It’s the most wonderful time, of the year. Well, other than Back to School at Staples. Christmas is upon us, and the merchants of downtown Port Moody are putting on an event.
The Old Town Moonlight Madness is happening this Thursday, December 3rd. Most merchants will be staying open until 10pm. There will be a live Christmas tree in the plaza, live musicians, and Christmas craft vendors in the plaza on Queens Street and Clarke St. Shopping passports are available at any of the 12 participating merchants. If you visit every merchant and get a stamp on your passport, you are entered to win a 5-day Carnival Cruise for 2 as well as other great prizes.
Make sure to visit our longtime sponsor Kara at Closet Addiction, who will be drawing for a $50 gift certificate and will have a lovely free gift with every purchase. What better way to get that Christmas list knocked off early!
So enjoy the festivities and help support our awesome group of local merchants. You can download the event flyer here.
The City of Port Moody is searching for residents aged 21 and older to volunteer as Port Moody Parking Ambassadors during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. If you are selected, you could win a chance to purchase Olympic event tickets.
The City of Port Moody is a Community Contributor partner with the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. In that role, the city will provide additional parking for the West Coast Express from February 12 to 28, 2010. In order to facilitate a memorable experience for visitors, they are seeking volunteer parking ambassadors that will meet, greet, answer questions and provide a welcoming atmosphere.
As a Community Contributor partner, the City has access to some 2010 Olympic Winter Games event tickets at face value. These tickets will be made available for purchase by our volunteer parking ambassadors. A limited number of tickets are available, so volunteer names will be entered into a draw, and randomly selected individuals will receive the opportunity to purchase 1 pair of tickets to pre-selected Olympic events. While participation in the ticket purchase opportunity is optional, this is a great chance to represent your community and take part in the Olympic experience at the same time.
The tickets are non-transferrable and, once purchased, must be accepted as awarded and are subject to the ticket rules, regulations and conditions of the ticket issuer. Staff of the City of Port Moody and relatives of staff are ineligible for this ticket draw. You can join the volunteer parking ambassador team by submitting your completed application by 12 noon on December 18, 2009. In order to apply, download an application and submit it to:
Parking Ambassador Program
c/o C. Lefebvre & J. Roemer
300 Ioco Rd, Port Moody, BC V3H 2V7
You can also fax your completed application to 604.469.4560
For further information, contact the Director of Community Services at 604.469.4542. And good luck!
This week in the V3H you’ll find lots of opportunities to buy handmade for the holidays. You’ll also have the opportunity to get out and enjoy a night on the town, or learn how to eat better at home.
On Wednesday, November 25 Joye Designs presents the “All That Glitters Glam Girls Gala”, starting at 6:30pm at S Restaurant in Port Moody [map]. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres wile be served while models dressed in black showcase Joye’s latest creations. There will also be lots of prizes and draws. Men are welcome, and tickets are $20. Donations will also be going to the Battered Women’s Society. To make a reservation or for more information call 604.931.2662.
On Wednesday, November 25 the Port Moody Public Library is holding Eat Together, Eat Better! from 7-8:30pm in the ParkLane Room [map]. Eating dinner together is a tradition most of us want to maintain, but it isn’t easy when you are juggling work, school and extracurricular activities. Dietician Jane Wark will give parents tips and ideas to get a fast nutritious dinner on the table. Call 604.469.4577 for more information or to register.
And, of course, as we mentioned in an earlier post pianist Darret Zusko will be performing at Evergreen Cultural Centre on Thursday, November 26 at 8pm [map].
On Friday, November 27 from 6:15-9:15pm, the Jelly Bean Dance is happening at the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre in Port Coquitlam [map]. It will be a night of fun-filled activities, including door prizes, carnival games, professional DJ and supervision for children in Grade 4, 5 or 6. Tickets are available at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre or the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex the Sunday prior to the dance. And buying in advance saves you $2 off the ticket price, so it pays to plan ahead. For more information call 604.927.7946 or email kulhanekj@portcoquitlam.ca.
