Fall 2003 No One Living with AIDS Should Live with Hunger www.alovingspoonful.org

Hot meals feed the body and soul by Olivia Heatley and Shawn Hall It is hard to believe A Loving Spoonful has been serving meals to people living with HIV and AIDS for nearly 15 years.

T ALL BEGAN WITH EASTER ARMAS-MIKULIK IN 1989. DISTRAUGHT OVER SEEING PEOPLE SHE KNEW SUFFERING, MIKULIK BEGAN A MONTHLY DINNER AT IMCCLAREN HOUSE CALLED “EASTER’S SUNDAYS”. "The dinners were modeled after open house, fam- ily-style Thanksgiving dinners I experienced while growing up in the States,” Armas-Mikulik said in a Chef Carlos Bertin, recent interview. "According to the social workers right,and helpers from St. Paul's Hospital, it’s when coming out of Marsha Ramsden the hospital, that food is most important" and Carol Pao Through her ties in the community, Easter recruit- served up dinner for ed volunteers to cook and serve at the monthly 40 at events. Native Health last month,part of A In just two years, the dinners were a huge success, Loving Spoonful's so Armas-Mikulik and several other volunteers Congregate Meal decided to make presentations to AIDS Vancouver, Program. BCPWA, and St. Paul’s Hospital in an effort to expand the project. The initial version of the Daily A Loving Spoonful now strives to serves more than Meals Program came out of that effort. 100,000 meals every year through a range of pro- grams. In 1991 the volunteers started delivering food directly to clients’ homes via the AIDS Vancouver The original monthly dinners are still counted in Buddy Program. This developed into the that total, continuing to provide nutrition along Vancouver Meals Society which then adopted the with stability and human connection. M.A.C name A Loving Spoonful in 1994. Cosmetic volunteers prepare a monthly meal at the Dr. Peter Centre in the West End, while other "The impact of the Meals Program has been three- volunteers cook dinner for 40 at Vancouver Native fold,” Armas-Mikulik says. “First, it’s easy. There is Health in the Downtown Eastside. a lack of worry for the clients over buying groceries since the frozen meals can easily be put in the Evelyn Stodgell has been coming to the Vancouver microwave. Second, the clients know they can Native Health dinners for three years, shortly after count on us. Third, it provides social interaction she bottomed out. Addicted to heroin, Stodgell and connection with others" ended up in hospital three years ago, where she continued on p.3 Singer steps way from spotlight and into fundraiser role by Keri Korteling

Kendra Sprinkling is the heart and soul of the Shooting Stars Foundation, a special events company that produces shows raising money for local direct service AIDS agencies including A Loving Spoonful.

