Port Moody mom of two, Kirsten Zerbinis, is a fibre artist and knitting instructor. She’s a pretty good instructor, I must say – she taught me to knit. Kirsten also dyes fibre and spins yarn for her business, Yummy Yarn, in her house around her children’s schedules. You can find her products in local yarn stores, including Black Sheep Yarns in Port Moody.
Kirsten has been an avid crafter since the age of 7, when her grandmother taught her to knit. Over the years she has belonged to a variety of knitting groups, but found it hard to attend once her first child arrived 5 years ago. And so, she has harboured a dream of starting a child-friendly crafting group, where moms can bring their kids, create handcrafts, pick up new skills and ideas, and socialize. Finally, that group became a reality when Clever Hands was born.
Clever Hands meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month in the SHARE building at 2615 Clarke Street in Port Moody [map]. The meeting runs from approximately 9-11:30am, and crafters of all ages and ability levels are welcome. Attendance is not limited to mothers of small children, so long as everyone understands that it is a child-friendly space and there may be toddler chaos. Because when you bring toddlers, like my own darling 18-month-old, chaos does seem to follow.
Membership in the group is free, and members are encouraged to share their interests and projects with each other. Each meeting has a loose theme, with room for individual interests and interpretation. The next meeting will happen on Thursday, March 18. If you plan to attend, or would like more information, contact Kirsten at yummy.yarn@gmail.com.
I am sure that I am not the only one who is still recovering from the Olympics in Vancouver. In fact, I’m certain that I’m not, because this weekend is shaping up to be a quiet one here in the V3H. However, there are still several fabulous events to choose from, so read on!
The powerful drama Jake’s Gift began playing on Tuesday, March 2 and it continues until Saturday, March 6 at Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. Jake’s Gift tells the story of 80-year-old Jake, a Canadian World War II veteran who reluctantly returns to Normandy, France, for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day to find the grave of his eldest brother who was killed in 1944. In June 2004, Julia Mackey traveled to Normandy, France, for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day. During her journey she interviewed dozens of veterans who had returned for the ceremonies. The stories they shared with Julia and her own life-long interest in World War II and remembrance were the inspiration to create Jake’s Gift. For more information, or to buy tickets, call 604.927.6555.
If you are an actor, or have acting aspirations, you might be interested in the Open Auditions for the SHIFT 1-Act Theatre Festival. The auditions take place on Friday, March 5 from 6-9pm and Saturday, March 6 from 12-5pm in the Parkview Room, which is just above Inlet Theatre in Port Moody [map]. You should arrive with a prepared monologue around 1 minute long, and be ready to cold-read a short piece that will be provided when you arrive. You can sign up for an audition online. For more information call 604.910.1199 or email nick.sartore@shiftarts.ca.
As we shared a little over a week ago, the Coast Meridian Overpass is opening. To celebrate, there will be some opening ceremonies on Saturday, March 6 from 10am-noon. It sounds like a fabulous time!
The Terry Fox Library in Port Coquitlam [map] is running three great programs this week. On Saturday March 6 from 2:30-3:30pm they present Family Pet Series – Bite Free Program: Dog Bite Safety. SPCA Educator Nina Hobbis returns to deliver this dog bite safety presentation to children that will equip your family with the skills to interact comfortably with dogs. On Monday, March 8 from 7-8:30 pm they present Writing Your Will. The People’s Law School outlines the steps to writing a will and how to avoid common pitfalls. Finally, on Tuesday, March 9 from 7-8pm they present CSI Myths: What’s Really Involved When You Work in Forensics for teens. Dr. Mark Skinner, Forensic Anthropologist and co-director of SFU’s groundbreaking Centre for Forensic Research, will discuss and demo what really happens in the field of forensics in this interactive presentation. For more information on any of these programs, or to register, call 604.927.7999.
Have a great week!
Port Moody Mayor Joe Trasolini announced a $50,000 grant from the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) on February 17. The EDF is used in support of environmental legislation, helping to ensure that polluters take responsibility for their actions. Port Moody’s grant will be used for the City’s “What Swims Beneath” project.
