Connecting the Community

September 17th is the date of the next full moon and the 2024 Moon Festival celebrated here in Richmond Hill.

Barbara Adhiya, editor/author, Sanjay Burman of Burman Books and Richmond Hill resident and contributor to the book, Glemena Bettencourt, of Hope By Terry Fox share insights into the make of this book. This account of Terry Fox, with sharing the stories and images from 50+ people, will inspire you. There is a Richmond Hill book launch Sept. 4th - Celebrating the release of the new Terry Fox Book at the Terry Fox memorial And please come to the Terry Fox Run on September 15th Richmond Hill - Oak Ridges Terry Fox Run | Terry Fox Run If you'd like to help at the September 15th run please contact Glemena at [email protected]

Current Curtain Club president Wayne Milliner tells us about the Curtain Club's upcoming season. He talks about the shows and what is involved in presenting the season. Find out more and order your tickets at - www.thecurtainclub.org

Kathleen Mochnacki is very knowledgeable about the shortfalls of care for those with severe mental illness. There needs to be family involvement and real supportive housing. Listen to learn more. Kathleen can be reached at [email protected] Here is the new group she is a part of Family Alliance on Severe Mental Illnesses The book she recommended is "I am not sick and I do not need help" by Dr. Xavier Amador And here is the Wikipedia link to Anosognosia - Wikipedia

YNSE = Yonge North Subway Extension, one of the many Metrolinx projects. And Ella explains what Metrolinx is all about. She invites us to her new office at 295 High Tech Road. And we'll see her out in the community. She can be contacted at: [email protected] 416 202-7000 Consider signing up for the newsletter Metrolinx (list-manage.com) And learn more about the Yonge North Subway Extension Yonge North Subway Extension (metrolinx.com)

Marj had a long list of question for Radhika. And she had lots of things to explain. Dr. Chawla convinces us to wear sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat! Here is her website www.eyesofrichmondhill.com

Anders Lindfors tells us all about the great local beverages on tap. Plus great food and entertainment. With the proceeds helping the Richmond Hill Rotary Club do all of their great work in our community and in the world. Check out the website for all of the details and to purchase your tickets. Saturday August 24, 2024 4 to 11 pm Richmond Hill Rotary Beer Craft Festival

Yes, it happens here. We won't let our kids walk to the corner store but we let them alone with devices to expose themselves to the world. Boys are really vulnerable. Here's something to review Internet Safety - York Regional Police (yrp.ca) Murray can be reached at [email protected]

Leah has been protecting the environment long before she became a MP for the riding of Aurora Oak Ridges Richmond Hill. Marj and Leah discuss land conservation, Indigenous environmental perspectives EVs and green taxonomy. And we try to untangle what the "Price on Pollution" really is. Here is a link on her web site to some of her statements on the Price of Pollution. Price on Pollution | Leah Taylor Roy (leahtaylorroymp.ca) And here is some info about the Carbon Rebate - https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-carbon-rebate.html

Marj talks with 4 of the candidates who have put themselves forward to be the next YRDSB school trustee for Wards 1, 2 and 4. By-election 2024 - City of Richmond Hill There are short interviews with: Susan Joseph Robert Kolosowski Sarah Mian Sadra Nasseri The questions asked to each are: Tell us why you will be a good school trustee? What do you bring to the table? What are some strengths of YRDSB? What do you see as some challenges facing YRDSB at the present time? Do you believe that the police should have a presence in the schools? What do you believe the policies for cell phone use at school should be. How important is it to be teaching about the climate crisis? Check out the candidate info here Certified Candidates - City of Richmond Hill

Lorris Herenda has been CEO of the Yellow Brick House for 20 years. Things are getting worse for both the numbers of women and children that need support and also the promised funding for the programs has not been forthcoming. Lorris wants you not to hesitate to call or text if 24/7 if you or a friend or family member may be experiencing intimate partner violence. Majid Jowhari (libparl.ca) Aurora Oak Ridges Richmond Hill About | MP Leah Taylor Roy (leahtaylorroymp.ca) Provincial Richmond Hill South Daisy Wai, MPP | Richmond Hill Aurora Oak Ridges Richmond Hill About Michael Parsa, MPP (michaelparsampp.ca)