PRINKLING ACTUALLY CREATED SHOOTING STARS November; and Gambado, a celebrity dinner and TO SUPPORT WHAT IS NOW ITS FLAGSHIP EVENT, auction, takes place in September. Sprinkling is SSTARRY NIGHT. always looking for ways to expand the founda- tion’s events, she says, adding she’d love to be able A session singer, she’d been performing at Starry to give away $100,000 a year. Night every year since it was created by David Harrison 18 years ago to When asked about her inspirations for events, raise money for AIDS ser- Sprinkling points to her contact with the artists in vices organizations. When her shows. “I just love being around talented peo- Harrison became too ill to ple. People in the arts inspire me with their continue organizing the courage. I mean, how courageous is it to be a six- event, he asked Sprinkling foot–two man who performs in a dress, in the first to take over its produc- place? They transport me - these drag artists. I tion. She agreed, and think I’m looking at Bette Midler. I really do.” She founded the Shooting also says there’s a compelling feeling of energy in Stars Foundation to help the rooms backstage before and after the perfor- her. It quickly became mance. “That feeling of family that happens, com- apparent that foundations munity that happens, and excitement - goose don’t limit involvement to bumps. That’s just a fantastic feeling. I love that!” a single event, and that Sprinkling had created a full-time job for herself as the foundation’s execu- Sprinkling heaps high praise on the technicians tive director. That was eight years ago. “It was in responsible for the behind-the-scenes magic at the that tenth year of Starry Night that my singing shows, explaining that her lighting designer has career was put on hold for what was then Shooting worked with the foundation without pay for 15 Stars,” she says. “I’m still in the arts. There’s no age years. He sometimes interrupts his busy schedule limit on what I am doing. As a singer, I am pretty to fly to Vancouver for a Shooting Stars event. She old in the tooth. I just have a commitment to work- says that her work is occasionally the source of ing as long as I can to raise money for AIDS.” stress and worry. However, Sprinkling asserts that she’s never felt overwhelmed for more than a cou- Sprinkling doesn’t sing very often in the Shooting ple hours at a time. “You know how they say the Stars productions any more. “I stand on stage and happiest people are people that have a mission. I I worry. I can’t stay focussed.” She did round out feel blessed. I feel privileged and blessed to be the bill at the foundation’s inaugural Motown doing what I am doing.” Meltdown earlier this year, though. For several years, she produced a series of small performances Shooting Stars Foundation will present the and the main Starry Night gala. With the help of a Gambado Celebrity Dinner and Auction strong and supportive board chaired by Roger September 18 at Granville Island, in partnership Millen she has begun to build a careful selection of with the West Ender. Guests attend a martini party stellar productions. at Performance Works with performances from vocalist Sibel Thrasher. The reception is followed The foundation currently presents four annual by dinner at the Granville Island Hotel, and the events. Motown Meltdown, which runs during the evening concludes with an auction. Auction items Dragon Boat Festival, is the newest addition. Fit for will include fabulous art, dinner-theatre-hotel a Queen is in May; Starry Night is held in packages, and getaways to the Gulf Islands.

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Feeding the body and soul Delivering good meals part continued from cover of David Charlton’s life found out she had HIV. “I was really upset.” A AVID CHARLTON HAS SPENT PRETTY MUCH great nurse started helping her take her pills and EVERY TUESDAY FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS DRI- referred her to A Loving Spoonful. Stodgell started DVING AROUND BURNABY, EAST VANCOUVER, accepting A Loving Spoonful’s frozen weekly DOWNTOWN, AND THE WEST END DELIVERING MEALS meals, and came out for the hot meals as well. She TO ALOVING SPOONFUL CLIENTS. HIS ROUTE ALSO says she appreciates the tablecloths and fancy fare INCLUDED A LONG STINT AT HELMCKEN HOUSE. that A Loving Spoonful’s volunteers put on. While Native Health serves hot lunches every day, A Charlton was born in Osoyoos and has worked at Loving Spoonful’s dinners feature extras like salad, for 25 years in both Vancouver and the a drink, and dessert. “It’s more nourishing. It’s just Okanagan. He became acquainted with Easter’s better than having a sandwich,” she says. “And it’s Sundays in the early 80s when he met A Loving nice to have a salad.” Having good people around Spoonful founder Easter Armas-Mikulik while per- and a nice, hot meal once in a while helped give forming in a local drag group, “The Flannelettes” Stodgell the willpower she needed to pull herself and doing AIDS fundraisers. During the time up. Easter was Emperor of the Dogwood Monarchy Society. Now, she’s cooking for herself, has been off heroin for two years and in a methadone program, and Charlton’s volunteering officially began in 1992 her white blood cell count is normal. She still after a visit to the Vancouver Meals Society’s infor- comes out to the hot meals for the special time. mation booth and speaking with a long time friend Carlos Bertin is a student chef and has been coor- about getting involved. dinating the dinners for the last six months. He says he enjoys the challenge of meeting the nutri- Ever since then, Tuesdays at A Loving Spoonful tional needs of people with AIDS – they need more have been an important part of David’s routine. protein than most – and of providing meals for a Though saddened we still face HIV/AIDS, group with a small budget. “Cooking in a fancy Charlton said he is happy to be making a difference kitchen with $1,000, it’s easy,” he says. and appreciates what A Loving Spoonful has brought to his life. Every month Bertin and his helpers pick up $200 from A Loving Spoonful and go shopping. They feed 40 people on that – three courses plus drinks. Then they go down to Native Health and cook in the tiny kitchen for a few hours before serving up HoltRenfrew their creations. Last month they dished up roast chicken with herbs, roast veggies, and scalloped A couple of cool potatoes. The salad was spinach with carrots and customers eye the mushrooms. Dessert was apple strudel with ice silent auction items cream. The only problem they have is that they’re at the Holt Renfrew not able to serve everyone, Bertin adds. Sometimes Loving Feast July people not on the list show up and want a meal, but they just can’t help the hungry person and sug- 29,benefiting A gest they sign up for the next month. Loving Spoonful.

