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RESCUE ME: Lenny 4 Year Old Tabby Looking For His Forever Home

10 May

LennyWelcome 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 boy named Lenny.  Lenny is a 4 year old male tabby that came to the Vancouver BC SPCA as a stray through the Maple Ridge branch.  Although he had permanent ID and they were able to track his owner, he had been missing for a whole year!!  Due to this length of time missing, his previous owners felt it was best that Lenny stay with the BC SPCA so they could find him a more suitable home.  No one is really sure what or where he was for that year, but when found, he had FAD (flea allergy dermatitis) which they’ve treated and his hair is growing in nicely.  Lenny, as you can see from the pic, is a rather handsome boy. As for diet, he does need to remain on a Hypoallergenic diet. Lenny is extremely head shy and does appreciate a safe distance while getting to know people. He does startle easy on hearing loud noises as well as sudden movements, so a home with no children is important. The BC SPCA is working on desensitizing him to touch and creating positive experiences with him, but he will need a dedicated and cat savvy guardian to continue this with him. Lenny had spent some time at the recent satellite adoption center “Catfe” but he found it to be too stressful, so his friends at the BC SPCA say he should be the only cat in the home. Lenny is very playful, loves to chase his toys and loves to play with water. Thus, turn on a tap, he will keep you amused for a long time!  If you think you could give this handsome boy a forever home, the Vancouver SPCA Shelter would love to hear from you. You can find him at 1205 East 7th Avenue or by telephone at 604-879-7721 or by email at vancouver@spca.bc.ca

The 3rd Annual Great Grandview Garage Sale Is Back June 18

9 May

GreatGrandviewGarageSaleLogoAll bargain and vintage hunters it’s time to mark your calendars OR alternatively to get organized to participate. The Great Grandview Garage Sale  is back for a third year on Saturday, June 18th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. This is a multi-family garage sale that takes place all throughout the Grandview-Woodlands area of East Vancouver. Specifically from Broadway to the Burrard Inlet and from Clark Drive to Nanaimo Street. If you live in the area, you are invited to participate and it is FREE to sign up. Whether you live in a home, walk up apartment building, co-operative housing, no matter, everyone is welcome to participate. If you are the one looking for those bargains or vintage finds, think of it as one big treasure hunt. Who knows what you might come across in your travels. The Great Grandview Garage Sale will go ahead rain or shine.  To sign up to participate, or see a map of the current locations, visit Great Grandview Garage Sale. Remember, the old adage “One person’s junk is another person’s treasure”.  And for the wee ones or teens, there will be many thirsty shoppers in the area, so a lemonade stand or something similar, certainly wouldn’t be out of place.   If you have a budding entrepreneur in your home, time to get them organized.   Look forward to seeing on what we expect will be a fun treasure hunt.

Take A Bow At The Cultch May 6 & 7 Celebrating Life & Music of David Bowie

4 May

TakeABowIt has truly been a year for losing music legends, so we were pleased to see this event coming to The Cultch this weekend. Avant Dance Co. presents Take A Bow which celebrates the life and music of David Bowie.  David Robert Jones known by most as David Bowie was an English, singer, songwriter and record producer and like Prince, he danced to his own beat. David Bowie was a true innovator and had a career spanning five decades before he passed on January 10th of this year.   This weekend, the Avant Dance Co. will explore the different faces of Bowie’s music through a variety of dance styles which will include ballet, hip hop and contemporary.  This presentation is for two nights only Friday, May 6th and Saturday, May 7th at 8:00 pm at The Cultch. Adult tickets are $25, student/senior $20 and children 12 and under $15. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office.

SFU’s Philosphers’ Café Comes To Commercial Street Café Starting May 4th

3 May

SFUSFU’s Philosophers’ Café is coming to the Commercial Street Café starting Wednesday, May 4th. The Philosophers’ Café is a series of informal public discussions throughout the City on a variety of topics.  Founded in 1998 by Yosef Wosk, these discussions are aimed at creating cutting-edge, safe and stimulating environment for public conversation.  More than 70,000 people have attended Philosophers’ Cafés at 90 different venues across B.C.  So whether you are a student, senior, scholar, philosopher, community minded, or just plain curious, you are encouraged to attend and share your ideas.  The events are free to attend and no registration is required.   We have set out below the discussions that will be taking place at the Commercial Street Café. This is a great gem of a cafe located at 3599 Commercial Street at East 20th Avenue.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016 6:30 pm
Mobility and Urban Densification: Do we need rapid transit?
Moderator: Peter Holt

