COMMUNITY FOCUS
Your Monthly Family Housing Community Newsletter
May 2014 Issue
Bits from Barb
Inside this issue...
Soccer Program
Pg 3
Cooking Classes
Pg 5
Garden Plots
Pg 8
Sgt. Stan Suggests…
Pg 16
There is lots for everyone
this month in Family
Housing! We will be
celebrating the culture of
Mexico at Culture
Kaleidoscope, creating
lovely cards to celebrate
Mother’s Day, a night for
the Teens at Wellington
Woods, a new Toddler
Playgroup at 78 College
Ave, a movie night for the
kids at Wellington Woods,
and lots more!
We need YOU! Our annual
Family Housing Summer
Soccer league needs a
volunteer lead—the
program cannot run
without a committed
volunteer to take on the
leadership role. Full details
are on page 3. This has
been a very popular
program for several years
now, we have been blessed
with some amazing
volunteers. Maybe this year
it’s your turn???
Garden Plots will be
available again this year at
Wellington Woods, details
on page 8.
We are also looking to hire
a new Community Life
Facilitator for our 78
College Avenue community.
Liyan and her husband are
leaving Guelph at the end of
July, so we are looking to
have a new CLF in place for
August 1st. Details are on
pages 13,14.
We encourage residents to
offer ideas for future
programs, and we invite
you to get involved in your
community! Offer to
facilitate a program, it’s fun,
easy, and a great way to get
to know your neighbours!
Enjoy the month!
Do you need some spring clothing?
We have received some donations from the Office of Intercultural
Affairs of several men's shirts (sizes M, L, XL), men’s pants (size 36,
38) and a few women's outfits (Small/6) for the summer season.
Also have a few duvet covers. Everything is
in good condition, and free to anyone who
needs/wants. Stop by the Community Life
Office to see items. Some photos….
1
May 2014
High School Students and Community
Service Hours
All students in the Ontario Secondary
School system are required to complete a
minimum of 40 hours of Community
Service (volunteer) to be eligible for
graduation. Community Service hours can
be completed over the four years of
secondary school, so it is never too early to get started!
We are very fortunate to have a number of opportunities for our young people to
complete their community service requirements right here in our Family Housing
communities.
We would like to invite all Family Housing residents (both Wellington Woods and
78 College Avenue) currently enrolled in secondary school to participate in an
information session about how you might earn your Community Service hours
right here at home. We need volunteers to run children's programs throughout the
summer months! Join us at the Wellington Woods Community Centre on Friday
May 16th at 5pm to explore the possibilities! We will be serving pizza and pop to
all teens in attendance.
We would also like the opportunity to talk with our teenage population about
what they would like to see in their community. What type of events or programs
would you like to participate in?
Looking forward to seeing you on Friday May 16th @ 5:00 pm!!!
Adult volunteers needed too!
Volunteering is not just for our young people! Be a role model for your children, and volunteer your time to host a program in Family Housing! Choose the focus of the program
What
program
could
YOU
facilitate?
(cultural, sports, crafts, etc.) pick a day and time, prepare a budget (if you need financial support to run the program) and we will take care of the advertising for you!
Our volunteers make our communities vibrant, and without volunteers to lead programs
we would not be able to offer the variety of programs that we have.
It doesn't need to be a big event, you can host a once a week card game, or offer to
teach a cooking class one month, or step forward to represent your culture and heritage
by facilitating a Culture Kaleidoscope program! The choices are endless!
We need you!!!
2
May 2014
Summer Soccer Program—Volunteer needed
For the past few years we have been very fortunate to be able to offer a summer
soccer league for the children at Family Housing. This program has been run by
volunteers. We are very sad to say that Scott, our volunteer Soccer lead for the past
two years is not available this year.
We are looking for a soccer-minded individual who would like to take on a
leadership role in the Family Housing Summer Soccer Program. The volunteer is
responsible for recruiting all coaches, for assembling equipment, snacks and drinks
for the players each week, for assigning teams (we typically have two teams in each
of two age groups, total of four teams), distribution of team tshirts, communicating
with parents about soccer issues, organizing the end of season pizza party for the
players, and organizing the medal presentation. The expenses of equipment, food
and beverages are all covered, but the volunteer lead is responsible for all aspects of
organizing and running the league. Office support is provided to collect applications
and application fees, as well as advertising.
If you can spare some time this summer, we need you! Without a
volunteer lead we are not able to offer the program, so
help out your community and volunteer your time!
The volunteer lead does NOT need to be a resident of our community, so if you
know someone who is interested in soccer and is responsible and reliable, please
contact them!
