UBC Community Remembers Representation on UNA Board Remains Balanced After Election

Published by the University Neighbourhoods Association

Volume 10, Issue 11 NOVEMBER 25, 2019 UBC Community Remembers Representation on UNA Board Remains Balanced after Election

Section 5.4(a) of the UNA Bylaws provides that “For more balanced representation, not more than three (3) Resident Directors may be resident in any single Local Area.”

John Tompkins “For more balanced representation, not Editor more than three (3) Resident Directors may be resident in any single Local Area.”

Because the UNA had one continuing Resi- The concept of balanced representation on dent Director from Hawthorn Place (Terry the UNA Board of Directors remains intact Mullen) and one continuing Resident Di- despite an unprecedented turn of events in rector from Wesbrook Place (Matthew De- the 2019 Election where six candidates – lumpa), in this election, only two candidates three from Hawthorn Place and three from from Hawthorn Place could take seats on the Wesbrook Place – competed for three seats Board. The third open seat went to a candi- on the UNA Board. date from Wesbrook Place.

Based on 2,756 valid votes cast in the elec- The winning candidates who will join the tion at the 2019 Annual General Meeting UNA Board as Elected Resident Directors University Neighbourhoods Association Directors Ying Zhou (Chair) and Laura (AGM) on November 6, the full result of the are: Cottle laid a wreath on behalf of UBC residents during Remembrance Day vote count was as follows: Ceremony at the UBC War Memorial Gym. Please see story on Page 4. Murray McCutcheon, Hawthorn Place Murray McCutcheon, Hawthorn Place – Richard Watson, Hawthorn Place 627 votes Zheng (Jane) Kang, Wesbrook Place. Richard Watson, Hawthorn Place – 594 votes In a Statement following announcement of Martin Guhn, Hawthorn Place – the election results, the UNA congratulated 469 votes successful candidates and thanked all the Zheng (Jane) Kang, Wesbrook Place – candidates who put their name forward. The 455 votes UNA also thanked outgoing Directors Ying James Ellis, Wesbrook Place – Zhou, Laura Cottle and Richard Alexander. 336 votes Qing Wang, Wesbrook Place – According to the current bylaws, Elected 245 votes. Resident Directors hold office for two years and can be re-elected to the UNA Board for The three candidates who received the two more consecutive terms of office. most votes were all from Hawthorn Place. However, only the top two of them were The UNA Board of Directors is comprised announced at the AGM as successful can- of five Resident Directors elected by UNA didates. members, two appointees from UBC (currently Tor Album and Carole Jolly), and UNA members were reminded about Sec- one appointee from the Alma Mater Society tion 5.4(a) of the UNA Bylaws which says: (AMS) – (currently Cristina Ilnitchi). page 2 THE CAMPUS RESIDENT NOVEMBER 25, 2019 Departing UNA Chair Feels Sense of Pride in UNA Growth

