Emergency Preparedness – Just Do It!

26 Jan

EmergencyKitRecently Vancouver Fire & Rescue sent out a tweet which summarized some recent events which we will now quote:

“We’ve had numerous “warning” events: ’15 windstorm, ’15 earthquake, wildfires, port fire, and the recent tsunami and railyard fire.  Have you started building a Grab-n-Go bag and 72-hr Preparedness Kit? Don’t wait for the next event, start TODAY.” 

So have you started yet?  We are fairly organized and have kits in various spots including the closet at home, a bag in the car, one at the office and after attending an Emergency Preparedness Workshop offered by the City, we now have a ‘Grab N Go Bag’.  Are these kits perfect?  Absolutely not, but they are a start? Yes.  Once you start, items can easily be added.

There are so many simple things anyone can do to prepare for an emergency such as keeping a pair of walking shoes in the car.  After that, add a first aid kit and a blanket. At work, again keep some walking shoes handy along with a change of clothes. The Grab N’ Go should have some essentials like medications, cash and your insurance papers.   We found keeping a typed list of the items in each bag printed out made updating and replacing items easier.   There are many other considerations such as for your pets, communication plans for members of your family, becoming familiar with disaster routes in the City.

If you haven’t already started a kit, we recommend some simple steps to get things started including buying and setting aside a bag, add a blanket and some water. Next grocery run, pick up some bottled water, add some food. While putting your kit together, keep your kids and pets in mind.  We find adding things as you go is more manageable cost wise and time wise.   What we highly recommend is taking the 1 hour and 1 ½ hours to attend a free workshop offered by the City of Vancouver.  These workshops have valuable information on things you may never have considered.  Workshops are geared to families, seniors and are even provided in different languages.   So whether an emergency is an earthquake, flood, fire, or something else, you are somewhat prepared. As the Nike slogan said so well “Just Do It!”

On that note, we are setting out some links for the City of Vancouver one of which shows you how to Build Your Own Emergency Kit.  If you wish to get your pet prepared for an emergency, visit Pet Emergency Preparedness. Become familiar with the City’s Disaster Route Map. Did you know 41st Avenue and Boundary Road are 2 main routes?   If you live in a condominium with a number of units, we understand that the City will come to you to present to a group of residents.  Contact them directly for further information. Either way, if you haven’t already, get started on a plan.

To sign up for one of the free workshops, visit City of Vancouver.  If you are interested in volunteering in the event of an emergency, the City needs people to do that in all areas of the City. To learn more visit, How You Can Help In An Emergency.

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SHIT At The Firehall Arts Centre – January 27, 2018 to February 10, 2018

25 Jan

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Australian’s most unapologetic playwright, Patricia Cornelius, examines the lives of three incarcerated underclass women in a manner unseen on most theatre stages.  SHIT asks you to consider women with foul mouths and weathered faces, women who spit, fight, swear, hurt and steal. They are angry, unrelenting, terrifying and damaged women. They discuss fist fights, foster care, babies, their mothers, crying and what it’s like to believe in absolutely nothing.  “There is nothing romantic in these characters’ outsider mindsets’ says Cornelius who states there is something admirable about the fight in these women who do not behave as others think they should. Cornelius believes many women will be able to relate to this. SHIT takes place at the Firehall Arts Centre January 27th to February 10th, 2018. For tickets, visit Firehall Arts Centre.

Contributing writer Tiva Quinn checked out opening night of this production. Here is her take on SHIT:

I kind of expected yet another story where bad things happen to women who are fundamentally, deep down, good people. Crusty but with a heart of gold somewhere inside.

SHIT is not that story. These women don’t make any plays for your respect or your sympathy. Tough times have turned them into tough people and they’re not especially kind to themselves or to one another. Near the beginning of the play they laugh about the times when you’re that woman – the woman on the bus who’s cursing to herself at full volume and making everyone uncomfortable. Only one of these three women is a bit vulnerable, and the other two are determined to teach her to knock it off.

If you can let go of your need for a sympathetic character and your belief that women should be likeable, there’s a lot to enjoy and a lot to think about here.

My one quibble would be that the Australian play sometimes loses its flow with word choices that just seem wrong delivered in a Canadian accent, but an interesting script and strong acting are more than enough to make up for that.

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Call To Local Artists – Create Something Amazing In Strathcona

23 Jan

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If you are a local artist and would like to see your work featured publicly, then be sure to check out Strathcona’s new project 10 Blocks of Passion Street Gallery.  Some of you may have heard Stathcona’s aim to be one of the City’s most walkable communities. “Made In Strathcona” and the Strathcona Business Improvement Association are taking the next step to make this happen.  They aim to feature original art work that tells stories about the Strathcona neighbourhood.  They would like to bring the streets to life.  Local artists are invited to create art installations for public display in the neighbourhood which will be showcased until the end of the summer.  Applications are now being accepted until January 29th. To learn more, you can email partnerships@myloudspeaker.ca or check out the online application form which also has a few inspirational ideas 10 Blocks of Passion Street Gallery. Personally, we would like to see the amazing art that appears when it rains in the City, bring a bit of life to our wet grey days in Vancouver.  If you haven’t seen pics of what we mean, visit Rainworks.

