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 | Community RSS feed for this section
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:
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:
1st Annual Iced Tea Festival At Heritage Hall July 19, 2015
10 Jul
Well it’s summer and having a refreshing drink close at hand is certainly front and center on our minds these days. So this upcoming event caught our eye. On Sunday, July 19th Tea Sparrow is hosting the 1st Annual Iced Tea Festival at the Heritage Hall. As many know, tea has been gaining in popularity in recent years for many reasons including the many touted health benefits. At the upcoming Iced Tea Festival, you will have the opportunity to sample and score 16 different iced loose leaf teas from Germany, Canada and the U.S.A. Co-Founder of Tea Sparrow Michael Menashy says “This is going to be an incredibly exciting and interactive event. Where else do you get to try every tea on display, score card it, and have your opinions help shape and change the flavour of the industry?” The 1st Annual Iced Tea Festival takes place at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street on Sunday, July 19th and gets underway at 11:00 am and goes till 6:00 pm. Tickets are available in advance – 2 for $10 for adults or $10 each at the door and children under 12 are free. To purchase your tickets in advance, visit Tea Sparrow or check out their Facebook page for updates about the upcoming festival.
Photo Credit: Ben Earwicker
Share this:
River District Drive-In Movies This Summer Starting July 12th
8 Jul
Well it’s time to get a little nostalgic folks. River District is hosting drive-in movies this summer. For those that have never experienced a drive-in movie, now’s your chance. River District will be hosting four of them starting this Sunday with a personal favourite, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. This is a classic 80s movie to which you are encouraged to wear your 80s garb. Also on hand for this event, will be a selection of food trucks. They anticipate the following line up for Sunday’s feature movie:
Mom’s Grilled Cheese Truck
Tasty Torpedo
Cheeses Crust
Reel MAC and Cheese
Street Meat Truck
Mr. Cool Ice Cream Truck
Chili Tank
The River District Drive-In is located at 3650 E. Kent Avenue South which is located just west of Boundary Way and before Kinross Street in SE Vancouver. Gates open at 6:30 pm and the movie gets under way at dusk (approx. 8:00 pm). River District will provide you with the FM station for audio, so a working radio/FM station will round out your experience.
Sunday, July 26 – Indiana Jones & Raiders of the Lost Ark
Sunday September 6 – DOUBLE FEATURE
The Outsiders and Stand by Me
This is a free event and there is space for 250 cars, but it is first come first served. So if you are keen, best to arrive early.
Share this:
Interesting Vancouver Is Hosting A Do Shop at MakerLabs July 25th
6 Jul
There are some very neat events coming up this summer. One that caught our eye was a partnership between Interesting Vancouver and MakerLabs. They are hosting DoShops with a view to gathering the curious to explore, discover and learn through hands-on demonstrations.
Their first DoShop takes place on Saturday July 25th and features Piñata Making with Meaghan Kennedy. If you are not familiar with the name or her work, Meaghan made her first piñata over 5 years ago for a local cable show and fell in love with the process. She left the professional work world to pursue a life as a piñata artist. Just goes to show when you follow something you love. Meaghan’s piñatas have been featured in GQ, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Huffington Post, the Globe and Mail, CTV News, Elle Canada, Ion Magazine, Vancouver is Awesome and The Georgia Straight. Her work was also recently exhibited at Hot Art Wet City.
Also lined up for this DoShop is YoYo Tricks with Harrison Lee. In the world of yo-yo’ing, Harrison is known as the ‘hurricane’. Harrison has been yoyo’ing since the age of 11 and became the 2013 Canadian National Freestyle YoYo Champion and represented Canada at the 2014 World YoYo Championship in Prague, Czech Republic.
These look to be truly interesting and fun events at a minimal cost. Tickets are available online at Eventbrite for $30.00. Choose between one of the two activities and they will start you off with a 2 hour session before a 1 hour lunch break at Noon and then you complete your ‘Do’ session from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. Lunch, supplies and even beer are covered. The event runs on Saturday, July 25th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at MakerLabs 780 East Cordova Street. Interesting Vancouver and MakerLabs invite you to come out “roll up your sleeves and get ready to ‘Do’!”
Photo Credit: Kris Krug
Share this:
The Storm Crow Tavern’s MicroFiction Contest On Now Until July 17th
1 Jul
The Storm Crow Tavern, 1305 Commercial Drive, is self-admittedly the City’s premiere nerd bar. This restaurant and bar is a spot where you can find fellow gamers, sci-fi and fantasy nuts while drinking a microbrew and playing board games. There is a big screen TV, but you won’t find a sports game showing here, but you will find showings of sci-fi, fantasy and horror flicks.
This summer, The Storm Crow Tavern, is offering something very unique. An opportunity for you to write a bit of microfiction, win prizes and have your story placed on a beermat for all to see and read. What exactly is ‘microfiction’? Their definition is 250 words or less. The winning stories will have their microfiction placed on their new coasters. The contest is open to everyone and the deadline is July 17th. As mentioned, this is Vancouver’s nerd bar, so although all genres are accepted, we are guessing they will lean to those with a sci-fi, fantasy or horror theme. For your efforts, you will have the opportunity to win:
First Prize: $500 + $100 gift card
Second Prize: $250 + $100 gift card
Third Prize: $100 + $50 gift card
Honorable Mention: $50 + $50 gift card
The finalists will be judged by their panel of notable local authors including:
Kristi Charish
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Peter Darbyshire
You are invited to submit your entry by July 17th along with a 25-50 word biographical sketch of yourself. Check out the following link at Storm Crow Tavern which sets out the rules and entry form. If you have questions, you can email them at coasterfiction@stormcrowtavern.com.
ILiveInEastVan.com 
