COMMUNITY CALENDAR
/UPDATES IN THE TIME OF COVID-19
Most West End organizations and venues that offer regular events have closed their doors, taken some of their programming online, or are in a state of flux and it is almost impossible to assemble an event listing that can be counted on to not change at a moment’s notice. Below we have listed a few events and activities that we know for sure are taking place.
We encourage you to check out our Community Connections list here and visit the websites of our many West End-Coal Harbour community organizations to find the latest information on openings, hours, and activities. Stay safe, be kind, and we’ll see you again soon!
About Town
THE WEST END FARMER’S MARKET IS BACK, JUST NOT AS MUCH OF A CROWD SCENE AS WE’RE USED TO. (TOM PEARCE PHOTO)
WEST END FARMERS MARKET RETURNS
Every Saturday
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
1100 Block Comox
The West End Farmers Market was able to open as planned on May 23, rightly seen as an essential service. Full physical distancing and other safety measures are in place – with the theme of “Shop, Don’t Stop!” encouraging folks to use the market to stock up on fresh and prepared food items only.
ENJOY THE PARK — ONLINE
The Stanley Park Ecology Society continues many of its popular programs and activities, but online in keeping with the times!
Find out about, and register for, July’s programs by checking out their website calendar here, and stay tuned for updates by following them on Facebook here.
CANADA DAY ON ROBSON
A Virtual Celebration
July 1
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Tune In Here
This year, Canada Day on Robson is going to be a little different!
As always, you can expect dance, music, art, and celebration, but this time with a bit of a twist! The roster of artists will be taking to the virtual stage this year so that every viewer can have a socially distanced front-row seat.
You can look forward to mini virtual performances throughout the day between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. So set up your screen and enjoy all our local dancers and musicians on Small Stage's Facebook page.
The artists will be performing a varied collection of dance and music styles, representing a variety of diverse cultures that call Canada home.
Videos will be posted hourly, showcasing Canada's different dance styles. Drop by (virtually) and let's paint the town maple-red!
WE LIVE HERE: A WEST END AUDIO TOUR
Brought To You By Car Free Days
Live Onlilne July 10
For Updates Check their Website and Facebook page and follow them on Twitter and Istagram.
See the live stream broadcast of last month’s virtual Car Free Days here.
What’s better than a leisurely stroll through the West End on a beautiful day?
Basically: nothing!
Except maybe having someone in your earbuds telling you things that might surprise and delight you about our spectacular neighbourhood! As part of our attempt to create car-free activities that keep you safe during a global pandemic, the Car Free Vancouver Society presents WE Live Here: a West End Audio Tour!
Local writer, historian, and musician Aaron Chapman will be your host, as they weave tales while you weave through the streets of the West End.
Aaron is joined by special guests: Squamish Elder Dennis Joseph, journalist/broadcaster and CBC Radio documentarian Pamela Post, writer, poet, podcast host and otter enthusiast Dina Del Bucchia, and beloved author and long-time West End resident Bill Richardson.
All this is made possible thanks to a fantastic collaboration with JAR Audio - we are so grateful, and it’s been such a pleasure to work together!
Please stay tuned to Car Free Vancouver’s website or social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) in the coming days for more information!
That's Entertainment!
Under normal circumstances, The West End Journal limits its entertainment listings to events taking place west of Denman. With our local music and theatre venues on hiatus for the moment, we range a bit further in offering some suggestions to help keep you entertained and uplifted. Now more than ever we need our artists and arts organizations. Support and encourage both, and enjoy!
This year’s digital version of Dancing on the Edge will include the world premiere of Wishing Well by Olivia C. Davies
DANCING ON THE EDGE FESTIVAL
July 2 to 11
Information & Links
The 32nd annual Dancing on the Edge Festival is moving forward in a different form. Canada’s longest-running contemporary dance festival, Dancing on the Edge isn’t cancelling, but will be presenting a reimagined EDGE, working around the limitations on public gatherings.
The 2020 festival was to have included a presentation of over thirty live performances featuring international artists from India, the USA, Quebec, Alberta, Ontario and from across BC. Instead, some specially curated digital programming, possibly a few performances for very limited audiences (with safety precautions in place), as well as online classes for anyone who wants to dance!
Now more than ever we need our artists and we need to keep moving so the EDGE is working to support and encourage both.
Enjoy this ‘lite’ version of the festival, and show your support for a local cultural treasure.
VSO@HOME
Performances To Be Confirmed
Check here.