Monday, May 23, 2016 6:30 pm
Wealth Is Associated With Money & Assets: But What Makes You Feel Rich?
Moderator: Peter Holt

Thursday, June 23, 2016 6:30 pm
The Sharing Economy: Is This The End of Ownership?
Moderator: Peter Holt

“Thinking the unthinkable, imagining the impossible, and discussing
the improbable”

Help Keep Vancouver Spectacular – Organize A Clean Up Campaign

2 May

KVSLogo20YearsNow that Spring is officially here, it also means the return of the City’s annual clean up campaign called “Keep Vancouver Spectacular”. This initiative began in 1996 and was then a co-ordinated  effort between the City of Vancouver, Tourism Vancouver and Oceans Blue Foundation. It has evolved with a variety of sponsors over the years.  Generally, 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 seeing everything looking green and clean in your neighbourhood. We are big supporters of this campaign. We can all grumble about the litter we see strewn here, there and everywhere, but you have the power to change that and the City gives you the tools to do it. From past experience, it is amazing how much garbage can be picked up with a small group of people. Added bonus, it is also pretty easy to organize. You simply go online fill out the registration form. After that, the City delivers you the requested items. Enlist a few volunteers and it could be a handful, or it can be a dozen or more, depends on size of the area you wish to tackle. Designate a location that everyone in your group returns the garbage to, the City usually provides signage for that purpose.  The City will pick up the collected garbage from your designated spot. The time commitment is whatever you want to make it, but generally 1 to 2 hours is the average if doing a larger area, but it can be as little 45 minutes covering 1 or 2 city blocks. If neighbours need a little encouragement to participate, truth be told, I have enticed a few neighbours with fresh coffee and baked goodies. Outside of the clean up being great for the urban wildlife and visually more appealing, it is a great way to get to know your neighbours and build some pride within one’s community.

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.

Also this year in conjunction with Keep Vancouver Spectacular, ElectroRecycle and Encorp, are offering you the opportunity to recycle your electronics, small appliances and power tools for free. Household battery drop-off will also be available at this event which takes place Saturday, May 7th. Drop off location is the Sunrise Square Parking Lot at 2500 Franklin Street near East Hastings Street and Nanaimo. The times for drop off are 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Did you know, in 2012, 16,400 volunteers in 180 groups came together to fill more than 6,000 bags with litter.  Remember though if at any time you see items illegally dumped, you can contact the City at 311 or email them to request the item(s) be picked up. Will you help keep the City looking spectacular?

Treat Your Mom To A Brunch Tour Saturday May 7th

28 Apr

OffTheEatenTrackWant to do something tasty and fun with your mom for Mother’s Day? Well Off The Eaten Track Tours is offering their Vancouver’s Best Brunch Tour in the heart of the East Village with a discount on Saturday, May 7th.  You are invited to join them on Saturday morning at 9:30 am to meet some local businesses and nosh your way through a progressive brunch.   On this tour, you will visit 5 culinary spots including a 35-year old Italian deli, a funky southern restaurant, a bakery, a local butcher shop and Vancouver’s smallest tea shop. There are only 10 spaces available on this tour. If you wish to get your seats, be sure to use the promo code TREATMOM to receive a 10% discount. For more information on the tour, or to purchase your spots, visit Vancouver’s Best Brunch Tour.

Photo Credit: Off The Eaten Track

Some Great Ways To Shop Local This Weekend

27 Apr

JuneHunterSpringStudioSaleIf you have some gift shopping to do whether a baby shower, wedding shower, birthday or Mother’s Day, there are some great opportunities to shop local this weekend. Each spot will have perfect items for gift giving whatever you may be shopping for.  First up, there is the:

Modern Fort – The Market That Gives Back – Saturday, April 30th

The Modern Fort is hosting The Market That Gives Back which is also a fundraising event benefitting families with austism. The market happens this Saturday, April 30th at The Aviary, 637 East 15th Avenue from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  All participating vendors will be donating a percentage of their sales to Canucks Autism Network. Some of the local businesses on hand include Loulou Lollipop, Emerson Apparel, Giving Gifts, Linden’s Art Gallery, K’Pure and a photo session with East Van’s Klik Photographic.

Giving Gifts 3rd Anniversary Party – Sunday, May 1st

Giving Gifts is a great cooperative shop with an ethical focus located at 4075 Main Street. This Sunday, May 1st they are having their 3rd Anniversary Party so along with balloons and treats, there will be some deals to be had as well as an opportunity to win a $300 gift certificate to the store.  The celebration gets under way at 2:00 pm and goes till 5:00 pm.