Marsha Ramsden, a volunteer with A Loving Spoonful for 10 years, was one of Bertin’s helpers. Ramsden started volunteering with a number of employees from Scotia Bank because one of their friends had tested positive for HIV and they want- ed to help. Four employees still volunteer with the charity. “I’ve lost a lot of friends,” she says, adding she believes the food from A Loving Spoonful is a real help to those with AIDS. “Maybe they make it longer.” Spring 2003 | 3

Fowl supper promises a thigh- A Second Helping of slapping good time by Sheryl Robinson by Keri Korteling

RAIRIE FAIRIES FOWL SUPPER ~ NOVEMBER 15TH AT HE PIE IN THE SKY FUND DRIVE IS BACK, MAKING PTHE ROUNDHOUSE IT EASY TO SWEETEN YOUR THANKSGIVING FEAST TWHILE PROVIDING FREE AND NUTRITIOUS MEALS It’s time to unpack that gingham dress and buff up FOR MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN LIVING WITH HIV those cowboy boots. The wildly successful Prairie AND AIDS IN OUR COMMUNITY. Fairies Fowl Supper returns for a fourth year, host- ed once again by our favorite down-home prairie Some of Vancouver’s top bakeries are rolling out babes, Linda and Doreen Fillmore. pies to benefit A Loving Spoonful. Each delectable pumpkin or apple pie sold will provide a This year the party starts early, with cocktails and a Thanksgiving meal for four people living with HIV silent auction at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 in or AIDS in Greater Vancouver. advance at Little Sister’s Book and Art Emporium. Get yours soon and make sure you don’t miss out In addition to the artisan pies a limited number of on the fab fowl feast, the jellied salad contest, the celebrity-edition pies are available. These will be pie bake-off auction, the Really Big Show, and the accompanied by a signed, personalized memento dance party. Lots of great music, dancing and from one of a select group of Canadian stars. entertainment are promised. Pie in Sky 2002 raised $1,550 and helped feed more All proceeds go to A Loving Spoonful and Dr. Peter than 720 people. The second serving is expected to AIDS Foundation, so shine up that belt buckle, produce heftier proceeds. build that jellied salad sculpture and come on out for a hoe-down. Pie sales begin September 15. You may order your pie by calling (604) 682-6325 or by sending a fax to (604) 682-6327. You may also place your order Second Suit online at www.alovingspoonful.org. Deadline for orders is October 7, and pick up loca- Consignment Program tions will be listed on the website. Regular pies are Don't need your second suit? Or that second or $25 (no delivery), and the celebrity pies $100 third or fourth dress? Then bring it down to (including delivery). Second Suit, designer resale for men and women. Place it on consignment and 50 per cent of resale profits can be earmarked towards A Loving Spoonful. Just note that the A Loving Spoonful The creative team of account number is 4964. Items must be brought in RED clean and are accepted from 10:30 am to 5 pm, Communications,at Tuesday to Friday. Second Suit accepts current, Red Ribbon & Rock, seasonal items, and all clothing must be in excel- at Loft 6 lent condition and no more than two to three years old.

