COMMUNITY CALENDAR
/In This Month’s Community Calendar …
(click on images to enlarge)
OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS: There’s a new exhibit at the VAG’s Offsite, Philosopher’s Café, Earthquake preparedness, a trip to a hidden island treasure, updates on the election campaign, and so much more to do and see in your West End this month.
ALL IN THE FAMILY: It’s the season to both give thanks and go bump in the night! Craft events for kids and parents celebrate both occasions.
SENIOR MOMENTS: Celebrate Seniors Day, attend a law clinic for elders, and join the Seniors Planning Table … just for starters.
Photo of Half Big Suit by Shannon Pawliw of Mighty Sparrow Design.
October Highlights
VANCOUVER ART GALLERY OFFSITE
A West End Art Exhibition
Through February 20, 2020
Vancouver Art Gallery Offsite / 1100 West Georgia
Open 24 Hours / Free
Celebrated Austrian artist Erwin Wurm will have his first public art exhibition in Vancouver at Offsite with three works created in 2016: Big Disobedience, Half Big Suit and Flat Iron. Wurm’s outdoor sculptures always have passersby do a double-take wherever they are exhibited. Familiar figures become absurdly manipulated, machinery and architecture take on human forms and human forms become disembodied. Wurm begs the questions, “What is the point of these rules?” and, “What is the meaning? “ by satirizing political correctness and social norms.
Offsite is the Vancouver Art Gallery’s outdoor public art space, located in the West End. it is a site for local and international contemporary artists to exhibit works related to the surrounding urban context. New projects are installed in the spring and fall.
Offsite: Erwin Wurm is the 19th Offsite installation of this series.
REUSE & RECYCLE DROP-OFF EVENT
Saturday, October 5
Barclay Manor Parking Lot (1447 Barclay)
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Whether you’ve just cleaned out your closet or have a garage full of old, broken, or unwanted electronics, these items can likely be reused or recycled – instead of ending up in the landfill. See the wide range of items, including household appliances, electronic gizmos, and articles of clothing, that are accepted at the drop-off event here.
Bill Arnott moderates the October 10 Philosopher’s Café hosted by Joe Fortes Library.
PHILOSOPHERS’ CAFE
Thursday, October 10
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Joe Fortes Library
Free
Henri Matisse stated, “Creativity takes courage.” Vancouver author, poet and songwriter Bill Arnott will moderate this conversation around this observation by the celebrated French artist (1869 - 1954), asking “Does creativity then equate to courage? Why or why not?” Bill is the bestselling non-fiction author of Wonderful Magical Words, Dromomania and Gone Viking.
EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS
Tuesday, October 15
West End Community Centre (Bidwell Room)
7 to 8:30 p.m.
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.
ALL CANDIDATES FORUMS
Tuesday, October 8 / 7 to 8:30 p.m.
St. Paul’s Anglican Church (1130 Jervis)
7 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, October 10 / 7 to 8:30 p.m
The Junction (1138 Davie)
Thursday, October 17
West End Community Centre Auditorium (870 Denman)
7:30 to 9 p.m.
Three all-candidates or party representatives forums are scheduled to take place in the West End in the run-up to the October 21 federal election.
St. Paul’s Anglican Church takes a new tact with such forums with “Pipe Organ & Politicians” which will feature some musical accompaniment with the usual speeches and Q&A. The Vancouver Centre LGBTQ community will hold “Proud To Vote”, a discussion and debate at The Junction with party representatives on that community’s key issues. The West End Community all-candidates forum will feature a “speed dating” format where attendees will sit in a number of circles and each circle will have a 20 minute conversation with each candidate.
For more campaign and election information see our “On The Campaign Trail” special feature here.
COMMUNITY CARE FIRST AID
Prepare For Emergencies
Saturday, October 19
9:10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WECC / Stanley Court 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 October course will present an overview of First Aid and CPR techniques, taught in an interactive environment, for emergency response in the workplace or at home. A three-year certification is given upon completion.
GET OUTTA TOWN!
Explore Beautiful Westham Island
Monday, October 21
10 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
$99.00
Discover a hidden gem of an island as you travel across the Fraser River on a one-lane wooden bridge to a tiny island, home of the famous Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. The day will include a visit to the sanctuary, the Garry Point Park Sturgeon Estuary, an educational Lesser Snow Geese guided tour, lunch at the Blue Canoe restaurant, and a wine tasting at Angel Estate Winery.
Register early at the WECC. Meet at West End Community Centre / Haro St. Entrance at least 15 minutes before departure.
“TRY IT OUT” OPEN MIC
Thursday, October 17
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.
WEST END URBAN GARDENING CLUB
Sunday, October 20
7 p.m.
West End Community Centre / Meeting Room 2
Free / Registration at 604.257.8333
Join the West End Neighbourhood Food Network at a family-friendly monthly gathering. Share gardening information, discuss possibilities for creating more gardening spaces in the West End, pick up a West End Urban Garden Calendar, and learn about the many other West End Neighbourhood Food Network events and activities.
FIRESIDE BOOK CLUB
Friday, October 25
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 October book will be Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan. With the atmosphere of a noir thriller, this historical novel delves into a world populated by gangsters, sailors, divers, bankers, and union men. Manhattan Beach is a deft, dazzling, propulsive exploration of a transformative moment in the lives and identities of women and men of America and the world.