On Friday, November 27 at 6:30pm the 16th Annual Treasures of Christmas Gala will take place at the Red Robinson Show Theatre to raise money for the Crossroads Hospice Society [map]. The event is a breathtaking mix of spectacular Christmas trees, delectable food, exciting entertainment, moving presentations, silent and live auctions, door prizes and raffles. Tickets are $100, and must be purchased in advance. For more information, call 604.945.0606 or email info@crossroadshospice.bc.ca.
On Friday, November 27 from 7-9pm the Coquitlam Art Club is holding the opening reception for its Fall Exhibition at Glen Pine Pavilion in Coquitlam [map]. The show also runs on Saturday, November 28 from 9am-4pm. There will be original art work in different media of landscape, seascape, abstract by members of the Coquitlam Art Club. The art show runs in conjunction with the Glen Pine Pavilion Christmas Artisan Showcase on the main level. For more information, call 604.927.6940.
On Friday, November 27 from 7-9:30pm the Art Extravaganza kicks off at Wilson Centre in Port Coquitlam [map]. The event continues on Saturday, November 28 from 10am-4pm, and on Sunday, November 29 from 12-4pm. Wilson Centre’s artists have been preparing for the extravaganza all year. The show will feature woodcarvings, oil paintings, watercolours, drawing, ceramics, floral arrangements and more. For more information call 604.927.7974 or email chetneya@portcoquitlam.ca.
On Friday, November 27 from 7-9pm the Winter Artisans Fair will be holding its opening reception at the Leigh Square Community Arts Village in Port Coquitlam [map]. The event continues on Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29 from 11am-5pm. The fair features over 30 artists and artisans from the Tri-Cities and across the Lower Mainland, displaying a diverse array of quality, one‐of‐a‐kind work for sale. Fair guests will also receive a shopping discount at Ten Thousand Villages. Bring the whole family and enjoy hot food and drinks, live music and good company while you shop. For more information, call 604.927.8441.
Have a great week!
This Thursday, one of Canada’s top young pianists will be hitting the boards at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. Darrett Zusko has been soloing with some of the world’s top symphonic ensembles, and is about to bring his powerful style to the Tricities.
From his bio…
Still in his early twenties Darrett Zusko can already look back to a memorable career. He has been repeatedly engaged as guest soloist with some of today’s leading symphonic ensembles including the Cincinnati, Montréal, and Toronto Symphony Orchestras, in addition to the Ottawa Symphony, Niagara Symphony and Louisiana Philharmonic under the batons of JoAnn Falletta, Victor Feldbrill, Jacques Lacombe, Erich Kunzel and John Morris Russell to name but a few.
Critics have called him, “…a phenom… flashes of brilliance and power…” raves The Cincinnati Enquirer; “…one of the most promising performers of the 21st century, so much so that no one would doubt that he may well become a figure of worldwide prominence” wrote La Nueva Espana (Spain).
A winner of numerous prestigious awards, Darrett Zusko was a top prize winner at the Montréal International Musical Competition and the New Orleans International Piano Competition, and also won the first prize and people’s choice award at the Canadian Music Competitions International Stepping Stone, and first prizes at both the Bartók-Kabalevsky-Prokofiev and Oberlin International Piano Competitions.
On his promoter’s bio page you can see a video from one of his performances. The man can play beautiful music. The concert here will include works by Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin and Liszt, and will finish with a work by the late Torontonian Oskar Morawetz.
Here’s the skinny…
When: Thursday, November 26th, 8pm
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre, Coquitlam
Tickets: $32/$27/$22 and includes a post-concert reception with the artist
Call the box office at 604-927-6555, or online at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca
Coquitlam Councillor Selina Robinson has decided that she wants to get more people involved in civic affairs. To that end, she is running a series of fireside chats. Here’s what she has to say about them:
I am committed to making sure that I have opportunities to hear what people have to say. I think that by engaging in meaningful dialogue with each other we can generate possibilities, facilitate the development of good solutions and create a shared vision.
The first chat happened on Tuesday, November 3. About a dozen people came out, and talked about what was on their minds. Some important issues were raised, like:
Selina has two more fireside chats planned – one on December 1 and one on February 2. Both will be from 7-8pm at the Poirier branch of the Coquitlam Public Library [map]. If you live in Coquitlam and have some concerns, or would just like the chance to speak one-on-one with a councillor, here is your chance. And word on the street is that Selina is bringing cookies, so showing up will absolutely be worth your while.