The Details A Loving Spoonful Account Number: 4964 Second Suit Location: 2036 West 4th Avenue Vancouver, BC Phone: 604-732-0338

Store Hours Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday and Holidays - 12 pm - 5 pm

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Christmas hampers brighten an often-difficult season by Sheryl Robinson

HAT’S THAT SOUND? THAT JINGLING? COULD IT WBE CHRISTMAS BELLS? ALREADY? A Loving Spoonful staff and volunteers are already getting ready for Christmas, collecting donations for the 225 Christmas hampers they will deliver December 23. The recipients of these hampers will find them filled with specialty food not normally in their bud- get, things like spices and condiments, luxurious chocolates and other treats. They’ll also find practi- cal items like toiletries and socks, protein supple- ments and toothbrushes.

Donations of non-perishable, specialty food items, spices, condiments, chocolate, toiletries, and small gift items which will help make Christmas a little brighter for A Loving Spoonful’s clients are being welcomed. Drop off donations at A Loving Spoonful or for more info about what’s on clients’ Christmas lists, contact Lukas Maitland at 604-682- 6325. World AIDS Day Luncheon A Loving Spoonful invites you to attend its World AIDS Day luncheon, featuring a celebrity guest speaker and luxury silent auction, on December 1, 2003. Diva at the Met will host 100 guests from Vancouver’s business, social and medical commu- nities.

The sponsorship of Diva and Mike Rogers of First A Loving Spoonful Associates means the entire $150 per plate ticket volunteer Natasha price will go to providing nutritional support for A Loving Spoonful clients. exercised some new The charity’s fundraising goal this year is $35,000, muscles holding up which will cover all client meals for more than a our sign for the month. whole Pride Parade route. AIDS Walk 2003, Sunday September 21 Once again, A Loving Spoonful was invited to participate in Vancouver’s annual AIDS Walk, a fundraiser that provides direct services to men,women and children living with HIV/AIDS. As a community partner,we raise money for our own meals program. A Loving Spoonful’s walking team collected over $3000.Charlie the cocker spaniel and his humans, Sonny Roche and Allan Gauthier raised $1300.Charlie was honoured with the 2003 AIDS Walk Top Dog Award and is generously donat- ing his prize package to the pets of A Loving Spoonful’s clients.

Spring 2003 | 5 Reliable meals allow our clients to focus by Nicole Mireau, on their health A Loving Spoonful Dietitian

S SUMMER IS STARTING TO WIND DOWN, MANY OF our meals, prepared to meet these needs, A Loving AUS WILL MISS THE WARM WEATHER, DAYS OF Spoonful assists and supports clients in their pur- LEISURE AND SEASONAL FOODS WE HAVE BEEN suit of health. INDULGING IN. Summer is the time to relax, be good to ourselves and let our bodies get rejuvenated for The meals A Loving Spoonful provides not only the coming winter. Our clients need to think about help the physical health of our clients but their psy- keeping their bodies rejuvenated on a regular chological health as well. Last week I was talking basis, not just when Mother Nature allows. Each with a client who has been on service for a few day presents decisions and challenges that must be months. He was in a desperate situation when he faced to maintain their health. came to us but is doing quite well now.

It is not as simple as eating whatever they want, The biggest change I noticed in him was his atti- whenever they want it. Meals must be timed with tude. He kept telling me that he was doing great, medication schedules, as some medications must that our meals really helped him out. When I ques- be taken on an empty stomach to be properly tioned him how, he replied he no longer woke up absorbed. There is also a trade-off with the med- hungry and worried about where his next meal ications. For all the benefit they bring, many of was coming from. Once the stress of trying to find them may have unpleasant side-effects that would food was removed, he was able to focus more on prevent anyone from enjoying their day. the areas of this life that he felt needed attention. Once his body was nourished, his mind was free to Our clients must put out a consistent effort to address other issues. maintain a healthy body weight, as the body has increased needs when fighting HIV. These needs I never underestimate the power of food, and this can be met by increasing intake of protein, whole is one example of many that make the meal pro- grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Through grams so important to our clients. A Loving Spoonful Membership Application

Support A Loving Spoonful by becoming a member for only $1.00

Membership allows you to run for our Board of Directors and vote at our Annual General Meeting. It also helps raise money to purchase meals. Name: ______Mailing Address: ______City: ______Post Code:______Home Tel: ______Email: ______If you would like to receive email updates about events and volunteer opportunities,and you block ‘junk’mail,please put [email protected] and [email protected] on your list of acceptable mass mailers.

