Connecting the Community

In this podcast episode, Marj Andre interviews Doug Loweth about the Richmond Hill United Church, discussing its historical significance, architectural features, current renovations, and the church's role in the community.

Doug shares insights into the church's past, the ongoing restoration efforts, and the financial aspects of maintaining such a historic building.

The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement and the church's vision for the future, emphasizing its commitment to serving not just its congregation but the wider community as well.

Check out their website Richmond Hill United Church

Click HERE to subscribe to their newsletter 

Doug Loweth may be contacted at [email protected]

In this podcast, Marj Andre speaks with Roseanne Rose and Valerie Petroff from the Temperanceville United Church about the church's rich history, its vibrant community, and the upcoming Christmas Bazaar.

They discuss the church's evolution, the diverse congregation, and the integral role of food in fostering community spirit. The conversation highlights the importance of inclusivity and tradition, as well as the various events that bring the community together.

The bazaar is November 15th, starting at 10 am.  Check them out - Temperanceville United Church

Rosanne and Valerie can be contacted at [email protected]

This conversation focuses on the Richmond Hill Supportive Housing Collaboration, highlighting the personal stories of advocates Kathleen Mochnacki and Maggie Veltheer, their motivations for involvement, the challenges faced in accessing supportive housing, and the urgent need for initiatives like Housing First.

They discuss an upcoming event aimed at raising awareness and engaging the community, as well as the importance of political advocacy in addressing homelessness and mental health issues in Richmond Hill.

Here are the details for the October 30th RHSHC Open House - Registration Form

In this podcast, Marj Andre interviews Wendy Morihovitis, a retired mechanical engineer and volunteer with Fair Vote Canada.

They discuss the importance of electoral reform in Canada, focusing on the first past the post system and its shortcomings. Wendy explains the concept of proportional representation and its benefits, including better representation and reduced polarization.

The conversation also touches on the impact of false majorities and policy lurch, emphasizing the need for grassroots advocacy to push for change in the electoral system.

Please reach out to Wendy at [email protected]

Here's their web site Fair Vote Canada - Proportional Representation

In this conversation, Marj Andre speaks with Randy Kligerman, president of the New Horizons Band of Toronto, about the importance of adult music education and the unique structure of the New Horizons Band.

Randy shares his personal journey into music, the history and philosophy behind the New Horizons Band, and the differences between community bands and New Horizons bands.

The discussion also covers the growth of the organization, the role of music in personal development, class structure, membership costs, and the power of music in enriching lives.

See their website  New Horizons Band of Toronto – It's Never Too Late

Randy can be reached at [email protected]

In this podcast episode, Marj Andre speaks with Richmond Hiller Shenaz Kermalli, a freelance journalist and educator, about the challenges faced in Canadian journalism, particularly regarding the coverage of international news.

They discuss the insular nature of Canadian media, the framing of international stories, and the importance of language in shaping public perception.

Shenaz emphasizes the need for media literacy and critical thinking among news consumers, while also highlighting the role of diverse perspectives in journalism.

The conversation concludes with reflections on community engagement and the future of journalism.

In this podcast, Marj Andre speaks with David Silverman and Aleli Gulak about the Richmond Hill Mentoring Plus Strategy, a program designed to connect older adults with high school students.

They discuss the importance of community engagement, the structure of the mentoring program, and the benefits for both mentors and students.

The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on career development and the need for diverse mentors.

The episode concludes with reflections on the enriching nature of the Richmond Hill community and the future of the mentoring initiative.

Here are their emails:

Check out the RH Board of Trade's page Mentoring Plus Richmond Hill | RHBOT

In this podcast, Marj Andre interviews Andrew Fisher from the Richmond Hill Mobility Accessibility Foundation. They discuss the organization's history, its mission to create a barrier-free community, and the challenges faced with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Andrew shares insights on various initiatives, including adaptive devices, subsidized gym memberships, and community engagement efforts.

The conversation highlights the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in Richmond Hill and the ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Check out their website https://rhmobility.ca

And the AccessNow app AccessNow - pin-pointing accessibility worldwide

If you'd like to get in contact with Andrew [email protected]

In this engaging conversation, Marj Andre speaks with Steffi Goodfield about the vibrant open mic culture in York Region. Steffi shares her journey as a musician and the evolution of York Region Open Mic, emphasizing the importance of community, inclusivity, and providing a platform for local talent.

The discussion covers the logistics of open mic events, the diverse genres represented, and the significance of audience engagement and feedback.

Steffi also highlights the various venues where performances take place and the special events that foster community connections. The conversation concludes with reflections on the loyalty of the local community and the joy of discovering new talents.

Here's her website:   YrOpenMic – The Best Open Mic Nights in York Region!

Here's a good link to really keep in touch with her Linktree

In this engaging conversation, Marj Andre speaks with Vanitha, also known as Happivani, about her journey into wellness and mindfulness.

Vanitha shares her background, the inspiration behind her classes, and the importance of community support.

She discusses the differences between living in Richmond Hill and Dubai, the significance of mindfulness in everyday life, and her upcoming book, 'The Power of One Minute.'

The conversation highlights the essence of self-love, gratitude, and the collective spirit of the community.

Here's a link to her upcoming Sunday afternoon programs Fold and Flow - Week 3 of the Mindful Living Workshop Series

Follow her on Instragram https://www.instagram.com/happivani?igsh=bnRrcmxqbWtoMWpq

and LinkedIn (25) Vanitha SV | LinkedIn