Fall is in the air. Can you feel it? I’m pretty sure I can. School is starting on Tuesday and summer is winding to a close. Here’s how you can soak up the last gasp of the season.
What: Lantern Making Workshop
When: Thursday, September 2 from 12:30-2:30pm
Where: Henderson Place Mall [map]
The skinny: Make a lantern at this free workshop, and enter the lantern contest as part of the Mid-Autumn Festival which will be held on September 18.
More info: 604.689.8898 or bcho@henderson-development.com
What: Sierra Leone: Women and Culture
When: Thursday, September 2 from 7-8:30pm
Where: Poirier Library [map]
The skinny: Lee Stow has been a photojournalist for the past 20 years. For more than 3 years, Lee has made field visits to live with the women in Sierra Leone to photograph their daily lives and report on their situation. Sierra Leone is trying to rebuild after more than a decade of brutal civil war, and women are trying to reclaim their rights, as well as fight for survival in a country where their life expectancy is around 42. Lee’s body of work tells a story of harsh realities but one of hope.
More info: 604.937.4144
What: Chris Ayries Concert
When: Thursday, September 2 at 7:30pm
Where: Inlet Theatre [map]
The skinny: From the time Chris Ayries started performing as a young teenager, audiences walked away knowing that they had heard something very special. Whether she is exploring the sensitivity of a ballad or knocking you back on your heels with sheer power on her pop tunes, Chris is sure to delight and amaze you! Her influences include everyone from Stevie Wonder to Stevie Nicks, from Mavis Staples to Annie Lennox.
More info: 604.931.2008
What: Internet Searching
When: Friday, September 3 from 3-4pm
Where: Poirier Library [map]
The skinny: For those who have taken the Beginner class or have sufficient experience. Registrants must be comfortable using the Internet, entering an address in the address bar, and scrolling up and down a page. In this class, you will learn how to get more relevant search results. Registration is required for this free program, as space is limited.
More info: 604.937.4144
What: Friday Night Live Concerts
When: Friday, September 3 from 6-8pm, and then continuing weekly until September 24
Where: Spirit Square [map]
The skinny: Bring your chair and picnic dinner to enjoy free live music in the park!
More info: 604.927.6952 or spiritsquare@coquitlam.ca
What: Engelbert Humperdinck
When: Friday, September 3 at 8pm
Where: Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]
The skinny: It was over four decades ago that Engelbert Humperdinck – music’s “King of Romance” – emerged as one of the foremost entertainers in the world. Once called “the premiere voice of the 20th century” by The London Times, the multiple Grammy nominee with the ultra-smooth 3 1/2 octave range and natural charisma has sold over 150 million records worldwide including 64 Gold and 24 Platinum albums. His popularity continues to cross every generation and gender while his fan club remains one of the largest in the world with over 250 chapters.
More info: 280.4444
What: Effective Study Strategies – in Korean
When: Saturday, September 4 from 1-3pm
Where: Poirier Library [map]
The skinny: A speaker from the Vancouver Korean Canadian Scholarship Foundation will discuss effective study strategies to enable success at school. There will be time for questions after the presentation. Call ahead to register.
More info: 604.936.5900
What: Evening with Captain Sig and the Hillstrand Brothers
When: Saturday, September 4 at 8pm
Where: Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]
The skinny: Captain Sig and the Hillstrand Brothers are leaving the unforgiving sea and TV’s Deadliest Catch for the open road. In this live interactive event, they’ll swap stories as they take the audience through some of the roughest situations that the captain and crew have ever had to face on the high seas. Fans across North America will have a chance to hear the stories behind the show, view never-before-seen video footage and partake in a question and answer session as Captain Sig and the Hillstrand Brothers bring the intimate world of crab fishing to live audiences.
More info: 280.4444
Have a great week!
The Giggle Dam Theatre will be hosting a cruise in May 2011, and they want you to join them for the wine, laughs, and fun.
