If you would like to enjoy a free outdoor movie in East Vancouver, then mark your calendar for Saturday, August 15th. Mount Pleasant Cares will be showing How to Train Your Dragon 2 at Dude Chilling Park (also known as Guelph Park) in Mount Pleasant. There will also be lots of activities for the kids starting at 7:00 pm including games, zumba and face painting. The movie gets under way at dusk (approximately 9:00 pm). You are invited to bring your lawn chair and/or blanket. This is a free community event brought to you by Collingwood Community Policing Centre, Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver Fire Department and Mt. Pleasant Neighbourhood House.
Archive | July, 2015
Free Outdoor Movie Dude Chilling Park August 15
31 Jul
BC Day Beach Party At Dogwood Brewing August 3rd
29 Jul
Have we mentioned we love the folks at Dogwood Brewing, 8284 Sherbrooke Street. OK admittedly, they are our neighbours just down the street in SE Vancouver and we are pleased to see that they are a fairly regular sighting at the River District Farmers Market on Saturdays. Many of the local craft breweries are doing some creative things to differentiate themselves. Dogwood Brewing is doing something very different for BC Day. They are throwing a Beach Party on Monday, August 3rd . First up, let’s be clear, there is no beach at Dogwood Brewing, but they are bringing the beach to Dogwood Brewing. They will be bringing in truck loads of sand in the parking lot with some table and chairs outside, a beach umbrella or two. Add to that, our favourite thing, they will be having a sand castle competition and yes there will be prizes. This a smaller brewery, so limited seating in and out, but an extra 22 seats outside for this one day event which kicks off at Noon and goes till 8:00 pm. For those looking for a bite to eat while there, one of Vancouver’s new food trucks will be hand C’est si Bon which we are hearing some good things about. So all you need to bring is your sun hat, your sunscreen and come hang out at the beach at Dogwood Brewing.
Share this:
What Does East Van Mean To You In Photos? #KlikEastVan
27 Jul
What comes to mind when you think of East Vancouver? For a growing number of people whether you are living in East Van, moving to the area or just visiting, the word ‘community’ is most often the first thing that comes to mind. Recent articles such as that in the Globe & Mail in March sets out why young people are leaving the West side. Yes affordability is one issue, but the other is a sense of community, knowing your neighbours and that feeling of belonging. There are, of course, many things that make East Van a great place in addition to community. There is also the culture, art, community based festivals, shopping, live music, the growing craft beer industry, the amazing selection of restaurants and coffee shops and the list goes on. So what we’d like to know now, is what does East Van mean to you in photos? East Van photographer Kyrani Kanavaros is compiling photographs taken around East Vancouver. Kyrani is a professional photographer living in East Vancouver with her husband and twin 8 year old boys. She has featured many local personalities, musicians as well as movers and shakers. What she loves is East Van and as many have said the sense of community she feels living in this area of Vancouver. So what does East Van mean to you? We’d love to see your photos. Tag your photos on Instagram with #KlikEastVan or tag Kyrani on Instagram @Kyrani and well we won’t mind if you tag us Instagram @ILiveInEastVan. There are no right or wrong photos, this is not a photo contest, this is what means something to you. We look forward to seeing your pics.
Photo Credit: Benee Rubin
Share this:
Vancouver Foodster Brings Tasting Plates To Commercial Drive August 12
24 Jul
Richard Wolak of Vancouver Foodster is bringing back his Tasting Plates to Commercial Drive. What is Tasting Plates? It is basically a culinary roving tour that takes place at different food and/or beverage establishments. You register for the event at the designated spot in this case, Federico’s Supper Club, 1728 Commercial Drive. You show up with your printed or digital tickets that you purchased online and in turn receive your Tasting Plates Cards and menus. Thereafter, you wander whether by bike, foot, car or transit to the various venues and nibble away to your hearts content. Each location will have specific menu items on offer for the Tasting Plates.
