COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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One Offs & Limited Engagements
GROUP FITNESS & INDOOR CYCLING FREE TRIAL WEEK
Check It Out And Find Your Fitness Groove
September 3 to 9
West End Community Centre (WECC)
Various Times & Programs
Free
Here’s your opportunity to take a spin on an indoor bicycle or try out that group fitness activity you’ve been thinking about — but not getting around to. WECC’s experienced and trained fitness professionals are opening up their programs for a week so you can see and feel for yourself, and discover the fitness activity that suits you best.
To see the full selection of available programs check out pages 43 and 74 of the Fall Recreation Guide, now available at the West End and Coal Harbour Community Centres and other neighbourhood locations.
Author Duane Lawrence will be at Jim Deva Plaza Saturdays through September (except in case of rain) with his new children’s book.
SAMMY SQUIRREL & RODNEY RACOON
A Stanley Park Story @ Jim Deva Plaza
Saturdays, September 7, 14, 21, & 28
The West End Summer Arts Market / Jim Deva Plaza
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free
West End author Duane Lawrence will be on hand at the weekly West End Arts Market to read from, and sell copies of his children’s book about two other West End residents.
When best friends Sammy Squirrel and Rodney Raccoon decide to explore the world beyond their home of Stanley Park in Vancouver, an adventure is what they are after and it is certainly what they get. Swept out to sea in a little boat, the woodland creatures embark on an unexpected journey to a mysterious new land. Their courage and ingenuity tested every step of the way, Sammy and Rodney are introduced to exciting new friends like Salty Seagull, Winifred Whale and a shy deer called Shika, who takes them to her home in the new land where they help resolve a crisis they never expected to encounter.
CHRISTMAS HAMPER DONATIONS
Donate Now Before ‘Tis The Season
Every year the West End Community Centre Association (WECCA) supports families living in the West End with a little bit of kindness during the time of giving. Last year WECCA was able to support two families due to the generosity of the staff and community. If you would like to support families during Christmas time, donations are now being accepted at the front office of the West End and Coal Harbour Community Centres. WECCA will, upon request, provide a tax receipt for any donation over $20.
EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS
Tuesday, September 10 at West End Community Centre (Bidwell Room)
Wednesday, September 11 at Coal Harbour Community Centre (Activity Room)
7 to 8:30 p.m.
West End Community Centre / Bidwell Room
Free / Pre-register at your Community Centre.
Vancouver could be faced with a massive earthquake at any time, but few of us take the steps to ensure that we are prepared. This session covers what is required to develop your family emergency plan, how to conduct a "Home Hazard” search, and what to do when that earthquake strikes. Conducted by the City of Vancouver’s Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program.
PHILOSOPHER’S CAFE
Join The Conversation
Thursday, September 12
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Joe Fortes Library
Free
Immanuel Kant claimed, “Happiness is not an ideal of reason but of imagination.” Do you agree? Why?
The SFU Philosophers' Café series at Joe Fortes Library is your opportunity to discuss philosophical issues with members of your community. Moderator Bill Arnott leads the September discussion.
Former CBC Radio host Bill Richardson reads from his new book September 13.
I SAW THREE SHIPS
Bill Richardson Reads From His New Book
Friday, September 13
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Joe Fortes Library / The Denman Room
Free
West Ender Bill Richardson, winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour and former CBC Radio personality, presents his new book I Saw Three Ships. This delightful collection of stories is set around Christmastime in our West End neighbourhood. As with much of Bill’s work, these are quirky stories, sometimes twisted, sometimes tender, always irresistibly funny.
GET OUTA TOWN!
Enjoy Two Out-Trips In September …
Your West End Community Centre offers two outings this month. All outings begin and end at the WECC Haro Street entrance, unless otherwise indicated. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before departure. Note that WECC outings are not wheelchair or walker accessible. For further information, and to register and sign the required waiver, check with the information desk. And be sure to register early!
