Hendrik Beune | AHA Media

AHA MEDIA is pleased to be a Media Sponsor of the Out of the Rain Program at the Flack Block (175 W. Hastings at Cambie )

May 5, 2009 ahamedia Leave a comment

AHA MEDIA is pleased to be a Media Sponsor of the Out of the Rain program in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside ( DTES)

Initiated in 2005, the Out of the Rain program in Vancouver is an evolving unique initiative that brings together professional and marginalized artists to promote genuine solutions to homelessness, as well as develop new methods of art production, sustainable art practice, life stability planning, and dissemination.

Special emphasis is working closely with those artists who face significant challenges (mental health, housing, addiction, poverty) to maintaining and sustaining a regular art practice but who, in the face of these challenges, persevere to make art as a means of survival and self-expression.

In this video, Hendrik Beune, Director of AHA MEDIA and former OOTR participant gives an introduction of OOTR’s new work space at the Flack Block provided by the Salient Group. http://www.thesalientgroup.com

This was filmed by April Smith of AHA MEDIA on a Nokia N95 mobile cameraphone. April is passionate and skilled in making Nokia films by exploring mobile media production through the camera lens of a cellphone. For a better quality version of this video, please DM April Smith @AprilFilms on Twitter.

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What About Love? : Out of the Rain Group Exhibition

June 5th to 28th, 2009

Opening: Friday June 5th, 2009, 6:00pm-10:00pm.
Artists from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside show new work produced during Out of the Rain program.

Since 2005, Out of the Rain has been bringing together professional and marginalized artists to develop new methods of art production, sustainable art practice, life stability planning, and a professional exhibit.

Special emphasis is placed on working with artists who face challenges to maintaining regular art practice but who, in spite of these challenges, persevere to make art as a means of survival and self-expression. To this end, twelve artists are being provided with studio space, art supplies and sustenance. These artists were selected from over 50 interested and qualified artists.

This year, Out of the Rain is generously funded by the Social Responsibility Fund (through the City of Vancouver). Gallery Gachet (http://www.gachet.org) would also like to thank the Salient Group for providing subsidized street level work space in the Flack Block (175 W. Hastings at Cambie).

AHA MEDIA believes that Out of the Rain ( OOTR ) is an outstanding and very worthwhile project in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside (DTES ) area! We are pleased to support all the artists for their creative spirit and hard work to keep arts alive in our communities! 🙂

More Photos of Out of the Rain 2009 are on our Flickr 🙂

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ahamedia/sets/72157617754121096/

“Bevrijdingsdag”: 5th of May annual Dutch Liberation Day Celebrations in Vancouver’s Victory Square

May 5, 2009 ahamedia 1 comment

On the 5th of May 1945 the allied Canadian Forces liberated the Netherlands and the Dutch people from 5 years of Nazi occupation. This event is celebrated annually in the Netherlands and by people of Dutch descent around the world.

Today is the 64th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian Allied Forces Annual Ceremony held at Victory Square, Vancouver ( May 4th , 2009)

In the following video, AHA MEDIA’s Producer (April Smith) and Director (Hendrik Beune) were on another assignment today at “The Flack Block”, kitty-corner from Victory Square, at the intersection of Cambie and Hastings Streets in Vancouver, where the Canadian WWII war memorial is located where they noticed “Bevrijdingsdag”: 5th of May annual Dutch Liberation Day Celebrations in Vancouver’s Victory Square happening.

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AHA MEDIA’s Director Hendrik Beune was born in Utrecht, the Netherlands and is still fluent in the Dutch language, which they call ‘Nederlands’. This was the predominant language spoken at this celebration of Victory by allied Western Forces over a fascist regime.

Speeches were made by the Dutch Consulate-General and various other dignitaries. Dutch and Canadian flagsflew side by side as tulips and ceremonial wreaths were placed at the monument by various groups, including from “JeMaintiendrai”, the dutch patriot organization, which carries the same name as the dutch motto and which means “I will maintain” with the implied connotation of “We will survive resiliently”.

Other notables were Mr. and Mrs. Oostindie (parents of Irwin Oostindie, who is the Director of W2, the new DTES Centre forCommunity Media Arts).

In this video, Hendrik Beune, Director of AHA MEDIA, meets Mr. and Mrs. Oostindie (parents of Irwin Oostindie, who is the Director of W2, the new DTES Community Media Arts Centre). Mr. Oostindie Sr. was active in the resistance movement during WWII and this also shows in the past and present work of his son Irwin.

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Irwin Oostindie wrote to AHA MEDIA: ” My mother was also influential in working for social justice. I remember coming down to this corner, Cambie and Hastings, in the 1970s to visit my mom at her volunteer job. She worked for the Consumer’s Association of Canada, an advocacy group located upstairs at the Flack Block! ”

This was filmed by April Smith of AHA MEDIA on aNokia N95 mobile cameraphone. April is passionate and skilled in making Nokia films by exploring mobile media productionthrough the camera lens of a cellphone. For a better quality version of this video, please DM April Smith @AprilFilms on Twitter.

