[Viva] Fwd: February is Black History Month - Message from your ED and more

Tue Feb 1 18:24:58 PST 2022

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Vancouver Friends for Life Society <info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca>
Date: Tue, 1 Feb 2022, 5:25 pm
Subject: February is Black History Month - Message from your ED and more
To: <deniseswozniak at gmail.com>

Bingo for Life is back at The Junction Pub!

<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=7e676261ac&e=94d2de1a0e>

Dear Friends,

This is the first newsletter of the year since the house reopened on
January 4, following our holiday break. Let me take this opportunity to say
a special thanks to all the volunteers for your dedicated and loving work.
With your help, we were able to open the Diamond Centre for Living (aka:
Friends for Life House) on December 25 and had a wonderful time. Thanks to
Christopher Jones from Whole Foods who donated a gift card that allowed us
to host the special Christmas lunch. After the huge dump of snow on
Christmas eve, we weren’t sure how many members would stop by the house,
but almost everyone who signed up showed up. Sameer Ismail, VFFL's
President, helped spread cheer while preparing and serving meals alongside
other volunteers. It was so nice to see everyone, and the snow just made it
feel extra special.

I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Coastal Church, in partnership with The
Dirty Apron, who served 40 client-members a catered take-home holiday meal.
Formerly a sit-down event (we miss that!), we are so grateful to Coastal
Church for their continued generosity. The Vancouver Friends for Life
Society also held a holiday bake sale and Christmas Bingo for Life
(sponsored by Telus!) that were both very successful. Our volunteer cooks
put so much time and effort into baking all the cookies and loaves. Orders
this year increased by over 50% compared to last year. Bravo! Despite
COVID-19 restrictions, Christmas bingo was so much fun. The room was
buzzing with laughter and happiness. Thanks to Carlotta Gurl and Jaylene
Tyme, who helped to make the night unforgettable.

Don’t forget! February 1 is the first day of Black History Month
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=ea3b322cbb&e=94d2de1a0e>.
It is a time to celebrate and remember all the ways that Black Canadians
have contributed to Canada’s history and culture. Please check out the
‘News & Events’ section of this newsletter to read more about some of the
events taking place to celebrate Black History Month in BC.

Mark your calendars because Bingo for Life is officially back at The
Junction Pub (1138 Davie Street) every Tuesday, hosted by the wonderful
Carlotta Gurl. Bring a friend and come win some amazing prizes, all donated
by what I like to call our “community angels”.  We are so lucky to be
supported year after year by community businesses who donate gifts that
enable us to raise money for The Vancouver Friends for Life Society.

COVID-19 restrictions have been challenging and we want to thank all our
members for your incredible patience and understanding despite the strict
restrictions over the past two years. We have worked hard to continue to
provide services in the safest way possible.  In light of the updated
restrictions from the public health officer, we will continue to ask all
members who come to the house to provide proof of vaccination and to always
wear a mask while inside the house.

Join UBC researchers for a “Ladies' Tea Party”. We are looking for women
living with and not living with HIV to join us for a tea party to provide
feedback on two videos about our research on Thursday, March 10, from 10 am
to 12 pm at the Diamond Centre for Living, located at 1459 Barclay Street
(corner Nicola St). A $30 honoraria will be provided as a thank-you for
your time. Space is limited so please RSVP to sswann19 at student.ubc.ca or
call 604-868-5075.

Stay up to date with the latest news by reading the monthly newsletter, and
don't be shy to reach out to us. We love hearing from you (write to:
info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca). Wishing you all the very best in 2022!

Diane

Diane Pépin
Executive Director

Please cancel your appointment at least 24-48 hours in advance to give us
an opportunity to offer it to another member. To book a session, please
check the online booking site Jane app
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=0adbf055fd&e=94d2de1a0e>.
If you can't find a spot, add yourself to the waiting list or write to i
<info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca>nfo at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca
<info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca>.

*Reminder*
Members can:

   - Book up to 3 massages per month.
   - Book up to 2 sessions per practitioner each month.
   - Book a maximum of 6 sessions for *all* services per month (every 30
   days).