Interested volunteers should email expressions of interest to Barb Robbins
([email protected])
Toddler Playgroup @ College Avenue
We are inviting all toddlers to come out and
enjoy some play time together!!! Please bring
along an appropriate toddler toy to share, and
the toddlers can all have some fun with different
toys! Not only is this a great chance to socialize
your little one, it’s a great opportunity for mom
and dad to socialize with other parents in the
community.
Our Toddler Playgroup will be held twice in the month of May. Wednesday,
May 7th and Wednesday May 21st. Playgroup will run from 7:00—9:00PM,
and is facilitated by volunteer resident Kiran.
Many thanks Kiran for offering this great program idea!
3
May 2014
Children’s Crafts
This month Family Housing children
are invited to the College Avenue
Community Centre to make a special
card for their mom’s for Mother’s
Day. All materials are supplied,
and this craft is suitable for
children of any age! Parents please
remember that children under the
age of six must have a parent with them at all times.
Children’s Crafts will be held at the College Avenue Community
Centre on Friday, May 9th at 4:00pm.
Family Movie Night @ College Avenue
Why not spend an evening with the whole
family???? Enjoy a night at the movies (and
FREE popcorn!!!! right here in our community! Join us at the College Avenue Community Centre on Tuesday, May 13th at 7pm to
watch “Hotel for Dogs” - a story of two orphans, Andi and Bruce who attempt to hide
their dog at an abandoned hotel after their
strict new guardians tell them that pets are forbidden at their
home.
This is a family event, children must come with their parents.
4
May 2014
May 2014
International Cooking Class @ College Ave
Many thanks to volunteer resident Kiran for leading this month’s
cooking class. Join in the fun and conversation on Thursday, May 22nd
at the College Avenue Community Centre.
Kiran will show us how to make Tortilla Wraps with Falafel and Tortilla
Wraps with Cottage Cheese. Fun and fairly easy to do!
Parents, we invite you to bring along your older children as this food
can be prepared by children as well as adults. Please note however,
all children need to have their parent attend the cooking program with
them.
Program starts at 7:00pm. Hope to see you there!
Don’t forget to bring along your
own plate and cutlery!
International Cooking Class @ Wellington Woods
This month residents will have the opportunity to learn how to
make Baklava! Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo
pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened and held together
with syrup or honey. Yummmmm….
Join volunteer resident Sarah on Friday, May 23rd at the Wellington
Woods Community Centre (unit 140) beginning at 5:00pm.
I’m just someone who likes cooking and for
whom sharing food is a form of expression.
Maya Angelou
5
May 2014
Summer Camps for Kids!
Summer vacation isn’t all that far away! Children will be home from
school for the summer in only eight short weeks!
Need some ideas about how to keep your kids engaged this summer! Why
not check out some of the great kids camps offered right here at
University of Guelph? Most camps open registration in early May, register
early to avoid being disappointed!
University of Guelph
Gryphon Summer Camps
http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=1
Creative
Encounters
with Science
http://www.creativeencounters.info/
Rainbow Day Camps—
Summer fun for everyone!
http://www.rainbowdaycamp.com/wordpress/
Looking for summer recreation for adults? Check
out the Gryphon Fitness and Recreation Programming Summer guide—
http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=204725
6
May 2014
May 2014
Learn to draw Anime!!!
Calling all school aged children, and interested adults too!
Join volunteer resident Yasmeen at the Wellington Woods
Community Centre (unit 140) on Friday, May 30th at 5:00pm
for an instruction class on how to draw anime!
We will supply paper and pencils for all budding artists, and
who knows? We might even see some of the artistic work reproduced in a future edition of Community Focus!
News from the Rentals Desk...
Don’t
forget
about your
new rent
rate,
beginning
with your
May rent
payment.
Student Housing Services is planning a major office renovation this summer.
Beginning MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014, Residence Admissions and Family Housing
Rentals will be physically located at the PRAIRIE DESK (Prairie Hall). Signage on
the Prairie Door and Maritime Door will direct visitors to this location. In is anticipated that we will be back in our newly renovated office in Maritime Hall in early
August. All phone numbers will remain the same.
Type of Unit
Old Rate
New Rate
1 bedroom, type C
879.31
886.34
1 bedroom, type A, B, B1
926.86
934.27
1 bedroom, type B1M, CH, CM
932.41
939.86
2 bedroom apartment
1023.10
1031.28
2 bedroom townhouse
1078.41
1087.03
7
May 2014
Wellington Woods Garden Plots
Once again this year we are offering four individual garden plots (approximately 4 x
5 ft) which will be available for members of the community to use. The garden
plots are awarded by a random selection lottery from all interested Wellington
Woods residents. If you are interested in using one of the garden plots for the
2014 planting season, please send an email to [email protected] with your
name and unit number.
