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East Vancouver Newcomers Camp – Local Group Helps Refugee Children Break Social Barriers

17 Jul

EVNCWe recently learnt of an interesting non-profit based in East Vancouver we are excited about. It’s the East Vancouver Newcomers Camp.  This organization was founded by Duncan Bernardo and Dakota Koch just over a year ago. The founders have created and run summer day camps for refugee children. They currently run day camps in two locations, Surrey and East Vancouver.  Each camp has approximately 30 kids aged 6 to 12 years of age.  The day begins with English lessons by certified instructors that speak the children’s native language, then a break for lunch, followed by an afternoon of sports and games.   The summer camp helps children integrate into North American culture and break down social barriers.   Founder Duncan Bernardo understands this first hand having moved to Spain at 11 years old. He didn’t speak a word of Spanish and initially was quite isolated, but he had a love of soccer on his side. As many may know Spain is a soccer nation. Sport was an avenue for him to make friends and break down the language barrier. With the recent influx of refugees coming from Syria, the founders saw from personal experience how they could assist children integrate into a new culture and make friends. The founders, Duncan and Dakota, were able to obtain a grant from the federal government that covers the cost of teachers and organizers to run the camps, but they are currently running at 50% of their potential capacity as they don’t have  the funds to meet the needs of food and transportation for all the children.  They have some wonderful sponsors to assist with donations in-kind to help them get their footing, but they still need some financial assistance to help meet the demand of the day to day costs of running the day camps.   There are a couple of ways you can assist them, if you are able. You can provide financial assistance on their Donate page online. It costs $500 to send one child to camp for the summer. They also welcome gift cards for groceries as they provide snacks and refreshments for the children throughout the day. Should you be in a position to provide any new or gently used sporting equipment, that would graciously be received as well. To provide donations in kind or gift cards, you can contact Duncan Bernardo directly at info@evnc.ca.

Photo Credit: East Vancouver Newcomers Camp  

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What’s On East Van: July 14, 2017

14 Jul

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Lots happening in East Van this next week.  Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out 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.

Playland Nights – July 14, 2017

Playland hosts an adult only evening from 7:00 pm to midnight Friday. You will find beer, wine, special cocktails including Candy Floss Martinis and Snow Cone Vodka and the usual midway games and 25 rides. Advance admission is $26, tickets at the gate are $29.

Tango Lesson – July 14, 2017

Love to dance? Want to learn to dance the tango?  The Italian Cultural Centre is hosting dance lessons Friday nights in July. Classes are from 6:00 – 7:30 pm and cost is $20. To register visit, Italian Cultural Centre.

Eastside Flea – July 14 – 16, 2017

The Eastside Flea happens this weekend at 1024 Main Street. Friday night is their Shop N’Bop which features food trucks, pinball, a select group of artisans, craft beer and cocktails from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. The full market happens Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm each day and features over 50 local vendors.

Free Outdoor Concert – Trout Lake – July 19, 2017

Trout Lake Community Centre is again playing host to a line up of free concerts every Wednesday night from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. This week the Soda Crackers take the stage. In the event of rain, the event goes indoors.

Outdoor Long Table Dinner – July 20, 2017

The Italian Cultural Centre is hosting an outdoor long table dinner on Thursday, July 20th a Taste of East Van. The evening is a collaboration with Slow Food Vancouver and showcases local growers and producers. Tickets are $45 for dinner. Wines will be available for purchase. For more info or tickets, visit Italian Cultural Centre.

Entertainment, Comedy, Live Music + Theatre

Playland is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm this weekend. If you are looking for some family entertainment, the Commercial Drive Business Society is hosting free dance and Zumba in Grandview Park from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday. This is a free event, everyone is welcome to attend. Friday night, Trout Lake will be featuring an outdoor movie at 9:00 pm showing Shrek. If you are looking for some thinking theatre, The Cultch is featuring Deviance until July 15th.  The show highlights the fine line between abnormal and unacceptable behaviour. Have a great weekend!

