Connecting the Community

In this episode, Steffi Goodfield shares the story behind York Region Open Mic, its impact on local musicians, and details about upcoming performances at the Richmond Hill Center for Performing Arts.
Discover how community-driven music events foster diversity, talent, and connection.
 
Check out Steffi's website YrOpenMic – The Best Open Mic Nights in York Region!
Here's a link to the events happening at RHCPA on most Wednesdays in the summer  Open Mic Nights at RHCPA | OnRichmondHill

In this episode, Catherine Hughes shares insights about her Canadian-themed musical show 'Gratefully Canadian,' her creative process, and her passion for community and culture. Discover how her work celebrates Canadian identity and supports the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank. 
 
Click HERE to get tickets (June 24 & 25)
You can follow Catherine at
Instagram:  divaintherough
Facebook: Catherine Hughes is Diva in the rough 

In this episode, Marj Andre talks with Peter Szoke about the proposed development at 20 Bedford Park Ave in Richmond Hill, exploring community concerns, zoning variances, environmental impact, and the importance of civic engagement.
 
Here's some documents to review to help you understand the processes.
 
COA.26.003 - Request for Approval - MV-26-0010 (20 Bedford Park Avenue) - Committee of Adjustment - June 04, 2026
 
NoH - June 4, 2026
 

In this episode, Melinda Fartsalas, manager of bylaw policy and adjudication in Richmond Hill, shares insights into the process of reviewing and updating municipal bylaws, including how public consultation and research shape policy changes like fireworks regulations.
 
Check out the info here By-laws - City of Richmond Hill

In this episode, Franz Hartmann from Alliance for a Liveable Ontario discusses the importance of building liveable communities, the role of municipal government, and actionable strategies for sustainable development and housing affordability.
Here's the link to the roadmap The Alliance for a Liveable Ontario
Here's their Youtube challenge to catch their podcasts (143) Alliance for a Liveable Ontario - YouTube
Consider joining ALO and receiving their updates Join Us
You may wish to check out this website that Franz referred to Re-Housing the Yellowbelt
 

This podcast is a conversation with two long time and active Richmond Hiller's, Donna Smith and Marney Beck Robinson, about the food bank's early days and its growing needs.
Richmond Hill Community Food Bank

In this engaging interview, Andrew Applebaum shares his journey into podcasting, his approach to research, and insights into his popular Toronto Legends podcast.
Discover how he selects guests, his views on media in Richmond Hill, and his passion for local community engagement.
 
Check out Andrew's podcasts Episodes | Toronto Legends

In this episode, Marj Andre talks with Charlie Bender about the June 7th Gutsy Walk at Richmond Green, raising awareness and funds for Crohn's and colitis disease.
They discuss what IBD is, its symptoms, triggers, treatment options, and the importance of community support and research breakthroughs.
 
Here's the link to the June 7th walk at Richmond Green York Region - Gutsy Walk 2026
Lots of good information on this website https://crohnsandcolitis.ca/
Charlie can be reached at benderc19@gmail.com .

This podcast features experts from York Region Public Health discussing the realities of vaping, its health impacts, and prevention strategies targeted at youth.
Learn about the devices, risks, and how to talk to young people about vaping.
 
Tracey and Jennifer provided these resources:
Youth Vaping Resources:
York.ca/youthvaping – find out more information about the health impacts of vaping, how to talk to youth about vaping, and where to get help
York.ca/vapefacts – our youth vaping-awareness raising campaign
Notanexperiment.ca – information for youth and adults about vaping, including how to talk to teens about vaping
Health Canada – a handout that helps you talk with your teen about vaping
Lung Health Foundation – a guide to starting a brief conversation with youth about vaping
Quashapp.ca – an app that helps young people quit vaping
 
Adult Quit Smoking Resources:
York.ca/tobacco – find information about quitting smoking
Stoponthenet.com – a cost-free quit smoking program offered by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Smokershelpline.ca – trained quit counsellors help you on your journey to quit smoking or vaping

In this inspiring podcast episode, Rachel Hyejung-Kim and Hannah Kim share their journey in founding Soundbridge Society, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing live music to seniors and underserved communities.
They discuss the power of music to connect, heal, and bring joy, as well as their future plans to expand community outreach and support music education for children.
 
Rachel and Hannah can be contacted at soundbridge.society@gmail.com
For more information please see their website www.soundbridge-society.org 
Click HERE to find out more about their June 6th fundraising concert.
And follow them on Instagram www.instagram.com/soundbridge.society/