The Giggle Dam in Port Coquitlam has been bringing their unique brand of comedy dinner theatre to the Tricities since 2001. If you haven’t had the pleasure of taking in dinner and the show at the Giggle Dam, you are missing out on some of the best fun you’ll find anywhere. Be prepared to get in on the comedy fun, especially if you feel the need for a glass of water. The food is great, usually with a large sprinkling of parsley, because as they say at the Giggle Dam, “it’s cheap, and looks nice.” The shows at their location in downtown Port Coquitlam run Friday thru Sunday nights throughout the year, and for $55 (plus tax) for dinner and a show, it’s a fantastic deal.
But instead of just heaping praise on the local shows, we’re here to talk about the “Go on Vacation with the Dam Cast” cruise that kicks off on May 3rd, 2011. You may have noticed the banners on our site, so here’s the deal. You’ll spend 10 nights aboard the Celebrity Millenium sailing from San Diego to Vancouver. You’ll fly down to San Diego (one of my favourite places, if you’ve never been), and sail back up the West Coast. At the end of the cruise, you step off the boat and head home. Oh so convenient 
Want to know what the ship is like? Have a look at the video…
While the boat looks fantastic, here are the ports of call where you can stretch your legs and see some sights…
What cool things are happening with the Giggle Dam cast? Thought you’d never ask…
- Meet & Mingle Party with the DAM Cast!
Private Giggle Dam Shows!
Dance Party with the DAM Band!
Hilarious Interactive Fun & Group Activities with the DAM Cast and Crew!
Mark’s Texas Hold Em No Limits Poker Tournament!
$100.00 Shipboard Credit
Bottle of Champagne per stateroom
Exclusive “DIP” Access Pass to private shows
DAM Cruise Branded T-Shirt
Other free swag such as pillow gifts and more!
Not only will there be Giggle Dam laughs, but a whole wine program as well.
- Wine, champagne, sparkling wine and port tastings
Learn how food can impact the flavour of wine
Discover what a spectacular pair port wine and chocolate make
Shore excursion to a winery with a wine tasting and dinner
Connoisseur Wine Dinner where French and California wines are paired to the Best of the Pacific Coast
Learn how the shape of a wine glass affects flavours on the palate in our popular Riedel Wine Glass Comparative Workshop
A renowned guest wine maker will be invited aboard to celebrate all we love about good wine
Now, last year the cruise sold out with 450 revellers having a fantastic time, so space will be limited. Until September 30th there is an early bird special. A deposit of $375 per person will guarantee your spot on the ship, and you’re entered into a draw from a $250 on board credit.
Mention you heard about the cruise here on theV3H.com, and you’ll get a “Celebrity Gift Pack” and an entry to win ANOTHER $250 on board credit.
Since the cruise will be happening over Mother’s Day, finally become your mother’s favourite child and take her along for the ride. For all the details on what is going to be a fantastic time on the high seas, visit the Giggle Dam Cruise website. For all questions answered and to reserve your spot, call Arlene Pfeiffer-Jones at (604) 720-9190, or email her at apfeiffer (at) travelonly.com.
On August 4 the Tri-City News reported that Coquitlam Council was looking at the possibility of bringing an adventure playground to the city. The city believes the opportunity provides additional recreational opportunities to the community, supports economic development through eco-tourism and may lead to enhanced services for citizens.
The proposed park would use 5 acres of forest, incorporating elements like treetop walkways and ziplines. The idea is that it would be similar to the WildPlay park in Maple Ridge. Coquitlam Councillor Selina Robinson visited WildPlay to find out more. She enjoyed the experience, and found that it was quieter than she anticipated. She wrote:
The trails below are open to the public so those who want to watch, take your dog for a walk (on leash of course) or run through the trees and see how the elements are tackled are welcome … There was no yahooing as you go through the course as it does require concentration and physical stamina – yahooing will just tire you out and put you at risk of having to use your safety harness to bail you out.
Robinson also points out that a 5 acre development would be quite small within Mundy Park, which is almost 400 acres in size.