Ying Zhou, Chancellor resident, I have learned so much from each of you livered two very successful major events. has been UNA Director for six for the past six years. “The UNA Multicultural Committee has consecutive years “The Bylaw Review work that we have played a key role on supporting the groups committed to last year continues to be chal- as well as has hosted the monthly Cook- John Tompkins lenging, as complex issues and financial ing workshop for several years. Senior Editor impacts have come up since we provided volunteers helped significantly with the our recommendations to the members last implementation of the Your Passport to Spring. We are working closely with UBC, Wellbeing project that involved delivering the (UBC student) Alma Mater Society and forty- five free programs with 881 registra- Addressing the UNA membership Novem- staff to make sure that we have a solid set tions among 200 seniors. I am very proud ber 6 in the 2019 Annual General Meeting of recommendations to put forward in our of their dedication and accomplishments. at the Wesbrook Community Centre, Ying Special General Meeting in 2020. Zhou, departing Chair of the UNA Board “The UNA also owes big thanks to our of Directors, said: “As I close my last term “I would like to take the opportunity to ex- youth volunteers. The capacity that exists as a member of the Board, I look back to press my appreciation to Terry Mullen and within youth volunteers is astounding, and where we started and feel a sense of pride Laura Cottle for their leadership, as board amazing things happen when a little oppor- for how much we have grown and evolved members, on this issue. Also, to thank tunity is added. This year there was plenty over the last few years. No doubt, there is Mike Feeley and Bill Holmes, as resident of opportunity, and our volunteer system much still to be done, but our issues and representatives. Bill Holmes has spent an continued to grow by hitting over 4,200 Ying Zhou problems always come from a desire to extraordinary amount of time and efforts on total hours contributed by more than 310 improve our community life and love for the amendment bylaws for several years. unique volunteers.” working with the UBC Board of Gover- our neighbourhoods, and with those goals nors. “Shelley has played a role like life- in mind, we will always find common “The UNA would like to thank and rec- Looking ahead, Ms. Zhou said, the search saver for the UNA Board with her expertise ground.” ognize the invaluable and tireless work of for a new UNA Executive Director has and personality,” said Ms. Zhou. volunteers who have contributed their time started. In the meantime, Andrew Cle- In the Chair’s Report for 2018–2019, Ms. and expertise to ensure that we can hold a ments, UNA Recreation Manager, and Recognizing the community contribution Zhou told about 50 UNA members at the variety of events and initiatives, both long- Wegland Sit, UNA Operations Manager, of The Campus Resident newspaper pub- meeting: “Looking back, the UNA has term and short-term projects. will continue as Interim Co-Executive Di- lished by the UNA, the outgoing UNA been really fortunate to have committed rectors. Chair said: “It keeps residents informed of directors and external partners. Despite fi- “Highlights of 2018–2019 include work developments and issues in our communi- nancial pressures in the last several years, done by two cultural groups, the Lunar Ms. Zhou also acknowledged with appreci- ty, as well as providing residents with a fo- we are lucky to have a board and staff who New Year Working Group and the Diwali ation UNA Board Secretary Shelley Milne. rum for expressing their views. Thank you worked through some challenging times. Festival Committee, who planned and de- Ms. Milne came onboard after previously for serving the UNA for a decade.”

UBC Women’s Varsity Softball Seeks Home in Nobel Park

UBC is required to receive Members of team appeared before the tages currently weighing on both the facil- letics and Recreation would prepare a for- approval from UNA if playing UNA Board of Directors November 19 to ity and the UNA, which has responsibility mal application to the UNA in search of approval to upgrade the Nobel Park facility field is to be upgraded and made make their case for using the Nobel Park for the Nobel Park since it lies in the Wes- diamond as home field. Representing them, brook Place residential neighbourhood. In and would present it to the Board at its up- home for women’s team Dan Cooper, Associate Director Facilities, his comments about disadvantages, Mr. coming meeting in December. UBC Athletics and Recreation, listed – in Cooper pointed to the following: a written and oral presentation to the UNA Board – how the current facility might be • Safety risks in the original field design upgraded should the UNA approve the de- and construction (for example, irrigation The baseball diamond at Nobel Park in velopment. heads located along base paths) Wesbrook Place has lain largely unused • Limited use of the field due to its current since it was installed years ago, but this in- Mr. Cooper said the upgrade would im- condition ertia may soon disappear. prove field conditions to allow for in- • Youth sport programming is limited creased and more diverse community us- • Informal community use throughout the The University Neighbourhoods Associa- age, add community programming through year, but it’s limited to a handful of hours tion – which manages the playing field – youth sport and camps, provide enhanced • Formal use of the field is limited has received an offer from UBC Athletics amenities (such as a water fountain), im- • September to March period typically has and Recreation under which the sport fa- prove safety in the area, enhance social zero hours of booked field use cility would convert the playing field to a vibrancy of the area and increase UNA rev- • April to August averages 7 hours of use home for Women’s Varsity Softball. The enue through field use. per week. softball team currently plays at Softball City in South Surrey. Mr. Cooper also pointed to the disadvan- The UNA Directors agreed that UBC Ath- Nobel Park playing field. THE CAMPUS RESIDENT NOVEMBER 25, 2019 page 3

Editor & Business Manager John Tompkins Email: [email protected] Tel: 604-827-3502

