Connecting the Community

In this insightful interview, Ann Marie Farrugia, Manager of Urban Forestry, Natural Environment, and Horticulture in Richmond Hill, shares her expertise on urban forestry, tree management policies, climate change impacts, and community engagement in environmental stewardship.   Check out Find or Learn About - Trees and Yards - City of Richmond Hill Here's the link to the Healthy Yards Plant &...

In this engaging interview, Terry Knight, the current membership chair of the Richmond Hill Lawn Bowling Club, shares insights into the history, gameplay, and community aspects of lawn bowling. Discover how this ancient sport is accessible to all ages, the club's activities, and how you can get involved.   Check out their website   Lawn Bowling | Rhlbc | Ontario Here's the link to their learn to l...

In this engaging interview, Ross Toms shares the rich history and ongoing activities of the Richmond Hill Legion, highlighting its role in veteran recognition, community engagement, and local history preservation. Discover how the Legion supports veterans, promotes community pride, and plans to celebrate its 80th anniversary.   Please see their website Royal Canadian Legion Branch 375   and follow...

In this interview, York Region District School Board Trustee Robert Kolosowski discusses the impact of social media on students, policies to manage cell phone use, and strategies to promote mental health and responsible technology use among youth.   Robert can be reached at robert.kolosowski@yrdsb.ca

In this engaging interview, Brooke Scott, manager of the Village Market, shares insights into local organic farming, the importance of supporting local food systems, and community-building activities at the market. Discover how local farmers adapt to global challenges, the benefits of eating seasonally and locally, and upcoming events that foster community connection.   Brooke can be reached at  m...

In this engaging interview, Juni L. Yeung discusses her advocacy for establishing a public archery range in Richmond Hill, exploring the history, requirements, safety, costs, and community benefits of archery. She shares insights into the cultural significance, technical aspects, and community activities surrounding archery, emphasizing its role in community building and cultural preservation. Her...

In this interview, Scott Thompson, Richmond Hill Ward 2 Councillor, discusses his upcoming Community Safety and Well-being Town Hall, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, coordinated responses to complex issues like homelessness, and the role residents can play in fostering a safer community.   Click HERE to register and submit questions for this April 30th event. Here's Scott's web...

This podcast features a discussion on the Richmond Hill Mentoring Plus program, highlighting its impact on community, mentorship strategies, and future plans. Learn how intergenerational mentoring benefits both mentors and students, and discover ways to get involved. David Silverman, Aleli Gulak and Monica Olsen would love to hear from you. davidrhmentoringplus@gmail.com alelirhmentoringplus@gmail...

In this engaging interview, Mansour Noorbakhsh shares his journey from engineer to poet, explores the power of poetry in cultural and political activism, and discusses his upcoming anthology 'Where Words Defeat Bullets'. Discover how poetry fosters intercultural dialogue, supports human rights, and unites communities across borders.   Click on these links to discover Mansour's writings: Where Word...

In this inspiring interview, Diana Graham, a board member of the Hockey Association for the Developmentally Challenged (HADC), shares the organization’s mission, community impact, and upcoming golf tournament to support athletes with developmental challenges. Discover how sports foster inclusion, independence, and community support for individuals with special needs.   Here's their website  HADC G...

Join us as we explore the significance of Easter, its history, traditions, and how different Christian denominations celebrate this pivotal holiday. Our guest, David Kim-Cragg, shares insights into the story of Jesus' resurrection, the meaning behind various Easter customs, and the importance of interfaith understanding. Please see St. Mathew's United Church website for contact info for David, and...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Reverend Mini Choi, the new minister at Richmond Hill United Church, as she shares her remarkable journey from broadcasting in Hong Kong to leading a vibrant faith community in Canada. Discover how her creative background enriches her ministry, her vision for community renewal, and the power of art and music in faith expression. Check out the church's web...