But, initially, it was not Coquitlam Council who was being asked for their opinion (although Robinson did eventually conclude that Mundy Park is not the right location for the adventure plaground). The city asked to hear from residents. And the response was swift and vocal. A majority of people who live around Mundy Park do not want to see the development. The principal objections include:
- Ruining the quiet and tranquility of a much-beloved park.
- The brevity and timing of the public consultation period, which is happening over the summer when many residents are out of town.
- Potential impacts on wildlife in the park.
- Increased vehicle traffic in the area.
Three former summer Olympians – Leah Pells, Nancy Tinari and Bruce Deacon – are also speaking out against the proposed playground. Pells says that she has run all over the world, and never seen other places like Mundy Park. And Deacon and Tinari feel that the city should have done a better job in advising the public of the consultation process.
Letters to the Editor and Editorials in the Tri-City News and the Coquitlam NOW speak with a common voice against the adventure playground. Here are a few:
- EDITORIAL: Green isn’t just the colour of money in Mundy Park
- Say ‘no’ to adventure playground in Mundy Park
- Mundy decision should be an easy one
- Message to council: Don’t mess with Mundy Park
- ‘No golf course, no forest adventure playground’
Following the negative response, Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart stated that he understood residents’ concerns, and noted that such a park could be located elsewhere in Coquitlam.
At this point, it doesn’t look like any adventure playgrounds will be built in Mundy Park. Assuming that Mayor and Council want to be re-elected, anyway. But it sounds like the idea isn’t completely off the table for the city.
What do you think? Do you think that an adventure playground would be good or bad for Coquitlam? And where do you think that such a park should be located? The official consultation period has closed, but we always want to hear from you here at the V3H.
The last week of August is upon us, and summer is slowly winding down. But the fun isn’t! Read on to find out what’s happening in the V3H this week.
What: Port Coquitlam Southside Heritage Walk
When: Thursday, August 26 at 6pm
Where: Meet at Terry Fox Library [map]
The skinny: Take a rain or shine tour of heritage buildings on Port Coquitlam’s Southside.
More info: 604.942.7611 or pocoheritage@portcoquitlam.ca
What: Reception for “The Legacy of Terry Fox” and “Colourwheels”
When: Thursday, August 26 at 6pm
Where: Leigh Square Community Arts Village [map]
The skinny: Meet the artists behind these exhibitions, which run until September 20, and representatives from the Terry Fox Foundation and Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion. This is a chance to celebrate local heroes, and learn more about the causes and work behind these two Foundations.
More info: 604.927.8400 or arts@portcoquitlam.ca
What: Chicago
When: Friday, August 27 at 8pm
Where: Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]
The skinny: Chicago has done it all … five consecutive #1 albums, thirteen platinum albums, twenty-one Top 10 singles, a Grammy and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Formed in their namesake city in 1967, Chicago’s music mixed rock, pop and jazz in a completely new way. In their influential and extensive career, Chicago is the first American band to chart a Top 40 album in five consecutive decades. Today’s line-up includes original band members Robert Lamm on vocals and keyboards, Lee Loughnane on trumpet, James Pankow on trombone and Walt Parazaider on woodwinds.
More info: 280.4444
What: Neighbourhood Swap Meet
When: Saturday, August 28 from 9am-2pm
Where: Glen Pine Pavilion [map]
The skinny: Treasure hunters, rejoice! Browse, dig and scout through all the neighbour’s goodies at Neighbourhood Swap Meet. There is no knowing what you may find, and the best of all, no one will believe how little you paid for it.
More info: 604.927.6940 or bho@coquitlam.ca
What: Events at Inspiration Garden
When: Saturday, August 28 from 10-11am and Tuesday, August 31 from 7-7:45pm
Where: Inspiration Garden [map]
The skinny: This week you can take courses on “Sedums and Succulents” on Saturday and “Pesticide Free Lawn & Garden Care” on Tuesday. Participants must register in advance.
More info: 604.927.4386 or garden@coquitlam.ca
What: BAD SEED – Invasive Plant Removal
When: Saturday, August 28 from 10am-2pm
Where: Dupont Cul-de-sac off Erskine Street [map]
The skinny: Walton Forest was designated as a park in response to strong public interest and initiative from Friends of Walton Forest. Work parties took place in 2008/2009 to remove invasive plants and we need your help again! Refreshments and snacks, as well as gloves and tools will be provided just bring yourself and maybe a friend.
