Archive | June, 2018

What’s On East Van: July 1st Long Weekend Edition

29 Jun

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming week.   Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Adult Nights – Playland – June 29th

Playland Nights continues this Friday Night for the 2nd of 6 evening events for the 19+ crowd.  There will be beverages, alcoholic and non, midway games, rides, DJs spinning tunes with a definite party theme. New this year is also a burlesque show and the opportunity to test your lumber Jack/Jill skills with axe-throwing which we understand there’s an extra charge to participate in.   Tickets are $31 in advance or $34 at the gate.

FIFA – The World Cup

FIFA World Cup Soccer continues with a few big games this weekend. Saturday June 30th, France vs. Argentina starts at 10 a.m. followed by Uruguay vs. Portugal at 2 p.m.  Sunday, July 1st kicks off with Spain vs. Russia at 10 a.m. followed by Croatia vs. Denmark at 2 p.m.  Monday, July 2nd Brazil vs. Mexico kick off at 10 a.m. followed by Belgium vs. Japan at 2 p.m. Lots of spots in East Van which we expect will be featuring the games we expect including many of the local breweries as well The Libra Room, Portuguese Club, Boteco Brasil on Nanaimo Street, Joe’s Café, The Vancouver Alpen Club and St. Augustine’s to name a few.

Movies In The Park – McLean Park – June 29th

The Summer Movie Nights are back which are hosted by the Collingwood Community Policing Centre. You are invited to bring your blankets, lawn chairs and snacks to McLean Park.  This is a free event and everyone is invited to attend. Everyone is invited! Movie kicks off at dusk with popcorn of course.  Note, we do expect if it rains, the event will be postponed to a future date.

Canada Day Celebration – Grandview Park – July 1st

You are invited to a Canada Day celebration at Grandview Park this Sunday, July 1st. There will be a host of family friendly activities from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm including live music by the Kara Kata Afrobeat Band, The Drive Street Band & The Carnival Band as well as salsa dancing, Kung Fu demonstration Kick Stand offering bike tune ups.

Canada Day Celebration – Hastings Park – July 1st

You are invited down to Hastings Park, 3096 East Hastings Street for a host of family friendly activities including arts and crafts, carnival games, balloon twisting, face painting, live performances and of course cake.  Fun happens between 11:00 am – 2 pm.

Canada Day Celebration – Sunset Park – July 1st 

Sunset Community Association will be hosting a Canada Day Celebration at Sunset Park at Main and 53rd Avenue from Noon to 4:00 pm. There will be free carnival rides, BBQ and live entertainment.   

Grease Sing-A-Long – Rio Theatre June 29th & June 30th

You’ve got the chills and they’re multiplying. Do you know the words? If so, head down to the Rio Theatre for a 40th anniversary Sing-A-Long to the movie Grease. The original of course. Singing encouraged so is dressing up.  Fun happens at 7:30 pm Friday and Saturday night.

Vancouver International Jazz Festival – Until July 1st

The Vancouver International Jazz Festival is on now until July 1st.  Tangent Café will be playing host to live music this weekend. To see the full line up, check out the Festival Guide.

Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment

The Rio Theatre is showing a couple of documentaries this Canada Day, July 1st. First up is The Tragically Hip ‘Long Time Running’ at 6:00 pm followed by Talking Heads ‘Stop Making Sense’ at 8:30 pm. Also, the Wise Hall is hosting an East Van Canada Party which kicks off at 8:35 pm. Three farmer markets are happening this weekend. Saturday it’s Riley Park (10 am – 2 pm) and Trout Lake (9 am – 2 pm) and Sunday, Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is back at Dude Chilling Park from 10:00 am till 2:00 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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BC SPCA Wants You To Know Heat Kills In 10 Minutes

27 Jun

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We are dog owners and animal lovers thus why we think it’s important to share this recent message from the BC SPCA.  We have seen ourselves first hand dogs struggling in cars in the heat of the summer.  As the video we’ve included states even temperatures as low as 16 to 20 degrees, which may be comfortable for YOU as a human, is not for a dog. Temperatures inside a vehicle can still reach 38 degrees and dogs have died.  It is unnecessary suffering for these animals.  We appreciate many people are well intentioned and want to take their dogs with them. We certainly get that, but either opt to choose to go places where you know you can take your pet with you, or leave them at home.  We invite you to check out this brief video by the BC SPCA which explains how dogs cooling system works, it’s not very effective compared to us humans especially in certain breeds with a short muzzle.  Take a listen.