A draw will take place on May 12th (at 8:30am) from all entries received and the
lucky winners will be contacted via email. Be sure that your entry is emailed
before the draw!
The garden plots are located directly across the pathway from the main
playground. Users of the plots are required to tend their plot regularly. Weeding
and plant maintenance must be handled timely so as to not affect the
neighbouring garden plots. An agreement regarding plot management will need to
be signed before planting begins.
The plots will be roto-tilled by Family Housing staff immediately following the week
of May 19th and gardeners are welcome to begin planting as soon as that is
complete.
April Cooking Class @ Wellington Woods!
Don’t miss the May Cooking classes—check page 5!
8
Join us next month as we
celebrate Mexico!
May 2014
Memories from April…. Bangali
Celebration at College Avenue
Thanks to all for
sharing in our
Culture
Kaleidoscope!
9
May 2014
Drop In hours at WW Community Centre
Residents at Wellington Woods are invited to come and ‘hang out’ at the Wellington Woods Community Centre!
Drop In
Hour
Friday’s
4pm
—
5pm
Yael, your Community Life Facilitator, will open the centre from 4pm til 5pm
every Friday afternoon. Adults and children alike are invited to come to the centre and have a chat with Yael, or to do some arts and crafts in the children’s craft
room upstairs.
The children are welcome to come without a parent as long as they are over the
age of six. Parents, please be advised that when the drop in hour is over, all children will be asked to leave the centre, on their own. We will NOT provide any
assistance back to your unit. Also, children who do not behave appropriately
will be immediately asked to leave the centre.
We are hoping that this Drop In will also see some of the adult members of our
community stopping by to say hi, to share an idea about a new program, to inquire as to services in the community, or to get involved in your community by
volunteering your time to run a program in the centre.
We are here for you, the residents. Please take the opportunity to share your
ideas with us!
News: The new television and Wii game has
arrived! Drop by on Friday!
Movie Night @ Wellington Woods
Join volunteer Bonnie in the Wellington Woods Community Centre on Sunday, May 18th at
6:00pm. Children over the age of six years are invited to attend. Parents are welcome, but
not required! The movie is rated PG, it is not appropriate for very young children.
We will be offering fresh hot popcorn, and ask that all children bring their
own pop, water or juice.
The movie is 102 minutes in length, and we plan to start at 6pm. Parents
please expect your children to be done at the Community Centre by
7:45—8:00pm.
10
May 2014
Culture Kaleidoscope
This month’s Culture Kaleidoscope program will be
celebrating Mexico. We invite all Family Housing
residents to the College Avenue Community Centre on
Saturday, May 31st at 7pm to learn and share the culture of
Mexico. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage
and pride.
Each month Liyan will ask a volunteer from the community to offer a short
presentation on an aspect of their home culture. We hope that you will embrace this opportunity to learn about cultures from around the world.
Presentations can be about a particular holiday or celebration, food, clothing—anything that may be unique to your homeland. We want to learn
about lots of different cultures, so get involved and submit your name to be
a volunteer presenter! Please email [email protected] to indicate your
interest. Please include your country or culture and what month you would
prefer to present.
11
Mexico
Parades, dancing and festivals all serve to celebrate Cinco de
Mayo. Traditional Mexican food is often served or sold.
Mariachi bands fill town squares, and a lot of Dos Equis and Corona beers are served.
It’s a fun holiday, about celebrating the Mexican way of life . It is sometimes referred to
as a “Mexican St. Patrick’s Day.”
Want to
share
your
culture
with us?
Email us
today!
May 2014
Mother’s Day in Canada
Many Canadians celebrate Mother’s Day by showing their appreciation for mothers or mother
figures. The Mother’s Day date in Canada is on the second Sunday of May each year.
What do people do?
Many people in Canada express their gratitude towards mothers and mother figures on Mother’s
Day. Mother figures may include step-mothers, mothers-in-law, guardians (eg. foster parents),
and family friends. It is the time for people to thank mothers and mother figures who took the
time care for them and help them through life’s challenges. Father’s Day is also celebrated in
Canada on the third Sunday of June, when people thank fathers and father figures for the positive contributions they made.
Some people give cards, flowers, or chocolates, and/or make handmade items or special meals
on Mother’s Day. Others take their mothers or mother figures to the movies, a restaurant, café,
or a day in a park. Some mothers and mother figures also receive special gifts such as jewelry,
clothing, accessories, and gift vouchers for services or products.