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Tracey Bell’s

I constantly check www.alovingspoonful.org to update my Social October 4 & 5 Calendar. Vancouver Health Show Canada Place Trade & Convention Centre. Healthy Communities Until Dec 1 promotes and raises funds for organizations including A Loving Axle’s Alley Spoonful.See the enclosed coupon or www.healthshows.com For six months $5 from every oil change will be donated to A Loving Spoonful and Friends For Life Society. 368 West 1st October 10 Avenue. Pie in the Sky Delivery Day See page 4 for details. September 13 & 14 Living Naturally Fair November 15 Capers Community Markets, 1475 Robson Street, sponsors this 4th Annual Prairie Fairy Fall Fowl Supper fun family event for two days in their parking lot. A Loving Sponsored by the fabulous Fillmore Family Foundation and Spoonful will have a booth at the fair to take orders for Pie in the Urban Fare, this hilarious dinner and dance at the Roundhouse Sky. Community Center, @ Davie & Pacific, will once again benefit A Loving Spoonful through the sale of 375 tickets.Tickets are avail- September 20 able at Little Sisters. For more information visit www.fillmore- C ‘n’W Fall Roundup family.ca Country & Western dance at the West End Community Center,870 Denman Street,is presented by long-time supporters CnW Dance December 1 Promotions & Don McLean.Tickets $10 in advance only at Little World AIDS Day Lunch Sisters.All proceeds to A Loving Spoonful. Diva at the Met and Mike Rogers of First Associates are sponsor- ing this sumptuous luncheon,hosted by Dino Georgas and Cynnie September 21 Woodward to honor World AIDS Day.It will again feature a won- AIDS Walk in Stanley Park derful guest speaker and a just-in-time-for-the-holidays, fabu- Register to walk for us through Karen at 604-682-6325.Or call to lous silent auction.Tickets $150 at A Loving Spoonful office. pledge to Charlie – our walking dog. December 14 September 21 Annual Strip-A-Thon Smooch! At the Dufferin Hotel. Check our web site a little closer to the Shine,364 Water Street event date for more information. produced by Rhinestone Presented by House of Venus,Shine Nightclub and Kenn Hamlin. Phoenix Charity. 9 p.m.to 2 a.m.$8 cover charge,with percentage of shooter bar, For more information about these and other events see our event calendar at door and raffle benefiting A Loving Spoonful. www.alovingspoonful.org or call the office at 604-682-6325