More info: dslocum@coquitlam.ca
What: Summer Bike Festival
When: Saturday, August 28 from 10am-2pm
Where: Lions Park [map]
The skinny: Come celebrate cycling in Port Coquitlam. Tots on tricycles, children with training wheels, children on two-wheelers, teen and adult riders are invited to celebrate cycling as a form of recreation, sport, and active transportation. There will be bike decorating, safety information, balloons and stickers handouts, tots riding course, family bike rodeo, bicycle engraving, and the “Tour De Lions Park”. Meet local road-racing team members, competitive youth BMX racers, the Shaughnessy Bike Park hosts, and the team of Little Sprockets and Gear-Up Mountain Biking Instructors.
More info: 604.927.5411
What: Lantern Making Workshop
When: Saturday, August 28 from 12:30-2:30pm
Where: Henderson Place Mall [map]
The skinny: Make a lantern at this free workshop, and enter the lantern contest as part of the Mid-Autumn Festival which will be held on September 18.
More info: 604.689.8898 or bcho@henderson-development.com
Have a great week!
Do you know a young musician looking to step up their game? Place des Arts’ Saxophone Ensemble, and String Quartet are holding auditions for new members at the beginning of September.
Ensembles develop players’ musical and technical skills while providing performance opportunities in a variety of settings. Participants meet new people and develop community connections through local performances.
The String Quartet provides accomplished string players with the chance to further develop their performance and technical skills through the intimate language of chamber music. Accuracy in rhythm and intonation and interaction between musical players are just some of the learning benefits from playing in a small ensemble.
The Saxophone Ensemble is under the direction of Steve Kaldestad. Steve earned a MMus and BMus in jazz performance from McGill University. He has worked with such international artists as Jamie Cullum, Michael Bublé and Slide Hampton and currently performs with the award winning Jodi Proznick Quartet, the Jill Townsend Orchestra and leads his own quartet. Check out some video…
The Saxophone Ensemble’s material will reflect the instrument’s versatility, from classical music to contemporary jazz pieces. Students will be introduced to improvisation and learn the basic concepts of building a solo while developing their small ensemble performance skills. This group is ideal for students aged 10-16 years who have been playing for a minimum of 2 years.
Place des Arts is also offering two new string ensembles for beginner and intermediate level players in 2010/2011, the PdA Fiddlers and the Violin Ensemble: Intro. These groups provide young players with performance opportunities in a friendly, non-competitive environment. These groups do not require an audition and are currently accepting members for the 10/11 year.
The PdA Fiddlers is a fun introduction to the world of Celtic music. Students will develop a repertoire of simple jigs, reels and airs and perform at Light up the Square on December 4.
The Violin Ensemble:Intro provides young violinists aged 7-12 years with a fun introduction to ensemble playing while learning a variety of music. Students should have minimum 2 years private lessons or have completed RCM grade 2 or Suzuki book 2.
Call Place des Arts’ music program coordinator, Melanie Burner, at 604.664.1636 ext 38, or by email at mburner (at) placedesarts.ca to arrange an audition for the two audition groups, or check out the ensembles website at www.placedesarts.ca
West Coast Wine Education is the brain child of wine expert John Gerum. The company was created in 2004 from a desire to help the general public become more educated consumers in the world of wine.
John worked in fine dining and luxury hotel management for 20 years. His focus on wine education led him to obtain an Advanced Wine Certificate more than a decade ago, and he has been granted membership and certification from the International Sommelier Guild. He attends many wine education workshops and tastes hundreds of wine samples each year to keep his wine knowledge up to date. John has been called on to personally serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Ministers, Presidents, Provincial Premiers, entertainers and major sports celebrities.
Over the past few years, his company has grown from offering an occasional beginner’s wine appreciation course to running both beginner’s and advanced level courses all year long. They also offer a number of unique and exciting workshops, events and wine clubs, including Best of BC Wines Uncorked.
