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Got Craft? Spring Edition Maritime Labour Centre May 10 & 11, 2014

1 May

GotCraftSpring2014

Vancouver’s largest indie craft fair, Got Craft?, returns this spring for its 15th show at the Maritime Labour Centre from May 10-11, 2014. This event showcases 75 local vendors with a wide variety of curated handmade goods. Look out for longstanding favourites like Make Cheese Inc., Locomotive Clothing, and Draw Me A Lion.  Be sure to keep an eye out for the very popular Candid Confectioner which carries locally made gourmet caramels in flavours like chai, Baileys with espresso-infused sea salt, Meyer lemon and lavender, raspberry, and bourbon and orange. New to the show this season, lots of do-it-yourself projects and workshops including linocut, beginner sign painting and making nail polish.

The first 50 people through the door each day will receive a swag bag full of goodies from vendors and sponsors.  Got Craft? takes place on May 10-11, 2014 between 10:00 am-5:00 pm at the Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph Street. Admission is $3 at the door, and children (10 and under) get in free. Note, for Mother’s Day, Sunday May 11th, bring your mom. When you pay the regular $3.00 admission, your mom receives complimentary admission. Psst a couple of my favourites to visit at Got Craft? Strathcona 1890 Urban Seed Collection and artist, Kris G. Brownlee, also known as the Cagey Bee.

 

CageyBeePendant CageyBeeWithRabbit GotCraftPendant GotCraftYummy GotCraftStrathconaSeed Batch GotCraftFableSoap GotCraftChaiCaramels

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River District’s Farmers Market Returns to SE Vancouver Saturday May 3rd

28 Apr

RiverDistrictMarket2014River District, located at 8683 Kerr Street, will be hosting a farmers market every Saturday starting May 3rd from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.   For those new to this market, this is generally a smaller market compared to the markets held at Trout Lake and Nat Bailey Stadium.  You can expect to find many local products at the market including produce, plants, baked goods, handmade goods, works by local artisans, live music, coffee and you will often find activities for the kids.   The market is located at the foot of Kerr Street, one block South of SE Marine Drive and is easily accessible by car, bike or transit. The market will run every Saturday until October 18th.

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TODAY April 23rd is Animal Abuse Prevention Day in BC

23 Apr

 

TakeActionForAnimalsSPCA2

The BC SPCA recently polled its members to see what members, like myself, would like to see the BC SPCA focus on going forward.  The answer was preventing animal abuse.   They are asking each and every one of you to take action to help animals.   If are concerned that an animal may be in distress, please do not ignore it.  A simple call could save the life of an animal and prevent unnecessary suffering.

Animal Abuse Prevention Day has been observed since 2011 after a private citizen requested a provincial proclamation as a memorial to 56 sled dogs in Whistler, B.C., who lost their lives on April 23, 2010. That proclamation has been observed by the provincial government each year since, making this year the fourth annual event.

The BC SPCA investigates nearly 8,000 complaints of animal abuse and neglect each year, but the good news is, you can help. Everyone is invited to help the province’s most vulnerable animals. Here’s a few things they suggest you can do:

* Don’t be a bystander! If you are concerned that an animal may be in distress, do not ignore it. Your actions could help save a life. In addition to protecting the animal, you may also be protecting children or adults at risk of being harmed. Recognize the signs of an animal in distress and report animal cruelty to BC SPCA’s toll-free hotline at 1-855-622-7722.

* Take responsibility for the animals in your life. Animals are a part of everyone’s life. Pets, wildlife, farm animals and animals used in research can all benefit from our actions. Be a responsible animal guardian, learn about the Five Freedoms, choose SPCA Certified foods and protect wildlife.

* Speak up for animals. Send a message to your local elected officials to let them know how important it is to have strong animal protection legislation as well as resources for animal cruelty law enforcement and prevention work. You can also add your voice to one of our animal welfare campaigns.

* Teach the kids in your life that kindness counts. Early prevention is our best weapon in the fight against animal abuse. Summer camps, Pro-D day workshops, school presentations, teacher curriculum units and our popular Kids Club are just some of the engaging ways the BC SPCA’s youth education programs help children of all ages develop lifelong empathy skills and learn the value of compassion toward all living things.

* Learn about the Violence Link. All too often, animals are not the only victims of abuse. There is a strong connection between animal cruelty and other forms of violence such as bullying and domestic abuse.