The grant will allow the City to work with community partners to conduct fish inventories within the Port Moody Arm of Burrard Inlet. The fish inventory sites are located mainly within Tidal Park and include sub-tidal sites near Old Orchard Park and the tidal channels near Pigeon Cove.
In his announcement from Pigeon Cove Trasolini said, “Burrard Inlet is part of one of Canada’s most productive marine ecosystem and has 190 kilometres of marine foreshore. Port Moody Arm includes Tidal Park, and is recognized for its regional role in maintaining ecological health.” The area is home to numerous species of fish and waterfowl, and is an ideal rearing habitat for juvenile salmon.
In the late 1800s a fish inventory revealed that Burrard Inlet was home to many interesting fish species. Some were the first of their kind to be seen in British Columbia. However, fish inventories have not been updated, resulting in a significant gap in local knowledge of fish species in Port Moody Arm. Port Moody Council is committed to working with the community on inventory projects to better understand local marine ecology. In applying for the grant, the City partnered with Fisheries and Oceans, Port of Metro Vancouver, Pacific Wildlife Foundation, Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society, Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program, Port Moody Ecological Society, Burke Mountain Naturalists and Vancouver Aquarium.
Grant activities will include collecting and analyzing DNA samples, developing a comprehensive public education program, holding a public outreach event at Rocky Point Park and completing and distributing the inventory report.
While the Olympics wind down in Vancouver, there is still plenty to do right here in the V3H. Read on for my weekly round-up of local events to check out.
Another Family Fun Night at the Mall is happening on Wednesday, February 24 from 6-8pm at Coquitlam Centre [map]. Children aged 3 to 10 and their parents are invited to meet on the lower level in front of London Drugs and the Toy Jungle. Imagine, play and learn about construction through stories, songs, arts and more! No registration is required, and the event is free. For more information, please call 604.464.1414.
On Thursday, February 25th from 7-8pm the Coquitlam Public Library is holding a Chinese New Year Concert at their Poirier branch [map]. The library welcomes the Year of the Tiger with a concert. Members from the Arts Musical Studio will perform traditional Chinese music to welcome the arrival of spring and the Lunar New Year. Seats are limited and registration is required. For more information, or to register, please call 604.937.3221.
The always fabulous Jelly Bean Dance is happening again on Friday, February 26 from 6:15-9:15pm at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre [map]. Students in grades 4 through 6 can enjoy a night of fun-filled activities including door prizes, carnival games, a professional DJ and supervision. Tickets are available at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre or the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex the Sunday prior to the dance for $5, or for $7 at the door. For more information call 604.927.7946 or email kulhanekj@portcoquitlam.ca.
The Tri-Cities Film Challenge Screening will take place on Friday, February 26 from 7-10pm at Inlet Theatre [map]. The night will include a viewing of short films submitted to the Tri-Cities Film Challenge as well as awards for the top three entries. For more information call 778.230.0335 or email brad@cachurch.ca.
The Crossroads Coffeehouse presents the Don Kellett Review on Friday, February 26 at the Gathering Place in Port Coquitlam [map]. Doors open at 7pm, and open mic starts at 7:30, and the feature performer takes to the stage at 9. Don plays a wide variety of musical styles and over the years he has added mandolin and steel guitar to his arsenal. Don will perform some of his favourites, including some originals. Admission is $5 at the door. For more information email info@crossroadshospice.bc.ca.
On Sunday, February 28 at 1:30 pm the Sunday Coffee Concert Series runs at Terry Fox Theatre [map]. This concert is called “From Spain to Vietnam for the Young and Young at Heart”. JouTou and the Khac Chi Ensemble team up for a creative, dynamic and entertaining performance. Traveling from France to Hanoi, Vietnam and from strings and drums to rare bamboo instruments, experience abundant opportunities for musical discovery! Then, after the show stay and meet the performers over coffee courtesy of Tim Hortons. For more information call 604.927.8440 or email chuiy@portcoquitlam.ca.
Have a great week!
Having a new baby is a big adjustment. I have two little darlings of my own, and welcoming them into our family threw me for a loop – temporarily, anyway. It also left me wanting to find other new parents, who could relate to what was going on in my life. Like most moms I had a full year of maternity leave, and I wanted to get out with my babies and enjoy it. I found some baby groups and activities that helped me to do that.