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Body Soul & Spirit Expo – February 2 – 4, 2018 At The Croatian Cultural Centre

22 Jan

Spiritual-OceanIt’s the New Year and for many people resolutions are top of mind. Whether you are thinking to learn something or experience something new, or tackle a project at long last maybe taking and/or making some time for self-care. The term self care we’ve noticed has magically been given the green light meaning it’s ok to look after yourself as it should. When you look after yourself, you are a happier more productive person for it. So we think it fitting we let you know about The Body Soul & Spirit Expo being held at the Croatian Cultural Centre starting February 2nd.  The show is billed as a “Holistic, New Thought and Spiritual Lifestyle Expo, that showcases products, services and resources for growth, and fosters the individual quest for wholeness, health and self understanding.”   Organizers have been producing this show for 20 years in cities across Canada. The aim is help you be happier, healthier and connect you with other positively focused individuals.  The expo features a number of lectures and workshops throughout the weekend starting on Friday February 2nd. Some lectures are part of the cost of admission, others have an added cost and require registration. Jeffrey Armstrong kicks things off on Friday afternoon discussing Ayurvedic Dosha (body types), followed by a workshop by Lynn Andrews Living Life Intentionally. A variety of workshops continue throughout the weekend including Donna Fairhurst presenting one Psychic’s Journey, Della Resdie with Cellular Consciousness Healing and Debra Metzker Meehl with Joyful Transformation.   You can purchase tickets for The Body Soul & Spirit Expo in advance online for $15 if you plan to attend 1 day, or $35 gets you admission over all 3 days.  If you prefer last minute, you can purchase a ticket at the door for $20.

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Contributing Writer Tiva Quinn Reviews Black Boys On Now Until January 20th

18 Jan

BlackBoysThe Cultch, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Saga Collectif and Zee Zee Theatre bring you an inspiring production, Black Boys. Tiva Quinn checked out opening night of this stand out show.  Here is what she had to say:

Black Boys is right up there at the pinnacle of what alternative theatre can do. It includes complex ideas, raw emotion, music, dance and poetry, and it feels like a story that could only be so excellently told using a non-linear, multi-media approach.

It’s about what it means to be a black gay man in Canada and what it means to make theatre about that experience in a world where you’re already painfully aware of how the straight white majorities see you.

It’s about the furthest our words can go to wound or heal one another, and the ways we use screaming or dance or sex to express ourselves when words are not enough. It’s about how we define ourselves both through stories about our past and in acts of judgment and opposition towards the people in our own communities.

It’s just really, really good. I laughed, I cried, I yelled, “Stellaaaa” with a  bunch of strangers. You should go see it if it’s not sold out yet. To get your tickets, visit The Cultch.

By Contributing Writer Tiva Quinn

 

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The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival: January 16 – February 4, 2018

17 Jan

PUSHFestivalThe PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is a feast of live performance art. The Festival takes place over a 3 week period from January 16th to February 4th in various venues around the City. In East Vancouver, The Fox Cabaret, The Cultch and The Russian Hall will be hosting a number of the performances.  Expect to find performances from international, Canadian and local artists in a variety of genres including dance, film, music, multimedia and theatre. Check out some of the original and creative works which will be showcased during PuSh.  We’ve set out below the productions coming to East Vancouver. To purchase tickets, visit PuSH Festival and note, if you wish to see several performances, 4 pack and 6 pack ticket options are available.

 

The Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main Street

 Cris Derksen Trio (February 2–3, 2018)

Daughter (February 1, 2018)

Dickie Beau: Unplugged (January 19–20, 2018)

HINKYPUNK (January 26, 2018)

Joseph Keckler (January 26–27, 2018)

RPM Records: Live in Vancouver (February 3, 2018)

Songs of Insurrection (January 22–23, 2018)

Spokaoke (February 2, 2018)

Torrey Pines (January 20, 2018)

The Cultch, 1895 Venables Street

Dublin Oldschool (January 30–February 3, 2018)

I’m Not Here (January 24–28, 2018)

Reassembled, Slightly Askew (January 17–February 4, 2018)

The Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Avenue

Pushoff Mixer (February 1, 2018)

Symposium: Field Notes (February 3, 2018)

The Events (January 17–28, 2018)

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Contributing Writer Nicole Alivojvodic Reviews Hot Brown Honey

16 Jan

HotHoneyBrownHiveUnapologetically provocative, Hot Brown Honey shatters preconceptions in an explosion of colour, culture, and controversy. From Australian theatre company Briefs Factory comes this loud wake up call featuring six fierce and talented women communicating important messages through song, dance and, most of all, humour. The 75-minute show has you itching to get out of your seat and join the party on stage – and some get plucked out of the audience to do just that!