The coming week seems to be all about art and athleticism here in the V3H. So pull out your calendar, and see which events tickle your fancy.
On Wednesday, November 18 and Thursday, November 19 the Eagle Ridge Hospital Auxiliary will be holding a Christmas Bazaar from 8:30am-4pm in the hospital lobby [map]. There will be Christmas decorations, wreaths, sewing and knitting for sale. For more information, contact Joan Sherrott at 604.464.1271.
Coquitlam will be running leisure facilities tours, giving residents and organizations a chance to see what they have to offer. On Wednesday, November 18 there will be a tour of facilities in the Town Centre area, starting from the Pinetree Community Centre at 9:30am [map]. The tour takes in City Centre Aquatic Complex, and wraps up at Glen Pine at 11:30am with hot beverages and goodies. On Monday, November 23 there will be a tour of Poirier area facilities, starting at the Chimo Aquatic and Fitness Centre at 2pm [map]. The tour will take in Poirier Community Centre and Centennial Pavilion, and winds up at Dogwood Pavilion at 4pm for hot beverages and goodies. For more information, or to reserve your spot for either tour, call 604.927.4FUN.
Place des Arts is looking for people to help raise money for their endowment fund. They are currently attempting to raise $100,000, which will allow them to provide scholarships and bursaries to deserving students. But they need help! The newly created fundraising committee seeks passionate, committed people who care about the arts. The committee will assist in planning and implementing a fundraising gala event held in the fall of 2010 that will benefit the Endowment Fund. Their next meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 18 from 7-8pm in Room 202 at Place des Arts [map]. If you would like to RSVP or find out more about the fundraising committee, call 604.664.1636 or email alam@placedesarts.ca.
On Thursday, November 19 the Positively Petite exhibit will be opening at Place des Arts, and there will be a gala event from 7-9pm to celebrate [map]. Positively Petite presents exquisite 2D and 3D miniatures by nearly 40 artists. Among those returning is Joyce Gillespie whose miniature ceramic cats delighted viewers last year. New exhibits this year include wood and soap-stone carvings by Gary Wildeman and bobbin-lace bracelets by Jay Rudolph.The public is invited to partake in appetizers and deserts, sip a glass of wine and enjoy the sounds of festive music while viewing the art works. For more information, call 604.664.1636.
Riverside Secondary will be presenting Twelfth Night on Thursday, November 19 and Friday, November 20 at 7:30pm in the Riverside Secondary Multipurpose Auditorium [map]. While retaining the original language, this shortened production’s setting of Illyria has melted into the Commercial Drive area of Vancouver where Twelfth Night’s outrageous Illyrians would thrive. The Riverside student actors have blown up their hearty characters well beyond the classic text. Tickets are $5, and are available at the school office, or at the door. For more information call 604.941.6053.
As we mentioned on Monday, Art opens on Thursday, November 19 in Port Moody, and runs through November 28 at the Inlet Theatre [map].
On Friday November 20 and Saturday November 21, Port Coquitlam is holding the COACHING – Inspiring Kids for Life sport summit. The event runs from 7-9:30pm on the 20th, and from 9am-3:30pm on the 21st, in the gym at Terry Fox Secondary [map]. Geared towards parents and coaches, highlights include opening remarks from Mayor Greg Moore, an inspirational address from Olympic medalist Chris Rinke, sessions on long term athlete development, the Run, Jump, Throw Program, and a presentation of the draft Port Coquitlam Sport Strategy. To register, or for more information, email comartinb@portcoquitlam.ca or call 604.927.PLAY.
On Saturday, November 21, the Hyde Creek Masters 5km Challenge is taking place at the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre in Port Coquitlam [map]. The pool opens at 5:30am for participants to get changed and start warming up. At 6am the 5km swim starts. Participants can choose to enter the Solo Swim or the Team Relay. Food and Gatorade will be available to athletes and volunteer lap counters. And after the race, participants can stay and relax their muscles in the hot tub/sauna. For more information, or to register, call 604.927.PLAY.