Today I’m just sharing a few of the options for new parents here in the V3H. If you know of any great activities, playgroups or drop-ins that I haven’t listed, please mention them in the comments. Other new parents craving social interaction can benefit from your experience.
Library Babytimes
These free drop-in programs offer songs, rhymes and stories, as well as discussion of early literacy skills and a chance to meet other parents. The age range is from 0-17 months in Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, and 0-24 months in Coquitlam. Here are current dates at times:
Port Moody Public Library
Mondays, 11-11:30am
Thursdays, 2-2:30pm
Classes take place in the Storytelling Circle, and are cancelled on statutory holidays. For more information call 604.469.4577.
Coquitlam Public Library
Mondays, 11-11:30am at the City Centre Branch
Thursdays, 11-11:30am at the City Centre Branch
Thursdays, 10-10:30am at the Poirier Branch
Thursdays, 11-11:30am at the Poirier Branch
The Winter sessions of babytime end the first week of March. For more information call the Poirier Children’s Department at 604.937.4142, or the City Centre Children’s Department at 604.927.3561.
Terry Fox Library
Babytime (0-17 months)
Tuesdays, 10:15-10:40am, ending March 2
Thursdays, 10:15-10:40am, beginning on March 18
Free registration required. For more information, or to register, call 604.927.7999.
Runners and Booties Fitness
Local mom Lara started Runners and Booties when her own son was a baby himself. Now she offers her extremely popular Shop ‘n Stroll classes free through local malls. She also offers Salsa Babies, a Latin dance class for moms with babies in a sling or a carrier. I personally enjoyed Salsa Babies so much that I took it 3 times in a row, you should see my cha-cha-cha now. For more info on any Runners and Booties classes call 778.285.6265.
Jungle Gym Time
Seven days a week, at various times of day, the Port Moody Recreation Centre offers drop-in Jungle Gym Time for babies and toddlers aged 0-5 years. This open gym allows older babies and toddlers to play and explore on various jungle gym apparatus. Parent participation is mandatory, and fees are $2.50 per child. For more information check out Port Moody’s Happening recreation guide, or call the Rec Centre at 604.469.4556.
Gym Bugs
Babies and toddlers aged 9 months – 3 years can join in the fun at Coquitlam’s Poirier Community Centre, with gymnastics equipment, toys and other things to keep everyone busy. An instructor will be on hand to suggest skills your child can learn, and parent participation is required. Classes run on Sundays from 10am-12pm, and the drop in fee is $2.50 per session for one child or $4.00 for 2 children (with the same parent). For more information call 604.927.6046.
Playmates
Children ages 0-6 years are invited to play and enjoy the large space in the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex’s Mabbett Room. There are paper crafts, puzzles, ride-on toys and much more. There’s coffee on for the adults, too. Parent participation is required. Sessions run from 9:30-11:30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and fees are $4.25 for 2 children, and $2.25 for each extra child. For more information call 604.927.7529.
La Leche League
New moms who have breastfeeding questions find that La Leche League is a valuable resource. Volunteer leaders are available to answer questions and provide support over the telephone 7 days a week. For help anywhere in the Lower Mainland call 604.520.4623. Local moms who need one-on-one support, or who like to meet other breastfeeding moms, are invited to La Leche League Coquitlam’s free monthly meetings at the SHARE Society office at 2615 Clarke Street in Port Moody. Meetings happen the 2nd Thursday of every month, from 9:30-11:30am. Toddlers and older children are welcome, and so are expectant moms who want to get some support before their baby arrives.
It’s Wednesday again, which means it’s time for the weekly rundown of events here in the V3H. Things are a little quieter this week, because the big action is happening downtown as the Olympic Winter Games are in full swing. However, there are still some fun options to choose from right here in our backyard, so read on!
Shirley Valentine’s local run started on February 16, and it continues until Saturday, February 20 at Evergeen Cultural Centre [map]. Ellie King sparkles in the role she was born to play. She will keep you spellbound as she brings you Shirley’s life, loves, hopes and dreams in a hilarious and often moving way, all while actually cooking dinner. For more information, or to buy tickets, call 604.927.6555.