David West has been busy visiting mayors in Texas and Calgary. He is proud of Richmond Hill but acknowledges that there are challenges. Consider signing up for his newsletter Mayor David West – Richmond Hill (davidwest-richmondhill.ca)

Bukky Ojo is the promoter of Bepraize Sax Live event happening at RHCPA on Friday June 21st. We talked about African music and African rice. This is an event to continue to celebrate our cultural diversity. Here's their website BePraizeSax – BePraizeSax Bukky can be reached at [email protected] or 416 834-3299

Here is the link to vote and to find out more about the birds and the Bird Team. Birds in Richmond Hill - City of Richmond Hill If you would like to contact Diana please send her an email at [email protected] For Facebook users check out and follow https://facebook.com/birdfriendlyrichmondhill You may want to download this Merlin Bird ID – Free, instant bird identification help and guide for thousands of birds – Identify the birds you see (allaboutbirds.org) And "Go Red Wing Blackbird Go!"

Marj talks with Susan Applebaum the Community Relations Manager at Delmanor Elgin Mills about this event. She really hopes people come up and visit her and her Delmanor "family". Susan may be contacted at [email protected] Come meet these community groups Friday May 31st, 1:30 to 4:30 The Curtain Club Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra Richmond Hill Historical Society Richmond Hill Lawn Bowling Club Richmond Hill Arts Council David Dunlap Observatory Defenders Chorus York Richvale Lions Club Richmond Hill Public Library Terry Fox Run - Oak Ridges Destiny Toastmasters Club New Horizons Seniors Band - York Region L'Arche Daybreak Richmond Hill Group of Artists Click HERE for more information

The conversation focused on affordable housing, Pharmacare, net-zero economy, EVs and supporting Ukrainian newcomers. We did start the conversation talking about the new university that has come to Richmond Hill - United Nations University - Institute of Water, Environment and Health UNU-INWEH | United Nations University Here is a link to the 2024 Federal Budget Budget 2024 (canada.ca) As referenced in our conversation, here is some light reading :) Global Supply Chain of EV Batteries Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy Government of Canada invests in E3 Lithium to advance Canada’s EV battery production To contact Majid check out his web site Majid Jowhari (libparl.ca)

Check out the new season and don't wait too long to book the shows you want to see. Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts - Home (rhcentre.ca) Michael Freethy can be reached at [email protected]

CFUW Aurora Newmarket has organized this amazing Home & Garden Show. Home & Garden (cfuwauroranewmarket.com) And check out what they are all about and the great work they do, including providing scholarships for young women. HOME (cfuwauroranewmarket.com)

Please visit their website www.larchedaybreak.com Here's some more information and photos of the Lively Loaf program. The Lively Loaf by Clara Fraschetti - L’Arche Daybreak (larchedaybreak.com) Interested to learn more about the Real Bread Campaign that Clara mentioned About us | Real Bread Campaign (sustainweb.org) Follow the Lively Loaf on Instagram Clara Fraschetti (@thelivelyloaf) • Instagram photos and videos The Craft Studio is open Monday to Friday 9 am – noon and 1 pm – 4pm The Craft Studio - L’Arche Daybreak (larchedaybreak.com) Consider participating in their fundraising Walk with Hope 2024 - L’Arche Daybreak (larchedaybreak.com)

Check out Leah's web site www.leahtaylorroymp.ca Her contact info is there.