Image: June Hunter

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RecycleFest At Trout Lake July 22, 2017

10 Jul

RecycleFestWe are big fans of recycling. It honestly pains us to throw things away and we endeavor to keep that to a minimum.  Each and every person makes a difference, it may be small, but collectively it’s big. We invite you to check out the upcoming RecycleFest happening Saturday, July 22nd at Trout Lake. The event is hosted by ElectroRecycle which is BC’s small appliance and power tool recycling program. Bring down your broken, old and unwanted small electrical appliances and power tools with the view of keeping these items out of landfills, our water ways, streets and parks.  Along with recycling, there will be a host of family friendly activities including a hot dog BBQ, bouncy castle, arts and crafts, a photo booth, caricaturist and more.  The event runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Heads up for those wishing to clean house, ElectroRecycle program does not accept electronics such as computers, televisions, cellphones or batteries. To learn where those can be recycled, visit ElectroRecycle.ca.

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Vancouver Greek SummerFest July 6 – 16, 2017

5 Jul

 

GreekFestival2017The Vancouver Greek Summerfest is back for its 31st  consecutive year. The festival kicks off Thursday, July 6th and runs until Sunday, July 16th.  This is a fun community event with great Greek food including BBQ Lamb, Loukoumade, souvalaki, gyros and more. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the dancing, there will be lots of it, belly dancing, folk dancing, Serbian dancing and of course those attending will be encouraged to dance.  Organizers also have a great music line up including performances by bands Zougla, Urban Myth, Asi Somos, Dolphin Jazz and Golden Thread Orchestra, Jim Byrnes as well as Steve “Elvis” Elliot tribute artist.  When there are not live performances, a DJ will be spinning tunes.   The event takes place in the parking lot behind the Greek Orthodox Community Church of East Vancouver at 4641 Boundary Road which is located on the border of Vancouver and Burnaby.  If you are coming from Vancouver, the intersection is 29th Avenue. If you are coming from Burnaby, it is Moscrop.  The event is free to attend. Note, as there is food and lots of moving bodies, pets are not permitted and in the summer heat, they’ll be happier at home. During the week, Monday to Wednesday, activities take place from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm and from Thursday to Sunday, things go from Noon to 11:00 pm. To learn more about the event, what’s available for food or which musician is playing on which date, check out Greek SummerFest. Opa! Live and eat like a Greek for a day.

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What’s On East Van: June 30, 2017

30 Jun

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Lots happening in East Van this next week.  Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out 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.

Canada Day – July 1, 2017

It’s Canada’s 150th birthday and there are a few events happening in East Van if you wish to celebrate close to home. The Commercial Drive Business Society is hosting a free celebration at Grandview Park that begins at Noon with live music and activities for the kids such as face painting, balloons, inflatable slide and ends with singing O’Canada at 3:00 pm and, of course, birthday cake.  Sunset Community Sunset Centre also be hosting Canada Day Celebrations from Noon – 4:00 pm with lots of activities, music and a BBQ.   Renfrew Park Community Centre and Kensington Community Centre will also be hosting family friendly activities from Noon to 4:00 pm.

Farmers Market  – July 1 & 2, 2017

This weekend you have the opportunity to check out 4 farmer markets.  First up, is the largest hosted by Vancouver Farmers Market at Trout Lake from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 1st. Also on Saturday, you will find River District Farmers Market on the Fraser River in SE Vancouver just below SE Marine Drive at Kerr Street from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Also on Saturday, Riley Park hosts a farmers market at 30th Street & Ontario from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm which will feature 30 local farms and producers. On Sunday, July 2nd Vancouver Farmers Market hosts the Mount Pleasant Market from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Dali + Hopper – July 4 – 9, 2017

Dali & Hopper is an original play about a group of young adults who deal with love and self-acceptance through the role their subconscious plays in their reality. The show runs at The Cultch and tickets are $20.25.