On Wednesday, February 17th from 2-4pm there will be a Heritage Tea at Mackin House in Coquitlam [map]. Tea and dainties will be served in the 1910 parlour, provided by the ever-fabulous Tealicious Tea Company. Admission is $5 and registration is required. For more information or to register call 604.516.6151 or email info@coquitlamheritage.ca.
Mackin House Museum’s Historical Book Club is meeting on Friday, February 19th at 2pm in the Mackin House Parlour [map]. The club is reading Through Black Spruce by Joseph Boyden. There is no charge for the Book Club and the organizers are working with the Coquitlam Public Library to ensure that everyone has a copy of the book. There is still room in the group, so if you would like to take part please call Jill Cook at 604.516.6151 or email jcook@coquitlamheritage.ca. Happy Reading!
Coquitlam’s Inspiration Garden is looking for new volunteers. They will be holding a free orientation session on Friday, February 19 from 2:30-4:30pm at Pinetree Community Centre [map]. The demonstration garden is looking for novice and expert gardeners alike who would be interested in volunteering. Members of the volunteer team contribute in many ways, including Garden hosting, planning and assisting workshops, demonstrations and special events. For more information call 604.927.6929 or email garden@coquitlam.ca. To register for the orientation session call 604.927.4386.
To celebrate Heritage Week there will be Antique Appraisals on Sunday, February 21 from 1-3pm at Port Moody Station Museum [map]. Well known local appraisers Al Bowen of Bowen and Associates Appraisers and Ray Stonehouse of Great Canadian Collectables will be available to appraise your items. This year’s focus is on sports and recreation artifacts and memorabilia. The cost is $15 for two items and advance registration required. For more information, or to register, call 604.939.1648 or email pmmuseum@telus.net.
Place des Arts presents another Family Day on Sunday, February 21 from 1:30-3:30pm [map]. Take a tour of two fascinating touring exhibitions and then participate in fun, interactive art activities including cartooning with Place des Arts teacher Kenten Bowick and voice-over for cartoons with actor Michael Fera. This event is all about getting engaged with art, instead of being intimidated by it. Admission is $20 for a family of 4, or $5 per person. You can read about the great time our family enjoyed at Family Day back in October. For more information call 604.664.1636 or email info@placedesarts.ca.
Have a great week!
This is a big week here in the V3H. In fact, this is a big week in Metro Vancouver, across British Columbia and throughout Canada, as the 2010 Olympic Games kick off on Friday. It is also Heritage Week in BC, Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year. There are no shortage of options for celebrating, and we hope that you take advantage of them.
On Thursday, February 11 the Olympic Torch Relay comes to the Tri-Cities. It’s early in the morning, but if you can get out of bed and get to one of the celebrations it is sure to be memorable. For more details read our earlier post about the Torch Relay in the V3H.
The Happy Liver Society provides temporary accommodation for liver transplant patients and their family members who must travel to Vancouver for life-saving surgery. They are presenting their gala fundraiser, Night Out With the Stars, on Thursday, February 11 at Red Robinson Show Theatre [map]. The doors open at 6pm, dinner is at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm. The Vegas-style show features AC as the Beatles and Rod Stewart, Jeff Harris as Meatloaf, Kenny Holliday as Bon Jovi and Samira as Tina Turner. For more information or to buy tickets call 778.990.5509.
The Coquitlam Public Library presents Budget Basics on Thursday, February 11 from 7-8:30pm at their Poirier Branch [map]. Yvonne Bauche will be teaching the simplest, most effective money management system on the planet, and how to accelerate your path toward a stress free, early retirement. Yvonne will explain why the “buy now and pay later” mentality can destroy your financial future, and how developing better money habits can help you pay off your mortgage years earlier. The program is free, but registration is required. To register, or for more information, call 604.937.4155.
From Thursday, February 11 to Sunday, February 13 Centennial Secondary’s musical theatre program is presenting The Pajama Game. Shows run at 7:30pm each evening at Centennial [map]. The play is a sassy musical comedy from the ’50s, and it’s sure to delight everyone. For more information or to buy tickets call 604.936.7205.