Commercial Drive is a place we love to frequent. It has so much offer whether on the Drive itself or the neighbouring streets surrounding the Drive. If you are looking for a bite to eat, a coffee, a drink, live music, or just hanging out people watching, there are so many choices on the Drive. Richard will be featuring many of our favourites during his upcoming edition of Tasting Plates. On August 12th, you will start things off at Federico’s Supper Club. Outside of enjoying something delectable from Chef Romy and always amazing service, you will have the pleasure of listening to the sounds of Lesismore. Next up on the list is Fratelli Bakery, 1795 Commercial Drive, which is literally a hop across the street. Fratelli Bakery makes many Italian pastries including breads, cookies, cupcakes, biscotti and cakes. This is our go to place for St. Honore cake. Others can try to imitate, but in our opinion, Fratelli’s is the best hands down. Next up is Prado Café at 1938 Commercial Drive which is all about perfecting great coffee. You won’t be disappointed. Another stop on this tour is Strange Fellows Brewing at 1345 Clark Drive which is one of East Van’s newer craft breweries and they do like to celebrate the strange. While there, be sure to take a peak in the Charles Clark Gallery aptly named for its intersecting streets. The gallery has been featuring some great local artists. There is lots to eat, taste and see on this Tasting Plates tour. Early bird tickets are now on sale for $29 per person until July 28th. After that date, you can purchase advance tickets for $40 per person after July 28th until August 10th after which tickets are $50. So planning early is the way to go. Tickets are available via Eventbrite. This is sure to be a tasty tour. Bon Appetite!
Share this:
Artful Sundays Return To The Napier Greenway August 9-30
22 Jul
Artful Sundays return to the Britannia Community Centre this summer. This is an outdoor visual arts market that begins Sunday, August 9th and will run every consecutive Sunday until August 30th. This event now in its 15th year will feature local artists, special events, artist demonstrations, workshops and more. There will also be lots of live music on hand and we’ve set out below who will be on hand for each Sunday. The event will take place in the Napier Greenway at Napier Street & Commercial Drive from Noon – 5:00 p.m.
August 9
East Van Letter Writing Club – Resurrecting The Lost Art of Letter Writing
Live Music With Backspin Band Noon – 2:30 pm &
Russell Shumsky & Bud Kurz 2:30 – 5:00 pm
August 16
Workshop with Magpie’s Nest Community Art Space –
Making flowers from recycled plastic bottles
Live Music with Doug Thordarson Noon – 2:30 pm &
Rio Samaya 2:30 – 5:00 pm
August 23
Workshop with Avenue for/des Arts (AVA) Community Arts Table
Live Music with Lindy & the Crows Nest Noon – 2:30 pm
Katheryn Petersen 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Caitlan Read 4:00 – 5:00 pm
August 30
Workshop with Helen Spaxman & Diane Wood
Mixed Media Button Making Workshop
Live Music with Tim Sars Duo Noon – 2:30 pm &
Cosmic Wink 2:30 – 5:00 pm
Come out and support the local artists, musicians and workshops.
Share this:
What You Can Do To Help Urban Wildlife In This Heat Wave
21 Jul
As you might imagine this record heat wave is making it tough on some of Vancouver’s urban wildlife. A recent Province article highlights the issue. It states that Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association co-founder Karen Duncan is reporting that they are seeing more stray cats in very poor shape due to dehydration. As they have no rain water, they like have little or nothing to drink. If you suspect there are feral or stray cats in your neighbourhood, Karen suggests putting out a bowl of water.
It was also reported that some birds have landed in swimming pools and have become water logged. Karen at VOKRA suggests some residents put out bird baths to assist our feathered friends.
It seems even the bees could use our help. It has been recommended, that you set up a shallow pan of water with rocks or marbles for bees to have a drink. Seems if you add a scent, the bees will seek out water sources that are scented say the experts. If you want to learn more, check out Why Honey Bees Need Water.
If you see wildlife in distress, here are a few options:
If you see a feral/stray cat or kitten in distress, you can contact VOKRA by telephone at 604-731-2913 or by email at info@vokra.ca
To report an animal in distress (including wildlife), the BC SCPA’s toll free hotline is 1-855-6BC SPCA OR 1-855-622-7722. This call centre is open 7 days per week, Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm as well as Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. If there is an animal emergency outside of these hours, the BC SPCA states that you are to contact your local police department or RCMP.
If you see other wildlife, birds, raccoons in distress, contact the Wildlife Rescue Association in Burnaby at 604.526.7275.
