MARK YOUR CALENDAR
/Here’s What’s Happening In Your
West End - Coal Harbour Community In …
October 2024
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The following are highlights from the many programs available at the West End and Coal Harbour community hubs. Check the websites listed at the end of this section for complete listings of events and activities.
Community Calendar / Arts & Entertainment / Families, Kids, & Teens / Senior Moments / LGBT+ / Venue Directory
Community Calendar
GIVE PEACE A CHANT
When: Friday, Oct. 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.).
Where: Gordon Neighbourhood House.
Cost: By donation / Proceeds to Gordon Neighbourhood House.
Details: Join a group of other friendly voices and experience an eveniing mantra meditation and live music, and soothing Vedic verses for peace. A slide show will accompany the chanting, allowing you to sing along or simply enjoy the experience. Please bring a cushion for floor seating and your water bottle. Charis are available, cushions may be limited. Reservations are recommended and you can register here.
EMERGENCY FIRST AID / CPR/ AED
When: Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Where: The West End Community Centre / Barclay Room.
Cost: $99.75
Details: This basic first aid course offers lifesaving first aid and cardiopulmonary resucitation (CPR) skills for the workplace or home. The course meets legislation requirements for provincial worker safety and insurance boards, and includes the latest first aid and CPR guidelines.
WEST END GARDEN CLUB
When: Sunday, Oct. 20 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre Bidwell Room
Cost: Free
Details: Join the West End Neighbourhood Food Network’s Urban Garden Club and Village Vancouver at their monthly, family-friendly gathering. Each month there will be a shot presentation or discussion on a food and/or gardening related topic. There will be a community seed library where you can pick up free seeds for your garden or trade and donate seeds. Feel free to bring some snacks or food to share. children of any age are welcome, and must be accompanied by an adult.
COMMUNITY LUNCH
When: Mondays and Fridays at 12 noon.
Where: Gordon Neighbourhood House (GNH)
Cost: $7.50 with a GNH membership, $8 without. Children 1 and up are half-price.
Details: Join other members of our community for a delicious home-cooked lunch. This is one of GNH’s many “Food Justice” programs that you can learn more about here. To reserve a spot call 604.683.2554 or email welcome@gordonhouse.org.
ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK
The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info at the end of this calendar.
TOASTMASTERS: Tuesdays, from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. until Dec. 17 in the West End Community Centre’s Denman Room. Free. Learn and practice public speaking, impromptu speeches, and leadership skills at this weekly meeting.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: Tuesdays through Dec. 17 in the West End Community Centre’s Meeting Room 2 or 3 . Free. Join a weekly conversation and drop in when you can to practice English in a relaxed circle of friendly people. Conversations are guided by experienced facilitators who strive to talk about things that interest you.
WEST END WRITERS: Wednesdays, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m until Dec. 18. Free. Writers Club of all ages and experience are invited to join in reading works-in-progress and receiving feedback. Visit here for more information.
CRIBBAGE: Fridays, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. until Dec. 20, in the West End Community Centre’s Bidwell Room. Free. A friendly social card group sharing a fun game. Beginners and newcomers welcome. The Dec. 6 class will be in the English Bay Room.
FARMER'S MARKET on Comox (between Thurlow and Bute) every Saturday through October 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stock up on fresh fruit and veggies for tasty summer meals and picnics at the beach.
WATERFRONT WALKERS: Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m until Dec. 16. Free. A casual group of walking enthusiasts who meet weekly to enjoy a variety of scenic walks. Routes are regularly around 6km and last about three hours, with a stop along the way for coffee. Meet up at Coal Harbour Community Centre.
THE DARK SECRETS OF STANLEY PARK: Saturdays from 4 to 5:30/6 p.m. $32 for adults and $29 for youth and seniors. Information and tickets here. Discover the jaw-dropping beauty – and sinister stories – of Stanley Park. Behind those majestic forests, picturesque gardens, and stunning beaches lies a history of forced evictions, buried treasure, shocking crime scenes, and the macabre tale of Deadman’s Island. When you buy a ticket for this walking tour, two per cent of the ticket cost goes to support the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
LABYRINTH - A WALKING MEDITATION: Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall. Free. The Labyrinth 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. The Labyrinth at St. Paul’s is open for silent walking, prayer and meditation to people of all faiths and spiritual disciplines as a resource for meditation, reflection, and prayer.