The musicians and staff of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra have been busy creating music and virtual experiences to fill in for their now-cancelled regular schedule of performances. Earlier streamed performances are also available on their website. Purchase a virtual “ticket” to your next VSO@Home performance through an online donation. Support the VSO and help keep the music playing.
ART AT HOME
Various Dates & Times
Information Here
Although the physical building may be closed, the Vancouver Art Gallery’s virtual doors remain open.
Art has the power to help us come together as a community through enriching and creative experiences. Art At Home, a new series of digital family programs is designed to inspire you and your family to get creative at home!
Every Sunday, the Gallery will share a different art-making activity, taking inspiration from the exhibitions or artwork from the permanent collection, on their website and across their social media channels.
Every other Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. family programs coordinator Christina Jones will share stories about the incredible lives of artists and their approaches to art-making in a live Art At Home session on Zoom.
Experience the power of storytelling through art, and discover a new activity that you can try with your family at home!
All In The Family
No family events have been confirmed at this time. Check back regularly as we will be adding information as it is received.
Senior Moments
LOOKING FOR COVID-19 RESOURCES?
The West End Seniors' Network has collated some resources on their website here.
You’ll find entertainment options, information about food and meal assistance, government information, grocery store hours, mental and physical health resources, and pharmacy hours and delivery options.
FREE INCOME TAX CLINIC FOR SENIORS
Contactless and By Appointment
The deadline for older adults to file their income tax has been extended. For this reason and because they had to cancel their March and April clinics due to COVID-19, The West End Seniors’ Network will offer income tax filing assistance to older adults by appointment for those with simple tax situations and modest income levels.
These clinics will be contactless and held by appointment. Contact Kaitlin at programs@wesn.ca or 604-669-5051 (ext 1) to see if you qualify and to make an appointment.
You will be given a time to drop-off your papers at the table at the Barclay Manor front door where a volunteer will check your ID through the window. You will then be asked to leave and return to sign-off on and pick-up your papers at a provided time, or, you will be called when they are ready.
KAY'S PLACE RE-OPENING JULY 8
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kay’s Place in Denman Mall, like all West End Seniors’ Network sites, has been closed to the public. On Wednesday, July 8 Kay’s Place will reopen with some conditions and restrictions.
Kay’s Place provides a friendly place to socialize and find information about various federal, provincial and other community programs and services available to older adults. Volunteers can also assist with filling out application forms, finding resources and directing clients to the most appropriate service providers.
Until further notice there will be a limit of five people in the space at any time, including one information and referral volunteer, the information and referral services coordinator, the manager, and two members or clients. No coffee, tea, or cookies will be on offer for the time being. To make an appointment call 604.669.7339. Folks who “drop-in” may have to wait outside or make an appointment due to the current restrictions.
West End Seniors’ Network executive director Anthony Kupferschmidt. Join him for tea online.
REMOTE TEA WITH ANTHONY
Monday, July 13
1 to 2 p.m.
Join here
Chat with Anthony, WESN Executive Director, and your peers in an informal and welcoming online space. Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and have a snack ready. No pre-registration is required.
This month’s topic: Adding Restaurant Patios on Sidewalks and in ParkingLanes: Good for Business and Older Adults?
Join by computer, tablet or smartphone. All you need is a stable Internet connection. Or join via phone by calling 1-289-949-6623 and entering PIN 257 413 891# when prompted. Note that this number is Canadian, but not local and fees may apply depending on your phone plan.
You do not need to enable the video camera if you join with a web browser, but you will need to enable a microphone to be able to speak.
ONLINE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAMS
The West End Seniors’ Network continues to provide a number of online physical activity programs, including Moving In Flow, Online Aquafit, Online Creative Movement. There is also an Outdoor Walking Group, practicing safe distancing while taking in the local scenery.
For information see the current WESN newsletter here (after July 1).
WELL AND TRULY GREY
Events & Information Online
Former Vancouver Province columnist Brian Kieran recently spearheaded the launch of a new website devoted to publishing articles about seniors’ issues and posting links to much-needed resources.
At the height of the pandemic, the new site emerged as a central source of vital links to information about government and community resources generated to help slow the virus and combat its impacts. Many seniors were overwhelmed by waves of information about health measures, financial programs, mental health concerns, restrictions and access issues, grocery and pharmaceutical shortages and volunteer initiatives. This easy-to-navigate virtual gathering has become a trusted source of information and news.