Design Production Published monthly by the University Neighbourhoods Association Rebecca Ind Email: [email protected] #202-5923 Berton Avenue, Vancouver BC, V6S 0B3

2019 Audit of UNA Financial Letter to the Editor Statements Approved UNA All-Candidates Meeting: Absence of auditor at AGM disappoints UNA members Evasiveness on Stadium Project The independent Auditor’s Report from approved, and the members passed a motion Johnsen Archer LLP to members of the to appoint Johnsen Archer LLP the auditor The candidates meeting before 2019 Elec- Campus Resident October article by Board University Neighbourhoods Association for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. tion presented a good selection of hopeful of Governors Member Professor Charles (UNA) states that the UNA “financial state- representatives for the UNA Board of Di- Menzies in which he argued that “... with ments present fairly, in all material respects, In a November 22 letter to UNA members rectors. They were earnest in offering their each ... expansion, we are pushing our- the financial position of the Association as at – signed by Rob Matty, CPA, CA, Partner services, and we must be glad to have them. selves ... closer to the ecological brink.” March 31, 2019, and the results of its opera- at Johnsen Archer LLP – the auditing firm tions and its cash flows for the year then end- apologized for its absence at the AGM due One failing was their evasiveness in say- I think regrettably, UBC has become a ed in accordance with Canadian accounting to a scheduling mistake and acknowledged ing exactly what each would do about the for-profit knowledge factory and damn the standards for not-for-profit organizations.” the auditor’s absence caused “a great deal of Stadium Neighbourhood project. It is dif- consequences. I don’t want our students to confusion” to the members. ficult to be very clear, in part because the scramble for a gig in the corporate rat race At the 2019 UNA Annual General Meeting project seems to be mushrooming in dark to please the world’s 1% who will be en- (AGM), the audited financial statements for Please see below the letter from Johnsen back rooms, but the candidate’s insistence ticed into luxury Stadium Neighbourhood the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019 were Archer LLP to UNA members. that the UNA confine itself to managing condos. our community centres felt unsatisfactory. Peter Orata, UNA Resident Letter to the Members of the University No candidate referred to the excellent The Neighbourhoods Association from Johnsen Archer LLP, the UNA Auditor Talk at AGM Turns to Dear Members of the University Neighbour- ments is responsibility of management. We hoods Association (UNA, or the Associa- work closely with the finance team to re- tion): trieve all applicable information and we per- Future of UNA form audit testing on that information that municipality on campus was “a little down We are writing to you to apologize for our we deem sufficient in order to gather enough Resident raises the issue of local the road.” absence at the University Neighbourhoods audit evidence on which we are able to base governance by non-profit society Association’s Annual General Meeting our audit opinion. versus municipal government The ultimate model – 10 to 20 years from (AGM) on November 6, 2019. The absence now – may be to become part of Vancou- resulted from a scheduling issue on our part. Our Findings John Tompkins ver, Mr. Mullen said, but there is no point We take full responsibility for our mistake addressing this issue since Wesbrook Place and we acknowledge this caused a great deal As a result of the performance of our work, it Editor – the largest residential area on campus – is of confusion for you at the AGM. is our opinion that the financial statements of UNA present fairly, in all material respects, not built out yet. As you are aware, we have been present at the financial position of the Association as at The future of local governance at UBC Ms. Moore said she wanted to get away all previous AGMs since we have been ap- March 31, 2019, and the results of its opera- came up for discussion at the Annual Gener- from the illusion of governance by non-prof- pointed the auditors of the Association. We tions and its cash flows for the year then end- al Meeting (AGM) of the University Neigh- it society and urged fellow residents to be have fielded several questions from mem- ed in accordance with Canadian accounting bourhoods Association (UNA) November 6 realistic about the future of their community. bers regarding our involvement as it pertains standards for not-for-profit organizations. at the Wesbrook Community Centre. to the audit of the financial statements. Dur- Under the UNA Strategic Plan, from 2018- ing the 2018 AGM, we spoke briefly about Other Linda Moore, a resident of Hampton Place 2021, the UNA aims to explore opportuni- our role and the results of our audit. Regret- Our issued audit report also highlights other for 15 years, prompted discussion by sug- ties to evolve governance to meet the chang- tably, we were not present at the 2019 AGM, responsibilities we have as the auditors of gesting the UNA – as a non-profit organiza- ing needs of a growing community. however, we have communicated our find- UNA. One of these responsibilities is to ob- tion – does not provide real governance. ings and more information on our role below. tain an understanding of internal controls. This includes: Internal controls are the controls manage- Ms. Moore recalled how the UNA began • Review the UNA bylaws and constitution. Our Role ment designed and used to reduce the risk as a unique organization 17 years ago – as a • Review the Board’s and Director’s roles Our role as it pertains to the financial state- of fraud and error. For the purpose of con- society incorporated under the Society Act, and responsibilities within the context of the ments is to perform an audit to provide rea- ducting the UNA audit, we did not test the not the Local Government Act – to represent UNA’s municipal-like mandate. sonable assurance that financial statements, internal controls but rather we gained an the residents living at University Neighbour- • Articulate and clarify the relationship be- prepared by management, are prepared in understanding of those internal controls hoods. Soon after establishment, the UNA tween the UNA, UBC and UBC Properties accordance with applicable accounting stan- through our discussions with management. entered into the Neighbours’ Agreement Trust, and explore opportunities to enhance dards and free of material misstatement. In This is because we were able to audit the that regulates the relationship with UBC. and strengthen the relationship. the case of UNA, these accounting standards Association more efficiently through sub- are “Canadian accounting standards for not- stantive testing. We would like to highlight At the AGM, UNA Elected Resident Direc- This year, the Bylaw Working Group com- for-profit organizations.” that, although we are not able to comment tor Terry Mullen said he agreed with Ms. pleted the process of reviewing the UNA by- on the effectiveness of internal controls (as Moore in part, pointing out that the UNA laws, and the Board of Directors approved Reasonable assurance is a high level of as- we do not test those controls), we can note lacks at least two powers of local govern- the proposed changes. The UNA members surance, but is not a guarantee that an audit that management has taken significant steps ment that all municipalities have: powers will vote on the proposed bylaw changes will always detect a material misstatement in recent years to improve operating controls of taxation and local planning authority. at the Special General Meeting expected to when it exists. A misstatement is considered within the organization. We have found the However, Mr. Mullen thought the idea of a take place in 2020. material if, individually or in aggregate, they management team to be very committed to could reasonably be expected to influence ensuring a robust internal control environ- the economic decisions of users taken on the ment. basis of the financial statements. our commitments and we value our relation- If any members have any questions with You have entrusted us in the past to be your ship with the UNA. Please accept our sin- our involvement of the audit, we would be The actual preparation of the financial state- auditors and we have worked hard to fulfill cere apologies for missing the 2019 AGM. happy to respond to those in writing. page 4 THE CAMPUS RESIDENT NOVEMBER 25, 2019 Remembrance Ceremony at UBC Stirs Feelings

