collecting the community’s stories to create a Still Creek Stories book and art project. If you have stories and memories of Still Creek, old or recent, we’d love to hear them.

Please contact mail@stillmoon.org and look for story collecting and art events in 2014.

Making One Connection at a Time by Crecien Bencio

The Renfrew-Collingwood Better at Home program has been working towards creating a connected community and a safe neighbourhood for seniors—one connection at a time.

RC Better at Home is a non-profit program funded by the United Way and delivered by Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) that helps seniors live independently in their own homes by providing non-medical home support services such as light housekeeping and yard work, a shuttle service and a walking club.

To better reach the residents of Renfrew-Collingwood, RC Better at Home has launched the Seniors Connectors Volunteer Program to inform seniors in the neighbourhood about different programs and services provided by RC Better at Home and CNH.Our seniors connectors provide outreach, inform seniors, help reduce isolation and loneliness and ensure that seniors have the support they need to remain in their homes for as long as they like. The connectors help build a relationship face-to-face with a warm smile and offering their support to those in need.

Virgie and Alicia are two of our wonderful connectors who are always committed to helping others. Virgie and Alicia are also participants in various seniors programs at CNH such as the Walking Club and the Seniors Wellness Group. They actively volunteer in the neighbourhood and help promote the programs and services of RC Better at Home and CNH.

Virgie says, “I volunteer as a connector because I want to help people because I feel when I grow up I will be the one asking for help. I see seniors who are lonely or sad and I know I can help them and make them laugh.”

One way the connectors reach out to seniors is by volunteering at a table and distributing information at local places and events such as the Renfrew Library or Collingwood Days at Carleton Elementary School. The connectors speak a variety of languages. Connectors can even accompany a senior to a program for the first time if they would not necessarily have the courage to step out to and try something new.

Renfrew-Collingwood Better at Home is recruiting senior connector volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, or want more information about RC Better at Home services, please contact Crecien Bencio, the Renfrew-Collingwood Better at Home Seniors Outreach Worker at 604-435-0375 or visit us at Collingwood Neighbourhood House at 5288 Joyce Street, Vancouver.

RC Better at Home volunteer connector Virgie Cruz is shown here working hard in the office.

The RCC News seeks a senior volunteer Are you a senior who is active in the Renfrew-Collingwood community? Do you have a few hours to spare each month? Do you love to meet people? Are you interested in writing about issues that concern seniors?

The Renfrew-Collingwood Community News is seeking a volunteer to organize, write and compile stories for the Seniors Connection page. We are looking for a local senior citizen who takes part in or can connect to the many programs and services for seniors throughout Renfrew-Collingwood. These include social and recreational, educational, health and multicultural programs at Renfrew-Collingwood Seniors’ Society, Renfrew Park Community Centre, the Collingwood Neighbourhood House and other local seniors’ groups.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to talk with you! Please contact Julie Cheng at rccnews-editorial@cnh.bc.ca or leave a message at the Collingwood Neighbourhood House at 604-435-0323.

*This page is sponsored by the Collingwood Business Improvement Association

CBIA UPDATESl Happy New Year and Thank you for attending the 2013 Winter Carnival and Community Tree Lighting on November 30th. We would like to thank all our sponsors for this event: G&F Financial Group, Urban Earth Med, Vital Auto Repair, London Drugs, Abantu Hair, Selmak Realty, Far Beyond the Grape Wineworks, Central Park Business Centre, See-Rite Optometry, Don Davies, MP, Church’s Chicken, Metro Town Pantry Chevron, Starbucks, Safeway, Pyramid Mediterranean Food, The UPS Store, Rowe Events & Services and Max’s Restaurant. Save the date for next year November 29, 2014.

l Collingwood Jr. BIAThe Jr. BIA is composed of high school students from grades 10 through 12 at Windermere Secondary. We provide many services to all businesses in the Collingwood area, some of which are absolutely free!

What Can They Offer? • Social Media Management • Market Research • Website management • Advertisements • Bookkeeping • Logo Design

For more information email juniorbiacollingwood@gmail.com Visit them at www.facebook.com/juniorbiacollingwood

l Lunar New Year – Year of the Horse February 8, 2014 Once again The Collingwood BIA will be coordinating Lion Dances to occur in the Collingwood business area along Kingsway. To sign up your business for a visit from the Lion to bless the premises contact our office 604.639.4403 or email info@shopcollingwood.ca by February 3rd.

l Collingwood Days has been set for Saturday, May 31st 2014 from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Go to the website www.collingwooddays.com for vendor applications and sponsor information. Let’s showcase Collingwood business, artists and entrepreneurs!

