VOKRA – Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association Hosts Cat Themed Garage Sale May 18 & 19

10 May

Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association (VOKRA) is hosting a feline themed Garage Sale on May 18th and 19th. If you aren’t familiar with VOKRA, it is a volunteer driven non-profit organization based in East Vancouver.   It is run by passionate volunteers who assist the community with lost, stray and feral cats and kittens.  They will be offering a treasure hunt like garage sale where you can expect to find all kinds of toys, cat carriers, pet beds, cat trees, litter boxes, toys and even cat themed décor.   All funds raised help them continue the great work that they do helping those that can’t speak for themselves. We invite you to stop by May 18th 11:00 am to 5:00 pm or Sunday, May 19th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at 2028 Wall Street and support VOKRA.

Class of ’88 Re-Unites Vancouver’s Improv At Tightrope Theatre May 17 & June 8

5 May

There’s a high school reunion coming to Vancouver that you won’t need to wear a name tag for, but you will want a ticket. Reuniting a trio of comedians on stage for the first time in 20 years, Tightrope Theatre brings you the CLASS OF ’88 on May 17 and June 8. The show will time-warp audiences back to the rise of 80s music, 80s hair, and classic 80s improv. The shows promise hilarity and heartbreak and possibly the only class reunion you’ll actually enjoy.  The troupe features Rebecca Northan, Roman Danylo and Peter Oldring who all met in an improv class in 1988, and never looked back – well until now. Class of ’88 happens for 2 nights only May 17 and June 8 at the Tightrope Theatre, 2343 Main Street, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $30 and available online at www.tightropetheatre.com.

Got Craft Spring Market May 4 & 5, 2024 At The Maritime Labour Centre

24 Apr

Got Craft returns to the Maritime Labour Centre in East Vancouver for their Spring Market. The event will take place on Saturday, May 4th and Sunday, May 5th at 1880 Triumph Street from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Their Spring Market will feature over 80 makers, designers and creative entrepreneurs.  You can expect to find a variety of goods including clothing, jewellery, art, homewares, greeting cards, ceramics and much more.  There will also be a selection of food trucks on hand including NaMi Vietnamese, Melt City Grilled Cheese and Planted Love.   For those early birds, the first 50 people through the door each day will receive one of their legendary swag bags.  Tickets for the event are $5 and available online, kids 12 and under are free. This is a perfect weekend to pick up something special just in time for Mother’s Day.

Neighbourhood Small Grant Applications Are Now Being Accepted Until April 18, 2024

7 Apr

The Neigbourhood Small Grant program is back for 2024.  The foundation of this program is connecting people within their own communities.  The premise of the program is fairly simple – the best people to affect change in a community, are those that live within it. When money is less of an issue, it allows more ideas to flow.  This is where the grants come in. The Neighbourhood Small Grants program allows you to apply for up to $500 for your idea to connect your community.

What have other people done?   A few ideas include book exchanges, clothing swaps, cooking classes, creating benches and community gardens.  Some other ideas include creating small care packages for seniors with a few spring flowers and crossword puzzles and/or word search games.  For young children, creating a scavenger hunt in a park with prizes or rock painting. People have also created art cards for seniors in long term care. Connection is the key and the ideas are only limited by your imagination and, of course, the $500 budget. Want more ideas or thinking about applying? We invite you to visit Neighbourhood Small Grants for more information and ideas on what others have done with their Neighbourhood Small Grant.

The basic principles of the Neighbourhood Small Grants Program:

  1. Small is beautiful. Small ideas are beautiful and manageable.
  2. Everyone has something to offer. Whether you can teach a skill or give some tips, or provide a service. We all have something valuable to share.
  3. It’s your project. You create how you want it to look and feel.
  4. Create your chosen family.  A platform to help build networks within your community.

Applications are now open until April 18, 2024.   Applications may be accepted for a second cycle in the Fall depending on whether funds are still available. This is a great opportunity to create something memorable for your community.

New In Town – Mocktails On Commercial Drive

6 Apr

We popped into the newly opened Mocktails on Commercial Drive this weekend.  If you want some alcohol free refreshments for yourself, or to serve your guests, this is the place to be.   This boutique style shop, created by Angela Hansen, features a wide variety of alcohol free offerings including wine, spirits and beer.  You can also expect to find a great variety of non-alcoholic mocktails including bellinis, margaritas, whiskey cola, gin and tonic. They do offer tastings on select products in store which was well underway when we stopped in Saturday afternoon.  Mocktails is located at 1250 Commercial Drive across the street from Grandview Park. They are open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 am into the evening most days. Next time you are on The Drive, pop in and check out all the refreshments that we are sure will make for great sipping on the patio and beach this summer.

Photo Credit: Mocktails Vancouver

Summer Farmer Markets In East Vancouver

29 Mar

The summer season for Vancouver Farmer Markets kicks off on Saturday, April 6th.  Trout Lake Farmers Market is back, as is the perennial favourite Riley Park Farmers Market.  Both markets feature an array of local vendors offering fruits, vegetables, flowers, beverages, baked goods, pre-made meals, soups, condiments and so much more.   We encourage you to stop by and support our local producers.    To see a full listing of all markets hosted by Vancouver Farmers Market and which vendors will be attending each week, visit eatlocal.org.