Workshop: Frozen Desserts Without A Machine July 5, 2017

The Uncommon Café hosts a great workshop on Wednesday, July 5th in which you will learn how to make some delish frozen desserts, no ice cream maker required.  You will need a blender and mixer mind you.  Class takes place in Railtown, cost is $59.99. Use the code SAVE20 to save 20%. To register, visit Tartine & Maple.

Entertainment, Comedy, Live Music + Theatre

Looking for fun and games? Playland is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm this weekend. If you are looking to get out of the heat this weekend, the Rio Theatre is showing The Rocky Horror Picture Show Sunday, July 2nd at 11:00 pm. Great weather weekend to check out some local art, the new murals in Strathcona would make a great wander with a stop at brewery nearby, but we also hear visual artist, Amanda Cassidy will be showcasing her art at the Wise Hall on Sunday, July 2nd from 8:00 to 11:00 pm.   Plus, the International Jazz Festival to July 2nd with great talent at Tangent Café and Pat’s Pub.

Whatever you get up to have a great Canada Day long weekend.  Red Canada 150 Logo

 

Image: June Hunter

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2nd Annual Eastside Culture Crawl Brewery Tour & Fundraiser July 8, 2017

28 Jun

EastsideCultureCrawl2The Eastside Culture Crawl Society invites you to an afternoon of beer tasting. The 2nd Annual Eastside Culture Crawl Brewery Tour is a fundraiser for the Eastside Culture Crawl Society which showcases the amazing artistic talent in East Vancouver.  On July 8th, the price of a ticket gets you a tour and tasting at 4 craft breweries including Luppolo Brewing Company, Storm Brewing and Strathcona Beer Company. The afternoon finishes off with a wrap up party at Strange Fellows Brewing. The event goes ahead rain or shine, you can cycle or walk the tour, but you must be 19 years or older to participate. Starting point is 1000 Parker Street parking lot.  Tickets are $52 each and available through Eventbrite.

Image Credit: Eastside Culture Crawl Society

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Trout Lake Outdoor Summer Concert Series Returns July 5, 2017

26 Jun

DSCF8778_cropThe Trout Lake Outdoor Summer Concert Series is back for another year starting Wednesday, July 5th. 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, or the dog or both and a picnic and you are set. There are a few new additions this year including a BBQ and the Carousel Café to grab some food while there.  For parents with young children, there will also be a kids art station as well as the great playground near the concert stage.  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 witnessed one year which certainly added to our evening.  We encourage you to check out this popular free family friendly event.

July 5
SANCTUARY ALL STARS
A 17 piece big swing jazz band led by Bob Liley.

July 12
DEANNA KNIGHT & THE HOT CLUB OF MARS
Travel back in time to the early jazz era of the 1920’s & 30’s and experience one of Vancouver’s most eclectic gypsy-jazz ensembles.

July 19
SODA CRACKERS
Vintage country, jazz and roots music.

July 26
WHEAT IN THE BARLEY
A blend of their traditional tunes will be a big hit with all-ages audiences.

August 2
DAMASCO SOUL SYSTEM

August 9
RIO SAMAYA BAND
Original music of songs and poetry in a magical combination of Latin, Reggae & Rhumba.

August 16
SILK ROAD
A musical adventure that explores China and beyond. Silk Road Music delivers virtuosity and imagination.

August 23
SWEET PAN

August 30
CHECO TOHOMASO

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Photo Credit: Deanna Knight

 

 

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What’s On East Van: June 23, 2017

23 Jun

 

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Lots happening in East Van this next week.  Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out 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.

Strathcona Street Party – June 24, 2017

The Vancouver Mural Festival and the Strathcona BIA have joined forces to create a street party to kick off summer. It will take place on Cordova Street where you can watch 9 large scale murals come to life. The Strathcona Street Party also features a beer garden, live music and family fun from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Eastside Pride – June 24, 2017

Pride Season kicks off in East Vancouver this Saturday in Grandview Park. There are a host of activities planned from Noon – 6:00 pm. This is a family friendly all ages event.