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A surprise at this years ceremonies in Vancouver was the presence of a regiment of the Dutch army, who are presently on training in mountainous terrain near Vernon, BC and came to Vancouver to pay their “homage” to the Canadian veterans who gave their lives and contributed greatly to the liberation of The Netherlands.

In the following photos and video, Hendrik Beune, Director of AHA MEDIA, (after an introduction with Mr and Mrs Oostidie), shakes hands with an honored Dutch Veteran.

Herman van Wervenskercke (AHA MEDIA hopes we spelled his name correctly) has been active with theorganization of this annual event Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian Allied Forces Annual Ceremony held at Victory Square, Vancouver for many years and on the 30th of April this year 2009-“Koninginnedag”, which is the day the Dutch celebrate the birthday of their Queen –

Herman van Wervenskercke who is 81 years old received official royal recognition from the Dutch Queen for his efforts in the form of a decoration (affectionately referred to as “Een Lintje”)

In the following photo and video, Hendrik Beune, Director of AHA MEDIA gives a tribute of Dutch Tobacco (which is a Westcoast Aboriginal/Native tradition of honor) for the Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian Allied Forces Annual Ceremony held at Victory Square, Vancouver ( May 4th , 2009)

Much Thanks to all the Canadian Soldiers, Past and Present for helping to keep peace wherever they may be! Happy Dutch Liberation Day!

Categories: AHA Media, April Smith, Cambie Street, Citizen Journalism, Downtown Eastside, DTES, Hastings Street, Hendrik Beune, Hyper Local Citizen Journalism, Interviews, Media Coverage, Mobile Cameraphone Film and Video, Nokia N95, Twitter, Vancouver, Vancouver Downtown Eastside, Victory Square

AHA MEDIA attends the DERA and CCAP Town Hall Meeting at Carnegie Centre

April 29, 2009 ahamedia Leave a comment

AHA MEDIA attended the DERA and CCAP Town Hall Meeting at Carnegie Centre at Main and Hastings in Vancouver Downtown Eastside (DTES)

In this video, Kim Kerr, E.D. of DERA speaks then introduces Jenny Kwan, MLA who spoke about homelessness in Vancouver and Downtown Eastside ( DTES) at the Town Hall Meeting April 27th at Carnegie Centre

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In this photo, Jenny Kwan listens to the Carnegie Centre folks as they ask her questions.

In this photo, Hendrik Beune, Director of AHA MEDIA listens to Carnegie Centre folks as they wait patiently to speak with Jenny Kwan.

In this video, Kim Kerr, E.D. of DERA speak about housing in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside, (DTES) before passing the microphone over to Laura Track, Pivot Legal Lawyer

This was filmed by April Smith of AHA MEDIA on a Nokia N95 mobile cameraphone. April is
passionate and skilled in making Nokia films by exploring mobile media production through the camera lens of a cellphone. For a better quality version of this video, please DM April Smith @AprilFilms on Twitter.

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In this photo, Kim Kerr introduces Laura, Track of Pivot Legal Society

In this photo, Laura Track talks about the Government’s definition of Housing.

In this video, Hendrik Beune, Director of AHA MEDIA speaks out against SRO hotel in the Vancouver DTES who charge guest fees which are illegal to Laura Track, Pivot Legal lawyer at the Town Hall Meeting April 27th at Carnegie Centre.

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In this photo, Kim speaks to the crowd at Carnegie Centre which includes Ellen Woodsworth, COPE City Councillor, dressed in green.

In this photo, Kim Kerr and Ellen Woodsworth share conversation.

In this photo, Ken Glofcheskie, Reporter for AHA MEDIA speaks with Kim Kerr

In this photo, Hendrik Beune gets ready to interview a man in the Carnegie Centre Elevator

In this video ( Part 1 ), Hendrik Beune, Director of AHA MEDIA decides to interview a Man in the Carnegie Centre elevator about Housing and Renting issues in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside ( DTES ) Both men had just come from the Town Hall Meeting April 27th at Carnegie Centre

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In this video ( Part 2 ), Hendrik Beune, Director of AHA MEDIA decides to interview a Man in the Carnegie Centre elevator about Housing and Renting issues in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside ( DTES ) Both men had just come from the Town Hall Meeting April 27th at Carnegie Centre

AHA MEDIA dines at Uncle Henry Cafe in Vancouver Downtown Eastside (DTES)

April 22, 2009 ahamedia 1 comment

Having passed by Uncle Henry Cafe many times, AHA MEDIA decided to have lunch today while on our way to a few events 🙂 In speaking with the owner, we found out that it has been at its present location for over 15 years! This worthwhile rare gem of a diner is still dishing up REAL home cooked meals and taste with a smile! 🙂

Uncle Henry Cafe

547 Hastings Street East
Vancouver, BC V6A 1P9,
(604) 254-3629‎

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Upon entering, there’s two dining rooms that one can sit in and on today’s hot sunny day, this was the first restaurant we found, that was cool in temperature – like it had already turned on its air conditioning. Very considerate to think of customer’s comfort and well being in the today’s summer-like temperatures 🙂

Reasonably priced, and serving the Vancouver DTES community well, the food comes quickly with an almost forgotten care and taste of a great home cooked meal! 🙂

The place was clean and the atmosphere was fresh inside with no cloying heavy food cooking odours – one would normally expect to feel and smell in a cafe.

