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Volume 8, Issue 1 – Spring 2016
Welcome to the first issue of this year’s newsletter! I would like to start by thanking the newsletter team.
Sean McCluskey tirelessly oversees each issue and works with the incredibly creative Christine Dang
on the layout. Lynn Allen is still our amazing interviewer, Lidia Jarmasz does an incredible job editing,
and MaryAnn Punzalan is our excellent writer. We must not forget the event photographers—Tom,
Ricky, George, Stefano, Holmes, Nate, Colin and Brian who captured volunteers in action during the
summer. I would also like to thank the senior writers of the Integrated Communications Department for
the final editing of the newsletter. As you see, it takes a whole team of volunteers and staff to produce
each issue.
February brought us the first three important festivals of the year. Kuumba celebrated Black History
Month through music, comedy, dance and family activities. HarbourKIDS: Snowglobe made us wish
we were kids again so we could create our own fantasy world full of snow. LunarFest celebrated the
Year of the Monkey and visitors could not resist taking selfies and other photos of the cutest monkeys
ever seen throughout the Bill Boyle Artport. A huge thank you to everyone who braved the cold and I
hope the fun that you experienced made up for it.
The first issue of the newsletter always features volunteer statistics and performance for the past year.
Considering all that we had to reckon with—the tail end of the construction on Queens Quay and the
PanAm Games—we did incredibly well! The Recruitment and Training team’s hard work recruiting
nearly every week throughout the summer paid off and our events were fully staffed by volunteers!
We will say a personal thank you to each of you at the Volunteer Recognition Party on April 14th
. We
know how much volunteers love to dance and the Brigantine Room will be turned into a dance hall with
members of the Toronto All-Star Big Band in attendance. Be sure to mark the date on your calendar.
Enjoy the newsletter and I hope to see you at the party!
Genevieve Peng
Volunteer Coordinator
Genevieve’s Update
A Year in Review
2015 Volunteer Statistics 2
Winter Highlights
Kuumba 4
HarbourKIDS Snowglobe 5
LunarFEST 6
Volunteer Spotlight 7
The Hospitality Suite 8
Upcoming Events & Credits 9
Genevieve

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2015 Volunteer Statistics
Congratulations and a big thank you to the following top 10 volunteers
who contributed an exceptional amount of their time in 2015!
Volunteer Contributions in 2015
Tom Bilenkey
Janice Romaldi
Margaret Allen
Philip Begg
Hossein Milani
Helen Crispin
Pamela Carlson
Anne Osbaldeston
Dorothy Wright
Sybil Wilkinson

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2015 Volunteer Statistics
Bilenkey, Tom
Romaldi, Janice
Allen, Margaret
Begg, Philip
Milani, Hossein
Crispin, Helen
Carlson, Pamela
Osbaldeston, Anne
Wright, Dorothy
Wilkinson, Sybil
Allen, Lynn
McCluskey, Sean
Quan, Elinna
Badovinac, Zuzana
Fleming, Elnora
Ehirim, Ejikeme
Howlett, Jennifer
Sinotte, Karen
Brennan, Joyce
Wu, Emily
Dang, Christine
Wu, Maria
Kelly, Paula
Zhu, Katherine (Yujia)
Fleury, Anna
Goodridge, Yolanda
Soong, Jeremy
Lawrence, Elaine
Ebbs, Bobsie
He, Jing
Chiu, Carissa
Himal, Terry
Lewis, Larry
Goldenberg, Susan
Jeji, Kenny (Kanwaljit)
Gorman, Kelly
Grimm, Matthew
Yu, Ricky
Tai, Amy
Exner, Nell
Shore, Edie
Staples, Ilona
Dias-Martyn, Pam
Tan, Stacey
Jarmasz, Lidia
Mooney-Childs, Kathleen-
Sonja
Dreger, Daniel
Gui, Yuezeng
Neblett, Pamela
Ukas, Catherine
Poruthur, Helna
Mükusch, Emily
Lobb, George
Haney, Moyra
Chowdhury, Tuli
Pless, Emily
Ho, Samantha (Tho)
Ryborz, Marta
Soong, Demi
Kawabata, Sharon
Rodriguez, Stefano
Luo, Nicki
Sorias, Florence
Morris, Pauline
Guan, Chunhui (Christine)
Gill, Hana
Ravi, Karthik Nandakumar
Beam, Brenda
MacArthur, Sharon
Smith, Katherine
Shi, Mary
Badovinac, Roman
Shaikh, Tariq
Wong, Annabelle
Selvarajah, Prasanth
Gammon, John
Gupta, Uma
Kehm, Carol
Trikha, Tiffany
Over 200 Hours
101—199 Hours
60—100 Hours
Thank you to everyone for all your help in making 2015 a success!

