AHA Media

Two members of AHA Media hailed Yellow Cab #25 where we happily discovered an interactive touch screen available for the informative amusment of back seat passengers.  The driver explained that were currently only two cabs that Mobile Media screens installed.  It’s interesting to see the progression of modern technology be accessible for everyone 🙂

AHA Media were lucky to be invited to BOB’s Xmas party. Inside was all decorated with all beautiful  lights and garlands and we were able to enjoy some lovely wine and sumptious food.  BOB’s staff were very welcoming and engaging to all the party attendees.

C.E.O Shirley Chan was dressed in a  dazzling traditional Chinese top and was the ever gracious host.

 We were lucky to bump into Alanna MacLennan, who just came back from Europe after rubbing shoulders with Dignitaries in Europe and Canada’s own Governor General Michaëlle Jean.  Two members of AHA Media are going to be taking workshops from Projections – a filmmaking internship program run by Alanna.

We aim to become more skillful so that we may become better mobile journalists for the DTES and for those who need us 🙂

During the  first day of  his official leadership of Vancouver, Mayor Gregor Robertson and his council met at the “Neighborhoods for a Sustainable Vancouver” meeting located at Heritage Hall at Main and 15th.

Mel Lehan opened the evening by advocating for the developments of neighborhoods to sustain Vancouver.

Wendy of CCAP talked about the DTES and the positive things of our community while urging the Mayor and new Council to think about the sustainability issues of our area.

Mayor Gregor Robertson and his council spoke about making City Hall accessible to the communities, and for the communities to be able to access City Hall.

Councilor Ellen Woodsworth who worked in the DTES for many years spoke about being available and accountable for the people of Vancouver.

Clyde of Vandu was pleased to shake hands with our new Mayor

Clyde introduced to Councilor Kerry Jang, some literature and books from the DTES and CCAP explaining the homeless and welfare situation in our area. 

Hendrik smiling after he gave Councilor Andrea Reimer some contact information.  Hendrik may be considered to sit on a sub-committee for Housing.

Hendrik  wondering what he would say if he were to speak at the Neighborhoods for a Sustainable Vancouver meeting. 🙂

The Carnegie Community Action Project is underway in their planning for the Poverty Olympics to occur in early February 2009.  Hilarious skits are going to be showcasing our rendition of sports parodied to the offical Olympics sports…

One suggestion to have some members of the DTES dressed up as  policitians (who refuse to to help on our homeless issues) as have them “skating” around trying to avoid the Press and CCAP.

Many DTES organizations such as Vandu, Power to the Women group, Pivot BCPWA ( BC Persons with Aids Society) are all banding together to support the hilarious and educational Poverty Olympics coming soon next year!.

AHA Media will be helping to make a promo video of the Poverty Olympics to help increase awareness of the seriousness of the homeless and welfare issues.

Below is a closeup of Clyde holding a Poverty Olympics Medal from the beginning  of this year.

Stay tuned for more advancements 🙂

AHA Media was on the third floor of Carnegie where we watched the women artisans from EWMA ( Enterprising Women Making Art) place their hand crafted items in the display cases. 

Karenza Wall, a local DTES artist and activist mentioned to me their show was called “3rd World Village – DTES Vancouver – 2nd Annual Craft Exhibit ” She explained that the DTES was akin to a village in a Third World Setting and that she and other women wanted everyone to see what beautiful and artistic  items they could create.  Sandra Prontreau’s beaded chandelier’s earings and dreamcatchers spoke of  her historyof art-making and her proud Cree-Metis heritage .  

Barbara Timperley, a DTES resident of 9 years jokingly explained to me that her family name was descended from a Heraldic lineage that included Lords and Ladies.  Shown in the above photo is her display of handmade and handsewn baby blankets and a lovable dolly.

She explains to me that as a psychiatric patient for the last 2 years,  her creative issues comes from one’s needs to keep her and busy and the mind free from thinking. Previously, she had her own business as a horticulturalist, and completed correspondence courses from the University of Guelph where she achieved 98%.  

A very eloquent, and quiet woman she  says, “I’m an intelligent woman who’s been challenged and I refuse to drop my dignity, just to belong to a group. She is emphatic that she is not a drug user, alcoholic or a prostitute and came down to the DTES because of bad choices.  She hopes to create a new life through collectively creating art with other women.

 The show runs for a month on Carnegie Third Floor Art Display next door to the Learning Centre.