 

What to do if you see a dog in distress in a parked vehicle:

  • Note the license plate and vehicle information and ask managers of nearby businesses to page the owner to return to their vehicle immediately;
  • Is the animal in distress? Call your local animal control agency, police, or the BC SPCA hotline at 1-855-622-7722 as soon as possible.
  • PLEASE NOTE: It is illegal for members of the public to break a window to access the vehicle themselves; only RCMP and Special Provincial Constables of the BC SPCA can lawfully enter a vehicle. SPCA branch staff and volunteers cannot enter vehicles.
  • Keep emergency supplies – bottled water, a small bowl, a towel that can be soaked in water- in your car so that you help hydrate an animal (if a window has been left open) while you wait for emergency response; a battery-powered fan from a dollar store also can be handy to circulate air.

Show Your Support For Pets In Businesses

Have a pet-friendly business or know of one (businesses that allow pets on the premises)? Download the BC SPCA’s poster that identifies your place as a pet-friendly business (PDF).

Dogs can’t release heat by sweating

In just minutes, the temperature in a parked car can climb to well over 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). Dogs have no sweat glands, so they can only cool themselves by panting and by releasing heat through their paws, which they cannot do in a vehicle that has become an oven.  Dogs can withstand high temperatures for only a very short time – in some cases just minutes – before suffering irreparable brain damage or death.

BC SPCA reminds pet guardians to be alert to heatstroke symptoms, which include: exaggerated panting (or the sudden stopping of panting), rapid or erratic pulse, salivation, anxious or staring expression, weakness and muscle tremors, lack of coordination, convulsions or vomiting, and collapse.

If your dog shows symptoms of heatstroke, you should do the following:

  • Immediately move the animal to a cool, shady place
  • Wet the dog with cool water
  • Fan vigorously to promote evaporation. This will cool the blood, which reduces the animal’s core temperature.
  • Do not apply ice. This constricts blood flow, which will inhibit cooling.
  • Allow the dog to drink some cool water (or to lick ice cream if no water is available)
  • Take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible for further treatment.

“Your dog will be much happier – and safer – at home, with shade and plenty of fresh cool water,” says Lorie Chortyk, General Manager of Community Relations for the BC SPCA.  “It is such a preventable tragedy.” We agree.  In the warm weather, please be kind, leave your pet behind. If you are going to out for some time, get help from neighbours or a dog walker to take your dog out while you are away from home.  There are so many safer options available.

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Mari Omori Intuitive Providing Spiritual Guidance & Inner Wellness

26 Jun

MariOmoriWe love featuring what makes East Van unique and over the next while we will be featuring more people who reside in East Van or work in East Van. Today, we would like to introduce you to Mari Omori. Mari is an intuitive, psychic medium and Reiki Master who provides people with spiritual guidance.  We have met Mari on a number of occasions and have attended her workshops.  What stood out to us about Mari from the beginning is her genuine sincerity and desire to help people feel connected to something bigger than themselves. Whether you call it your intuition, spirit guide, inner voice, or a loved one that has passed trying to provide you with some direction that’s personal to you. Mari is here to help and connect people with that voice inside you to help guide you on your path in life.    What is a little different about Mari compared to some psychics and mediums you may have seen on TV, is that Mari is rather introverted and shy.  It is unlikely you will ever see her seeking the lime light. She prefers an intimate setting with a small group of people seeking to expand their knowledge about things they may not understand about the world around us.  This environment is where Mari does her best work.

Mari has been an intuitive since the age of 4 and has honed her skills over the years.  We first became aware of her when she found herself on the front page of the Vancouver Courier on September 6, 2016. Our curiosity was piqued from a variety of events that had transpired over the years that had kicked up a notch in frequency. We were keen to delve a little deeper into things we didn’t know or understand. This wasn’t our first experience with a psychic and/or intuitive, but Mari’s gentle spirit lends easily to trusting her.  Mari regularly offers Psychic Development Circles in sessions with small groups for a reasonable cost. It is a great opportunity test the waters. If you prefer privacy, Mari also offers one-on-one sessions.    Come with an open mind and you might be surprised what you come away with.

