COMMUNITY CALENDAR
/(Click on photos to enlarge image)
One Offs & Limited Engagements
LORD ROBERTS ANNUAL COMMUNITY FUN FEST !
New This Year — Bike Fest @ The Funfest
Lord Roberts Elementary School
Saturday, June 1
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Free
Lord Roberts Elementary School holds their second annual Community Funfest, complete with live entertainment all day, barbecue, carnival games, face painting, a photo booth, silent auction and bake sale. This year the organizers, the Roberts Parents Advisory Council, are introducing a new feature, a Bike Fest with bike decorating, an obstacle course, tune ups, and a bike concierge. So be sure to bring your bikes! All proceeds go to classroom resources and STEM programs and equipment at Lord Roberts.
FREE FINANCIAL WORKSHOPS
Help From G&F Financial Group
Tuesday, June 4
7 - 8:30 p.m.
West End Community Centre / Meeting Room 2
Free.
Recently having set up shop at a new Denman Street location, G&F Financial Group are presenting a series of financial information workshops at the Community Centre. the final workshop, on June 4, will be “Starting A Business - Exploring Self-Employment” and will be about taking that hobby or idea you have always wanted to turn into a business and will offer insights into what you’ll need to make it happen.
AN EVENING WITH GRETCHEN ROEDDE
An Author Reading For A Worthy Cause
Wednesday, June 5
Doors at 6:30 and Reading at 7 p.m.
Roedde House Museum
Admission $35.
Tickets Here
Looking to combine your love of books and a good cause? Then join author Gretchen Roedde as she reads from her latest book, the second edition of A Doctor's Quest, at the Roedde House Museum. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Horizons of Friendship, an NGO focused on community development, projects related to HIV/AIDS, and violence against women in Central America and Mexico. Registration includes a signed book and refreshments.
Dr. Roedde is a descendant of Gustav and Matilda Roedde, who came to Vancouver in 1888. He became Vancouvers first bookbinder, opening G.A Roedde Bookbinders in 1890. Roedde House Museum was their family home.
MOLE GALLERY EXHIBITION FOR JUNE
Artist Aaron Miller
Opening Reception Friday, June 7, 6 - 8 p.m.
Gallery Open Every Friday from 1 - 5 p.m.
The rear of 1157 Pendrell / Access from Jepson-Young Lane
Each month during the summer the Mole Gallery, a pop-up gallery at Mole Hill features works by a West End Artist. For June the gallery will feature an exhibition of the works of Aaron Miller, titled “Blind Art.”
WEST END TENANTS UNION MEETING
Building A Community Of Empowered Renters
Saturday, June 8
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Mole Hill Community Room (1157 Pendrell)
Tenants make up just over 80 percent of the West End’s population, yet as demographic they often feel vulnerable, isolated, and in precarious living situation. Renters are invited to join this tenant-powered movement to discuss and take action on issues of common concern. For more information, contact vtu.westend@gmail.com
EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS
For Apartment Dwellers
Tuesday, June 11
7 to 8:30 p.m.
West End Community Centre / Bidwell Room
Free / Pre-Registration Required Here
The City of Vancouver’s Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program offers this session for apartment/condo residents, who have unique challenges when preparing for emergencies or disasters. Living in Vancouver, we could experience a serious earthquake, yet few of us take the steps to ensure we are prepared. This session covers what is required to develop you emergency plan, how to conduct a Hazard Hunt, and what to do when an earthquake strikes.
SUMMER SINGING WORKSHOPS
Cheaper Than Therapy, And More Fun!
Tuesdays June 11, 18, 25 & July 9
7:30 to 9 p.m.
St. Paul’s Anglican Church (1130 Jervis)
$20 per session (cash only)
Pre-register at singcitychoir@gmail.com
Sing City Choir welcomes singers of all levels, from beginners to experienced choristers, to join in the fun. Learn how to harmonize with fun, easy songs and challenging ronds in all styles. Discover new rhythm exercises, games, basic ear training and performance techniques. Come to any single workshop or enjoy the entire series and maybe perform at a pop-up concert. This is a great way to learn more about Sing City, the West End’s popular community choir, and maybe decide if you’d like to join for the season in September. Pre-register so they can send uyou a link to the materials you’ll ned to print and bring with you. Enjoy!
