Want a drink with those strawberries?

The West End Seniors' Network is seeking your input as they decide whether to make alcoholic beverages available at next year's Strawberry Festival.

Changes in the provincial liquour regulations will see a great many festivals and similar outdoor public events selling beer, cider, and wine to their patrons, and the WESN wants to know how you'd feel if they followed the trend.

To let them know what you think about the possibility of having a cool glass of white wine with your strawberries (your editor is all for it) take the survey here.

Cheers!

Blenz staff and regulars saying farewell to former owner Young Si (from left) back row: Ken Janco; James; Tina Si; Doug Batchelor; Nana Koike; Louis Bouchard; unidentified guy from head office; new franchise partner Michael Varesio; (front row) Rach… — Blenz staff and regulars saying farewell to former owner Young Si (from left) back row: Ken Janco; James; Tina Si; Doug Batchelor; Nana Koike; Louis Bouchard; unidentified guy from head office; new franchise partner Michael Varesio; (front row) Rachel Kim; Erin Si; and an unidentified partier.

Big Changes at Blenz on Denman

Under New Management! A big West End welcome to the new owners of Blenz on Denman (from left): Elizabeth Silva, her daughter Jaysh Varesio, 18-month-old Brooklyn, Michael Varesio, and four-year-old Rome. Welcome to the 'hood!

The Blenz Cafe on Denman at Barclay is one of those neighbourhood hotspots where the West End's cafe society like to meet, greet, and chill. Dozens of regulars know each other by name and often become fast friends over the months and years of chatting over a favourite brew and gossiping about the passing scene.

Longtime owner Young Si recently sold the franchise to Michael Varesio and his family, and a tearful farewell party saw many of those regulars turn out to wish Young and his wife Tina good luck in their next venture. A few week's later Michael and clan hosted a Community Appreciation Party to thank everyone for their continued patronage, with free specialty drinks and pastries for all and raffle prizes for the lucky few.

King George Students Clean Up for The Team

Hustling up some business, (from left): Boris Obradovic (grade 12); Nathaneil Eyobe (grade 10); and Mohab Mundadi (grade 12).

Those young folks you've seen jumping up and down with "Car Wash" signs at Denman and Barclay these past few weeks have been raising funds for the school sports programs, giving up a big piece of their summer fun time to keep team sports going at their school.

The plan is to continue the car washing, in the parking lot behind the school, on Saturdays through September and maybe deeper into the fall, as long as the weather holds.

Cleaning up for the team behind King George High School.

The Cat Came Back -- And Says "Thanks!"

When Mouse, a much-loved, fluffy, three-legged West End resident took a tumble off his Sunset Towers balcony and vanished for four weeks, a neighbourhood cat-hunt ensued.

Mouse's human received numerous reports of sightings around the neighbourhood in response to a Missing poster, and invitations to access private property to extend the search.

All's well that ends well, and Mouse and family have been reunited, thanks to that good old West End community spirit!

Second Beach Pool Extended Season

You have until September 17 to enjoy a splash in Second Beach Pool, and then the Park Board will be closing the facility until next May. This later than usual closure is due to the early closing of Kits Beach Pool for renovations. So expect big crowds during the final weeks.

This announcement is an excellent opportunity for a little stroll down memory lane .. check out our Then & Now section here.