If you would like to have a chance to learn some more about wines, and sample local vintages, you might be interested in West Coast Wine Education’s VIP Fraser Valley Wine Tour on Sunday, August 29th. A tour bus departs from Port Moody Arts Centre at 9:30am, and drops you back off at 4:30pm.
Guests will join John Gerum on a private tour of some of the best Fraser Valley Wineries. All wineries on the tour produce VQA BC wines or quality BC wines. No fruit wineries are included on the tour. However, you will have a unique experience and understanding of the wineries of the Fraser Valley, and you will get to taste and enjoy a number of delicious and refreshing wines, produced and created close to home.
Mid-way through the tour, there a gourmet artisan lunch will be provided, consisting of artisan breads, cheeses, BBQ, fresh salad selections and dessert selections.
If you want to know more about West Coast Wine Education or their VIP Wine Tour, contact them at carolyn@wcwed.com or 604.463.1998.
The Evergreen Line is currently undergoing its environmental assessment. Once that is complete, the route will be finalized and a contractor will be selected, and construction is slated to begin in early 2011. The scheduled completion is in 2014.
After years of broken promises, it looks like we will finally get rapid transit in the Northeast sector. Speaking purely for myself, I am very happy to see this finally happening. So much development has happened in the Tri-Cities with the understanding that we would have SkyTrain here, so it’s about time that transit finally caught up with growth.
But now that the line is coming, there are a variety of questions that need to be addressed. What will the impact of construction be? Who will build it? What will the stations look like? And where will the stations be located?
That last question speaks to the heart of Port Moody’s Western Station Committee (WSC). WSC is a community-based organization working to facilitate an Evergreen SkyTrain station located in Western Port Moody. WSC believes that there is broad based local support for a SkyTrain station located in Western Port Moody and the many anticipated social, economic and environmental benefits that are expected to result. They commissioned a study in November 2009 that demonstrated that more than 70% of local residents support a western station.
Unfortunately, current Evergreen Line plans do not include a western station. The environmental studies that were done for the assessment process also do not take a western station into account. There is a station planned in the Burquitlam area, and another station planned at the Port Moody West Coast Express stop, and nothing in between.
WSC wants to see an Evergreen Line Station as close to the Barnet Highway as possible, built during the first phase of construction, together with the Murray-Clarke Connector. They argue that if construction is consolidated, it will minimize the environmental impacts, preventing the needless disturbance of environmentally-sensitive Schoolhouse Creek twice. They feel that both projects are needed for the health and sustainability of Moody Centre, and doing the work separately will unnecessarily make the environmental impact greater.
Port Moody Council agrees. Council wants to see a western station, and it also wants to see the Murray-Clarke connector.
The Ministry of Transportation has suggested that if Port Moody wants a western station, then they could increase density and get developers to pay the $20 million tab. But Port Moody Mayor Joe Trasolini asks why his city should have to pay. He points out that local residents have funded SkyTrain development throughout Metro Vancouver, via their taxes. He does not want to see that kind of density in Moody Centre, and feels that the Ministry should cover the costs just as they are covering the costs for other stations.
At this point, there is a lot of discussion, but there is no resolution in sight for a possible western station. The Western Station Committee continues to fight the good fight, advocating for its cause with Evergreen Line officials, the Ministry of Transportation and local government.
We at theV3H.com believe in the cause so much that we are now helping the committee with their website and social media outreach efforts. If you would like to stay up to date on the evolution of this discussion, visit the Western Station Committee‘s website, find them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter. You can also support their work by signing their petition or subscribing to their email newsletter. You can participate in the Evergreen Line’s environmental assessment process.
What do you think? Are you in favour of a station in Western Port Moody? Or are you concerned about other areas of the Tri-Cities that are underserved in the current Evergreen Line plan? And who do you think should be footing the bill for development? Please share your thoughts!
This is another busy week here in the V3H. Summer may be in slow decline, but the pace of events is holding strong. Read on to find out what’s happening here in our back yard!