PHILOSOPHERS’ CAFE
Thursday, June 13
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Joe Fortes Library
Free
“One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began, though the voices around you kept shouting their bad advice" is the slightly unwieldy title June’s Philosopher’s Café, discussion, moderated by Vancouver author, poet, and songwriter Bill Arnott. What do you feel poet Mary Oliver is talking about in this line? How does it apply to us? Bill has written and published numerous books, from personal development to humorous travelogues and his first book, Wonderful Magical Words, is a national bestseller Perhaps you can help him unravel that question.
CAR FREE DAYS ON DENMAN
Saturday, June 15
12 noon - 7 p.m.
Denman from Robson to Davie
Free
West End Car Free Days brings together neighbourhood businesses, community organizations, artists and volunteers to seed the idea of building a better, more livable city. There will be music stages (including, for the first time, a chamber opera recital by City Opera) and jam sessions to listen to, art being exhibited and created live on the street, and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or something to drink.
GET OUTA TOWN!
Steveston Village Historical Tour
Wed. June 19
9:30 a.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Meet at West End Community Centre / Haro St. Entrance
$99
Enjoy an educational tour of Gulf of Georgia Cannery and Britannia Shipyards and afternoon tea at London Heritage Farms’ circa 1890s tea room. Register early at the WECC.
THE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
An Annual Community Favourite At Barclay Square
Saturday, June 22
1 - 4 p.m.
Barclay Heritage Square (1447 Barclay)
Free
Kids Zone, crafts, live music, and of course strawberry shortcake! Our annual Strawberry Festival is always lots of fun for the whole family! This year’s Festival will feature musical performances, a bouncy castle, horse-drawn carriage rides, activities for all ages, local vendors, and delicious strawberry shortcake! The Happy Hookers will have some beautiful hand-knitted products for sale, and the Painting Studio group will have their works of art for sale as well. Barclay Manor’s next-door neighbour to the east, Roedde House Museum, will be offering free tours and neighbour to the west, Friends for Life, will be hosting a BBQ. Music by Black Gardenia.
THE GBQ
That’s BBQ With A G!
Thursday, June 27
Times TBD
Gordon Neighbourhood House
Ticket Information at 604.683.2554
Last year Gordon Neighbourhood House hosted 100 neighbours for a special event called the GBQ, featuring an outdoor long table, local musicians, BBQ dinner with salads made from vegetables grown in the West End, kids activities, and after-dinner board games. They will be hosting the event again to kick off the summer season. This all-ages event is by donation, and is open to everyone in the West End. But registration is limited, so follow our Gordon Neighbourhood House or The West End Journal on Facebook (or follow them both!) to find out when tickets will be released.
Once A Month, Every Month …
COMMUNITY CARE FIRST AID
Prepare For Child Care Emergencies
Saturday, June. 15
9:10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WECC / Barclay Room
$90
Each month the West End Community Centre hosts a First Aid or other health care session provided in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross. The June course will provide an overview of First Aid and CPR techniques, taught in an interactive environment, for individuals who care for infants or children in the workplace or at home. This course is approved for Day Care and Day Home Providers in BC by BC Provincial Childcare Facilities Licensing. A three-year certification is given upon completion.
“TRY IT OUT” OPEN MIC
Every Third Thursday (June 18)
7 to 9 p.m.
Barclay Manor (1447 Barclay)
Free
Got a story to tell, a song to sing, a tune to play? Share your interests and your talent in an informal gathering of friends and neighbours, or just come to listen and enjoy. It’s an opportunity to share music, stories, poems, comedy, interpretive dance, or to just listen and enjoy. “Try It Out “has seen first-time performers as young as five and seasoned performers who are — well, ageless! Everyone gets 10 to 15 minutes (enough time for up to three songs) depending on the size of the group. Sign up at 7, first come, first served. One mic, acoustic guitar amp, and piano provided.
GARDENING WORKSHOP SERIES
Sunday, June 23
1 - 2:30 p.m.
West End Community Centre / Barclay Room
Free / Registration at 604.257.8333
Join the West End Neighbourhood Food Network at a family-friendly monthly gathering. Bring something tasty, share some good food and conversation with neighbours, and pick up a West End Urban Garden Calendar. You’ll also learn about the many other West End Neighbourhood Food Network events and activities. Each month’s meeting includes a mini-workshop on a different food and/or gardening related topic, and is followed, from 2:30 to 3:30, by a meeting of the West End Urban Garden Club (separate registration required) where you can share information, help organize food and gardening workshops, and save and share seeds.
The June 23 workshop is titled “Eating on the Wild Side: Growing Vegetable Varieties that Maximize Nutrition.”