Check your privilege at the door and get ready to make noise because “fighting the power never tasted so sweet”. Throughout the show the women tackle several culturally relevant issues such as colonization, white privilege and namely, feminism. Tangled up in colour and acrobatics the show itself smashes the preconception that women are to be silent subjects by the sheer volume of the performance, both literally and figuratively. Their open defiance of stereotypes and the patriarchal expectations of the world we live in is not only hilarious, but incredibly powerful.

For tickets to this wild and fantastic show, on now until January 27th at The York Theatre, visit The Cultch.

By Contributing Writer: Nicole Alivojvodic

Photo Credit: Dylan Evans

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The Wood Shop Workers Co-Op Offers Do-It-Yourself Projects Starting February 3rd

15 Jan

WoodWorkingEducation

Are you interested in tackling a do-it-yourself project for home this New Year, but don’t have the space? You may wish to check out the classes being offered by The Wood Shop Workers Co-op. They regularly offer 1 day classes wherein they provide the space, materials and the tools for the project you wish to tackle. You can choose to make a dining table or storage trunk with reclaimed wood. Each workshop is led by an experienced Wood Working Educator in a professional wood working shop.  You will learn how to use wood working tools and learn some introductory fabrication and finishing concepts. When they aren’t teaching classes, the Wood Shop crafts one-of-a-kind furniture and home décor items out of reclaimed wood. The cost of each class varies depending on what you choose to make, but they are offering a variety of dates starting February 3rd. Workshops take place at 251 Southern Creek in the False Creek Flats near Main Street and Terminal Avenue. Note, gift certificates are available should you wish to give a class as a gift to someone.  For more information or to register, visit their website at The Wood Shop Workers Co-op.

Photo Credit: The Wood Shop Workers Co-Op

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What’s On East Van: January 12, 2018 Edition

12 Jan

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Lots happening in East Van heading into the New Year. 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.

2nd Annual Live Burlesque Tribute To David Bowie – Rio Theatre – January 12th

In honour of David Bowie’s passing, the ladies of Kitty Nights present a burlesque tribute to the one and only, David Bowie. Show takes place at the Rio Theatre. Event kicks off at 8:00 pm and tickets are available in advance online for $20, or at the door for $25.

River District – Open House – January 13th & 15th

City of Vancouver and Wesgroup Properties are hosting two open houses so the public can provide input on increasing density in Area 3. This plot of land is located in the far East end of the development by Boundary Road. For those that have thoughts on this latest development, stop by and provide your feedback. There are a number of issues that need addressing including transit, transportation and general amenities in the area. The open house is being held at 8683 Kerr Street on Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and Monday, January 15th from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Holiday Puppet Show – 2050 Scotia Street – January 14, 2017

If you have young kids to entertain this weekend, you may wish to check out a puppet show entitled ‘The Winter’s Tales” being presented by The Vancouver Puppet Theatre.  The show is happening ta 2050 Scotia Street near East 2nd Street and Main Street. Tickets are $10 each and are available at the door, or in advance online. To grab your tickets, visit Vancouver Puppet Theatre.

Vegan Italian Baking 101 – Italian Cultural Centre – January 15th

Learn to bake some delicious homemade treats from scratch without dairy or eggs. You will learn to make 3 different pastries including a chocolate and almond cake and a crostata which you will be able to eat or take home. Cost of the class is $52 and happens Monday, January 15th at 6:30 pm. To register, visit the Italian Cultural Centre.

Earthquake Preparedness Workshop – Sunset Community Centre – January 16th

Sunset Community is hosting a free workshop to help you and your family get prepared in the event of an earthquake, but really any emergency.  Having attended one of these, there are some great tips you can take away from it, even if you don’t complete a full earthquake kit. We recommend you take the 1 ½ hours and attend this free workshop provided by the City of Vancouver. This one gets under way at 7:00 pm on January 16th. To register, visit City of Vancouver.

Grappa Tasting – Italian Cultural Centre – January 18th

If you love grappa, or want to learn more about it, Italian Cultural Centre is hosting a Grappa Tasting event on the evening of January 18th. Tickets are $52 and available online at the Italian Cultural Centre.

Looking for live music?  Popular group, Breaking Boundaries, is at Café Deux Soleils this Saturday night 8:00 pm.  Both Winter farmer markets happen this weekend, Saturday at Nat Bailey Stadium from 10 am to 2 pm and Sunday at Hastings Parking 10 am – 2 pm.  Looking for an outdoor activity? Chinese Lantern Festival continues this weekend at the PNE. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

 

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