Lily Pourzand, Director of Partnerships and Community Engagement and Martha Samer, Manager of Employment Services with CCSYR (Catholic Community Services of York Region) provide insights into newcomers successfully integrating and finding meaningful employment. Lily can be reached at [email protected] Martha can be reached at [email protected] Explore their web site. Catholic Community Services of York Region (ccsyr.org)

Olga is an artist and an art teacher with the Mill Pond Gallery. On April 27 & 28th she has a exhibition of her students work. Member Gallery Show and Sale - Emerging Artists

Dr. Radhika Chawla referred to this website to verify the safety of eclipse glasses How to View a Solar Eclipse Safely | Solar Eclipse Across America (aas.org) Dr. Chawla's contact information can be found at her website www.eyesofrichmondhill.com

Gelanaz Hemati joins Marj on this podcast to talk about Nowurz. Gelanaz is an Iranian born interior designer now living in Richmond Hill [email protected] www.gelanaz.ca The 7 "S's" of the Haft-Seen table sabzeh (wheat or lentil sprouts), samanu (sweet pudding) senjed (dried fruit) seer (garlic) serkeh (vinegar) somaq (sumac) seeb (apple)

Vanessa Ley and Carmen James, two board members with the Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame, share their thoughts as to the importance of preserving the history of sports that has happened in Richmond Hill. There have been many great athletes in Richmond Hill. Check it out! Sports Hall of Fame - City of Richmond Hill

Rita Arendz has a lot to say about brass bands. Their coming concert, "Voice of the Horn" sounds spectacular. April 6th, 7:30 pm, at St. Mary's Anglican Church (Richmond Hill) UCB presents TENOR HORN SHEONA WHITE in VOICE OF THE HORN Tickets, Sat, 6 Apr 2024 at 7:30 PM | Eventbrite

Listen to hear Valentyna Burbelo, Shamima Mili and Helen Samimy talk about some of the amazing work they do with the newcomers to our community, at CCSYR. https://ccsyr.org/ Learn what social prescribing is. And some challenges with integration.

Lots is happening International Women's Day - City of Richmond Hill March 4 to 8 Review and sign up. Learn and be inspired. If you'd like to get in touch with Priti here is her email [email protected]

Please check out the web site Eleanor Silverberg, Coping Strategist | family caregivers | Ontario, Canada You'll find her books there. Here's the link to her March 1st, 2024 12 pm webinar Does Guilt Weigh You Down? (eleanorsilverberg.com)

Listen to hear about the Ahmadiyya faith and community and this women's only event Sunday Feb. 25th, 2024, 2:30 to 5. Click HERE to register.

Stephie Reimer describes this unique exhibit that is on at the Central Library until Jan. 31st. It's part of DesignTO. She contrasts her life in small town Mexico to living in Toronto. This YouTube is of the original exhibit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHXDusqqYdg Stephie can be reached at [email protected]

Check out Chorus York Chorus York | Lifting your spirit through song Read Jennifer's impressive bio!! Purchase tickets!! Consider joining Chorus York!!

The book is Insights For Everyday Mindfulness Please see Nicolle's web site Mindfulness for Professionals | Lotus Law (lotus-law.com) She has a book signing on Saturday Jan. 20th, 1 to 4 Book Signing - Insights For Everyday Mindfulness, by Nicolle Kopping-Pavars | OnRichmondHill

Lot's of fun to have and memories to make! Check it out Richmond Hill Winter Carnival Saturday Feb. 3 & Sunday Feb. 4, 2024 Remember to buy a button!!

Ehiko Odeh and Firi Fombo talk about their exhibit at the Central Library, on until February 24th. It's an exploration of "layered harm" of black hair care. Here's an article, with some photos Hair Today. Gone Tomorrow ~ an exhibit at the Central Library | OnRichmondHill Please explore these links: https://designto.org/event/golden-beauty-supply/ https://www.rhpl.ca/whats-on/calendar-of-events/virtual-artist-visit-ehiko-odeh https://rhpl.ca/whats-on/calendar-of-events/collage-workshop-hair-today-gone-tomorrow Please contact them at [email protected] and [email protected]

Christos is an artist and a curator and a nature lover, particularly of that here in and around Richmond Hill. He hopes this art will instill in us a strong desire to appreciate and protect the Greenbelt. Exhibit on from Tuesday, January 16, 2024 to Sunday, January 21, 2024, 10:00am to 6:00pm at the Boynton House Opening reception - Wednesday, January 17, 2024- 5 to 8 pm. Artists in attendance. Please see more details here 'Environments’ Art Exhibition at the Historic Boynton House | OnRichmondHill

Those interested to learn more can simply do a Google search for "Russ Horner Mascot" or "Russ Horner Character". Russ's more complete character history will be available later this year at www.TheGreatCharacterCompany.com."