Trout Lake Farmers Market
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Saturday: April 6, 2024 – October 26, 2024
Location: Lakewood Drive & E 13th Avenue

Riley Park Farmers Market
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Saturday: April 6, 2024 – October 26, 2024
Location: 30th Avenue and Ontario Street

First Pick Handmade At The Heritage Hall March 31st

28 Mar

If you are looking for things to do this long weekend, we invite you to check out First Pick Handmade at the Heritage Hall this Sunday. This amazing market will host 33 local designers that create a variety of handmade items from fashion to skin care to cosmetics. Some of the designers on hand include Jessica Redditt Design, Irit Sorokin, Bukoro Bag Co., What’s Her Face, After Times Art, Asiri Cosmetics, Mossy Mind Herbs to name a few. Whether you are looking for something for your home, for yourself, or a gift, there will be lots to choose from. Be sure to stop by and check out all the amazing talent. First Pick Handmade happens Sunday, March 31st from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Admission is $3.00 at the door.

Eastside Flea Spring Markets

2 Mar

In case you hadn’t heard, The Eastside Flea Spring Markets are in full swing every weekend until March 23, 204. They are in their new space at 1101 Union Street with 50+ vendors, food trucks, photo booth, patio seating. They will have lots of vintage along side handmade items. You can also expect find local craft brews, Spring cocktails & non-alcoholic beverages. Admission is $5.00. Market runs from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Bunny Bliss Meditation At The Bunny Café February 26

1 Feb

You are invited to the Bunny Café Vancouver on February 26th for Bunny Bliss Meditation.  An experienced instructor will take you through a series of gentle movements and share techniques to connect you with your breath.   The event will also feature bunny snuggles and feeding veggies to the bunnies on hand.  Over the course of the hour, you will meditate for 30 – 45 minutes. The event kicks off at 7:00 pm.  Beginners are welcome. Cost is $30 and you can book your spot online at Bunny Cafe Vancouver.

Gourmet Warehouse Lines Up Delish Cooking Classes This The New Year

16 Jan


Gourmet Warehouse
 has lined up another round of great cooking and baking classes this New Year. If you haven’t already experienced one of their classes, it is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with some like-minded food lovers. If you have participated, you know it’s a great way to pick up some knowledge and great tips in the kitchen. Added bonus is that after each cooking and/or baking class all the participants are offered a 10% discount for purchases made the day of your class. We have set out a few of their upcoming classes that caught our eye.  For a full line up of all the classes Gourmet Warehouse is offering visit Cooking Classes. Heads up if you see a class you like, we encourage you to book your spot, classes do regularly sell out.

COOKIES WITH LIZZY: EAT YOUR HEART OUT – February 4, 2024

Chef Lizzy Wong from Butter Baked Goods with be on hand to teach you how to decorate cookies for that special occasion. Chef Wong will be using classic Royal Icing Techniques for this class. Specifically, you will learn about consistencies, colour, piping and much more so you have some showpiece cookies for Valentine’s Day. On arrival, you will be greeted with a mimosa as well as baked goods and small bites to nibble on during class. Plus, each participant will leave beautifully decorated cookies to take home.

MENU

• Doughnut Heart.
• Heart Pizza
• Ice Cream Heart

OPA! A NIGHT IN THE GREEK ISLANDS –
March 13, 2024

Chef Deniz Tarakcioglu is back to host this popular cooking class in which you will learn about the vibrant flavours from this part of the Mediterranean. These includes some traditional favourites such as Spanakopita, Ling Cod Souvlaki and Baklava. The menu for this upcoming class is set out below:

MENU

• Spanakopita, Traditional Greek Spinach Pie with Barrel Aged Feta, Leeks and Herbs, Dressed Watercress.
• Roasted Halloumi with Coriander Honey and Pistachios, Crispy Pita.
• Ling Cod Souvlaki with Wild Oregano and Herb Marinade, Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Greek Salad with Olives, Tzatziki.
• Walnut Baklava with Sweet Cream.

FREE & FLAVOURFUL: GLUTEN FREE & DAIRY FREE DELIGHTS –
March 26, 2024

Learn to make flavourful dishes with Chef Alan Pavlakovic while accommodating dietary restrictions. Chef Alan will teach you tips and techniques so that you are not compromising taste or texture by eliminating gluten or dairy from your cooking repertoire. The menu for this upcoming class is set out below:

MENU

• Nu Waldorf Salad, Sweet Apples, Creamy Herb Dressing, and Candied Walnuts.
• Aleppo Beef Stuffed Peppers with Smoked Paprika Cashew “Cheese” Sauce.
• Chicken and Salumi Risotto with Porcini and Asparagus.
• Avocado Chocolate Mousse.

To see all the classes being offered and or to register, we invite you to visit GourmetWarehouse.ca.

Photo Credit: Gourmet Warehouse