What: Summertime Concert at Dogwood Pavilion
When: Thursday, August 19 from 7-9:15pm
Where: Dogwood Pavilion [map]
The skinny: Dogwood Pavilion presents “Guys and Dolls” – a male/female duo playing everyone from Liberace to Cher, Elvis, Tom Jones, Shania, Patsy Cline, Frank Sinatra and more. You never know what celebrity is going to show up or sit on your lap! There is something for everyone in this show and it is extremely interactive with a lot of audience participation. Light refreshments served at intermission. Please call to register in advance.
More info: 604.927.6098
What: Melissa Etheridge
When: Friday, August 20 at 8pm
Where: Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]
The skinny: Celebrating the release of her new album, Fearless Love, singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge is gearing up for her summer tour which will take her to Europe and across North America. At this point, her accomplishments are endless and well-documented. This has allowed her to find herself in the enviable position of being able to make exactly the music she hears in her head and feels in her heart. That music embodies much of what we’ve come to anticipate from Etheridge – giant, soaring melodies, her bold, expressive voice, plenty of musical, lyrical and emotional drama.
More info: 280.4444
What: Cinema Under the Stars
When: Friday, August 20 at 8:45pm
Where: Aggie Park [map]
The skinny: Back by popular demand to a park near you! The towering, 26ft tall enormous silver screen will be traveling around the city throughout the summer months; so pack a picnic, bring a blanket and round up some friends or bring the whole family out to Cinema Under the Stars. This showing? Madagascar 2: Escape from Africa .
More info: 604.927.8400
What: Events at Inspiration Garden
When: Saturday, August 21 from 10-11am and 1-2pm, and Tuesday, August 24 from 10-11am
Where: Inspiration Garden [map]
The skinny: This week kids can plant seeds, create an undersea garden and enjoy a sensory walk. Some parent participation is required, and you must register in advance.
More info: 604.927.4386 or garden@coquitlam.ca
What: Minnekhada Art in the Park Festival
When: Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22 from 11am-4pm
Where: Minnekhada Park [map]
The skinny: Inspire your senses at this family friendly event. Enjoy artists’ work, listen to live jazz, watch roving performers, explore the charming gardens, indulge your taste buds at the outdoor café, go on a guided nature walk, or make crafts in the children’s area.
More info: 604.520.6442 or artinthepark@metrovancouver.org
What: Anmore Arts in the Garden
When: Saturday, August 21 from 2-5pm
Where: Roxanne’s House [map]
The skinny: Art, music, live painting and poetry. Be sure to circle this not-to-be-missed Anmore event on your calendar! Ginette Taylor will be collecting food and clothing at the event for the Women’s Shelter.
More info: jpeachy@jpeachygallery.com
What: The Doobie Brothers
When: Saturday, August 21 at 8pm
Where: Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]
The skinny: The Doobie Brothers are one of the few American music groups that have been able to achieve a phenomenal level of success and sustain it for over four decades. In total, the band has sold over 22 million records from the 1970s to present day. They have continually defied categorization while maintaining their signature sound. One thing is certain – the Doobie Brothers will continue to rock well into the future.
More info: 280.4444
What: Public Tree Tour
When: Sunday, August 22 at 1pm
Where: Henry Esson Young, Riverview Grounds [map]
The skinny: Walks are usually led by a volunteer arborist, and last about two hours, depending on weather and walkers’ preference. Dress for the weather, and wear comfy shoes or boots. We go rain or shine. Children and adults welcome. Dogs on leash are also welcome. Walks are free but you can join the Riverview Horticultural Centre Society, or make a tax-deductible donation if you wish.
More info: 604.290.9910
What: Family Fun Nights at the Mall
When: Wednesday, August 25 from 6-8pm
Where: Coquitlam Centre [map]
The skinny: Children aged 3 to 10 and their parents are invited to join Tri-City Librarians at Coquitlam Centre Mall for Family Fun Nights, from 6 to 8pm on the last Wednesday of each month. Imagine, play and learn through stories, songs, arts and more! No registration is required – please drop in. They meet on the lower level in front of London Drugs and the Toy Jungle.