June Hunter Spring Studio Sale April 29th – May 1st

June Hunter is opening up her East Van Studio for a Spring Sale this weekend from April 29th to May 1st.   June’s studio is located at 2785 Parker Street (one block west of Renfrew Street). You can expect to find jewellery, tiles, wood panel prints, photo prints and unique pieces of art and yes, sale prices as well.  Nature features prominently in June’s work as do some iconic spots around East Van.  You can check it out for yourself on Friday, April 29th from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday this weekend from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Winter Farmers Market – Hastings Park Sunday May 1st

Lastly, if you have a foodie in your life, we recommend the last winter farmers market of the season at Hastings Park which happens this Sunday, May 1st from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  You are sure to find something delectable that makes a great gift, or a collection of a few items from this market.

Photo Credit: June Hunter Images

Spring & Summer Farmer Markets In East Van

26 Apr

BerriesThe warm Spring weather is now here which also means more great local produce. We are fortunate to have yet another season of farmers markets lined up which offers us not only produce, but handmade goods, artisans breads, locally made jams, cheese, free range and organic eggs and of course wineries, breweries and makers of spirits are now on hand offering tastings as well.  Each market is unique and offers a little something different. Trout Lake is the largest and a great place to sit down and have a picnic on the spot at the park with your new purchases. River District is one of the smaller markets situated just below Marine Drive at the foot of Kerr Street in SE Vancouver, but generally different vendors than the markets organized by Vancouver Farmers Market.  Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is also smaller than Trout Lake, but we love that it’s on a Sunday so giving some options when faced with a busy weekend.  The Italian Market is held on Friday afternoons in front of the Italian Cultural Centre and is a personal favourite. Along with produce, you will find artisans, food trucks, coffee and more. The added bonus is the Italian Cultural Centre usually has a number of other events going on including art on display, live music and/or dancing.  The Main Street Farmers Market is a great afternoon market and perfect for those just leaving downtown for home, or a quick cycle from Mount Pleasant and the Olympic Village.  We have set out below the dates when the markets begin and end for the Spring/Summer season.

Trout Lake Farmers Market:
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Saturday May 7th – October 22nd
Location: North Parking Lot of John Hendry Park at Trout Lake between Templeton and Lakewood south of the 13th Avenue Alley

Main Street Station Farmers Market:
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Every Wednesday June 1st to October 5th
Location: 1100 Block Station Street along Thornton Park across from the VIA Rail Station and near the Main St Skytrain Station

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market:
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Sunday June 12th  – October 9th
Location: Guelph Street between 7th & 8th Avenues (on the paved play area between Mt. Pleasant Elementary and Guelph Park)

River District Farmers Market:
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Every Saturday May 14th  – October 15th
Location: 8683 Kerr Street (at E. Kent Avenue S.)

Il Mercato: Italian Market:
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
June 17th, July 15th and August 19th
Location: Il Centro, Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street (off Grandview Highway)

We encourage you to come out and support these local producers and vendors.

Main Street Vinyl Record Fair XIII May 1 At The Heritage Hall

25 Apr

RecordPlayerIf you love vinyl, you may wish to check out the Main Street Vinyl Record Fair  on Sunday, May 1st.. The event takes place at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Whether you are looking to buy, sell or trade new and/or used vinyl records, this is certainly the place to be. You can expect to find LPs, 45s, 78s, turntables, vintage audio gear, record storage and more with over 50 independent vendors. That translates to over 50,000 vinyl records on sale. If you are looking to discover rare records and/or stock up on bargain classics, we invite you to stop by the Main Street Vinyl Record Fair on May 1st. Admission is $4.00 for adults, kids are free.

Rescue Me: Tuxedo Cat Ruby Looking For Her Forever Home

21 Apr

RubyVanSPCAWelcome 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 darling cat, Ruby.  This sweet friendly girl is desperately hoping for her forever home this time around. Ruby who is 4 years old was adopted 3 years ago from the Vancouver SPCA but was returned when her guardians had a baby.  She’s an active girl who loves to play. Thus, a home with lots of toys and climbing posts to keep her stimulated is best.  Ruby can be a little shy with strangers, but we hear once she warms up to you, she will be rolling around for your attention and pets.  If you think you could give this tuxedo beauty a forever home the Vancouver SPCA Shelter would love to hear from you. You can find them at 1205 East 7th Avenue or by telephone at 604-879-7721 or by email at vancouver@spca.bc.ca.

UPDATED May 2, 2016: Ruby found her forever home.