Arts & Entertainment
Margo Kane's new work in development will be featured at the have a senior moment festival.
HAVE A SENIOR MOMENT FESTIVAL
By, But Not Only For or About Seniors
When: Thursday, Oct. 17 through Sunday, Oct. 20 / Various Times.
Where: PAL Studio Theatre
Cost: $15 per Play Reading / $35 for an All-Events Package. Full lineup and tickets here.
Details: A four-day mixed-bag of exciting events, including: two new plays by BC Theatre Makers Oliva Etey and Simon Webb read by an array of Vancouver’s best older actors; First Nations performing artist Margo Kane sharing her new work in development; a guided bus tour of Xway-Xway (Stanley Park) by Chief Ian Campbell as he relates tales of the land and those who came before us; dance up a storm with DJ Staniml, and gather for the festival closing Scripts and Spirits, including cold-cast script readings and an Open Mic jamboree. Plus there will be creative workshops, on-line panel discussions, information gatherings, and the ever-important opportunity to feast together.
Let your imagination run wild viewing a work by Robert J. Carter.
SO
Artwork by Robert J. Carter
When: October 4 to 26. Fridays 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Where: The MOLE Pop-Up Gallery. 1157 Pendrell (Rear entrance, enter on Jepson-Young Lane)
Details: An exhibition of recent works by Robert J. Carter, a West End artist who thinks heavily in colour and movement and draws inspiration from the variety of things he interacts with in everyday life. He enjoys expressing them with dream like images filled with graphic colour and his expressions come alive in the various media he engages in his work, whether it be painting in oil, acrylic or watercolour, ceramics, sculpture or video.
His unique perspective of showcasing his work allows the viewer to create their own point of view for what they see and enjoy in his work. Check out The West End Journal’s profile of Robert from September 2021 here.
5 Dog Ear will play at the Sylvia October 20.
LIVE AT THE SYLVIA
When: Every Wed., Thurs., and Sun. from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: The Sylvia Hotel Restaurant & Lounge
Admission: Free
Details: Three evenings a week enjoy live music at the lounge with a great view of English Bay. The October lineup includes: Wed. Oct. 2 - Jazz with Weaver & Werth; Thurs. Oct. 3 - Singer-songwriter Sean from the Yukon; Sun. Oct. 6 -Jazz & R&B with Anna Navarro; Wed. Oct. 9 - Singer-songwriter Stephen Spender; Thurs. Oct. 10 - Vintage Folk & Pop with Jana Seale; Sun. Oct. 13 - Jazz & Roots with The Kasuals; Wed. Oct. 16 - Covers of all Eras with Jada Leroux; Thurs. Oct. 17 - Funk, Jazz & Rock with Colin Sankey & Julia Skye Sun. Oct. 20 - Jazz, Swing & Blues with 5 Dog Ears; Wed. Oct. 23 - 70s, 89s, and 90s covers with Chapter 11; Thurs. Oct. 24 - Americana Pop & Soul with Anna Katarina; Sun. Oct. 27 -TBA; Wed. Oct. 30 - Singer-songwriter Ted Kim; Thurs. Oct. 31 - Acoustic Pop with Zach Saunders.
ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK
The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info at the end of this calendar.
HOT MIX BINGO: Mondays at 8 p.m. at The Shamrock Pub at 1184 Denman. Fun and games = music and bingo at this popular West End Irish pub.
KARAOKE TUESDAYS: At The Park Pub from 9 p.m. to late.
COMEDY TONIGHT! Thursdays at 8 p.m. at The Park Pub (1755 Davie). Admission $25. TheatreSports alumni hosts Denise Jones and David Milchard hold an improv comedy night featuring a rotating cast of up to eight of Vancouver’s top improv artists, plus special guests.
IMPROV THURSDAYS: From 8 to 9:30 p.m. at The Park Pub. Admission $25. Theatre Sports alumni Denise Jones and David Milchard bring their new improv comedy troupe of award-winning actors and improv veterans to the West End.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE AT THE PARK PUB: From 8:30 p.m. to late enjoy great live music.
SATURDAY NIGHT LAUGHS: Two laugh-a-minute shows every Saturday, at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. at The Show Cellar.