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Winter Festivals
Crafts at Kuumba
By Scott Uminga
Being a hands-on person, I usually find myself
drawn to the crafts at the Harbourfront festivals. At
Kuumba this year, Miss Lou’s Room provided the
opportunity to create several lively pieces. One of
them that stood out to me was a Bogolan mud
cloth exercise, using a simplified version of a
traditional Malian technique, with black paint in
place of a fermented mud mixture. In the process I
learned some of the symbolic meanings of the
patterns used.
Catherine
Helen James
For more than 20 years, Kuumba has celebrated
and honoured Black History Month. The 2016
edition explored the theme of "Black Like We"
through music, discussion, comedy, dance and
family activities for all ages.
Two interesting events supported by Harbourfront
Centre volunteers were the Gumboot Dance
Workshops, led by Just Aïssi and Water Carry
Me Go — A Fashion-Art Exhibition, conceived and
curated by Chinedu Ukabam.
Gumboot dancing, or isicathulo, was conceived by
Black miners in South Africa and is performed by
dancers wearing Wellington boots, sometimes
embellished with bells that ring as the dancers
stamp the ground.
The Wellington gumboots were worn by gold
miners as protection against flooding in the mines.
Singing was common in the mines, but talking was
forbidden. The miners created rhythms and beats
using their bodies, gumboots and chains—the
shackles they were often forced to wear—to
communicate messages that they did not want the
bosses to overhear or understand. Many of the
steps parodied the officers and guards who
controlled the mines and barracks. Gumboot
dancing spread beyond the mines and today is
used to show the history of South Africa. Mr. Aïssi
led several workshops, helping visitors learn a few
basic routines.
Water Carry Me Go was inspired by the journey
over water that began the African diaspora. The
creators of the exhibit represented four continents,
using fashion as art to tell their stories. Many
enslaved Africans met the same watery fate as
many migrants crossing the Mediterranean today.
Also in the curator's thoughts were the destruction
wrought by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and
Tropical Storm Erika in Dominica. The garments
were magnificent.
Kuumba
By Lynn Allen

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Winter Festivals
HarbourKIDS
By Pauline Beverley
HarbourKIDS: Snowglobe
The creative “winter wonderland” design
complemented the mesmerizing and graceful
jumps, spins and dance movements of the talented
figure skater and the “oohs” and applause of
children and adults were not only in appreciation of
a routine but also in anticipation of what was to
come.
Kudos to the volunteers who warmly greeted
guests, gently guided audience members to the
snowglobe entrance and ensured that strollers
were properly parked. They contributed to making
Snowscape a memorable experience
Music With Bite - English Performance
Who knew that listening to different musical ranges
of recorders could be so entertaining and exciting?
The Flûte Alors ensemble’s choreographed
movements coupled with coordinated costumes
made for an enjoyable hour.
This is what Pamela (Neblett); Volunteer Usher at
the Studio Theatre had to say:
“The theatre was packed to capacity! Although it is
not a popular musical instrument, the group's use
of the recorder, added a nice tone to the show. In
addition, they told a story, while singing, acting and
dancing. This kept the audience highly
entertained. I saw many smiles and heard lots of
laughter and clapping. Afterwards, quite a few
people told me what a good time they had.”
Following this winter’s coldest weekend, Family Day on February 15 was a perfect day for everyone to
be captivated by Music With Bite – English Performance and Snowscape at Harbourfront Centre’s
HarbourKIDS Snowglobe, presented by the RBC Learn to Play Project.