On Saturday, November 21, the Coquitlam Presbyterian Church is holding its Christmas Bazaar from 9am-3pm at its location on the corner of Como Lake and Blue Mountain [map]. Refreshments will be served all day and delicious home made soup and hot dogs will be served for lunch. Highlights include crafts, items for children priced under $2.00, jewelry, homemade jams and jellies, plant sale, silent auction and more. For more information, contact David Burnell at 604-939-4683.
On Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, the Christmas Magic at the Manor craft show will be taking place at Urban Academy in New Westminster [map]. Admission is free, and please bring a donation for the food bank. For more information call 604.524.2211.
Concept Entertainment presents Arsen Shomakhov on Saturday, November 21 at 8:15pm at the Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. The Russian born Shomakhov is an incredibly talented blues guitar player. Joining Arsen will be longtime West Coast veterans Bruce O’Neill on bass and Adam Drake on drums. Opening for the trio, Dr. Charles Best Jazz band. For more information, or to buy tickets, call 604.927.6555.
Hope to see you out there, enjoying the weekend in the Tri-Cities!
The wonderfully named local theatre company, Fight Like A Girl Productions, are about to launch their 4th show at Port Moody’s Inlet Theatre. Here’s the description…
An intellectually strong, funny and beautiful story, “Art” explores and tests a long-standing friendship between three men when one of them purchases a very expensive piece of abstract art – a large painting consisting of white lines on a white canvas. Emotions run high and the conflict escalates as the friends engage in an ongoing debate over the value of the painting.
“Art” stars Dimitri Arvanitis, Michael Weir, and William Valenzuela. Directed by Brad Williams, Assistant Director is Flo Bullock, and Art is produced by Fight Like A Girl’s driving force, Lori Dulmage.
The performances are at the Inlet Theatre, 100 Newport Drive in Port Moody.
November 19, 20 & 21 at 8pm
November 22 at 2pm
November 26, 27, & 28th at 8pm
Tickets are $13/$15, and can be purchased by calling 778-217-0435, emailing boxoffice <at> fightlikeagirlproductions.com, or visit their website at www.fightlikeagirlproductions.com
This weekend, the fine people at Caffe Divano, along with BC Transplant, will be hosting an event they call “Everyday Heroes Love Lattes”
It’s a registration drive for organ donors, and when you register as an organ donor, you not only may be saving a life, but you can get a latte for $1. The event is in support of local resident Chris Kirby, who is on the waiting list for a heart transplant. Less than 17% of British Columbians are registered organ donors, and it’s people like Chris who are waiting for life saving organs. It only takes a few minutes of your time, and they promise they will not ask you for your organs if you are still using them.
All weekend representatives from BC Transplant will be on hand to sign you up, and you get a latte for a buck! You can’t go wrong.
It’s all happening this Saturday and Sunday at Caffe Divano, 101-101 Klahanie Drive, Port Moody. We’ll see you there.
This morning I had the honour of participating in two Remembrance Day ceremonies, although it was from a distance. Got to work at 6am today to do graphics for Global National’s coverage of the Remembrance Day ceremonies from Ottawa. Then at 10:50am, it was Vancouver’s turn on Global BC. There is an added poignancy of having so many young people putting their lives on the line today in Afghanistan.
Charles Deenen took some amazing photographs of the ceremony outside of the Port Moody branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, and he was kind enough to share them with us. For those that served, and those that continue to serve, we remember.
You can see the rest of Charles amazing photography here at his Flickr page
Today is Remembrance Day. If you want to attend one of the ceremonies in the Tri-Cities, check out our post Remembrance Day in the V3H.
I am trying valiantly to deny it, but in spite of my protests the holiday season is fast approaching. The events calendar here in the V3H is filling up, and all signs show that things will only get busier as the year draws to a close. Here are some of the events going on this week.
The Place des Arts Christmas Boutique opens on Thursday, November 12, and runs through December 18. The boutique promises something a little different to brighten up your holiday shopping experience this year. There will be elegant jewellery and ceramic, wood and stone carvings, glassware, and delicate, hand-blown Christmas ornaments. The Christmas Boutique has something for every budget and taste. So be sure to stop by Place des Arts to do a little holiday shopping and support local artists and artisans at the same time [map].