JAZZ VESPERS: Sundays at 4 p.m. at St. Andrews Wesley United Church. By donation. An afternoon featuring some of Vancouver’s finest musicians, and meditations on faith and life. The October lineup includes: Oct. 6 - The Impressions Big Band; Oct. 13 - The Isabel Ipa Quartet; Oct. 20 - The Skye Eriksen Quartet; Oct. 27 - The Homecoming Brass Band.
Families, Kids, & Teens
THANKSGIVING CRAFT TIME
When: Wednesday, Oct.2 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre Auditorium
Cost: Free
Details: Join friends and neighbours to celebrate Thanksgiving. Your child will go home with a beautiful and unique craft that they’ve made themselves. Parent participation required.
RED CROSS BABYSITTING
When: Sunday, Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The West End Community Centre / Barclay Room
Cost: $75.
Details: A nationally recognized program designed to help youth develop self-assurance, knowledge, and skills required for babysitting duties and when caring for themselves alone. These are important tools for your child to have as they begin to build invaluable skills for a lifetime.
HALL/OWEEN CRAFT TIME
For 2 to 7 year-olds
When: Wednesday, October 23 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre Auditorium.
Cost: Free
Details: A family celebration of Halloween. Your child will go home with a beautiful, unique, and possibly spooky craft they have made themselves. Parent participation required.
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL
And Ghostly Graveyard!
When: Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
Where: Coal Harbour Community Centre Activity Room
Cost: $8 per child.
Details: A fun, hair-raising event to get you into the spooky spirit. Enjoy creepy crafts, terrifying treats, eerie entertainment, and much more. Don’t forget to wear your costume! Parent participation is required and pre-registration is recommended.
HAUNTED HOUSE AT BARCLAY MANOR
… and things that go bump in the night!
When: Friday, October 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 28 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Barclay Manor
Cost: $4 per person / $12 for a family of four. Tickets here.
Details: For bigger, braver souls, Barclay Manor will once again be converted into a spooky, scary, haunted house. Come and enjoy it if you dare! Tickets can be purchased online through the West End Community Centre website or in person at the West End or Coal Harbour Community Centre, and at the door. Recommended for children eight and up - parental discretion advised.
PRO D-DAY CAMP
For 5 to 12 year-olds
When: Friday, Oct. 25 from 9:30 to 3:30 p.m. / After Care 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre
Cost: Camp $35 / After Care $10
Details: An action-packed day of activities, crafts, games and fun while your youngster’s teachers are taking a professional development break from the classroom. Parents must complete a waiver. Refunds for all day camps must be requested a minimum of five business days (Monday through Friday) prior to the first day of each camp. There will be a refund administration fee of $5.
PINT-SIZED PUMPKIN CARVING
When: Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Coal Harbour Community Centre Activity Room.
Cost: $7 per pumpkin in advance / $8.50 at the door.
Details: The tenth annual carving event for pint-sized carvers, where the youngsters carve their own jack-o-lanterns. Carving tools, pumpkins, and ghoulish music provided — and don’t forget to wear your costume. Please pre-register to ensure a sufficient supply of pumpkins. Walk-ins will be accommodated, space and supplies permitting.
ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK
The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info at the end of this calendar.
JR. YOUTH LEADERSHIP CLUB: Wednesdays through June 11 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the West End Community Centre Denman Room. A free after school program for youth in Grades 8 and 9. Build skills, plan fundraisers and events, and clock some volunteer hours. The meetings focus on “investing in yourself and your community through team building, workshops, and volunteerism.
SR. YOUTH LEADERSHIP CLUB: A free program for youth in Grades 10 to 12. Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. through June 12at the West End Community Centre Meeting Room 1. Similar to the Jr. Youth Leadership Club (see above) program, with the addition of learning such valuable skills as interview preparation, applying to college and university, and how to apply for scholarships and bursaries.
BABYTIME: Thursdays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. and 11:15 to 11:45 am at Joe Fortes Library. Free. Rhymes, songs, counces, fingerplays and stories for parents and caregivers and their babies. Recommended for newborns to approximately 18 months.
FAMILY STORY TIME: Thursdays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. and 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. at Joe Fortes Library. Free. This program for parents and caregivers with young children shares songs, rhymes and stories. Suitable for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy and learn together.