FOR THE FALLEN Written by Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

Read by UBC Professor Nancy Hermiston

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, not the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

John Tompkins (Chair) and Laura Cottle laid a wreath on queam Indian Band – in full Indigenous Board, Minister of Digital Government, behalf of the residents– among 33 wreaths dress – offering words of welcome in both and MP, Vancouver Quadra, praised the Editor laid by the representatives of various orga- English and Musqueam language. bravery of Canadian soldiers in both battle nizations. and peace-keeping duties around the world Members of the audience joined Ms. Her- over the years, and said how proud Canadi- The University of British Columbia hosted Others laying wreaths on behalf of the mison in singing the famous lines of Eng- ans should be that our military follows such its 68th annual Remembrance Day Cer- organizations they represented included lish poet Rudyard Kipling, Lest We Forget. a sterling tradition. emony November 11 with 2,000 or more Lindsay Gordon, UBC Chancellor; Santa J. people attending it at the War Memorial Ono, UBC President and Vice-Chancellor; Then, a bugler stationed on the balcony of Ms. Murray referred to an ancestor who Gym. and Chris Hakim, President of the (student) the gymnasium – packed for the occasion had fought in Italy in the Second World UBC Alma Mater Society. – played The Last Post. Two minutes of si- War – a particularly brutal campaign from Attendees included members of the UBC lence followed in honor of Canadians lost which many Canadian soldiers did not re- community – students, faculty, staff and Nancy Hermison, a UBC music professor in war. turn home. residents. Directors of the University and University Marshall, led the ceremony, Neighbourhoods Association Ying Zhou which began with a member of the Mus- As people learned throughout the ceremo- David Eby, British Columbia Attorney ny, War Memorial Gymnasium was offi- General and MLA, Vancouver–Point Grey, cially dedicated on October 26, 1951 to the told a story which, he said, made the mean- family members of service personnel who ing of Remembrance come true to him. lost their lives in the two world wars. A few weeks ago, Mr. Eby attended the The Memorial walls have since been up- opening game of the UBC Men’s basketball dated to reflect UBC’s involvement with season at the War Memorial Gym, where a Canada’s military. It is frequently referred spectator – a high-functioning autistic man to as ‘The Historic’ War Memorial Gym- in his forties – had approached him to say nasium, which hosts the annual UBC Re- that since 2016, he had raised $6,000 for membrance Day Ceremony. the Veteran’s Poppy Fund. “This man went not only to UBC to raise the money but to Joyce Murray, President of the Treasury other places as well,” Mr. Eby said.

Professor Ono recounted the outstanding heroism of UBC students, faculty and staff in both the First and Second World Wars.

The ceremony at UBC brought forth excellent music as well as resounding remarks.

The UBC Opera Ensemble with pianist Richard Epp performed a portion of Sleep, Silent Night opera.

Soloist Ian Cleary with Mr. Epp on piano, sang Bring Him Home from Les Misera- bles.

The Canada, BC, Musqueam and UBC flags were lowered on campus on Monday, November 11 to mark Remembrance Day. THE CAMPUS RESIDENT NOVEMBER 25, 2019 page 5

Letter from UBC President Celebrating our Thunderbird Athletes

November is Thrive Month at UBC. It’s a Academic All-Canadian Breakfast of Cham- Athlete Mental Health Initiative – UBC cam- month-long series of events focused on help- pions. This year’s event took place earlier this pus team and a member of Team Canada’s ing everyone at UBC explore their path to week and honoured 140 scholar-athletes. OneTeam to promote LGBT inclusion in mental health. This year, we’re celebrating sport. 