*Monday*
*Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine*

   - 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
   - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
   - 11:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m.
   - 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
   - 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
   - 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

*Tuesday*

*Counselling - Larisse Goldstein (In person)*

   - 10 - 11:30 a.m.
   - 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

*Art Therapy*

   - 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

*Vancouver College of Massage Therapy*

   - 1:15 - 2:15 p.m.
   - 2:30  - 3:30 p.m.
   - 3:45  - 4:45 p.m.

*Reiki with Tim Kanik*

   - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
   - 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

*Reflexology with Brian Anderson*

   - 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
   - 10:30  - 11:30 a.m.
   - 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

*Counseling - Shayna Hornstein  (By video or telephone)*

   - 10 - 11 a.m.
   - 11 a.m - 12 p.m
   - 12 - 1 p.m

*Wednesday*

*Lunch (pick-up)*

   - 11:30 a.m - 12:45 p.m.

*Vancouver College of Massage Therapy*

   - 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
   - 1:45 - 2:45 p.m.
   - 3 - 4  p.m.

*Reflexology with Brian Anderson*

   - 9:30 - 10:30 a.m
   - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m

*Counselling - Katherine Craig (By telephone)*

   - 2:30 - 3:30 p.m

*Thursday *

*Counselling - Shayna Hornstein (By video or telephone)
Occasional Thursdays (please verify online or with Shayna)**:*

   - 10 a.m
   - 11 a.m
   - 12 p.m

*Friday *

*Counselling - Katherine Craig (By telephone)*

   - 2:30 - 3:30 p.m

*Sign up for Art Therapy Workshop - No art background necessary!*

Vancouver Art Therapy Institute
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=8c941b2ad6&e=94d2de1a0e>
 facilitates a weekly group art therapy session for Vancouver Friends for
Life client-members. The goal of art therapy is to use the creative process
to help people explore self-expression and, in doing so, find new ways to
gain personal insight and develop new coping
skills. It provides client-members the opportunity to express emotions,
develop self-awareness, and connect with internal and external resources
through the use of imagery, colour and shapes. Sessions will be two hours
in length, and participants will have a chance to explore different
materials and themes while guided and supported by the student art
therapists. No previous art experience is necessary, and all materials will
be provided. We welcome you to come and explore through creative
expression. The workshop takes place every Tuesday from 1:30-3:30 p.m. To
register for this workshop, please visit our booking system
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=3eccc24953&e=94d2de1a0e>
 or call us at 604-682-5992.

*FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH*

Black History Month event: Celebrating Joseph Seraphim Fortes On February
4, in honor of Black history month, the Barbados Consulate in BC with the
Caribbean community, will recognize and celebrate the important
contributions of Joseph Seraphim Fortes to the history of the City of
Vancouver and we are inviting you to attend and help us share his story
with British Columbia. Live virtual event.

Where: Alexandra Park - 1600 Beach Avenue, Vancouver, BC
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=d6c005bb36&e=94d2de1a0e>
When: February 4, 10:15 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Website: https://www.straight.com/listings/events/1417087
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=4a7c5e1aa3&e=94d2de1a0e>
Contact: barbados.bcconsul at yahoo.ca
604-617-4485 (Marilyn Moseley, Honorary Consul for Barbados in British
Columbia)

Canada unveils 2022's theme for Black History Month
Click here
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=6398e17d50&e=94d2de1a0e>

Vancouver International Film Festival Announces Black History Month
Programming. The VIFF will be screening a variety of films to empower Black
filmmaking throughout the entire month of February. Read more here
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=d6d8ddf04f&e=94d2de1a0e>
. History of anti-Black Racism in Canadian Schools and Universities” with
Dr. June Francis. Saturday, Feb 5th 1:30 – 3 p.m. PT Livestream
Click here
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=65b266b8f4&e=94d2de1a0e>

Feb 25 - Let's Hear it! Live music
Click here
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=af80bfabb3&e=94d2de1a0e>

List of events in Vancouver for Black History Month from the
Georgia Straight. Read more here
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=298a6a5f38&e=94d2de1a0e>
.