Friday, February 12 is a Pro-D Day, and Port Coquitlam is offering a couple of events to keep everyone occupied. Students aged 11-16 can participate in a paintball and swimming day camp. The camp runs from 9am-4pm at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre [map]. To register, or for more information, call 604.927.7946 or 604.927.7970 or 604.927.8400. There will also be a Toonie Skate from 1:15-3:15pm at the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex [map]. For more information call 604.927.7970 or email parksrec@portcoquitlam.ca.
Coquitlam’s Mackin House Museum will be celebrating Chinese New Year on Friday, February 12 from 1-3pm [map]. The Glen Pine Mandarin Choir will be performing in English and Chinese, and there will be tiger appropriate refreshments. Admission is by donation. For more information call 604.516.6151.
The Crossroads Coffeehouse presents an Olympic-Free Zone Open Stage on Friday, February 12 at the Gathering Place in Port Coquitlam [map]. Doors open at 7pm, and the open stage starts at 7:30. Be ready for a dozen people to entertain you. Admission is $5 at the door. For more information email info@crossroadshospice.bc.ca.
The Port Moody Film Society presents Kitchen Stories on Friday, February 12 at 7:30pm at Inlet Theatre [map]. This amusing story portrays the developing friendship between an aging researcher from Sweden and a Norwegian bachelor, who is the researcher’s subject. The plot is based on a program of research conducted in Sweden in the 1950s in which single males were observed in their kitchens. Although the observer and the subject are forbidden to speak to each other the two aging men become fast friends, sipping coffee, smoking pipes and telling their stories. The film is in Norwegian and Swedish with English subtitles. For more information, call 604.469.4571 or email info@pmfilm.ca.
The Coquitlam Public Library is presenting another Beginner Internet class, on Saturday, February 13 from 9:30-10:30am at their City Centre Branch [map]. Participants will learn the basics of the internet and be surfing in no time. You must be able to click and scroll using the mouse. The program is free but registration is required as space is limited. This is an extremely popular program, and the offering two weeks ago filled up fast. To register, or for more information, call 604.927.3560.
As we told you on Monday, the Village International de Francophonie will be running on February 13 and 14. It’s a special edition of the annual Festival du Bois celebration, showcasing all things French. Be sure to drop by Mackin House Museum during the festival, as well, where there will be tours and crafts for the kids.
On Saturday, February 13 a pair of events are running at Terry Fox Library [map]. From 10:30-11am you can Catch the Spirit! with musician Mr. I and the Rainbow Singers, and get in the mood for the 2010 Winter Olympics. This is a drop-in event and no registration is required. Then from 2-4pm check out the Teen Anti-Valentine’s Party. Reclaim February 14th from Hallmark: vandalize romance novel covers, smash heart-shaped pinatas, create black roses and more. Snacks are included. For more information or to register call 604.927.7999.
Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble presents Joy of Sax on Friday, February 13 at 8pm at Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. The saxophone reigns supreme on a program of music that will showcase everything that a saxophone is and can be. Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble will be helped by the Vancouver Saxophone Ensemble and feature members of our own sax section. For more information or to buy tickets call 604.927.6555.
Sunday, February 14 is Valentine’s Day, and Port Coquitlam is offering some events that will give you the chance to get active with your Valentine. From 12:45-4pm the Valentine Skate runs at the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex [map]. For more information call 604.927.7970 or email parksrec@portcoquitlam.ca. Or, from 1-3pm the Valentine Swim runs at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre [map]. For more information call 604.927.7946 or email parksrec@portcoquitlam.ca.
On Sunday, February 14 at 1:30 pm the Sunday Coffee Concert Series runs at Terry Fox Theatre [map]. The concert will be a special Chinese New Year celebration with Silk Road Music Ensemble. The show will feature spectacular singing, dancing, and music that combines traditional and contemporary sounds. Come and join the award winning group and share the New Year with all cultures in the community! Then, after the show stay and meet the performers over coffee courtesy of Tim Hortons. For more information call 604.927.8440 or email chuiy@portcoquitlam.ca.