Mari offers her workshops at HeartQuest Holistic Wellness located in the Il Mercato building on Commercial Drive.  On many Saturdays you will find her leading psychic development circles and/or workshops as well as smudge fan workshops and more recently animal communication.  We are quite taken with the smudge fans that Mari has created. She ensures that the majority of the materials are ethically sourced. These feathers used in her smudge fans are cruelty-free, naturally molted feathers or naturally fallen feathers from bird sanctuaries and from people’s pets. They are really nothing short of stunning. You can find them available for sale online at Etsy under The Secret Woods or locally in Banyen Books, The Oracle, Reflections Books, and Mountain Gems.  For those not familiar with the purpose of smudging, it is an ancient ceremony in which you burn sacred plants, such as sage, to allow the smoke to clear negativity, stagnation or energetic disturbances around you or the space you reside or work in.

Recently Mari has been focusing energy on animal communication. She has a fondness and love for all creatures of the earth and her work has shifted with working on dogs and cats more.  Mari also offers workshops in Reiki. Reiki is a Japanese word that translates to  “Universal Life Force Energy”.  A Reiki practitioner can access this energy and flow to assist in healing whether distance or in person.  As Mari states “We are all energy, and it can become out of balance. One of the reasons energy becomes out of balance, is when we have negative thought patterns creating energy blocks. This can manifest in our body as illnesses or discomfort. Reiki can help by removing the energy blocks allowing energy to flow throughout your body again.” Reiki is well-known to be effective in stress reduction and relaxation, thus boosting the immune system and promoting a sense of well-being. Honestly, couldn’t we all benefit a little from that.

Whether you are interested in Reiki, animal communication, psychic development, smudge fans or connecting with your intuition, we invite you to check out some of Mari’s upcoming classes on Eventbrite. You can also find Mari on Instagram and Facebook where she posts regularly.

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Intro To Wine Tasting At Everything Wine June 28, 2018

25 Jun

IntroToWineTastingHave you checked out the still relatively new Everything Wine store in SE Vancouver?  If you haven’t, you are missing out.  Everyone we’ve introduced the store to gets excited.  It’s unique in that, unlike its other stores, this Everything Wine location carries more than wine.  It’s quite a large store that carries beer, wine and spirits and yes, has a cooler section for those hot days. They also have a selection of rotating wines at their Tasting Bar which is open every day from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. All the staff we’ve encountered are very knowledgeable which leads us to their upcoming Intro To Wine Tasting happening this Thursday, June 28th.  We recently attended a Sparkling Wine Workshop taught by Kris Pazma.  We have to say it was fun, educational and delish.  Kris is hosting another class this Thursday at the Vancouver location from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.  In this workshop Intro to Wine Tasting, Kris will help you how to describe the aromas of the grapes you like so when you go into a liquor store to buy wine, you will leave with something you’ll definitely like. Cost of the workshop is $25.00. To register, call 604.416.1672 to reserve your spot.  Last we heard, there were only a few spots left.

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What’s On East Van: June 22nd Edition

22 Jun

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming week.   Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

FIFA – The World Cup

FIFA World Cup Soccer continues which means many local spots will be featuring games. Some of those include The Libra Room featuring games after 10:30 a.m. Portuguese Club will open early for all Portugal matches, but just a reminder that members get first dibs on seats/space.  The Vancouver Alpen Club will be open 30 minutes before kick off and beer flows early at 9:00 am. There is a $5 cover charge at The Alpen Club. St. Augustine’s is regularly featuring sporting events.

Playland Nights – PNE – June 22nd

Playland Nights kicks off this Friday June 22nd at 7:00 pm.  Playland will be again hosting 6 summer evenings dedicated to adults only (meaning 19+).  There will be beverages, alcoholic and non, midway games, rides, DJs spinning tunes with a definite party theme. New this year is also a burlesque show and the opportunity to test your lumber Jack/Jill skills with axe-throwing which we understand there’s an extra charge to participate in.   Tickets are $31 in advance or $34 at the gate.  We learnt these events sold out last year, so want to attend, hop to it.

What Ifs – The Cultch – June 23rd

Who hasn’t asked themselves at one time or another ‘what if’ I’d done this or that. Your life could or can take a different trajectory.   Interesting feature at The Cultch this Saturday asking the What If question. What if you got on a plane today? What If you made the first move? What If you said yes?   You are invited to come sit and dream about places and experiences not yet lived.  Life is a journey with many possible paths. It’s easy to get stuck in one path which then becomes comfortable.   Are you stuck?  What if you attended Saturday and it changed your path? There are 2 sessions this Saturday at 3:00 and 7:00 pm. Tickets are $23 in advance or $20 at the door.