10 years of Thrive with a month of events These students are indeed special. To be hon- and initiatives focused on building mental oured, they must have had an average of 80 Margaret Pham from the School of Ki- health through the “Thrive 5” – Thrive by percent or higher in the 2018–19 academic nesiology was a Canada West All Star and Moving More, Thrive by Sleeping Soundly, year as well as participated in their sport. Bal- is currently a co-captain of the Women’s Thrive by Eating Well, Thrive by Giving ancing academics and athletics – and excel- Field Hockey Team. She is a member of Back and Thrive by Saying “Hi!” ling at both – takes dedication and character Canada’s Women’s Field Hockey National just as much as it takes talent. squad, competing with the team in China in You can find out more about Thrive athttps:// May 2019. She has won numerous academic wellbeing.ubc.ca/thrive-5, but in this column We are lucky to have so many student ath- awards including the 2018-19 Google Cloud I’d like to talk about the first of the Thrive 5 – letes who are such well-rounded individuals. Academic All-America Team Member of Thrive by Moving More. the Year for the College Division and UBC’s Here are a few of the Thunderbirds we hon- Barbara Schrodt Award in Kinesiology. She UBC believes that physical activity is an im- oured this week: volunteers with “I Go To UBC” – leading portant part of overall wellbeing. We encour- tours of campus, introducing sports and uni- age our students (and our faculty and staff) Markus Thormeyer: Majoring in Environ- versity life, and providing education advice to be as physically active as possible, and we mental Sciences and doing research on in- to inner-city children. Professor Santa J. Ono. also celebrate and support student athletics, sect ecology, Markus was U SPORTS Male Photo credit Paul Joseph, UBC. through informal recreational activities and Swimmer of the year in 2018–19 and Swim Michael Smith (Faculty of Science) is Cap- through intramural and varsity sports. Canada’s Male Olympics Swimmer of the tain of the Men’s Rugby Team and a member Year in 2018. He was also part of the Student of the Canadian U-20 National team. He is Thunderbird Athletic Council President for UBC has two varsity athletics programs: the 2019–20. The TAC’s mission is to develop a Heat teams at the UBC Okanagan campus, stronger sense of athletic pride at UBC, pro- and the Thunderbirds here at UBC Vancou- vide Varsity athletes with scholarship oppor- ver. tunities, give back to the community, all the while enhancing the varsity experience for The 2018-19 academic year was a banner all UBC Thunderbird Athletes. He was the year for the Thunderbirds. Collectively, they UBC Premier Wesbrook Scholarship winner won a record eleven national championships, in 2019 and was shortlisted for the 2019 UBC including four sweeps in men’s and women’s Rhodes Scholar submission. rowing, men’s and women’s swimming, men’s and women’s golf, and men’s and Margaret Hadley (Sauder School of Busi- women’s track and field. ness) was co-captain of the women’s soccer team in 2018–19. During her time as a UBC The women’s volleyball team turned the na- Thunderbird, she was involved in the Hope tional championships on its ear as the number and Health Initiative, which utilizes soccer to 8-seed upset everyone in their path en route build resilience and connection amongst Ab- to a come-from-behind five-set victory over original children and youth. She co-led the in- the defending champion Ryerson Rams in augural Women In Leadership Event, a net- the national final. working event bringing together local leaders with UBC student athletes preparing to tran- What makes these accomplishments even sition to the workforce. She also mentored more impressive is that the individual Thun- and coached young female soccer athletes on derbird athletes were excelling at their studies the North Shore during the off season. at the same time as they excelled on the field or on the court or the ice. These were just a few of the outstanding champions we celebrated this week. Here’s At UBC, athletics and academics are very to all our outstanding scholar-athletes. much intertwined. Our varsity athletes – whether members of the Thunderbird teams Find out more about UBC Thunderbirds at here at the Vancouver campus or The Heat www.gothunderbirds.ca. at UBC Okanagan – are serious about both sports and studies. Best wishes