Tasia St. Germaine is a sewaholic. She came to terms with her addiction while still in high school. “You could find me skipping my regular classes to spend more time in the sewing lab,” admits St. Germaine. The addiction prevailed and Tasia found herself graduating with a degree in fashion design from Kwantlen College. From there it was deep into employment in the fashion industry where Tasia would languish for the next eight years.

During this time, her love for sewing grew to the point where she started a blog to reach out to fellow sewaholics. Before long she had tapped into a worldwide network of sewaholics near and far who shared her passion and to whom she would dole out her expert advice. It was shortly thereafter that Tasia had an epiphany. “I could develop my own line of sewing patterns.” And with this, Sewaholic Designs was born; Tasia was a dealer.

That was three years ago. Recently, Tasia won Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Douglas College and her sewing designs are selling like hotcakes around the world in over 90 retail stores. About 50 of those stores are in the U.S. and the rest are in countries around the world. The secret to Tasia’s success? Apart from her social networking abilities and the sheer awesomeness of her designs, it could be that “there is a resurgence in sewing that comes along with people wanting to learn the old do-it-yourself ways,” says Tasia.

Sewaholic Patterns is the first company to offer pretty, versatile sewing patterns for pear-shaped women! “Our patterns are easy to

use and designed to fit and flatter a pear-shaped figure.” The idea to create patterns specifically for pear-shaped women came from Tasia’s frustration in having to alter commercial patterns to fit her curvy lower body. “Our goal is that with Sewaholic Patterns, you’ll be able to sew a practical and pretty wardrobe, tailored to suit your body type.”

Combining her fashion-industry experience with decades of sewing knowledge, Tasia has developed a full range of patterns. There are currently 13 patterns and Tasia plans to add eight to 10 new designs by the end of next year. For now, she has been busy just keeping up with the demand of her current designs. Named after Vancouver area landmarks (Crescent Beach, Lonsdale Quay, Minoru Park and our favourite, Renfrew!) the designs are printed on FSC-certified and recycled paper.

She runs the entire business herself, right down to the modelling and photography. Tasia did recently have help in designing a new website that contains her wonderful blog, sew-a-longs, customer reviews and gift certificates. You can also purchase the Sewaholic patterns and notions online. “The Sewaholic blog is full of tips, tutorials and step-by-step photo demonstrations to help you sew with confidence!”

Now with a part-time helper and an intern, Tasia has her office at the Central Park Business Centre. When not in business mode, Tasia takes a break from sewing and knits. She also loves hiking locally and travelling near and far. She is excited to see more and more people learning to sew and taking pride in making their own clothing. Well done, Tasia!

Tasia St. Germaine of Sewaholic Patterns won Canadian Youth Business Foundation Youth Entrepreneur Award

12 RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSJanuary 2014

The Seniors Connection

H e l p i n g s e n i o r s l i v e w e l l i n R e n f r e w - C o l l i n g w o o d

Renfrew Collingwood Better at Home is currently seeking experienced housekeepers who speak Cantonese. Please phone 604-435-0375 for more information.

Seniors create fall artworksThe Neighbourhood through Senior’s Eyes project, first started in late spring 2013, continued on two consecutive Mondays in November. Seniors collected their favourite fall leaves and pine cones and made beautiful paintings and decorations out of them.

Below are two letters from two seniors from our neighbourhood. One is from Alice Labanda, a senior herself and an active community member and the second letter is from Rose Lara, a community participant who wrote about her experience with the project in June.

Hello Ewa,At first we are all reluctant to what we are going to do, because all of us seniors don’t have anything to do with painting and arts and work with colours and brushes. To the surprise of everyone we are able to create something with our incredible imagination. First we draw on the white papers and then we start colouring them. Everyone is so surprised to what they have painted. It was a moment of discovering ourselves. We realized that we have talents at our age. Like Mrs. Janet Lee who is one of our inspirations in learning painting, who has given her talents and time to us. And last but not least, thank you to Mrs. Ewa Jagla who made this project possible.

Alice

Hello Ewa,Last June 11th afternoon Wellness Group hosted a painting project. It was well attended by the Walking Club. And behind that successful project, are again Ewa and Kat. Thank you to Janet for giving a short know-how for a start.

This can be very relaxing. Our very first time to hold a painting brush, a big white posting board and different colourful paints.