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Winter Festivals
LunarFest
By Kevin Catalig
One thing I like about Lunarfest (and festivals in general at Harbourfront Centre) is the mingling of dif-
ferent cultures. I grew up knowing the Lunar New Year as Chinese New Year, which is not inaccurate,
but the inclusion of some Japanese and Korean elements is always refreshing to me. The most wel-
come sight, though, is watching visitors, volunteers, and staff, all of whom come from a range of different
backgrounds, interact at a festival celebrating the Lunar New Year.
This year’s Lunarfest saw various types of dances, food and crafts, including lively puppet lion dancers
and servings of sushi, bulgogi and ginger tea. But what I’ll remember the most were the monkeys…
mainly because I was volunteering at the monkey-adoption table and I adopted one myself.
There are about a thousand of these in the world.
This one is named Ki!
Not far from the monkeys was a temple display
where you could get your fortune using wooden
numbered sticks. Apparently I have the best
possible result when it comes to luck this year,
which is funny because 1) I am a monkey, 2) this is
the year of the monkey, 3) the year of your sign is
supposed to be bad luck. I'm hoping that the
monkey I adopted was able to offset that a little.
Ki Ki
The monkey is the ninth in the 12-year cycle of the
Chinese zodiac. The Years of the Monkey include 1920,
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016,
2028...
Lucky Numbers: 1, 7, 8
Lucky Colours: white, gold, blue
Lucky Flowers: chrysanthemum, alliums
Strengths
Brilliant, independent, honest, cordial, positive
Weaknesses
Irritable, impetuous, easily frustrated
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/social_customs/zodiac/
monkey.htm
Garth and Pat at the fortune telling
Carolyn, Sharon, Dorothy and Nikhil

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Volunteer Spotlight
If you volunteered at LunarFest (February 20–21), you probably saw Katherine (Yujia) Zhu darting
around the Bill Boyle Artport with a clipboard in hand. A native speaker of Mandarin, she held the
position of Venue Leader Assistant, which was unique to this festival. Read on to get to know her in her
own words.
What did you do as Venue Leader Assistant?
My main tasks were making sure all volunteers were at their stations, overseeing the overall distribution
of volunteers at each venue, coordinating volunteers to fill in gaps and arranging breaks. And basically
doing whatever the Venue Leader said, upon request.
Why did you start volunteering at Harbourfront Centre?
I did not know about Harbourfront Centre until I saw it mentioned on someone’s LinkedIn profile in 2014.
It was the darkest time of my life. I was a terrible mess and everything was off for me. I joined
Harbourfront Centre because I wanted to do something to pull myself out of this situation, to feel that I
was still a useful person. Volunteering gives me mental fulfilment; it is chicken soup for my heart.
Have you had any memorable experiences?
My most memorable experiences so far have been my own mistakes. Harbourfront Centre has helped
me grow and become a better me. I used to cancel my shifts a lot, eat snacks and use my cellphone
during my shift. I appreciate that Harbourfront Centre pointed out these mistakes and gave me a second
chance. Because that is how I learned about the idea of an organization’s image, about respect for other
volunteers (taking positions and cancelling them is very disrespectful), and about how showing my
cellphone during a shift means I do not care. I still remember those times that I embarrassed myself, but
I am grateful for the kind of person I am now. Owning up to mistakes and learning from them is one of
the most important things in my life.
What has been your favourite volunteer position?
I have enjoyed all the positions that I have had so far. If I had to pick a specific position, I would say
being a cooking demo translator during the entire China Now festival. I had emceed events before, but I
had never translated while emceeing.
Katherine has many more experiences to share. The next time you see her, ask her about her studies
(she is pursuing a B. A. degree at U of T) or about the other organizations she volunteers with (including
TIFF). You will discover her mature yet refreshing perspective on life!
Growing on the Job
Spotlight on Volunteer Katherine (Yujia) Zhu
By Lidia Jarmasz
“Volunteering gives me mental fulfillment; it is chicken soup for
my heart...My most memorable experiences so far have been
my mistakes. Harbourfront Centre has helped me grow and
become a better me….I appreciate that Harbourfront Centre
pointed out these mistakes and gave me a second chance.
Because that is how I learned about the idea of an
organization’s image, about respect for other volunteers.”
- Katherine (Yujia) Zhu