UBC recognizes and celebrates that balance UBC President Santa Ono with Markus Thormeyer at the U SPORTS swimming Professor Santa J. Ono of sport and scholarship through the annual nationals last February. Photo credit Rich Lam, UBC Athletics. President and Vice-Chancellor

Group of UBC student athletes at UBC Thunderbirds annual Academic All-Canadian Breakfast of Champions that took place last November at Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre. Photo credit Paul Joseph, UBC Brand & Marketing. page 6 THE CAMPUS RESIDENT NOVEMBER 25, 2019 Harvesting Food Skills at UBC Botanical Garden

Braela Kwan The second component of the program was Former UBC Botanical the development of a brochure: Food: Nu- Garden Marketing and tritious Plants for Health and Wellbeing. The brochure features plant-based diets and Communications student tips for healthy eating, while highlighting a employee and Master series of student-developed illustrations of of Journalism student plant foods and tips for using these ingredients in the kitchen. Download UBC Botan- ical Garden’s new Food Guide Brochure at www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/food. UBC Botanical Garden is working with student partners to bridge the gap between These resources aim to equip students to students and food security, an issue that is be critical thinkers about where their food prominent not only on UBC Vancouver comes from, asking questions about how campus but across the world. they can eat healthier and cook more. Moreau believes that community gardens With student partners from the AMS Food act as entry points in getting people to think Bank and the Food and Nutrition Working critically about their food choices, and con- Group from UBC Wellbeing, UBC Botani- sequently, about larger food and agriculture cal Garden co-created the Harvesting Food systems. Skills program with funding support from UBC Wellbeing. The project was designed “To me, the reason why plant-based diets to provide AMS Food Bank clients with the are so great is that we [the Garden] can Masters of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM) students study a workshops and resources to build capacity share with other people our love of plants patch of plants at UBC Botanical Food Garden. around the growing, harvesting, preparing through the important topic of food secu- and sharing of food. rity,” said Moreau.