Photo Credit (Cat): Laura Schirmacher
Share this:
Rescue Me: Arwin Labrador Retriever Cross Is Looking For Her Forever Home
20 Jul
Welcome to the next installment of Rescue Me in which we feature pets waiting for adoption at the Vancouver SPCA. Today we would like to introduce you to a lovely playful girl named Arwin. Arwin is a black female Labrador Retriever Cross who is just over 3 years old. She is an active and exuberant lab with a super sweet disposition. Unfortunately this girl spent some time being tethered in a yard prior to being brought to the SPCA. Thus, Arwin needs a home where she can get lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation. This girl loves her toys and has a very keen sense of smell. Arwin needs a saavy dog guardian that can give her some structure and positive based training to improve her doggy manners. She has been socialized with other dogs, but needs continued socialization so she learns to play well with others. Her friends at the Vancouver SPCA do not believe she would be suited to having cats in the home. If you think you can give Arwin a new home, the Vancouver SPCA Shelter, 1205 East 7th Avenue would love to hear from you. You can reach the Vancouver SPCA by telephone at 604-879-7721 or by email atvancouver@spca.bc.ca. As always, we are grateful for those that share this information.
UPDATED: July 29, 2015 Arwin has found her forever home.
Share this:
Looking To Stay Cool? Check Out These Sweet Spots For Something Cool
17 Jul
Are you looking to stay cool this summer? Well we have some sweet options for you to check out that might help with that.
Earnest Ice Cream
It will come as no surprise to anyone that follows us, that we are big fans of Earnest Ice Cream. The overall concept and the flavours, really what’s not to love it. Although Whiskey Hazelnut was the first flavor we were introduced to, their Salted Caramel is a go to for those wanting an indulgence. Tied for third is their seasonal Fresh Lemon which is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. To help beat the heat, Earnest Ice Cream has two locations to serve you. Their original location at 3992 Fraser Street is now open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and their new location at 1829 Quebec Street is open from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm. If you want to know what flavours they have on offer, check out there totally revamped website which sets out what’s available at each location.
Beta 5 Chocolates
Beta 5 Chocolates has been making quite a name for itself with some of its award winning chocolates. They also make some other very amazing sweet treats. For the summer months of July and August, Beta 5 Chocolates is holding Ice Cream Socials on Fridays from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. At these socials, are serving up scoops of ice cream and sorbets in cream puff shells as well as sundaes. Also on hand will be their line of up of ice cream sandwiches which we hear are also available every day Tuesday to Sunday. While there, ask them about their FREE Feed the Bees Seed Packet. They are offering these up to customers to scatter bee-friendly wildflower seeds to help our local pollinators.
La Casa Gelato
La Casa Gelato is a right of passage if you grew up in East Vancouver. We love this place and who wouldn’t. La Casa Gelato started out with 40 flavours many years ago and now boasts over 500 flavours. You will find gelato, sorbetto and frozen yogurt inside La Casa Gelato and whether you want non-fat, non-dairy, low-fat or sugar-free, there are oh so many choices that include 218 flavours on site always. There truly is something for every taste and if you want to be adventurous there are many options. There is almost always a crowd, but lots of staff to serve you, tasters available and you will find lots of people gathering outside and across the street enjoying their gelato. La Casa Gelato is located at 1033 Venables Street (at Glen Drive) and open 7 days a week from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Photo Credit Above: Earnest Ice Cream
Photo Below: Beta 5 Chocolates
Share this:
The Day Trippers Beatles Experience At Federico’s Supper Club July 24
16 Jul
Do you love the Beatles? Well then Federico’s Supper Club, on the Drive has just the evening for you. On Friday, July 24th, Federico’s Supper Club will be hosting The Day Trippers Beatles Experience. The Day Trippers are a Vancouver based Beatles tribute band. They will transport you back in time to the early 1960s. They will showcase the lively music and spirit that made the Beatles a house hold name. The evening includes dinner, show and dancing for $55. Reservations are from 6:30 pm with the performance at 9:45 pm. You can make reservations by phone or online at Federico’s Supper Club.
Share this:
Carnival Dance Party At The Croatian Cultural Centre July 25
15 Jul
Do you have lots of energy, love to dance and move your feet? Well then this party is for you. Melo Productions is hosting SOCA Meets Salsa & Reggae Dance Party at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive, on Saturday, July 25th. You can expect to find Latin and Caribbean vibes that will be sure to get and keep you moving all night long. Music will be by Daddy Mikey, Latin DJ El Nino and DJ Grindhouse. Doors open at 8:00 pm and the dance party gets under way at 9:00 pm. Tickets are $15 and available in advance from TicketWeb.
ILiveInEastVan.com 