Summer Solstice – Mountain View Cemetery – June 23rd

Little Chamber Music is hosting their 4th Annual Summer Solstice Celebration ta Mountain View Cemetery, 5455 Fraser Street, this Saturday, June 23rd.  This is a free family friendly event with music, art and dance. This year they are partnering with Birds! Birds! Birds! which means there will be bird origami and flute players recreating bird song whilst watching bird stilt walkers.   You are invited to bring your lawn chairs, or a blanket and get settled in between 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Singing begins at 7:00 pm with other activities to follow until 9:00 pm. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Middle Eastern Celebration – Trout Lake Community Centre – June 24th

You are invited to a Middle Eastern Celebration happening at Trout Lake Community Centre this Sunday, June 24th.  Join them for henna, dance, arts and craft, theatre performances and more.  Festivities happen from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. Participation is free, but food will be available for $7.00. Registration is requested.

Our Social Fabric – Textile Sale – June 24th

Our Social Fabric, a textile recycling initiative is having a sale this Sunday, June 24th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.  For those that sew or do crafts, there are some amazing deals. Come early for best selection. Sale happens at 1275 Venables Street, Suite #270.

Zumba & Beer – Andina Brewing Co. – June 24th

ZOOMbeer is back at Andina Brewing Co, 1507 Powell Street. this Sunday, June 24th.  Class gets under way at 11:00 am followed by a flight or glass of beer. Cost is $20. Registration through Zumba Vancouver.

Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment

If you love Star Trek and burlesque, then the Rio Theatre has you covered this Friday and Saturday, Geekenders present a Star Trek Burlesque Show both nights at 8:00 pm. If you are looking for live music, Cumbia Galeria with Joshua Job will be at Café Deux Soleils this Saturday night specializing in Latin music.  Three farmer markets are happening this weekend. Saturday it’s Riley Park (10 am – 2 pm) and Trout Lake (9 am – 2 pm) and Sunday, Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is back at Dude Chilling Park from 10:00 am till 2:00 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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Fresh Roots Growing Food Growing Communities

20 Jun

 

If you don’t know about Fresh Roots, it’s a great initiative happening in our community.  It’s actually hard to summarize everything they do in our community, as really it’s quite a bit.  Generally speaking they facilitate outdoor learning for youth in schoolyard gardens.  As part of this initiative they also mentor youth, help build confidence as well as leadership and employment skills. At the same they are teaching youth about healthy food and healthy living.  At the heart of what they do is grow food and that is something you can and should support in a variety of ways. They include:

BUY THEIR PRODUCE

You can buy their produce directly at Vancouver Farmer Markets, specifically Main Street Farmers Market on now until October which happens Wednesdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. You can also find them at Trout Lake Farmers Market in July and August from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.  We expect you’ll also find them at the upcoming Italian Outdoor Markets happening July 13th and August 17th from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

ORDER VEGGIE BOX

Fresh Roots offers a Veggie Box Program and we hear there are still some spots available for 2018.  For $20/week you receive a week’s worth of leafy greens, root vegetables and herbs. Their veggies are great for salads, cooked meals and smoothies. You will also receive a weekly e-newsletter containing recipes and updates about their programming.  They offer a variety of options for boxes, some short term, some longer. To learn more about the various offerings, visit their Food Shop.

DONATE GARDEN SUPPLIES

Are you down sizing from a home to an apartment and no longer need all your gardening supplies? If so, Fresh Roots welcomes new and gently used donations of a variety of items including farm tools and supplies. Maybe you have extra canning supplies lying about you no longer use, they are happy to make use of that as well.  They have a long list of items they are happy to take off your hands.  To see what items they need, visit their Wish List. 

ATTEND SCHOOLYARD HARVEST DINNER

On July 5th, Fresh Roots will be hosting a fundraiser, their second annual Schoolyard Harvest Dinner at David Thompson Secondary School.   You are invited to come and enjoy an inspired multi-course meal along with an open bar.  Vancouver Chef Karima Chellouf and Chef Kym Nguyen will create a feast from this season’s harvest.  The dinner will be paired with wine from the Hatch and beer from 33 Acres. Ticket prices range from $62.50 – $125 and are available through Eventbrite.

However you choose to support Fresh Roots, we think this is a great initiative worthy of our support.