“Harvesting Food Skills is about making From a global standpoint, the EAT-Lancet food, agriculture and nutrition research and report, released in January 2019, reiterates programming accessible to our students so the value of plant-based diets in improv- that we can advance food security on cam- ing both human health and environmental pus,” said Tara Moreau, Associate Director health. The report notes that improving of Sustainability and Community Programs food systems will help achieve the United at UBC Botanical Garden. Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Harvesting Food Skills program has two components. The first one was a series Like UBC Botanical Garden, organizations of summer workshops where clients from looking to incorporate sustainability initia- the AMS Food Bank were invited to the tives can integrate important global issues Food Garden at UBC Botanical Garden, to into their existing work and contribute learn how to grow and harvest food plants, meaningfully towards a better future. and how to prepare and cook them. Par- ticipants shared their dishes and took home Upcoming at UBC Botanical Garden: freshly harvested produce. Handmade wreaths for sale November 26–December 10, Annual Member’ Sale The workshops provided students with the December 4 and 7 (UNA members receive skills to start building their understanding discounts), Christmas Tree Recycling of food by teaching them how to incorpo- December 26–January 8. More info on all rate healthy ingredients in their kitchens. events at www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/ One student at the workshops had never events. Students learn how to prepare and cook food plants in a Harvesting Food Skills sauteed onion before. workshop at UBC Botanical Garden. For the Love of Pottery Exploring a new hobby at West struggle sometimes,” she says, “but I see Point Grey CC’s Pottery Studio others making progress, so I know I can, too.”

Sarah Ripplinger Cynthia made two trays, a little bowl and Community Engagement other useful works of art. She especially en- Coordinator, West Point Grey joyed throwing and hand-building pottery Community Centre Association in West Point Grey CC’s dedicated pottery studio.

“I don’t mind asking people if I have questions, and they are very kind to answer to When Cynthia Liu wanted to find a pottery the best of their knowledge,” says Cynthia. program for her daughter, Kathy, it didn’t “Members, teachers and students there are take long before people directed her to the very friendly and informative.” Pottery Studio at West Point Grey Commu- nity Centre. “We’re all learning a skill. As long as you take that first step, you’ll be amazed at what “While my daughter was in class, I would you can do.” go for walks around the beach and forest nearby,” says Cynthia. Aberthau Potters’ Winter Sale will take place at the West Point Grey Community Kathy soon brought home clay cups and Centre on Saturday, December 7, 10 am – trays from her Pottery, Clay Works class, 4 pm. which now serve as planters and artistic ac- cents in their garden. For more info about West Point Grey Community Centre’s pottery programs, Seeing how much her daughter enjoyed please visit www.westpointgrey.org; creating art from clay, Cynthia jumped on contact them at [email protected] or the bandwagon and signed up for Pottery, 604.257.8140; or visit them at 4397 West Hand and Wheel, Beginner. “It’s been a 2nd Avenue, Vancouver. Cynthia Liu and her daughter Kathy. THE CAMPUS RESIDENT NOVEMBER 25, 2019 page 7 UNA Residents Celebrate Diwali Festival of Lights

The celebration of Indian New Year – organized by the UNA – took place at Wesbrook Community Centre on Octo- ber 26.

Residents and guests at the Festival of Lights visited the cultural craft corner, painted their own diya clay lamps, had henna designs painted on their hands, learned how to wear a sari, listened to In- dian music, watched Indian classical and folk dances, participated in a Bollywood dance demonstration and class, and enjoyed Indian snacks and refreshments.

The success of this annual UNA event was assured by outstanding work of the Diwali organizing committee members: Volunteers serve Samosas and Chai. Jayasree Basivireddy, Angie Datt, Nicky Photo credit Kabir Hundal. Foxall, Nidhi Raina, Manali Yadav.

Diwali organizing committee (from left): Nidhi, Manali, Jayasree, Nicky and Angie. Photo credit Gaurang.

Enthusiastic members of The Spirit of Dance Academy share the culture and art of Students from Sargam, UBC Indian classical music club. Photo credit Sammy Tong. the South Asian Dance. Photo credit Sammy Tong.