What constitutes an animal in distress?  An animal is in distress according to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act) if an animal is:

*Deprived of adequate food, water, shelter, ventilation, space, care or     veterinary treatment;

* Injured, sick or in pain or suffering; or

* Abused or neglected.

Take action for animals today!  If you suspect an animal is being neglected or abused, don’t hesitate to call the BC SPCA Hotline 1-855-622-7722. They can investigate the matter and determine if there is in fact an issue and/or educate who is possibly unwittingly causing distress to an animal. In some cases, one can hope only education is required.   Please do your part to speak for those that can’t speak for themselves.

TakeActionForAnimalsSPCA

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Keep Vancouver Spectacular Clean Up Campaign May 2014

21 Apr

KVSSouthHill#1Every Spring, the City of Vancouver, puts on a city-wide clean up campaign called “Keep Vancouver Spectacular” during the month of May.  This initiative began in 1996 and was a co-orindated effort between the City of Vancouver, Tourism Vancouver and Oceans Blue Foundation. It has evolved with a variety of sponsors over the years. People get together individually or in groups to clean up their neighbourhood streets, lanes, parks and shorelines. The City of Vancouver supplies the tools which include:

• Garbage bags
• Gloves, cleanup tools (tongs)
• Free pickup of litter collected

As a past Block Captain, there is satisfaction in everything looking green and clean in your neighbourhood. It is amazing how much garbage can be picked up with a small group of people. It is rather simple if you are the one doing the organizing. You simply go online fill out the registration form. After that, the City delivers you the requested items. Enlist a few volunteers. Designate a location that everyone in your group returns the garbage to. The City will pick up the collected garbage from that designated spot. The time commitment is what you make it, but generally 1 to 2 hours is the average. If neighbours need a little encouragement to participate, truth be told, I have enticed a few neighbours with fresh coffee and baked goodies. This event is a great way to build community and get to know your neighbours and of course everything looks so green and clean afterwards.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a Block Captain, the City of Vancouver provides a Block Captain Manual which is fairly straightforward and available to download online.

Did you know, in 2012, 16,400 volunteers in 180 groups came together to fill more than 6,000 bags with litter. Now that’s truly spectacular!

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Rescue Me: Dorothy Is Not Only Looking for Her Ruby Slippers, But A Forever Home

16 Apr

Dorothy

Hi, let me introduce myself. My name is Dorothy, I am a 9 year old female cat with tortoise shell hair and stunning olive green eyes. OK so I’m not modest.  I have been hanging out at the Vancouver SPCA Shelter for a while as my previous guardians moved and left me behind. Which means I’m looking for a new home. Might you have room for me?  Promise, I will give you lots of loves and cuddles, I am VERY affectionate.  Psst, don’t tell the other cats or they might get jealous, but I recently had a bit of work done on my teeth, so they are pearly white now.   Oh I guess I should mention, I am a bit of chunky monkey, but I prefer curvy thank you.  My friends here at the SCPA say I will have to lose a few pounds, so bit of play time would help with that. So do you wanna play?  I’m at the Vancouver SPCA Shelter, 1205 East 7th Avenue and would love a play date and a snuggle.  If we get along, you could take me home.  I’d really like that.  You can me reach my friends at the Vancouver SPCA by phone at 604.879.7721, or by email at vancouver@spca.bc.ca.  If you wish to share my story with your friends, so I have a better chance of finding a new forever home, I would be very grateful. Thank you.

UPDATED May 4, 2014: Dorothy has found her forever home.

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Barter Market and Free Movie Night Wednesday April 16th

14 Apr

BarterMarketMidtown Experiment and Broadway East Art Walk are gearing up for their next event which I might add is FREE.  First up is the Barter Market which will be held at the Midtown Experiment at 585 E. Broadway. Do you have extra things to get rid of or services you’d like to offer in exchange for some goods? If so, bring the items you wish trade to this week’s Barter Market. You are welcome to bring books, clothing, seeds, seedlings, art, services or whatever else you wish to share.  You are invited to come down and be a part of Vancouver’s sharing economy.  The Barter Market gets under way at 6:30 pm.

Next up is a free screening of the documentary People In Motion which is about Parkour. Parkour is an art that encourages people to think differently about their environment and experience it in a new way. As seats are limited for the movie, you are encouraged to bring a folding chair if you have one, or a blanket or coat, as the space can get a bit cool.  The movie runs for one hour after which the Barter Market will continue until 9:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.  You are asked to RSVP via Eventbrite.