*MY DAVIE VILLAGE FEBRUARY EVENTS CALENDAR*
Upcoming GLBTQ2 events around downtown Vancouver. Click here
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=dbe8317f5a&e=94d2de1a0e>
.
*UBC RESEARCH*
Join UBC researchers for a “Ladies' Tea Party”. We are looking for women
living with *and* not living with HIV to join us for a tea party to provide
feedback on two videos about our research. The tea party will take place
on Thursday, March 10, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Diamond Centre for
Living (aka: Friends for Life House), located at 1459 Barclay Street
(corner Nicola). *A $30 honoraria* will be provided as a thank-you for your
time. Space is limited so please RSVP to sswann19 at student.ubc.ca or call
604-868-5075.

*POSITIVELY DANCE INSTRUCTOR TRAINING PROGRAM*
Principal Investigator Dr. Eli Puterman and team are hiring women living
with HIV who reside in or around Vancouver to take part in a paid part-time
job training program (March -April 2022) to become instructors ($25/hour)
for dance classes for women living with HIV (to start May 2022). Dance
teaching experience is NOT required to take part in the program, just
passion for the health and wellbeing of women living with HIV. Applications
due: February 4, 2022. For more information about the Positively Dance
Program, email kin.dance at ubc.ca or call 604-827-2618.

*2ND ANNUAL LOVE POSITIVE WOMEN CAMPAIGN*
Once again this year, the Canadian Positive People Network (CPPN)
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=2d8bde1e40&e=94d2de1a0e>
celebrates
HIV-positive women and girls from coast-to-coast-to-coast and around the
world. Read more here
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=4b0a3f3e81&e=94d2de1a0e>
.

*WEBINARS *
Indigenous Peoples, Food Safety and Security and Climate Change in Canada.
Register here
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=4df56446d2&e=94d2de1a0e>
.

*OUTDOORS*
Robson Square Ice Skating
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=5d85f56135&e=94d2de1a0e>
– Free at the corner of Robson and Howe in downtown Vancouver. (and skates
can be rented)

Skating at the Shipyards
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=f865455420&e=94d2de1a0e>
– Ice skating at the giant outdoor covered rink at Shipyard Commons in
North Vancouver. Free admission (and skates can be rented).

*GALLERIES *
Vancouver Art Gallery
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=785eb00f1e&e=94d2de1a0e>
– Admission is by a donation from 5 to 9 pm (because it’s Tuesday).

Vancouver Maritime Museum
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=8d3b5a6076&e=94d2de1a0e>
– in addition to its permanent collection, currently showing is a temporary
exhibition about Indigenous Canoe Culture. Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER
and save 25%.

Bill Reid Gallery
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=696a1ea5e8&e=94d2de1a0e>
– free admission at the Bill Reid First Nation’s art gallery between 2 and
5 pm on the first Friday of the month.

*OTHER*

Cheap Movie Night
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=a522e7db0c&e=94d2de1a0e>
(Tuesdays) – at most theatres throughout the Lower Mainland.

Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=a0508473e2&e=94d2de1a0e>
– special hot chocolate offerings around town. So it’s not really a
“festival.” It’s more just an excuse to enjoy a hot winter treat! (2022
dates TBC.)
Every Wednesday, take-away lunch is served to VFFL members.
Pickup is between 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.
Members must sign up no later than the preceding Monday at noon
by using our online booking system
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=0dfdec6b45&e=94d2de1a0e>
or
e-mail info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca or call 604-682-5992

*Updated. *

Vancouver Friends for Life only has two reserved parking spots located at
the rear of the house labeled "Parking for Visitors of Weeks House Only"
(one to the furthest left and the other on the side of the house). Although
it is tempting to park in an empty spot, those other spots are reserved for
members of West End Seniors' Network at Barclay Manor. They have reached
out to let us know that they will tow non-members who park in their
reserved spots.  Please spread the word.

For members who cannot find parking, Roedde House (located at 1415 Barclay
street) is allowing members to park *for the duration of their appointment
only* in parking stalls #16 and #17 on* Mondays and Tuesdays only. *
Client-members
must have a parking pass or information that clearly states you are a VFFL
member as well as a telephone number where you can be reached. Ask a VFFL
host for a parking pass and please don't forget to bring it back when you
are about to leave. Otherwise, there is free two-hour parking
around Barclay street. In the event that free parking isn't available, paid
parking on side streets is fairly inexpensive. Thank you for your
understanding.