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Eastside Culture Crawl’s 3rd Annual Art, Bike & Beer Crawl July 14, 2018

19 Jun

ArtBeerCrawl2018The Eastside Culture Crawl is hosting their 3rd Annual Art, Bike & Beer Crawl on Saturday, July 14, 2018.  This is fundraiser for the Eastside Culture Crawl Society which does a great job showcasing some of the amazing artistic talent we have in East Van.  As the name depicts, you will be taken on a crawl of 4 breweries, names to be announced, but their official beer sponsor is Strange Fellows Brewing which is also where the wrap tour will be held along with light eats.  The beer crawl will feature tasting flights at each brewery along with tours and/or chats on beer as well as art exhibits at certain spot on the tour.  The event happens rain or shine and you are invited to cycle or walk the Art, Bike & Beer Crawl.  Tickets are $55 and available from Eventbrite.  You must be 19 years or older to participate in this event.

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Trout Lake Weekly Outdoor Summer Concert Series Kicks Off July 4th

18 Jun

 

TroutLakeConcertSeriesThe Trout Lake Outdoor Summer Concert Series is back for another year starting Wednesday, July 4, 2018. If you have not checked out this great free summer event, you truly are missing out.  This annual event is hosted by the Trout Lake Community Center at 3360 Victoria Drive.  Concerts happen every Wednesday evening throughout the summer rain or shine. If it rains, concerts go indoors to the Grandview Room. We’ve had the opportunity to take in some of the concerts on a nice summer evening and we have to say, it is a pretty perfect way to spend an evening. Bring a blanket, your friends, family, kids or the dog or all of the above and a picnic and you are set.  If you aren’t able to organize a picnic, you can grab some food at the Carousel Café.  We have set out the musical line up for this summer below.  Each evening kicks off at 6:30 pm.  By the way, dancing is encouraged, so don’t be shy. Others certainly aren’t. If you are lucky, you will see a few couples showing off their exceptional dancing skills which we’ve witnessed a few times.  On the very last concert of the summer, August 29th, make note there will be an opportunity to make lanterns for the first part of the evening after which there will be a lantern procession along with performers and musicians around Trout Lake at dusk (8:30 pm).  Keep an eye out for the Lantern Tent to make yours that evening, or bring your own creation from home.

 July 4
SANCTUARY ALL STARS
A 17 piece big swing jazz band led by Bob Liley.

  July 11
PROFESSOR BANJO
Unique and versatile performer who engages audiences of all ages.

July 18
SODA CRACKERS
Vintage country, jazz and roots music.

July 25
BLACKTHORN
Celtic Band

August 1
THE LAWLESS HOT CLUB
Blues, a little Western Swing, some eclectic songs from interesting places,
and even a little Rock

August 8
WHEAT IN THE BARLEY
A blend of traditional tunes.

August 15
RIO SAMAYA BAND
Original music of songs and poetry in a combination of Latin, Reggae & Rhumba.

August 22
ROWEN PORTER AND THE BURYING GROUND
Upbeat Blues String Band

August 29
CHECO TOHOMASO & Gospel Choir
Motown music.

 

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Croatia Days Festival At The Croatian Cultural Centre June 15 & 16

13 Jun

CroatiaDays2018It’s cultural festival season in Vancouver and what a privilege it is to live in a community that encompasses so many different ethnic and cultural enclaves. This weekend, come down to the Croatian Cultural Centre for some food, beer, folk dancing and of course, soccer!

Croatia Days Festival begins Friday, June 15th starting at 5:00 p.m. There will be a men’s futsal tournament and an outdoor barbeque with local and Croatian beers available for purchase. At 9:00 p.m. the bar will open for a pub night with live music and entertainment! For the main event on Saturday, June 16th, starting at 10:00 a.m. there will be cultural displays and food offerings from the various regions of Croatia, vendor stands from local Croatian businesses as well as a petting zoo and face painting station for kids. Up until 4:00 p.m. there will also be a lineup of Croatian dance groups who will be showcasing traditional Croatian folk dancing for festival attendees!

For all FIFA fans, head down to the Croatian Cultural Centre at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday for the pre-game party including food and beverages available for purchase where fans will be getting revved up for the Croatia vs. Nigeria game at 12:00 p.m. Wear your red and white checks and join the electric atmosphere while watching the game on nine jumbo projection screens and enjoying specialty imported beer from Croatia!

By Contributing Writer: Nicole Alivojvodic

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