I have no idea how or what to paint. I looked at the others and noticed they, too, have the same smile as I have. Imagination, commanding our hands to draw flowers, landscape, and our own pets. We found ourselves embedded with our creation like a true artists. What a feeling! We love the experience. Again, thank you Neighbourhood Small Grants, giving seniors like us the opportunity to appreciate drawings.

Rose (Resurreccion)

The Neighbourhood through Senior’s Eyes project was sponsored by Neighbourhood Small Grants and the Collingwood Neighbourhood House senior programs. The art supplies were donated by Opus Vancouver and Benjamin Moore Tri Cities.

The goal of this project is to build camaraderie as well as learning painting and arts for fun, where we seniors can discover our hidden creativeness and be able to create our own masterpiece. — Alice

Mr. Hoo and Eliza are focused on creating their artwork.

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

Dear Neighbors,

Happy New Year!

I’d like to wish you all a happy 2014!

My thanks go to everyone who came to our holiday open house in December. We had a packed house and it was a pleasure to see all of you come by. If you’d like to see photos of the lovely event, please visit my website at www.adriandixmla.ca.

Please feel free to stop by my office any time though the year. I am always happy to help with any problems or difficulty you may be having with the provincial government or to hear your ideas for making our province a better place to live.

Mandarin and Cantonese Caseworker

I am pleased to welcome back Idy Leung to our office. My Constituency Assistant, Que Tran Hoang will be taking some time off to care for her newly born second child. In the interim, Idy will be providing assistance in Cantonese and Mandarin between the hours of 11:00am and 1:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Welcome, Idy!

Free Public Access Computer

I have met with several constituents who have expressed difficulty accessing a computer, necessary for social assistance applications, BC Housing files, resume creation, and so much more. As such, 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 or on Friday by appointment). My Constituency Assistants are happy to help with any difficulty.

Apply for a Legislative Internship!

The BC Legislative Internship Program is an educational opportunity for Canadian university graduates to work in British Columbia’s parliamentary system, from January 5th to June 26th, 2015 with a remuneration of $22,920.00 for 6 months.

BC residents are eligible to apply if they have received their first Bachelor’s Degree from a Canadian university with two years prior to the start of the 2015 program.

Apply online at www.leg.bc.ca/bclip before January 31, 2014.

Office Open Late on Mondays!

Responding to the diversity of employment schedules in Vancouver-Kingsway, my community office will now be open from 12pm to 7pm on Monday evenings, beginning September 9th. From Tuesday to Thursday regular hours will remain, opening from 9am to 4pm. Fridays will continue to be closed except to appointments.

13RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS January 2014

Good food, good company and great variety!

2014 features another exciting schedule of seniors’ wellness activities The Seniors Wellness Group at Collingwood Neighbourhood House hosted a variety of activities in 2013, including painting projects, cooking workshops, musical and dance performances by local talent, and several educational presentations on health and wellness topics. Every first Monday of the month, the group celebrates the birthdays that month with “Birthdays and Bingo.” Simply bring a small prize or $2 – everyone gets a chance to win! Coffee and snacks are always provided and the group is always happy to welcome new members. They meet every Monday at 1:15 pm until 3:00 pm. The cost is by donation (suggested $2.50).

We are very excited for the 2014 schedule. We have several educational workshops planned for this year, including a two-part workshop on wills and estate planning. On January 20, we are thrilled to welcome Alden Habacon, the director of intercultural understanding strategy development for the University of British Columbia. A sought-after speaker and consultant in Canada and around the world, Alden is an accomplished diversity and inclusion specialist and a leading thinker in social sustainability. He is coming to CNH for an interactive dialogue with seniors around diversity and the impact on family and family culture. We will explore how we can connect better with friends, family and grandchildren. It should be a very fun and engaging afternoon!

The first Monday of the month, the Seniors Wellness Group at Collingwood Neighbourhood House celebrates with Birthdays and Bingo.

Many local seniors took part in the Heart Health workshop.

Seniors made delightful cone decorations this fall.

January schedule, every Monday from 1:15 to 3:00 pmJanuary 6: Birthdays and Bingo!

January 13: New Year Planning & Pizza Party. Join in some fun activities to plan for 2014. Share your ideas for new programs, guest speakers, celebrations and the community lunch menu.

January 20: Interculturalism: How does it impact our relationships with friends and family? Special guest Alden Habacon. Please register for this talk at CNH (604-435-0323).