Open concept kitchen enables you to see how your order is being prepared and the chef is very agreeable to custom making your meal to your specifications.

There is something very nostalgic to see plain brown skinned potatoes, all scrubbed clean and hand cut up into wedges for our lunch! 🙂

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Reading material was provided, from National Geographic Magazines to thick hard cover books for those choosing to linger over their meals. The owner even shyly gave us a shiny Travel brochure of Vietnam, when we were done browsing our original magazines with our meals 🙂

Classic bathing suit photography and mirrors mingled with hockey memorabila adorned the walls – a Nice 50’s to 70’s touch . It made our environment peaceful and serene to be in, and added to the great enjoyment of our lunch.

It is very RARE for us as seasoned diners who have eaten from small food stands to upscale 4 star restaurants to have this attentive and good natured anticipatory care from the owner of an establishment.

Usually one would only expect to have great customer service from higher priced and higher luxury restaurant. One does gets what one pays for – Greater money = Greater Service, but here in Uncle Henry Cafe, situated on East Hastings street – there is REAL genuine warmth, attention, friendship and pure classic hospitality 🙂

AHA MEDIA was being treated one of the family and all this upon our first visit to the restaurant! 🙂

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Hendrik Beune, Director of AHA MEDIA enjoys his fresh, hand cut potato wedge dipped in Mayonaise – the European way! 🙂

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Uncle Henry has it all in the DTES, service, smile, surroundings and great food. 🙂 Other places around attempt to have 1) either the ” Nouveau DINER ” food appeal but NOT the quality of meal, 2) have surly, bad tempered wait staff or 3) the atmosphere isn’t right for a pleasant dining experience. AHA MEDIA can really see why Uncle Henry has been around for over 15 years! 🙂

Wow! 🙂 This is why the Vancouver Downtown Eastside Community is rich in spirit and friendships. There can be real bonds that develop in our neighborhood and what better way to show that you’re loved, than to be served a Greal Meal for a Very Excellet price by an honest, humble and happy man?

Our full meals for 2 came to $7.50, (before tips ) less than the usual price for a small appetizer or a martini in a fancier restaurant.

If you’re in our Vancouver Downtown Eastside area, please try Uncle Henry Cafe 🙂 You’ll be treated well 🙂

AHA MEDIA is already looking forward to our next meal at Uncle Henry Cafe on East Hastings street 🙂

Categories: AHA Media, April Smith, Citizen Journalism, Dining out, Downtown Eastside, DTES, Hastings Street, Hendrik Beune, Hyper Local Citizen Journalism, Mobile Cameraphone Film and Video, New Media, Nokia N77, Restaurant Review, Vancouver, Vancouver Downtown Eastside

SHIPWRECKS CONFERENCE ’09 with The Underwater Archaeological Society of British Columbia

April 20, 2009 ahamedia Leave a comment

The Underwater Archaeological Society of British Columbia (UASBC) http://www.uasbc.com

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The UASBC is a 175 member group of volunteer, avocational underwater archaeologists. We are mostly from British Columbia but also have members who live all over North America. The Society is the largest diving group in British Columbia, and one of the largest and most active heritage organizations in the province.

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SHIPWRECKS CONFERENCE ’09

Welcome to the 23rd annual Shipwrecks conference, western Canada’s longest running underwater heritage event.

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HMCS Discovery at Stanley Park is the home for Shipwrecks 2009
Conference date: Saturday, April 18,2009
Day session begins at 9 AM
Woodward lecture and dinner begins at 6:30 PM

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Military Wrecks is this year’s theme and we have an impressive line-up of speakers including:

Marc-Andre Bernier, Parks Canada: Analyzing Naval Strategy thru Shipwrecks
Marc-Andre Bernier, Parks Canada: The Elizabeth and Mary, 1690, Quebec City
Peter Fox: Military Shipwrecks at Truk Lagoon
Mark Atherton: Types of Sonar Tools for Military Shipwreck Searches
Jacques Marc: Military Shipwrecks in British Columbia
Rob Rondeau: World War II Shipwrecks of Bell Island
Curt McNamee: Deep Water Military Shipwrecks

Woodward Lecture speaker
The Woodward lecture is at the evening dinner.

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Dr Fred Hocker, Vasa Museum, Stockholm.

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The VASA project caught the world’s attention when she was raised from the mud of Stockholm’s harbour in April 1961. This was the first the world had seen of the ship for more than 333 years since she capsized and sank on her maiden voyage. The ship contains a wealth of objects reflecting Swedish maritime life of the early 1600s. As a conservation project, the VASA project set new standards for restoration as the entire ship and its contents were conserved.