More info: 604.464.1414 or 604.937.4142
What: Summer Drive-in Movies @ Coquitlam Centre
When: Wednesday, August 25 at dusk
Where: H&M/Zellers Parking Lot, by Pinetree Way at Coquitlam Centre [map]
The skinny: The parking lot opens at 6pm for those with Preferred Passes (available at Guest Services) at at 8pm for those without. Donate $10/car to enjoy the drive-in. First come first serve, until the lot is full. Enjoy the movie and stop by the concession. The August 25 showing features How to Train Your Dragon.
More info: 604.464.1414
Have a great week!
Coquitlam resident Alexander Bell can’t stop climbing the Coquitlam Crunch, and on Sunday, August 29th, he’s going to be climbing it as many times as he can in one day for a good cause. Bell is teaming up with the Coquitlam Foundation to raise funds and awareness for initiatives that embrace diversity in our community. Five times up the Crunch would be a minimum and ten times would probably be the maximum. Ten times would be over 40 kms with a total elevation gain of about 2800 meters or 9000 feet.
Bell says, “This year, it will be just me with the support of friends and neighbors. I would like to get some sponsors and raise a couple of hundred dollars. Next year, with more time and organizing, we can involve more people and raise a couple of thousand dollars. My vision for the future is to have people representing every diversity group to join me in ‘the Diversity Crunch’. Our aim is to raise enough money to create an endowment fund with the Coquitlam Foundation; one that can support diversity initiatives in Coquitlam for years to come.”
Bell is the Safe Harbour Coordinator for the Tri-Cities; a diversity awareness program for businesses and community agencies. “I wanted to do something that would support diversity awareness activities and raise awareness of the Safe Harbour Program. I also wanted to do something that would bring attention to the Coquitlam Foundation, a great resource we have in Coquitlam with even more potential as people learn about what it can do for our community” says Bell.
The Safe Harbour program delivers “Respect for All” workshops to businesses and agencies. The program promotes equitable treatment for all, creating an immediate safe place, and supports employees and worksites to actively implement these commitments. Toward the vision of a more welcoming community, the Tri-Cities now has its own Safe Harbour program and Bell welcomes the opportunity to bring more businesses on board. There are now over 700 Safe Harbour certified locations signed on across BC. For more information on the Safe Harbour project visit www.safeharbour.ca, or call Alexander at (778) 886-9273.
The Coquitlam Foundation is pleased to accept tax-deductible donations for the Coquitlam Crunch Challenge. You can mail a cheque to the Foundation c/o P.O. Box 2, 1207 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, B.C., Canada, V3B 7Y3, or through the Foundation’s website www.coquitlamfoundation.com.
August is almost half over, can you believe it? I know I can’t. I also know that there is still plenty of summer fun to be had. Read on to find out more.
What: Port Coquitlam Southside Heritage Walk
When: Thursday, August 12 at 10am
Where: Meet at Terry Fox Library [map]
The skinny: Take a rain or shine tour of heritage buildings on Port Coquitlam’s Southside.
More info: 604.942.7611 or pocoheritage@portcoquitlam.ca
What: Dinner and Dance for a Cause
When: Thursday, August 12 from 5:30-9:30pm
Where: Old Mill Boathouse [map]
The skinny: A very special event is taking place at the Old Mill Boathouse in August. Daisy Ozga is finishing up her coursework in Entertainment Business Management at Vancouver Film School. For her final project, she’s putting together a fantastic event, and it’s all to benefit the Canadian Cancer Society.
More info: 778.384.7465 or dinnerdanceforacause@gmail.com
What: Blondie
When: Friday, August 13 at 8pm
Where: Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]
The skinny: Inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, Blondie emerged as the great pop icons of New York’s celebrated late 70s new wave punk scene by defying easy categorization. This June, Blondie released their 9th studio album, Panic of Girls, coinciding with the launch of their summer tour across the UK and North America.