February 15-21 is Heritage Week,and the Port Moody Station Museum [map] offers you a few ways to celebrate. On Sunday, February 14 there will be a silent movie showing from 2-4pm. See a variety of silent movie shorts featuring well known performers. Fee is $10 per person, or free to Heritage Society members. On Monday, February 15 the Community Display Opening Night will take place from 7-8:30pm. Local recreation historian Don Cunnings will give a presentation on the history of sport and recreation in Port Moody and the Tri-City area. Light refreshments provided and admission is free. For more information on either event call 604.939.1648 or email pmmuseum@telus.net.
The Sport Re-Imagined show is running from January 21-March 21 at Leigh Square [map]. On Tuesday, February 16 from 7-9pm the official Opening Ceremonies will take place. Sport Re-imagined is a group exhibition showcasing artists whose work challenges, re-imagines and reinterprets sport and the paraphernalia and constructs that surround it. It celebrates Spirit Week in Port Coquitlam and Canada’s Winter Games. For more information call 604.927.8440.
I hope that you have a great week!
Just got news from the City of Port Moody that the Canadian and British figure skating teams that are practicing at the Port Moody Recreation Complex will be holding a couple of open practices. Here’s the info…
The Canadian, Great Britain and US Olympic figure skating teams will be fine tuning their routines at Port Moody’s arena as they prepare for the Winter Games. While these training sessions are closed to the public, both Canada and Great Britain are offering one free public viewing.
Canada
Date: Friday February 12
Time: 10am – 12:45 pm
Location: Port Moody Recreation Complex – Ice Arena 2, 300 Ioco Road
Details: multiple viewing sessions, each of 30-40 minutes duration
Caution: due to limited spectator capacity, be prepared for a lengthy wait
Cost: Free
Great Britain
Date: Tuesday February 16
Time: 4:30-6:00 pm
Location: Port Moody Recreation Complex – Ice Arena 2, 300 Ioco Road
Details: multiple viewing sessions, each of 30-40 minutes duration
Caution: due to limited spectator capacity, be prepared for a lengthy wait
Cost: Free
-Canada and Great Britain are each offering one free session as a special gift to the Port Moody community.
-These two viewings are strictly practice sessions. They are not performances, but will include athletes working on parts of their programs and conferring with coaches.
-Since this is not a performance, there are no tickets sales or advance seating available. All seating will be first come, first served and limited to the upper spectator area – there is no access to rink side or athletes.
-Due to limited seating capacity, staff will accommodate as many people as they can, in shifts of 30-40 minutes duration.
-The public should come prepared for lengthy waiting and the possibility that not all spectators are accommodated.
-No photographs or video are allowed during the viewings.
-For safety and security, we ask our visitors to respect these policies while enjoying the chance to view athletes in their preparation for the Winter Games.
Visit any park in the V3H and you’re sure to see a dog or fifteen. We love our furry friends, and who can blame us? Dogs make wonderful companions. However, problems can sometimes arise when dogs and people interact. I have two small children, and so I am always a little wary of strange dogs.
Dogs need to run, we all know that. In local parks and public places, however, human patrons take precedence and dogs need to be on leashes. To accommodate our canine friends, local municipalities have designated off-leash areas to reduce any negative dog and human interactions. There are many of them to choose from locally.
* Dogs defined as “vicious” in Coquitlam’s Animal Bylaw, including all pitbull and pitbull cross breeds, are prohibited from being off-leash even in designated off-leash areas.
For more information about Coquitlam’s off-leash areas, call Parks and Open Space Operations at 604.927.6226.
The City of Port Coquitlam is developing its first dog off-leash area in Shaughnessy Park [map]. Construction took place in fall 2009 as weather permits, and Phase 1 of the project was scheduled to open in December or January. The extremely wet weather this winter postponed that somewhat, but the park is now moving along nicely and is near completion. The City hopes to open the park to the public in the next couple of weeks. The ‘official’ opening will happen later in the spring, following the Olympics and the Coast Meridian Overpass opening.
For more information contact Ron Myers at 604.927.7920 or myersr@portcoquitlam.ca.