Public life
Mother’s Day is not a federal holiday but it is on a Sunday, when many organizations, schools,
and government offices are closed. Public transit systems run to their normal Sunday schedules
and restaurants may be busier than usual as some people take their mothers out for a treat.
Background and symbols
Early celebrations of Mother’s Day originated from Canada’s neighboring country, the United
States. Carnations are a popular Mother's Day symbol in both Canada and the United States.
Some people may choose to wear a carnation as a brooch on Mother's Day. However, other
flowers are also given to mothers or mother figures to symbolize one’s love and appreciation for
them.
http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/mother-day
12
May 2014
College Ave Community Life Facilitator
Liyan Lan, our 78 College Avenue
Community Life Facilitator, will be
stepping down in her role as of July
15th. Liyan and her husband will be
moving to Maryland, and we will
surely miss them both in our
community. Good luck with your
future endeavours Liyan, we wish you
the best!
We will be looking for a new
Community Life Facilitator beginning
July 15, 2014. The position description is included on page 14
for your information.
If you have an interest in community development and getting
involved in your own community, we invite you to consider
applying for the position. As part of the ~150 Residence Life
Staff across our department, our Family Housing/West
Residence staff team can be an exciting and rewarding part
time position.
We
are
The position pays approximately $500 per month, and requires
regular program delivery, attendance at biweekly staff
meetings, weekly office hours, visiting all new residents as they
move in to College Avenue and being a resource for those new residents. The
position offers you a chance to develop your leadership skills, communication skills,
conflict intervention and conflict management skills, and teamwork skills.
Please submit your resume and cover letter to Barb Robbins, Community Life
Manager. Electronic submissions are welcome ([email protected]) or please
feel free to drop off your cover letter and resume to the Community Life office (13278 College Avenue). We will accept resumes until Tuesday, May 27th. We will only
contact those applicants selected for an interview, and we anticipate that interviews
will be held the week of June 16th.
If you have any questions about the position, I invite you to contact Barb
([email protected]) or Liyan ([email protected]) for further information.
This position requires that you live at 78 College Avenue.
13
hirin
g!
May 2014
College Avenue CLF Job Description
General Description
The Community Life Facilitator (CLF) position involves being a resource in the community, assisting residents in their adjustment to the Campus and surrounding area, and developing a community that enhances safety, support, trust, inclusion, and learning in a collaborative and diverse environment. The Community Life Facilitator is expected to work toward the goal of community development in ways that support
the needs of children, spouses, students and others within the family housing community. As a communication link between residents and the Community Life office, the Community Life Facilitator encourages
responsible behavior, assesses the needs of the community and creates a plan of action and strives to
develop supportive relationships with residents.
Qualifications
ily Housing through to when the appointment ends.
An appreciation of cultural diversity is extremely important.
acting as a role model for residents and for promoting a positive attitude towards living in our community.
tion and throughout the appointment and follow all Student Housing Services policies.
Responsibilities
residents and complete a New Resident Orientation.
son.
expectations.
propriate for the University of Guelph Family Housing operation
ment, pet care and etiquette, and other areas that might be sources of friction within a community
for drop in visits by residents
-monthly staff meetings, and training sessions as may be required.
– two week training, full days to be held in late August of each year
14
May 2014
Language Groups @ Family Housing
We are very pleased to be able to offer a range of language conversation groups that you can participate
in—all the groups are open groups. Come for one week, come for ten weeks, the choice is yours! All
levels of language skill are welcome!
Do you want to improve your English speaking skills? Drop in to our English
Conversation Group and practice with a group of your peers! Join us in the
Wellington Woods Community Centre on Monday mornings from 10-11am
and Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8pm.
ENGLISH
Farsi Language classes are held each Sunday morning at the College Avenue
Community Centre from 11:00am until 12 noon , Classes include introducing
the Farsi alphabet, and reading and writing activities.
If you have an interest in Farsi language and culture, you are welcome to drop
in any week.
FARSI
Join us for French Conversation Class every Monday evening, 6:15—7:15 pm at
the Wellington Woods Community Centre. If you have children taking French
in school you may struggle trying to help with their French homework. Come
out to a French Conversation class !
Do you have a desire to learn Mandarin? Join us in the College Avenue
Community centre on Wednesday mornings, 11:00am until 12 noon .
Mandarin is the official spoken language in China, and one of official languages
of Singapore and United Nations. Classes will introduce Chinese cultures,
Pinyin, simplified characters, reading and writing activities.
If you have an interest in Sri Lankan language and culture, you are welcome to
drop in Sunday morning, 10am until 12 noon at the Wellington Woods
Community Centre. We offer two age groups, up to nine years of age, and the
second group from nine years and up. Classes include introducing the Sinhala
alphabet, and reading and writing activities.