Queen of Peace Monastery: Visit the beautiful Queen of Peace Monastery, home to an order of Dominican nuns, located in the mountains north of Squamish. Tour the monastery and join the nuns for their midday prayers. Then explore the town of Squamish with its interesting shops and atmosphere. Enjoy a walk with great views at Porteau Cove and a visit to the Squamish Adventure Centre. Lunch at a popular restaurant in downtown Squamish. Wednesday, September 11. 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. $90.
Buddhist Temple Tour: The International Buddhist Temple in Richmond is one of the largest and most authentic such temples in North America. Take a guided tour of the colourful, gilded temple and spend some time exploring on your own. Afternoon tea/lunch will be served at London Heritage Farms’ 1890s Tea Room. Tuesday, September 17. 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. $109.
See yourself, or someone you know? Help identify faces from the West End’s LGBTQ community’s past at Mole Gallery. (click to enlarge)
REMEMBER WHEN ?
Help ID Some Memories
Mole Gallery (1157 Pendrell / Rear Entrance)
Fridays, September 13, 20 & 27
1 to 5 p.m.
Opening Reception Friday, September 13 6 - 8 p.m.
With the recent donation of the Gay and Lesbian Archives to the greater collection of the Vancouver Archives, and the ongoing digitization of that record of Vancouver’s LGBTQ history, many more sources are turning up photos, posters, and other records of that community’s rich past.
Mole Gallery will be hosting a retrospective of personal photo albums donated from the estate of a community member. Many of the images are identified, but many are not and it is hoped that visitors to the exhibition will be able to help put names to the many youthful faces from the 80s and earlier.
The retrospective is curated by longtime West Ender and LGBTQ community member Jamie Lee Hamilton.
GARDENING WORKSHOP SERIES
With Community Potluck Lunch & Seed Library
Sunday, September 15
1 to 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, and explore possibilities for creating more gardening spaces in the West End. As well, the WeeBee pollinators group will be giving out Mason bee houses (while supplies last) and kids of all ages can take a picture with WeeBee. The September 15 workshop is titled “Brainstorming Winter Workshops & Activities.”
Each month’s pot-luck and workshop is followed by a meeting of the West End Urban Garden Club from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (separate registration required).
Ann Pearson reads from her new book at Joe Fortes Library.
“A PROMISE ON THE HORIZON”
A Book Reading by Ann Pearson
Thursday, September 19
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Joe Fortes Library
Free
Biographical fiction is an increasingly popular genre, yet some critics claim that it is illegitimate, even unethical, to fictionalize real historical figures.
What are the challenges in writing bio-fiction and what can it achieve that straight biography cannot? Ann Pearson will discuss these questions in relation to her novel A Promise On The Horizon, a historical travelogue set in Italy in 1811 that was inspired by the French novelist Stendhal.
Once A Month, Every Month …
“TRY IT OUT” OPEN MIC
Every Third Thursday (August 20)
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.
FIRESIDE BOOK CLUB
Fourth Friday of Every Month (September 27)
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 September selection is An Equal Music by Vikram Seth.
The plot concerns Michael, a professional violinist who never forgot his love for Julia, a pianist he met as a student in Vienna. They meet again after a decade, and conduct a secret affair, though she is married and has one child. Their musical careers are affected by this affair and the knowledge that Julia is going deaf..
A recurring element throughout the plot is the pair's performance of Beethoven's Piano Trio Opus 1 No.3, which they first perform in their college days.
Pick up your copy now, and plan to join the conversation!
WEST END GAMES NIGHT
Last Friday of very month (September 27)
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.
JERRY DESVOIGNES PLAYS IN THE LABYRINTH SEPTEMBER 27.
IN THE LABYRINTH
Music In The Labyrinth
Last Friday of Every Month (September 27)
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, September 27, will be Jerry Desvoignes and One Voice Harmonic Choir with a repertoire of throat singing, Tibetan bowls and instruments, and ancient songs and chants.
Click here to learn more about the St. Paul's Labyrinth.
Once A Week, Every Week …
WEST END SUMMER ART MARKET … Saturdays at Jim Deva Plaza from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, through to September 28, brought to you by the good folks at WE Arts. Come on out and meet your neighbours, buy some art, and mix with the artists.
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 Bowl. 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-schoolers 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. 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 FARMERS MARKET … Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m through October 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.