Farmers Market  – June 24 & 25, 2017

This weekend, you have the opportunity to check out 4 farmer markets.  First up, is the largest hosted by Vancouver Farmers Market at Trout Lake from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 24th. Also on Saturday, you will find River District Farmers Market on the Fraser River in SE Vancouver just below SE Marine Drive at Kerr Street from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Also on Saturday, Riley Park hosts a farmers market first of the season at 30th Street & Ontario from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm which will feature 30 local farms and producers. On Sunday, June 25th  Vancouver Farmers Market hosts the Mount Pleasant Market from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. 

 Intro to Tools: Folding Beach Chair – June 25, 2017

There is a great ‘do-it-yourself’ spot that hosts workshops every now and again called Vancouver Tool Library, 3448 Commercial Street (just down the way from the Commercial Street Café).  They are hosting an Intro to Tools Workshop this Sunday, June 25th.  In this class you will learn to use a table saw, drill and other power tools with the aim of making a folding chair. Cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members.  There are 2 classes one morning session at 10:00 am and an afternoon session at 2:00 pm. To register, visit Eventbrite.

Pricing Artwork – June 27, 2017

If you are in artist in East Vancouver and needing a little assistance with the business side of things, you may wish to check out this workshop Pricing Artwork happening Thursday, June 27th.  The Eastside Culture Crawl Society is hosting the event and bringing in artist, Annie Briard, who brings a depth of knowledge to the subject matter.  We hear there are a few spots open. Classes are a very reasonable $20 and take place at 716 East Hastings Street just steps away from The Heatley.

Entertainment, Comedy, Live Music + Theatre

Looking for fun and games? Playland is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm this weekend.  Rio Theatre is hosting the Affordable Summer Concert Series with R&B Allstars June 24th.  If it’s local comedy you are after, be sure to check out the Little Mountain Gallery this Saturday. They are hosting a fundraiser for their space at 8:00 pm. If it’s live music you are after, Falconetti’s has the Bottom Shelf Bourbon Trio on Friday, June 23rd. Plus, the International Jazz Festival is now on and continues to July 2nd with great talent at Tangent Café and Pat’s Pub. If you love piano and storytelling, you may wish to check out Declan O’Donovan who hails from the East. He brings you his new album Broken Sky and a guest home town boy Adam Farnsworth at the Wise Hall Friday, June 23rd.

Image: June Hunter  

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We Check In At The Village Community Acupuncture in Hastings Sunrise

21 Jun

IMG_1338We recently checked out The Village Community Acupuncture Clinic located at 2625 East Hastings Street. This is a great relaxing space created by co-owners Sara Ward and Tara Akuna, both practicing acupuncturists. These ladies provide quality acupuncture treatments in a community setting with an added feature, a sliding scale. This is certainly not something you see every day in a clinic setting and is a refreshing change. Not only is it a gracious gesture to their community, but it shows their passion and commitment to helping people be and stay healthy. If you are not familiar with acupuncture, it is a form of alternative medicine that has been practiced in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 4,500 years.  It involves piercing the skin with thin needles. It can be used to help treat a variety of issues and considering how non-invasive it is, save for a few needles, why not? So we recently tried it for the first time and the needles are in fact very thin and honestly hardly felt. After the needles are inserted, you are then asked to relax for the next 45 minutes. The aim of acupuncture is help your body heal itself which it has a great capacity to do, with the right aids, acupuncture is one of them.   

Co-owners Sara and Tara have created an inviting space that encourages family and community. That is evidenced by the photos on the walls from local artists as well as the community board in the washroom sharing business cards of local businesses. This is a quiet space that feels a bit like home, blankets are provided for each client and you can choose between a chair and a bed for your treatment.  There are currently 5 practitioners at The Village Community Acupuncture and appointments are available 6 days a week Monday to Saturday. We invite you to stop by and give them a try.  For more answers on what issues they treat with acupuncture, we invite you to check out their Frequently Asked Questions. 

 

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