If you talk to a man in a language he understands,
that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his
language, that goes to his heart.
Nelson Mandela
15
FRENCH
MANDARIN
SRI LANKAN
May 2014
Sgt. Stan’s Suggestions….
Sgt. Stan Gabriel from Campus
Community Police will provide
suggestions for safety in your
community, we hope that you and your
family are able to benefit from Sgt.
Stan's Suggestions!
With the weather starting to improve, Guelph will likely start to see an
increase in thefts from cars. The Guelph Police received three reports of
theft from cars recently. Two were on Woolwich Street and one on Suffolk
Street.
This crime is easily avoided by locking your cars and by keeping valuables
out of sight or removed from your vehicle. If you do fall victim to this crime,
please report immediately to University of Guelph Police Services, 519824-4120, extension 52245.
A professional can steal your vehicle in just 30 seconds – without the
key. The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) and Insurance
Bureau of Canada (IBC) are encouraging citizens to "Lock It or Lose It."
The goal of the proactive crime prevention program is to encourage drivers
to take a few simple precautions that will protect their vehicles from theft.
An unlocked door or an open window is an invitation to thieves. The goal of
the "Lock It or Lose It" program vehicle security audit reminds drivers to
always:

Roll up their vehicles’ windows;

Keep valuables out of sight;

Lock their doors; and

Pocket their keys.
More details about crime-proofing may be found on-line at:
www.ibc.ca/en/Insurance_Crime/Auto_Theft/
16
May 2014
Community Life Team
Liyan Lan is the Community Life Facilitator working with our Family
Housing Residents at 78 College Avenue. Liyan will be available in the
Community Life Office at 78 College Avenue every Friday morning from
9am until 11am. If you book the community centre, you must come to the
office during Liyan’s hours to pick up a key!
[email protected]
Yael Locker-Biletzki is the Community Life Facilitator working with our
Family Housing residents at Wellington Woods, 252 Stone Road West. If
you’d like to connect with Yael, simply send her an email and she will meet
with you! Yael also offers drop in hours at the WW community centre every
Friday from 4-5pm.
[email protected]
We invite you to
connect with your
Community Life
Facilitator. Share
your ideas for future programming
and events. We
are here for you!
Goodbye to Mark, Avianne and Kendra—our Community Life Facilitators for West Residence
and OVC House—they are all off for the summer. Yael and Liyan are here all summer for Family
Housing residents!
From left to right: Liyan, Kendra, Yael, Avianne, Mark
17
18
Farsi Class
CACC 11am—12 noon
WWCC 10am-12noon
25 Sri Lankan Class
Children’s Movie WWCC 6pm
Farsi Class
CACC 11am—12 noon
WWCC 10am-12noon
26 English WWCC 10-11am
27
28
Mandarin CACC 11am—12 noon
French WWCC 6:15—7:15 pm
English WWCC 7-8pm
Toddler Playgroup CACC 7-9pm
21
Mandarin CACC 11am—12 noon
French WWCC 6:15—7:15 pm
English WWCC 7-8pm
29
22 Cooking Class CACC 7pm
19 English WWCC 10-11am
18 Sri Lankan Class
20
English WWCC 10-11am
Farsi Class
CACC 11am—12 noon
French WWCC 6:15—7:15 pm
English WWCC 7-8pm
14 Mandarin CACC 11am—12 noon 15
13 Family Movie Night CACC 7pm
12 Garden Plot draw 8:30am
WWCC 10am-12noon
11 Sri Lankan Class
Learn to Draw Anime! WWCC 5pm
30 Drop In Hour WWCC 4-5pm
Cooking Class WWCC 5pm
23 Drop In Hour WWCC 4-5pm
Teens Volunteering Program WWCC 5pm
16 Drop In Hour WWCC 4-5pm
Crafts CACC 4-5pm
9 Drop In Hour WWCC 4-5pm
2 Drop In Hour WWCC 4-5pm
1
8
Fri
Thu
Toddler Playgroup CACC 7-9pm
French WWCC 6:15—7:15 pm
English WWCC 7-8pm
7 Mandarin CACC 11am—12 noon
Wed
Farsi Class
CACC 11am—12 noon
COMMUNITY LIFE OFFICE, 78 College
6
5 English WWCC 10-11am
4 Sri Lankan Class
WWCC 10am-12noon
Tue
Mon
Sun
7:00pom
31 Cinco de Mayo Celebration
24
17
10
3
Sat
MAY 2014
CACC