Local Director on Metro Board Describes Circular Economy: A Future without Waste

The circular economy is moving “In contrast, a circular economy is aimed at “Sometimes the ‘reduce-reuse-recycle’ Metro Vancouver and TransLink. beyond recycling to a new zero- continual use and reuse of resources, thereby motto is shown as a circle, but it is actually waste platform: make, use, reuse eliminating waste.” a hierarchy, with reducing and reusing being In addition to her responsibilities as a Metro far superior to recycling (which of course, is Vancouver Director for Electoral Area A As Ms. McCutcheon reports in her Novem- much better than throwing something in the and Member of Mayors’ Council on Re- John Tompkins ber Electoral Area A Director’s Update, garbage).” gional Transportation, Ms. McCutcheon has Editor Zero Waste Conference speakers presented been appointed to Metro Vancouver Climate a number of new innovations on the horizon If you are interested in finding out more Action Committee, chaired by Councillor to address various aspects of waste reduc- about what was presented and discussed at Adriane Carr of the City of Vancouver. tion. the Zero Waste Conference, you can visit The Director of Electoral Area A (EAA), www.zwc.ca or email Ms. McCutcheon at The EAA Director says: “For me personal- Jen McCutcheon, says she is fortunate to “More important than all the technological [email protected]. ly, being able to contribute to protecting our have attended the 2019 Zero Waste Confer- changes, however, is a significant behaviour environment and helping our society move ence held October 30-31 at Vancouver Con- change by each of us. Ms. McCutcheon reports monthly for resi- away from our dependency on fossil fuels vention Centre. dents living at UBC, the University Endow- was one of the drivers for me running for the “This means rethinking each of our purchas- ment Lands and in the rest of Electoral Area position of Electoral Area A Director.” “One of the main concepts discussed was es – is this something we need to purchase? A on activities related to work being done at something that was new to me: the circular Is there a rental or used option? What are economy. the eco-friendly and less plastic-dependent alternatives?” “The idea is that in our current, linear econ- As we move into the holiday season, this is a great time to chal- omy, products are made, used and then Each item we choose to buy – or not to buy lenge you and your family to make as many small (or big!!) thrown away. However, as one speaker – sends a message to producers to make more changes as you can to consume less: less waste, less plastics, less stated, there is no such thing as ‘throwing or less of that product, says the EAA Director. stuff … just less! something away’. Everything we throw out or even recycle still needs to be dealt with “It may feel like your individual decision in Jen McCutcheon at a significant cost – both financially and in the grocery store doesn’t matter, but it does, Metro Vancouver Director for Electoral Area A terms of fossil fuels used. as does that of your neighbours. page 8 THE CAMPUS RESIDENT NOVEMBER 25, 2019 Men’s Community Network Starts Up Nils Bradley Hampton Place Resident

It has been said that “Men don’t talk face to face, they talk shoulder to shoulder”.

Men are more reluctant than women to socialize by joining groups or clubs and prefer to interact with other men, maybe a select few, by taking part in activities such as playing or watching sport, playing games, doing hobbies, or building something. It is also noticeable that men are slower to volunteer or participate in community centre activities. In general, women are more agreeable to this form of engagement and therefore form a Men’s Community Network planning committee. larger proportion of volunteers. MCN could also be a source of com- Men receive a certain amount of cama- munity support by providing services, raderie while working, but after retire- expertise and volunteer participants for 2020 ment, they are often at home, isolated local activities. WINTER and alone. Loneliness is rapidly being recognized as a mental and social prob- There will be an open general meeting at lem in both the senior and other age Wesbrook Community Centre on Tues- groups. day, December 3, at 7 pm. This will provide an opportunity for everyone to get The Men’s Community Network a better understanding about MCN and (MCN) has received an UTown@UBC register to become a part of our group. Community Grant and is in the process of starting a men’s support group. The Please call 604.827.4469 or aim of this group is to invite men of all 604.822.4227 to register for the event Register online ages to come together in a welcoming (#16475), or visit Wesbrook or the Old www.myuna.ca environment, find common activities Barn Community Centres in person, or and to discuss and share information register online at https://www.myuna. about men’s health issues, both mental, ca/recreation/programs/. UNIVERSITY NEIGHBOURHOODS social and physical. ASSOCIATION