Elvan and Hengameh talk about some of the great work that is done to support the newcomers, including a successful new newcomers autism project. Counselling Services - Catholic Community Services of York Region (ccsyr.org) Newcomers Autism Project - Catholic Community Services of York Region (ccsyr.org)

SHOW POSTPONED TO MARCH 3RD, 2024, 3 PM Tom is a great storyteller. He wants to demystify classical music. You may be wishing to go to Lubeck, Germany to see the setting for this performance, Thursday, Jan 18th, RHCPA, Plaza Suite, 7:30 pm. Find out more, including a link to purchase tickets, on Tom Allen's web site Performances | Tom Allen (tomtomallen.com) Tom Allen | STORYTELLER, CONCERT HOST, AUTHOR, MUSICIAN, BROADCASTER (tomtomallen.com)

This podcast was in in depth conversation with David about how things are decided regarding the budget. A lot of people are really working hard If you want to read the budget details here's the press release - Richmond Hill Council Approves 2023 Operating Budget - City of Richmond Hill

Shai Mandel has successfully blended her passions of teaching and cooking. Rooks to Cooks offer virtual and in person programs including summer camps in Richmond Hill. Check out all the options at Rooks to Cooks

Lots going on at Light on the Hill Church Dec. 16th, 2023 there is a Family Christmas program open to the community as part of their Rise n Shine program for young children. Check out their Facebook page (20+) Facebook . This 175 year old church has many programs and indoor and outdoor spaces. Music is important to them. They have borrowed from England the term "Messy Church". Henri Nouwen is buried there and an outdoor amphitheater commemorates him. Adam Furfaro, James Yu and Lulu Yeng invite you to visit!!!

Rehana tells us her story of addressing the local needs of those who find themselves homeless and how the Coldest Night of the Year has been a great fundraiser. Here's where you can participate in the Coldest Night of the Year event Richmond Hill (Blue Door) - Coldest Night of the Year 2024 Canada (cnoy.org) And check out what is happening at Blue Door - Giving Hope a Home

Robert enthusiastically talks about the history and the congregation of the Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church and also its role in being part of the community. He encourages everyone to come and visit, including at Christmas.

Krista is the pastor with the Salvation Army Church in Richmond Hill and loves what she does - which is a lot and varied. The church's long time motto of providing soup, soap and salvation continues today. The Salvation Army in Canada She hopes many people will volunteer and "man" a kettle or bubble and drop off holiday gifts before Dec. 12th. Click HERE. Once in the system, volunteers can view locations, schedules and begin committing their time this Christmas. For more information, please contact Kettle Coordinators Elli Bagheri or Courtney Drew by emailing [email protected] or calling or texting 416-970-4768 And shop at the Salvation Army Thrift Store Shop Thrift & Donate Secondhand Goods | Your Local Thrift Store

CCSYR offers lots of support for newcomers Home - Catholic Community Services of York Region (ccsyr.org)

Russ Horner loves his business of taking the slides, photos, family video, documents, postcards, awards..... and making them into something shareable. He finds everyone's stories remarkable and different. www.descriptivescanning.ca

The Merry Marketplace happens for 5 consecutive Saturdays, 4 to 9 pm, starting November 18th at Richmond Green. Fun for all. See Santa, take some photos, enjoy the music and maybe a glass of mead. Merry Marketplace - City of Richmond Hill

Tashia Edwards and Adelina Bridi are with CCSYR, the lead organization at the Richmond Hill Welcome Centre. Real support is given to those new to Canada, regardless of their background. Home - Catholic Community Services of York Region (ccsyr.org) Richmond Hill Welcome Centre - Welcome Centre

Susan Dobson is the Executive Director of the Krasman Centre. She has had lived experience and is very qualified to offer peer to peer support. She shares her dad's story of overcoming the challenges of mental health to live a fulsome life. Here is the report she mentions WHO-OHCHR-Mental-health-human-rights-and-legislation_web.pdf