In this engaging interview, Jenn Silver shares her journey from corporate creative director to founder of the Creative Caravan, a mobile workshop business that fosters creativity, connection, and mental well-being across communities. Discover how her innovative approach promotes social prescribing, mental health, and community resilience.   She can be reached at: 905 999-4149 jenn@thecreativecarav...

This podcast features Gordon Wilson and Harry Zhang discussing the benefits of Toastmasters, especially the Youth Leadership Program, and how it helps young people develop public speaking and leadership skills. Harry shares his personal experience and future goals, emphasizing the importance of communication skills for success. Here's the information on this upcoming (starting March 28th) Youth Le...

In this interview, Alex Cheng from Blue Door discusses the upcoming Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser, highlighting its importance in supporting homelessness initiatives in Richmond Hill. The conversation covers event details, fundraising goals, community involvement, and the urgent need for affordable housing.   Please participate in whatever way you can Richmond Hill (Blue Door) - Coldest Nig...

In this engaging conversation, Marj Andre interviews Norman Musewe about his memoir 'Sangano', which recounts his life journey from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to becoming a pediatric cardiologist in Canada. Norman shares the challenges he faced, including cultural reflections on family, the impact of adversity, struggles with despondency and alcoholism, and ultimately finding faith that transformed h...

In this engaging conversation, Leah Taylor Roy reflects on her political journey, her community engagement, and the importance of women's representation in politics. She discusses the challenges women face globally, particularly in authoritarian regimes, and emphasizes the need for more female leadership. The conversation also touches on the significance of discernment in today's information lands...

In this enlightening conversation, Marj Andre speaks with Sara Jamil, a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, about the significance of Ramadan and the practice of fasting. Sara explains the origins of Ahmadiyya Islam, the spiritual and physical aspects of fasting, and the communal practices during Ramadan, including Iftar. The discussion also touches on exemptions from fasting, the importance...

In this conversation, Whitney Hilts discusses the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of older adults within retirement communities. She emphasizes the LivingWell program at DelManor, which focuses on holistic wellness, lifelong learning, and empowering residents to share their unique skills and experiences. Whitney advocates for authenticity and choice in aging, highlighti...

In this conversation, Marj Andre interviews David Leyton-Brown, a retired political science professor, discussing various pressing issues including the concept of a new world order Canada's trade relations foreign direct investment the Canadian dollar's outlook the introduction of Chinese electric vehicles environmental policies Canadian defense capabilities, threats to sovereignty expansionist po...

In this engaging podcast, Marj Andre interviews Nella Cotrupi, exploring her academic background, political activism, and the evolving cultural landscape of Richmond Hill. Nella shares her insights on the growing interest in Canadian literature in Italy, the significance of translation, and the impact of cultural heritage on literature. The conversation also delves into the differences between Can...

In this podcast, Dr. Reza Moridi discusses the historical and current socio-political landscape of Iran, focusing on the Iranian Revolution, the impact of the Iran-Iraq War, the ongoing protests, and the plight of women in Iran. He emphasizes the need for international support and awareness regarding the Iranian people's struggles against their regime. To keep to-date, Reza encourages us to follow...

In this conversation, Marj Andre speaks with Anders Lindfors, co-owner of King Henry's Arms and a key member of the Richmond Hill Winter Carnival planning committee. They discuss the importance of community involvement in the carnival, the various activities and events planned for this year, and how the carnival adapts to changing weather conditions. Anders shares insights into the volunteer roles...

In this episode, Marj Andre speaks with Marina Nemat, author of "Mistress of the Persian Boarding House," about her experiences during the Iranian Revolution and the current situation in Iran. Marina shares her harrowing story of imprisonment and torture at the age of 16 for protesting against the regime, reflecting on the trauma that continues to affect her life. She draws parallels between her p...

In this episode, Marj Andre speaks with Irina Mihaela, who shares her transformative journey from a challenging childhood in Romania to becoming a coach specializing in equine-assisted therapy. Irina discusses her past experiences with trauma and how they shaped her understanding of success, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from inner peace rather than external achievements. She highlights...