* Below is a list of resources that will be included in every newsletter
and updated as the information is brought to our attention.*

* BC Ministry of Health  *
The Ministry of Health has launched a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment tool
to help people determine whether they need a test for the coronavirus. The
online tool at https://covid19.thrive.health
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=1d1bd46133&e=94d2de1a0e>
poses
a series of questions about symptoms and offers advice about what to do
next including making a call to the 811 health line or continuing to
self-monitor for symptoms.People in B.C. can now call 1-888-COVID19
(1-888-268-4319) for non-medical information on the virus covering
everything from travel recommendations to social distancing.

* BCCDC  *
For more COVID-19 information for the public, please go to
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=ee68621cb7&e=94d2de1a0e>
. Information for vulnerable populations can be found at the following
link:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/vulnerable-populations
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=b4ad6d920a&e=94d2de1a0e>

Vanco
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=38af15aedc&e=94d2de1a0e>uver
Coastal Health
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=ad528eb221&e=94d2de1a0e>Latest
Covid 19 updates
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=2b630f7939&e=94d2de1a0e>

<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=bc668c3887&e=94d2de1a0e>COVID-19
videos on YouTube channel
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=722b41e827&e=94d2de1a0e>

*BC Cancer Agency*
COVID-19 and Cancer Treatments - Information for Patients
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/about/news-stories/news/2020/covid-19-and-cancer-treatments
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=e5a5d1a241&e=94d2de1a0e>

Resources for emotional support
KUU-US Crisis Line Society
The KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides a First Nations and Indigenous
specific crisis line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll-free
from anywhere in British Columbia. KUU-US Crisis Line can be reached
toll-free at 1-800-588-8717. Alternatively, individuals can call direct
into the Youth Line at 250-723-2040 or the Adult Line at 250-723-4050.

* Government of Canada*
Get the latest information from the Public Health Agency of Canada about
COVID-19 at
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.htm
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=485f11a6a1&e=94d2de1a0e>

* City of Vancouver*
Review all impacted facilities and services in Vancouver at the following
link:
https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/covid-19-coronavirus-within-vancouver.aspx
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=8e392acbdb&e=94d2de1a0e>

*AIDS Vancouver*
For those of us living with HIV and seeking additional support during this
time we are happy to share that case managers from AIDS Vancouve
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=a3e596ae44&e=94d2de1a0e>r
are still working and can be contacted through telephone or email for
support. *Also, the AIDS Vancouver grocery program is still operational.
For general information, members are asked to call (604) 893-2201.*

The Food Bank is NOT requiring proof of income at this time; we are 100%
focused on getting healthy food to those in need during the COVID-19
crisis: https://bit.ly/2X0oG0A
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=1827b7db58&e=94d2de1a0e>
.

*Mental Health Commission of Canada Resource Hub*
https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/covid19
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=db3754018a&e=94d2de1a0e>
Here to Help: https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/covid-19-and-anxiety
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=e3bdd96faf&e=94d2de1a0e>

* Inspire Health*
InspireHealth is here to support cancer patients and their loved ones with
FREE
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=b789463756&e=94d2de1a0e>online
classes and programs. No referral is required.
<https://vancouverfriendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=8267315d06&e=94d2de1a0e>

The team at Key Dental Clinic is offering free or low-cost dental care for
our clients.
You can choose from:
Complementary comprehensive exam and X-Rays

   1. Oral cancer screening.
   2. 50% discount on all preventative services such as cleaning and
   Flouride treatment.
   3. 50% discount on minor restorative treatment, including white fillings.

*This is an exclusive offer to clients of Friends for Life Society*. If you
are interested please email info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca
<info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca?subject=Key%20Dental%20Clinic> .  We will
verify your association with Friends, so that you can book an
appointment.You will not be able to book an appointment without a
verification from Friends. This offer is available only to those who
receive this email; it is not transferable.
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Vancouver Friends For Life Society · 1459 Barclay Street · Vancouver, BC
V6G 1J6 · Canada

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