Unfenced natural areas:
Fenced dog run:
For more information on Port Moody parks, call 604.469.4676.
Wherever you go, off-leash or on, you should always clean up after your pet, and properly dispose of the waste.
Do you have a dog? Any favourite dog parks or tips? Please share!
This week in the V3H is like the calm before the storm. Next week we will see the Torch Relay, the start of the 2010 Olympics, Chinese New Year and Heritage Week. Even though next week is when it all goes down, there is still plenty to do this week. Check it out, and see what tickles your fancy!
If you were lucky enough to get tickets, you can check out the completely sold-out play Mom’s the Word, running daily until February 6 at the Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. ‘The mother of all shows’ is presented by the Arts Club on Tour, and has played to rave reviews. I missed the boat on this one myslef, so kudos if you managed not to suffer the same fate.
On Thursday, February 4 from 7-8:30pm the Coquitlam Public Library presents Healthy Brain and Memory Loss: What You Need to Know at their Poirier Branch [map]. Katherine Guilbride, from the North Fraser Alzheimer Resource Centre, will discuss ways to reduce your risk factors for developing brain disease, how to keep your brain healthy, and when to be concerned about memory loss. The program is free but registration is required as space is limited. For more information or to register call 604.937.4155.
An early Chinese New Year Celebration is happening on Friday, February 5 from 5:30-9:30pm at Glen Pine Pavilion [map]. There will be entertainment including a lion dance, Mongolian dance, Korean dance and performances from the Glen Pine Leisure Group. Cost is $20 for 50+ members and $25 for non-members, including dinner which will be served from 6:30-7:15pm. For more information or to register call 604.927.6940 or email bho@coquitlam.ca.
Students in grades 6-12 might want to drop by The Cellar Youth Centre Open House on Friday, February 5 from 6:30-9:30pm in the Poirier Community Centre [map]. This event is great for those looking to meet new friends or just hang out. There will be music, games, hot dogs and prizes, so head on over and bring your friends. The event is free and registration is not required, but if you need more information you can call 604.927.6046 or email poiriercommunitycentre@coquitlam.ca.
On Saturday, February 6 from 9:30-10:30am the Coquitlam Public Library presents Setting Up a GMail Account at their Poirier Branch [map]. In this class you will sign up for a GMail account and learn how to write and reply to emails. Accounts are free, and can be used anywhere with access to the internet. You must be able to click and scroll and have a basic knowledge of the internet. The program is free but registration is required as space is limited. For more information or to register call 604.937.4144.
An early Chinese New Year celebration will be taking place on Saturday, February 6 from 12-5pm at Henderson Place Mall [map]. There will be live performances, displays and hourly lucky draws. For more information call 604.552.6130.
There will be a Children’s Movie Afternoon and Craft on Saturday, February 6 from 12:30-3pm at Pinetree Community Centre [map]. Children aged 6-10 can see the new movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and complete an afternoon craft. Admission is $1, and includes popcorn and slushie. For more information call 604.927.6960.
On Saturday, February 6 the Terry Fox Library presents What Pet Will Work for Your Family? from 2:30-3:30pm [map]. Nina Hobbis, SPCA Educator and experienced pet owner, will outline what’s really involved with adopting a variety of pets from rats to puppies. To register, or for more information, call 604.927.7999.
When I was expecting my first child in 2005 I considered attending the annual Children’s Swap Meet at Poirier Community Center [map]. I decided against it, because I hadn’t had my baby shower yet and I didn’t want to end up with duplicates of everything. Then I went into preterm labour, the baby shower was cancelled, and I kicked myself for missing a great chance to pick up some cheap baby things. I am not saying that the preterm labour was related to skipping the swap meet, but I am saying that this is a once-a-year event that you do not want to miss. Learn from my mistake! The tables are all sold out, but shoppers will be sure to find great bargains on Sunday, February 7 from 9am-1pm. For more information call 604.927.6048 or email poiriercommunitycentre@coquitlam.ca.
A Spirit Swim will take place on Sunday, February 7 from 1-3pm at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre [map]. Bring your friends and join in the fun! For more information call 604.927.7946 or email parksrec@portcoquitlam.ca.
Have a great week!