The Evergreen Cultural Centre will be running another Connoisseur’s Night on Thursday, November 12 from 7-9pm [map]. This is a chance to join the Art Gallery curator for an evening of culture, including a tour of the current exhibition, The Tree: From the Sublime to the Social. There will be wine, appetizers, and a fun, social mingling of minds. For more information or to purchase tickets call 604.927.6555.
From Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 15 there will be a pottery sale happening at Straight Up Studios in Port Moody [map]. From 1-6pm each day there will be locally-crafted pottery for sale, including seconds and discounted items. For more information call 604.637.7087 or email info@clivetuckerceramics.ca.
The Crossroads Coffee House is back on Friday, November 13 at The Gathering Place in Port Coquitlam [map]. Doors open at 7pm, and the open stage starts at 7:30pm. Feature performers Chapter 11 take to the stage at 9pm. Chapter 11 artist Bob Collins and Rob Sheridan have spent over 25 years developing a contemporary style. Pure music and entertainment with a sense of humour. Tickets are $5 at the door, and everyone is welcome. For more information call 604.949.2270 or 604.949.2274.
The Port Moody Film Society is presenting No Man’s Land on Friday, November 13 at 7:30pm at Inlet Theatre [map]. The film is in Bosnian with English subtitles, and depicts Bosnian and Serb soldiers who find themselves trapped in a trench in between their lines. The film won an Oscar in 2002 for ‘Best Foreign Language Film’, and boasts another 26 wins & 14 nominations. For more information call 604.469.4571 or email info@pmfilm.ca.
The Port Moody Art Association is presenting its 42nd Annual Show and Sale this weekend at Port Moody’s Social Recreation Centre [map]. The opening happens on Friday, November 13th from 7:30-10pm, and the sale continues on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. The show features over 200 paintings from 50 artists. The works will be in all sizes, frames and unframed, and range in price from $10 to $1000. For more information email portmoodyart@hotmail.com.
Terry Fox Library and Wilson Centre are teaming up to present a Fall Affair and Book Sale on Saturday, November 14 from 10am-2pm at the Wilson Centre [map]. There will be displays, demonstrations, music, entertainment and a huge new crafts and bake sale. It’s a great chance to see what goes on at Wilson Centre. Meanwhile, in the lobby of the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex, the Terry Fox Library will be having their annual book sale, offering bargain basement deals on used and near new books. For more information call 604.927.7974 or email chetneya@portcoquitlam.ca.
Saint Laurence Anglican Church is running its 16th Annual Quality Fair on Saturday, November 14 from 10am-3pm [map]. You can expect to find home baking, preserves, collectibles, toys, puzzles, jewelry and more. There will also be a silent auction, and a raffle for two large gourmet food baskets. And as if that weren’t enough, there will be free coffee and tea, and homemade soup and hot dogs available.
On Saturday, November 14 from 1-3pm there will be a Kung Fu Panda Swim at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre in Port Coquitlam [map]. Bring your friends down for a ‘karate chopping good time’! For more information call 604.927.7946 or email parksrec@portcoquitlam.ca.
The Pacific Digital Photography Club presents Photomotion on Saturday, November 14 at Inlet Theatre [map]. There is a matinee at 2pm, and an evening show at 7pm. This year’s presentation features a selection of juried audio-visual presentations approximately 3 to 4 minutes in duration. The show includes commentary, refreshments, door prizes and an opportunity to meet many of the contributing photographers. For more information, or for tickets, call 604.929.7860 or 604.574.3429.
And, of course, as we discussed last Friday the Place des Arts Faculty Concert is happening on Saturday, November 14.
The Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble presents Symphonies of Winds on Saturday, November 14 at 8pm at the Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. It’s a concert in the grand symphonic tradition, with large scale music that takes you on the journey of a lifetime. The evening features a solo performance by Ron Mann, 18, winner of the Youth Soloist Competition. He’ll be playing the Mozart Oboe Concerto, first movement. For more information or to purchase tickets call 604.927.6555.
The Hyde Creek Salmon Festival is running on Sunday, November 15 from 11am-3pm at the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre [map]. Join in celebrating as the salmon return to their spawning grounds. There will be activities for all ages including nature walks, hatchery information, demonstrations, site tours and a first-hand look at the salmon in the creek. For more information call 604.461.FISH or visit the Hyde Creek Education Centre online.
Here’s to another great weekend here in the V3H!