Spring 2003 | 7 A Loving Spoonful We Couldn’t Do it Without YOU #100-1300 Richards Street Vancouver, BC V6B 3G6 tel. 604.682.6325 Community Spirit fax. 604.682.6327 Dogwood Monarchist Society [email protected] HYDRECS Fund www.alovingspoonful.org P-Can Board of Directors Provincial Employees Community Graeme Keirstead, President Service Fund Michael Botnick, Vice-President Royal Canadian Legion Branch No.142 Ken Channon, Treasurer Royal Canadian Legion #118 Dr. Sue Burgess Dino Georgas Telus Employees Community Fund David Goudge Vancouver Centre Federal P.C. Kent Martin Association Fawn Mulcahy Capers Community Markets Sheree Mitchell Sonny Roche English Bay Swim Club Red Ribbon & Rock Honorary Directors Triptych Pride Launch – Bfly Atelier Easter Armas-Mikulik Ritual Arthur Erickson Bill Richardson Purple Onion Cabaret – Purple karma Choices Market – Hot Dog Day We invite you to become a voting Point in Time member of A Loving Spoonful (registered as Vancouver Meals Taste of the Nation Society). Please contact the office Quick Nickel to register. Charity Registration # Rhinestone Phoenix Charity Society 14094-1310-RR0001 The Elbow Room Café In House Events You can designate your United Way Just Singin’ Around May 1 – August 31 donation to A Loving Spoonful by Bill Browning Angel Watch Foundation Fit for Food raised $17,000 using number 1239 (Vancouver BOM Fountain of Hope Love’s Feast raised $3,000 Meals Society). Sauder Foundation Pride Parade - fridge magnet sales M.A.C AIDS Fund Automatic monthly donations are raised $1,440 a way to save office costs and pro- Barry Willimot – Sutton Place Realty vide regular funding for our meals. Elda Wooliams Newsletter raised $15,372 Contact the office for more details. David Goudge Make A Dish raised $5,575 Kenn Hamlin OUR VISION Alexandra Diez Barroso In our world of HIV/AIDS the Our wonderful volunteers challenges are many, our vision but one - to enhance the quality of life of men, women and children living Other contributors – Gifts in Kind with HIV by meeting their basic need for food. RED Communications, Loft 6 (A & E Market. A Fresh Slice Pizza, Army + Navy Stores, Ash Market Street, B.C. Liquor Board Stores, Bamboo Café, Blenz , Body Energy Club, Bread Garden OUR MISSION Bakery, Canadian Food Market, Capers, Cheap Thrills, Choices Market, Coo Coo Coffee, Dodi A Loving Spoonful is a volunteer Market, Downtown Gifts & Flowers, Elbow Room Cafe, Gone Hollywood Video, Goodies & Treats, driven, non-partisan Society that IGA Marketplace-Burrard, Inferno Urban Video, International News, La Boulangerie Parisienne, provides free, nutritious meals to Little Sisters, Melriches , Money's Drycleaning, Pro Nails Salon, Rogers Video, Seattle's people living with HIV in the Best Coffee, Sophie's Cosmic Café, Steamrollers Restaurant, Top Drawers, Urban Fare, Yaletown Greater Vancouver Area. Cleaners, , , Vancouver SushiMan, Food & Resource Group, Potluck Café Society, Trafalgar’s, Terra Breads, Alliance Cinema, Aquabus, Aromatics Aesthetics Studio, Arts We believe that by meeting this fundamental need, we improve Club Theatre, Barry Willimot, Body Rays, Club Water, Companion Holidays, CruiseyT, Darphin - our clients’ health and well being, Holt Renfrew Counter, Delany's Coffee House, Denman Fitness, Deserving Thyme, Does Your enabling them to focus on life’s Mother Know Magazines, Dolphin World Travel, Elda Wooliams, Escents -Robson, F212, Flight other demands. Centre, Fountainhead Pub, Fruits & Passion, H2O, HMY Airlines, Holt Renfrew, Incendio, Independent Video, Latin Fever, Little Sisters, Lush, Marquis Wine Cellar, Next!, Pane from Heaven, Propaganda, Regis Salon Pacific Centre, Royal Bank Yaletown, Shoppers Drug Mart -Denman, the HeartBeat© Contributors Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours, Star Pets Only - Yaletown, Starbucks -Cornwall, Subway - Roger Tracey Bell,Shawn Hall,Olivia Heatley,Keri Korteling, & Kam, TBB Productions, The Fish House, University Veterinary Clinic, UpCountry, Vancouver Nicole Mireau,Sue Moen,Karen Opas,Sheryl Robinson Aquarium, Vancouver Art Gallery, Videomatica, Viva, Applied Audio Systems, Ballet BC, CC Beverage - US Corporation, Clinique, Coast Hotels & Resorts, Gallery Café & Catering, Greyhound Layout & Design Canada, Michael Joseph Fashion Agency Inc., Roots Canada Ltd., Body Balance for Performance, electra .design | communication The Coast Plaza Suite Hotel, The Lazy Gourmet, The Lounge Hair Studio & Spa, The Pinnacle International Hotel Whistler, Three Vets Ltd., YWCA, Yogapod, The Specialty Gourmet, The Flower Factory.