FIRESIDE BOOK CLUB
Fourth Friday of Every Month (June 28)
11 a.m. to 12 noon
Joe Fortes Library / Stanley Court Room
Free
Connect with other avid readers to talk about what you’ve been reading and why you loved it — or didn’t! The June selection is Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien, which follows a 10-year-old girl and her mother who invite a Chinese refugee into their home. Critically acclaimed, in 2016 the author was awarded both the Scotiabank Giller Prize and the Governor General's Award for this novel.
WEST END GAMES NIGHT
Last Friday of very month (June 28)
7 - 11 p.m.
Gordon Neighbourhood House (1019 Broughton)
Free
Looking for a spot to play board games with friends? Or do you want to meet neighbours and learn new games? Join the fun at the West End Games Night, hosted by Young Ideas and Gordon Neighbourhood House. If you arrive solo, the friendly hosts can help form groups, and teach you new games.
Rebecca Blair will be at The Labyrinth June 28.
IN THE LABYRINTH
Music In The Labyrinth
Last Friday of Every Month (June 28)
St. Paul's Anglican Church (1130 Jervis)
7 to 9 p.m.
By Donation
The Labyrinth at St. Paul’s Anglican Church is a full 13-metre replica of the medieval labyrinth laid in the stone floor of the 13th-century Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Chartres. It is laid on the hardwood upper floor of St Paul's Church Hall in a space once used as a theatre and a basketball court. The Labyrinth is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and 7 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The last Friday of every month the Labyrinth experience is accompanied by a local musician or group. Music on this last Friday, June 28, will be harpist Rebecca Blair.
Click here to learn more about the St. Paul's Labyrinth.
Once A Week, Every Week …
DANCE AT DUSK … Mondays June 17 through August 19 you are invited to join in (or just enjoy the spectacle) the Royal Scottish Dance event, with dancing to pipes, drums, accordions and fiddles. On Tuesdays it’s the Vancouver International Folk Dancers turn, with line and circle dances from Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. No dancing July 1 and 2 or August 5 and 6. Visit www.rscdsvancouver.org or vcn.bc.ca/vifd for more information.
COMMUNITY LUNCH ... Mondays through Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. at Gordon Neighbourhood House. An opportunity for community members to enjoy a meal together, meet new people, and catch up with friends in a casual environment. On Mondays it’s a pay-what-you-can (suggested donation $2) vegan hot dish. For Tuesdays and Thursdays, it’s a delicious three-course menu for $5. Wednesdays there’s a a pay-what-you-can Nourish Bow. For more information contact welcome@gordonhouse.org or 604.683.2554.
FAMILY STORY TIME ... Tuesdays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. at Joe Fortes Library, join this program for parents and caregivers with young children. Songs, rhymes and stories are shared. Suitable for pre-schooled and toddlers of all abilities to enjoy and learn together.
WEST END FAMILY PLACE … This successful program has now been expanded. West End families can play, learn and grow at Gordon Neighbourhood House. West End Family Place is a drop-in program for children and their parents or caregivers, featuring activities that promote healthy child development, including circle time with songs and stories, free play, and arts and crafts. Mondays everyone is welcome from 9 to 11:30 a.m. On Tuesdays it’s families only from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays are also everyone welcome from 9 to 11:30 a.m., with a families only afternoon session from 2 to 4 p.m. Fridays it’s families only from 9:30 to 11 a.m., with a monthly breakfast served the week that EA cheques are issued. And the first Saturday of each month is families only from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
WEST END WRITER’S CLUB … Wednesdays from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Barclay Manor. West End writers gather to share and critique their work. Includes all genres. Members don’t have to read at every meeting, just enjoy and participate in the discussion. Three free visits, after which there is an annual membership fee is $20.
FRIDAY NIGHTS FOR TEENS from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Coal Harbour Community Centre (Multi-Purpose Room). Every week it’s something different, with activities for youth 13 - 18. Upstairs in the Multi-Purpose Room. Info at 604.718.8222.
PRE-TEEN NIGHT … Fridays from 6:15 to 8:45 p.m. at the West End Community Centre. A free program for youth ages 9 to 12. Participants are asked to fill out a waiver, which can be picked up at the WECC front desk.
NAR-ANON FAMILY GROUP … Fridays from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Barclay Manor (Piano Room). A gathering for those who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction problem of someone near and dear. Confidentiality and anonymity are respected.
WEST END FARMER’S MARKET … Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m through Oct. 1.. 1100 Block Comox, between Bute and Thurlow. More than 30 farmers, producers, vendors, and food trucks on hand to replenish your depleted larder with fresh fruit, veggies, baked goods, and other locally grown goodies.