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Eastside Flea Returns To Wise Hall April 12th

9 Apr

EastsideFleaApril12The community-oriented Eastside Flea returns to the Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac Street, this Saturday, April 12th.  Now that Spring is officially here, they’ve got a great line up of over 40 local vendors which will sell everything from mid-century furniture to records to new works by local artists to books to vintage items and so much more.  For this weekend’s market, you will also find the ladies from Victory Gardens out front. Also, Dickie’s Ginger will be on site with their Ginger Beer using real ginger no artificial extracts or flavours. The Eastside Flea is an all ages event. Admission is $2.00. Eastside Flea runs from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  If you miss this weekend’s market, more Spring dates will be announced soon, but one confirmed date is a Mother’s Day Market on Saturday, May 10th.

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Documentary Miss Representation Rio Theatre Sunday March 30th

28 Mar

rioMissRepresentation

In Celebration of Women’s History Month this March, The Rio Theatre and the Vancouver Women’s Advisory Committee present the documentary Miss Representation this Sunday, March 30th at 2:00 pm at the Rio Theatre. The documentary by Jennifer Newsom explores the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America and challenges the media’s limited portrayal of what it means to be a powerful woman. Miss Representation has won many awards including Official Selection at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011 and received recognition at film festivals all over North America as well as internationally.   The movie will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Vancouver City Councilwoman Andrea Reimer. Panel speakers will include Vancouver’s own dynamic duo directors Jen and Sylvia Soska.  Doors open at 1:30 pm, documentary gets under way at 2:00 pm. Tickets are available in advance for $8 or will be available at the door for $10.

 

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Rescue Me: Spunky Looking For Her Forever Home

24 Mar

SpunkyVanSPCA

Hi my name is Spunky. I am an 11 year young female lioness, hear me roar! OK, so maybe it’s more of a meow, but I do like to talk and play. Did I mention I’m looking for a forever home? If you want to come see if we’d get along, I am hanging out at the Vancouver SPCA Branch temporarily because my owner passed away :-(.   I do love the folks here at the SPCA, they give me lots of love and play, but I’d really like my own cuddle companion. If you come to see me, I can be a bit shy at first, but promise I’m yours forever if you give me a chance to warm up to you.  

If you or someone you know could give me a new home, the Vancouver SPCA would love to hear from you.  You can reach the Vancouver SCPA by email at Vancouver@spca.b.ca or by phone or 604.879.7721, or stop by and see me at 1205 East 7th Avenue. Thanks!  If you wish to share my story on Twitter or Facebook with your friends so I have a better chance of finding a new forever home, I would be very grateful.

UPDATED MARCH 24TH.  Spunky thanks you.  She has now found her forever home.

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Broadway East Art Walk And The Midtown Experiment March 21 – 23, 2014

20 Mar

BroadwayEastArtWalkMidtownExperiment

The Broadway East Art Walk in collaboration with the Midtown Experiment will be hosting a variety of art and community oriented activities March 21st –March 23rd in Mount Pleasant. The event will help raise funds for upcoming activities this summer including an art walk, a community film festival and public art installations. Art work by local artists will be on display beginning Friday, March 21st and will be available for viewing over the weekend from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  A grand opening for the art exhibit is planned from 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Live music will be provided by Weirdeaux starting at 9:30 pm.

A few Pecha Kucha inspired presentations and short film screenings featuring speakers from Papergirl Vancouver, Dude Chilling Art Exchange, Hot Art Wet City, the Drift, Vancouver Cycle Chic and more will take place on Saturday, March 22nd at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. The film screenings will continue on Sunday, March 23rd at 3:00 pm.  A community information fair will take place on Saturday, March 22nd between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. featuring various community organizations including Papergirl Vancouver, 100 in 1 day Vancouver, the St George Rainway Project, Vancouver Farmer’s Market and the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House to name a few. The community fair will continue on Sunday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 p.m.

If you are not familiar with the Broadway East Art Walk, the vision of organizers is to transform the stretch of Broadway between Price Edward and Price Albert through community engagement and art. All events are open to the public.  Note: RSVPs are required for the grand opening, film screenings and Pecha Kucha talks. You can RSVP by visiting their Facebook page. A $5 per person donation is suggested to attend individual activities.  Events take place at the Midtown Experiment located at 585 E. Broadway (at Carolina) with the grand opening kick off on Friday March 21st at 6:00 p.m. For more information about the upcoming activities, visit their website Broadway East Art Walk.

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