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The Hospitality Suite
The Hospitality Suite 30-Minute Workout
By Jennifer Howlett
In our previous newsletter, Lynn Allen wrote “The Kitchen Brigade”, about volunteers at the Hospitality
Suite at the International Festival of Authors. While we always write about how much fun
volunteering at Harbourfront is, Jennifer wants to remind us that it is sometimes hard work. It is also
important work, sometimes rewarding and usually appreciated and acknowledged.
10:00 AM
 Put on brightest smile
 Open doors
 Welcome to IFOA
Hospitality Suite
9:30 AM
 Arrive
 Wash hands
 Start first pot of coffee
 Fill kettle to boil water for
tea drinkers
 Remove pastries/
muffins/bagels from
freezer; spread out and
cover to thaw
 Fill sink with hot, soapy
water
 Clear and wet-wipe food prep surfaces
 Get ice
 Wash hands
 Put juices in bowl
 Cover with ice
 Put milk/cream in ice
bucket; fill with ice
 Check Hospitality
Suite
 Remove any dirty dishes
from areas of suite and
collect for washing
 Change tablecloths
 Reset tables
 Replenish cups/plates/cutlery
 Wet-wipe side tables
 Wash hands
 Pour coffee into serving carafes
 Add boiling water to carafe for tea
 Prep second pot of tea
 Fill kettle
 Bring coffee/hot water/juices/milk/cream to
serving tables
 Wash hands
 Cut pastries/muffins/bagels as necessary and
arrange in bread baskets
 Prepare small dishes of butter/cream cheese/
jam
 Prepare yogurt parfaits and place in ice-filled
serving tray
 Take breads and yogurts to serving tables
 Quick visual check to make sure everything is
attractively displayed

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Upcoming Events & Credits
Sean McCluskey
Coordinator/Layout
Lidia Jarmasz
Editor/Writer
Lynn Allen
Writer
MaryAnn Punzalan
Writer
Genevieve Peng
Advisor/Editor
Christine Dang
Layout Design
Photos courtesy of: Tom Bilenkey, Ricky Yu, Holmes Pasiminio, Stefano Rodriguez & George Lobb
Kevin Catalig
Contributor
Pauline Beverley
Contributor
Toronto Storytelling Festival
April 9 — 10
Celebrate the arts of voice and storytelling with
some of the world's finest storytellers at the first-
ever TD Story Jam. From First Nations elders to
Afro-Caribbean Anansi tellers, liars' contests to
remixed fairytales, the Toronto Storytelling Festival
is the place to be for listeners, tellers and story
lovers. Don't miss concerts, a talking stick
workshop and even a stage for children and
grandparents to swap family stories.
HarbourKIDS Circus
May 21 — 23
May 21–23, our site transforms into a fun-filled
celebration of contemporary circus arts with
acrobats and aerialists, stilt walkers, jugglers,
magicians and more as part of HarbourKIDS:
Circus. Bring your sense of adventure and
experience the wonder where art and circus meet.
Barbados on the Water
May 27 — 29
As the largest cultural celebration of Barbadian
culture in Canada, you can treat yourself to a taste
of Barbados without ever leaving Toronto, as we
celebrate fifty (50) years of Independence!
The festival will feature tasty cuisine, music,
fashion, literary events and children’s activities
such as storytelling, costume making, kite making
and face-painting.
There is something for everyone during the
weekend festival, so come on down and
experience what Barbados has to offer…….Bajan
Style!!!
Scott Uminga
Contributor
Femmes de Feu