Connecting the Community

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

Barry has lots to say about music, particularly at the Richmond Hill United Church. There is an amazing church organ that turns 100 next year and it has over 2000 pipes. Barry talks about how music can create at thin space - a Sacred moment spurred on by spiritual practice or a deep conversation that pierces the soul. On December 10th, 2023 - 7 pm, there is a Carols by Candlelight concert.

Check out Katie's music at Katie Dauson - Musician, Original Music Here's a link for getting tickets for the November 18th, 2023 show Shows | Katie Dauson

This is Hugh Adams's second Connecting the Community Podcast. He first gave us an overview of how the Lion's Club got started in Richvale (a part of Richmond Hill) and what life was like then. Richvale Lions Club with Hugh Adams | Connecting the Community (podbean.com) In this podcast Hugh talks about one of the global causes of Lions International, Vision. Hugh has collected thousands and thousands of used prescription glasses. Richvale Lions is actively looking for more members and for people to go in to schools to assess JK students' vision. A part of the logo for the Richvale Lions Club is the nearby David Dunlap Observatory. Marj sees it as a gigantic powerful pair of glasses! Hugh can be reached at [email protected]

Mike Perrella has owned Vin Bon Richmond Hill for a little over a year. He has always loved making wine. And he is proud of what he makes. Good wine at a lower price, with fewer sulphites and it is certified vegan. Mike invites you to drop by VinBon Richmond Hill - Vin Bon [email protected]

University student, Cole Rutman really wanted to help out those who flew the war in Ukraine and came here, by telling their stories. It wasn't easy but he got lots of help. To get more of a glimpse of what Cole is up to check out these links https://filmfreeway.com/ColeRutman (37) Cole Rutman | LinkedIn Check out all of the amazing work that CCSYR is doing to help newcomers to Canada. Home - Catholic Community Services of York Region (ccsyr.org)

Check out the York Region Food Network's website yrfn.ca The Good Food Box is front and centre of their home page. Follow them on Facebook (20+) Facebook Click HERE to read the current York Region Food Charter Marissa can be contacted at [email protected] Here's the Wikipedia definition of gleaning Gleaning - Wikipedia

Ria welcomes you to her beautifully furnished Red House Dental VIVOS Integrated | Dental service | Red House Dental | Ontario

Kathleen has a monthly newsletter. Please email her at [email protected] to receive this. And the word that means that you are unaware of your underlying condition is Anosognosia

A fun conversation with Jeff Scott about his Elton John performances and living in Richmond Hill. Lots of positive comments about RHCPA. Purchase tickets to the Oct. 7th performance at RHCPA here EPIC ELTON "An Evening of All His Hits" (rhcentre.ca) For more information about booking Jeff to come into your living room, or wherever, please Nick Pattison 647 884 3489 [email protected]

Well before the next municipal election (2026) the council and staff are looking at amendments. There should be fewer signs. And Scott has asked to allow realtors to have more open house signs, with restrictions. Here is the link to the motion to amend the Real Estate signs (see item 15.1.8) Here is the link to the amendments made to the Election Sign Bylaw. Amendment item number 7.14.7 speaks to the prohibition of election signs on Public Property. Scott can be reached at [email protected]

Riki can be reached at [email protected] And please visit her web site https://rikiadivi.wordpress.com/