Pick up your copy now, and plan to join the conversation!
WEST END GAMES NIGHT
Friday, October 25
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 on the last Friday of each month by Young Ideas and Gordon Neighbourhood House. If you arrive solo, the friendly hosts can help form groups, and teach you new games.
Naad provide the music for contemplation in The Labyrinth on October 29.
IN THE LABYRINTH
Music In The Labyrinth
Friday, October 29
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, October 29, will be Naad with a repertoire of World Fusion Music on flute, guzheng, guitar, and handpan..
Click here to learn more about the St. Paul's Labyrinth.
ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK
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.
All In The Family
IT’S CRAFT TIME!
Two Crafty Afternoons in October
Thanksgiving Craft Time / Wednesday, October 2 / 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Halloween Craft Time / Wednesday, October 30 / 3:30 to 5 p.m.
West End Community Centre Auditorium
Free
The West End Community Centre will hold two family-oriented Craft Time afternoons in October. Celebrate Thanksgiving and Halloween with your child and go home with a beautiful and unique craft that they have made. Parent participation is required.
BOO!
Haunted House Nights At Barclay Manor
Friday, October 25 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, October 26, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
$3 per person of $10 for a Family of Four
For braver souls and older kids (recommend eight years and up) Barclay Manor will be converted into a spooky, scary house. Being a heritage home, it has its own natural creepiness! It will take about five minutes to make your way through the house. Pre-purchase tickets or pay at the door.
Senior Moments
Note that all West End Seniors’ Network (WEN) events, unless otherwise indicated, are for current WESN members. Passes for non-members are available at Barclay Manor reception. Annual membership is $10, a one-week pass is $5, and a day pass is $2. For information on all their programs and events visit their online newsletter here.
NATIONAL SENIORS DAY
Celebrate With Pocket Stories & Pie
Tuesday, October 1
Barclay Manor
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Free For Members / $2 for Non-Members
Register at 604.669.5051
National Seniors Day in Canada coincides with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons and is an occasion for Canadians to celebrate the contributions of seniors in our families, communities, and workplaces … and for seniors to congratulate themselves for all they’ve achieved.
Celebrate this year with a round of storytelling and a slice of pie at this special gathering organized by the West End Seniors’ Network. Registration required.
TEA WITH ANTHONY
Join In The Participatory Budgeting
Monday, October 28
1 to 2 p.m.
Barclay Manor
Register at 604.669.5051
Free
An opportunity to enjoy tea and conversation with West End Seniors' Network executive director Anthony Kupferschmidt. Discuss the issues impacting the organization and your life as a senior in the West End. Bring your questions, suggestions, and viewpoints -- they provide the tea and snacks. The October discussion will be around participatory budget voting and plans for the garden. Registration required.
SENIORS FIRST LAW CLINIC
Tuesday, October 15
Kay’s Place (Denman Mall)
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Free / By Appointment
Call 604-336-5653 to Register
Seniors First BC offers a free monthly elder law clinic in cooperation with the West End Seniors’ Network at Kay’s Place in Denman Place Mall. A lawyer from Seniors First BC will be there to answer questions on elder law issues such as: wills and estates (including will variation claims); drafting of representation agreements, powers of attorney, and advance directives; small claims court issues; complaints against professionals, service providers, and government agencies; elder abuse, including financial exploitation (unpaid family loans, misuse of power of attorney, joint accounts, etc.).
Seniors First BC lawyers are unable to advise with respect to real estate conveyancing, family law or criminal law matters. Please call Seniors First BC at 604-336-5653 to book an appointment.
A PARTY FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY
Monday, October 21
Barclay Manor (1447 Barclay)
2 to 3 p.m.
Free
Reservations at 604-669-5051 or programs@wesn.ca
Are you a member of the West End Seniors’ Network ... and if you're a senior and aren't a member, why not? During the month of your birthday, you and a guest are invited to celebrate your special day with others whose birthday fall in the same month.
Join the party for tea, birthday cake and live music.
WEST END SENIORS’ COMMUNITY PLANNING TABLE
Friday, October 25
10 a.m. to 12 noon
St. Andrew’s Wesley Church (1018 Nelson)
Free
The monthly Seniors’ Community Planning Table is an opportunity for West End seniors, community organizations, and service providers to connect and share information and views on issues important to seniors in our community. Each month’s agenda includes updates on West End programs for seniors, a keynote speaker, and discussion on a topic of interest to West Enders.
For information on this or upcoming month’s topics and speakers, contact Sharon Isaak at isaaksharon@gmail.com or 604.880.2743.
ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK
SENIORS’ LOUNGE … Tuesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at Gordon Neighbourhood House. An informal gathering where you can catch up with old friends, make new ones, and get to know the neighbours. There will be coffee, cookies, and conversations. Bring a joke and share a smile! Free.
AT THE MOVIES … Tuesdays and Fridays at 1:30 p.m. at Barclay Manor (Piano Room) West End Seniors’ Network hosts two movie series (no Monday movie this month). Free admission, with popcorn included! Find this month’s screening details in their online newsletter here.