January 27: Chinese New Year celebration. Enjoy Chinese food, dance and a language lesson in Mandarin.

Say yes to yoga! Curious about yoga? The word “yoga” means to yoke or unite, bridging the physical and spiritual body together. Yoga is a holistic practice that fosters self-awareness and connection, helping to provide physical, mental, and emotional balance and clarity.

Hatha yoga is the foundation of many yoga styles; it’s great for those who are new to the practice. Yoga can be modified to suit all levels of fitness and variations and modifications for all the poses are offered to meet students at their level. Here are a few reasons to try yoga:

Good for your body• Improves strength and cardiovascular endurance • Improves flexibility, posture, balance, and coordination• Increases energy, vitality and bone density• Improves circulation, flow of oxygen to cells and tissues and boosts heart rate• Improves digestion and strengthens immune system• Help relieve tension, pain, and injury• Provides tools for breathing more efficiently and sleeping more soundly• Calms the nervous system and lowers blood pressure, blood sugar and bad cholesterol

Good for your mind• Calms the mind and encourages relaxation• Decreases anxiety and depression by increasing serotonin levels in the body• Releases stress and tension• Improves concentration, discipline and perseverance

Good for your soul• Emotionally uplifting and life-affirming • Boosts your confidence, sense of self and connection to others• Grounding and restorative• Builds self-awareness and increases well-being • Inspires mindfulness, empathy and patience• Boosts feelings of interconnectedness, gratitude, compassion, and acceptance

Here are some of the opportunities to practice yoga at Collingwood Neighbourhood House:• Seniors Kundalini Yoga, Monday and Thursday, 9:15 am to 10:15 am, drop-in fee $ 2.35• Hatha Yoga for adults, Tuesday and Thursday, 6:45 pm to 8:15 pm, drop-in fee $5.25• Gentle chair Yoga for seniors, Wednesdays, 1-2 pm, drop-in fee $2.50 For more information please call CNH at 604-435-0323.

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This page is sponsored by the Collingwood Neighbourhood House

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

COMMUNITY LUNCHCollingwood 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.”

January menu 2014 Thurs 02Beef stroganoff/veggie option, Salad, Strawberry pudding Tues 07Tomato soup, Chicken melt/veggie option, Chocolate cupcake Thurs 09Fish with brown rice/veggie option, Salad, Coconut macaroon Tues 14White bean soup, Spinach/meat pie, Salad, Macadamia nut cookies Thurs 16Chicken a la king on rice/veggie option, Salad, Lemon tart Tues 21Minestrone soup, Salmon/veggie burgers, Salad, Vanilla cake Thurs 23Shrimp/veggie skewers with quinoa, Salad, Vanilla cheesecake Tues 28Mushroom soup, Egg sandwich, Salad, Bread pudding Thurs 30Spaghetti with meatballs/tomato sauce, Salad/garlic bread, Peach danish

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSJanuary 2014

Renfrew-Collingwood Parent-Child Mother Goose ProgramThe Renfrew-Collingwood Parent-Child Mother Goose Program is a free program for parents and caregivers and their children aged 18 months to 2.5 years old. The group learns songs and rhymes, hears stories and enjoys a delicious snack.

The next session runs on Saturdays from 10-11:30 am from January 4 to May 31 at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH), 5288 Joyce Street, Vancouver.

Please pre-register at CNH in person or by phone at 604-412-3700. Funding for this program is provided by Renfrew-Collingwood Open Doors to Learning.

Affordable fun at Collingwood Neighbourhood HouseIt’s a new year: maybe now is the time to take up a new recreation challenge! Collingwood Neighbourhood House offers affordable, fun, local activities for everyone from toddlers, children and youth to adults, seniors and families

CNH encourages you and your children to participate in our recreation programs, to be active, socialize, have fun, improve your physical condition and learn new skills. And we want to ensure that it is affordable for every person who wants to get active.

If you can pay the full price (our fees are very affordable) we encourage you to do so. But if program fees are a challenge, CNH’s Affordable Fun Program provides Renfrew-Collingwood residents who face financial barriers with the opportunity to participate in a variety of recreation programs such as arts, culture, recreation and leisure at a lower fee.

Elements of the Affordable Fun Program:

• Purchase a pass for adult recreation programs or

children’s pre-registration programs and enjoy a discounted price.• If your household income is low (perhaps you are a single parent or only one member of the family is working), you are eligible for the Affordable Fun Program.• If you are facing financial challenges you may purchase a pre-registered program at 25% or 50% off to a maximum of two programs per family member per school year. This is valid September through to the end of June. This includes all recreation programs.