More info: 280.4444
What: Summer Heat Arts Festival
When: Friday, August 13 – Sunday, August 15
Where: Second Storey Theatre [map]
The skinny: Second Storey Theatre hosts the first annual Summer Heat Arts Festival (with Air Conditioning!). Performers from all across the Lower Mainland are participating in this 3 day event that will feature 13 shows. With comedies, 1 person shows, musicals, a comic convention and a rock opera, there really is something for everyone. All the proceeds from the festival will go towards purchasing new theatre chairs for Second Storey Theatre (the theatre currently has cheap but not-so-comfortable folding chairs).
More info: 778.285.0109
What: Little Paws Garage Sale
When: Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15
Where: 2565 Raven Court, Coquitlam [map]
The skinny: Little Paws Rescue Society rescues and rehomes little dogs that have been abandoned, abused, surrendered and removed from puppy/breeding mills. To help raise money to help these dogs they are holding their 3rd annual fundraising garage sale.
More info: crittersall@yahoo.ca or 604.941.9016
What: Korean Heritage Day Festival
When: Saturday, August 14 from 10am-6pm
Where: Blue Mountain Park [map]
The skinny: The theme of this 9th annual festival is “Harmony”. To celebrate the theme, there will be a number of performing groups from Korean and non-Korean communities from across the Lower Mainland. Other highlights include the Korean Fest Idol Contest and the Kid’s Zone. Admission is free.
More info: 604.720.8949
What: Events at Inspiration Garden
When: Saturday, August 14, Sunday, August 15 and Tuesday, August 17 from 10-11am
Where: Inspiration Garden [map]
The skinny: This week you can learn all the best methods for preserving herbs, plan your fall and winter planting, and kids can hear about beneficial bugs. Each program is $5, and registration is required in advance.
More info: 604.927.4386 or garden@coquitlam.ca
What: Up, Up and Away
When: Saturday, August 14 from 2-3pm
Where: Port Moody Public Library [map]
The skinny: Drop by the library for a spectacular, science themed show designed to amaze and intrigue. Watch explosive experiments in action, and follow up by borrowing some great science books and DVDs from the library. Please come early to get a seat at these popular events.
More info: 604.469.4575
What: Port Moody Film Society Indoor/Outdoor Double Feature
When: Saturday, August 14 at 7:30pm and 9:30pm
Where: Inlet Theatre [map]
The skinny: First up, catch Outsourced in English and Hindi. The film tells the story of Todd, who lost his call centre job in Seattle. He travels to India to train his replacement and finds his life. Then, enjoy the Academy Award-winning Australian film Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. It’s a comedy that will change the way you think, the way you feel, and most importantly … the way you dress.
More info: 604.469.4571
What: Downtown Port Coquitlam’s 6th Annual Car Show
When: Sunday, August 15 from 10am-6pm
Where: Downtown Port Coquitlam [map]
The skinny: Hosted by the Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association, Port Coquitlam’s Downtown Car Show provides visitors an incredible opportunity to see a range of unique, vintage and custom vehicles as over 300 cars, trucks and motorcycles line the downtown streets.
More info: 604.464.1490
What: Musician Will Stroet
When: Tuesday, August 17 from 2-3pm
Where: Terry Fox Library [map]
The skinny: It’s party time and children’s musician Will Stroet is performing his original, high-energy and interactive music in English and French. Will imparts positive messages about active living and the environment through upbeat and memorable songs. Since 2006, Will has performed more than 300 shows to thousands of enthusiastic children and was recently nominated for “Best Children’s Recording” by the Western Canadian Music Awards.
More info: 604.927.7999
What: Summer Drive-in Movies @ Coquitlam Centre
When: Wednesday, August 18 at dusk
Where: H&M/Zellers Parking Lot, by Pinetree Way at Coquitlam Centre [map]
The skinny: The parking lot opens at 6pm for those with Preferred Passes (available at Guest Services) at at 8pm for those without. Donate $10/car to enjoy the drive-in. First come first serve, until the lot is full. Enjoy the movie and stop by the concession. The August 18 showing features The Notebook.
More info: 604.464.1414
Have a great week!