If any member of your family would like to participate in our recreation programs at reduced rates, please ask for the Affordable Fun Card at our Reception desk or talk to our recreation or seniors coordinators. Priority for this program is given to people living in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood. For more information please call CNH at 604-435-0323. CNH is a Renfrew-Collingwood INTERactive: Interculturism Through Physical Activity partner.

15RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS January 2014RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Licensed Preschool There are spaces available starting January 2014 Please call 604 257 8391 for more information. Baby and me Music with Jennifer (0-1yrs) Tue 12:30-1:15pm Jan 14- Mar 18 $55/10 sess Music and Movement (2-4yrs) Tue 9:30-10:15am Jan 14 – Mar 4 $42/8 sess Culinary Delights (8-10yrs) Sat 9:30-10:45am Feb 1-Mar 15 $21/6 sess Art Adventures (8-12yrs) Thu 3:30-5:00pm Jan 9-Feb 20 $24.50/7 sess

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.

Youth Organized Volunteer Opportunities -YOVO (13-18yrs) Youth Leadership is a program designed for youth who want to become leaders. Youth will learn necessary skills and practical experience by volunteering in programs at the Community Cen-tre. Wed 5:45-7:00pm Jan 22-Mar 12 Free with YP InTraining for Sun Run SportMed BC (13+yrs) Sat 9:00-11:00am Jan 25-Apr 19 $145.95/13 sess Belly Dance *FREE TRIAL* (19+yrs) Wed 7:30-8:45pm Jan 15 Free

Robert Burns Luncheon (55+yrs) Wed 12:00-3:00pm Jan 15 $9/person Sultry Italian Cooking (55+yrs) Learn how to whip up the perfect Italian dish by using fresh herbs and garlic to create a tasty sensation that you’ll come back to time and time again. The best part about Italian cooking is the relaxed atmosphere and having fun rolling your own gnocchi. Wed 1:00-3:00pm Jan 22-Feb 5 $5/3 sess Lunar New Year (All Ages) Sat 12:30-3:00pm Jan 25 Free Senior Safety Bingo (55+yrs) Fri 11:00am-12:00pm Jan 31 Free Birthday Parties (2-10yrs) Got the birthday party planning jitters? Relax and leave it to us! We offer birthday party packages for children’s birthday parties start-ing from $119. Inquire about our new Birthday Party add-ons! (Face painting and balloon twisting.) Make this an event they’ll never forget. Book early so you’re not disappointed. A minimum of 2 weeks advanced booking required. For more information pick up a birthday party flier at the centre office or go to www.renfrewcc.com/birthday.htm

Special Hours of Operation Friday, January 10th 6:00am-4:00pm

Renfrew Branch Library2969 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver BC 604-257-8705

The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse (2009) Adult FictionIn the winter of 1928, Freddie is travelling through southern France. A car accident leads him to an isolated village. Here he meets Fabrissa and, in a single night, realizes he holds the key to a heartbreaking mystery. Haunting and poignant, this is a tale of a generation affected by World War I and loss.

A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy (2012)Adult FictionSummer resort hotels in winter can be lonely places But Stone House in Stoneybridge is warm and inviting. Eavesdrop on some of its winter vacationers, all snug and warm. What about their pasts? Do they have hopes for the future?

Winter-flowering Shrubs by Michael W. Buffin ( 2005)635.976 B929wA hand-picked plant directory of favourites and lesser-knowns, all chosen for their winter-blooming performance. Includes tips on garden balance, and how plants respond to different types of cold. The colour plates show that winter landscapes can be tantalizing!

Tell Me, Pretty Maiden by Rhys Bowen (2008)MysterySet in early 20th-century New York, private detective Molly Murphy needs more staff to cope with public demand for her services. But an unconscious young woman lying in snowy Central Park needs her attention. When she wakes up, she’s unable to speak. How will it all end?

Winter: Five Windows on the Season by Adam Gopnik (2011)577.23 G65wFrom romantic to radical, Gopnik takes us on an intimate tour of what winter has come to mean in modern times. We see winter as inspiration, winter as science, and more. A homage, full of gentle wit. A CBC Massey Lectures book.

compiled by Thomas Quigley, Vancouver Public Library, Renfrew BranchBooks to “winter” with

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16 RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSJanuary 2014