TEEN NIGHT: Fridays through Dec. 12. A free drop-in at the West End Community Centre Gymnasium, for Grades 8 to 12 (ages 13 to 18), from 6:15 to 9 p.m. Come by and shoot hoops, play board games upstairs, or get creative with some art supplies. Teen Night has in-out privileges.
SINGLE MOTHERS CONNECTION GROUP: Fridays at Gordon Neighbourhood House from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Free to GNH members — annual membership is $5 and can be purchased at the front counter upon arrival. This program is dedicated to expanding a support system for single mothers in the West End through peer support and building meaningful relationships. As a part of the group, toddler playtimes are aimed at promoting healthy socialization and development of kids ages 0-5. The group also holds monthly workshops, employment support sessions, and community events. To register email familyplace@gordonhouse.org.
PRE-TEEN NIGHT: Fridays through Dec. 13 (except Oct. 25 and Nov. 22). A free drop-in at the West End Community Centre for youth ages nine to twelve. Drop by and participate in a variety of games, crafts, and activities including dodge-ball, capture the flag, button and bracelet making, movie nights, and more. Registration is required, with room for a maximum of 30 youths.
KIDSZONE: Fridays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Free. At Joe Fortes Library. A time for kids to meet kids and share books, crafts, and fun activities at the library. For Grades K to 7.
Senior Moments
ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK
The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info at the end of this calendar.
FITNESS WITH LAUREN: Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at Gordon Neighbourhood House. Free. A weekly fitness class that incorporates resistance band exercises to improve muscle tone and strength. All seniors welcome.
BALLROOM DANCING & SOCIAL: Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. in the West End Community Centre Auditorium. Join a friendly group of ballroom dances and learn, practice, and meet new friends. Singles and those with partners both welcome. Drop-in $1.50 / Eight sessions for $7.60.
YOGA FOR SENIORS: Mondays at 12:15 p.m. at the West End Community Centre Dance Studio. A class for older men and women at all fitness levels, including those with some physical challenges. Each class provides a balanced full body workout, adapted to safely meet your needs. $11 drop-in.
TED TALKS & DISCUSSION: Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Barclay Manor. A lively gathering for informative talks and ensuing discussions.
CREATIVE QUEST: Tuesdays from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at Barclay Manor. The Barclay Manor Artists’ Collective meets for open studio time. Bring your project and supplies to paint with others in a studio setting. No teaching or supplies are given. For information contact Graham at creativequest2022@gmail.com.
LGBT+
There’s nothing hotta than dinner with carlotta - at bonta italian restaurant.
DINNER & A DRAG SHOW!
When: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Bonta Italian Restaurant
Admission: Free.
Details: On Tuesdays it’s Carlotta Gurl and Thursdays it’s the unstoppable Conni Smudge entertaining at this popular Davie Street restaurant while diners enjoy a generous portion of Italian specialties.
ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK
The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info for all venues and organizations is at the end of this calendar.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLUB: Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. at HIM on Davie’s Lounge Space. Join a conversation night for GBQ men and gender diverse people whose first language is not English, to practice speaking in a safe, non-judgmental and fun space. The program is fully inclusive for all folks regardless of refugee, visa, or citizenship status.
RAINBOW MEN’S GROUP: Mondays from 3 to 4:30 at Barclay Manor —Multipurpose Room. A group open to older gay, bi, and trans men to share experiences of life in the West End. Join for fun, socializing, and serious conversation. Facilitated by Bil Coleman and Jeff Darcy, counsellors in private practice and at WESN.
BINGO FOR LIFE: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at The Junction Pub at 11:38 Davie. Free. Drag diva Kamelle Toe presides over a weekly fundraiser for The Vancouver Friends for Life Society. Free admission. $10 per bingo card.
TUESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: At the Fountainhead Pub at 7 p.m. No cover. An evening of trivia and fun hosted by Richard Romano-Carlsen.
QUEERPROV: Thursdays at 8 p.m. at The Junction. Pay What You Can. A weekly celebration of improv comedy. The November lineup includes: Nov. 1 - Halloween Hangover; Nov. 8 - Queerprov Challenge; Nov. 15 - Coming Out Stories; Nov. 22 - Perfect Catch; Nov. 29 - Fruitbowl …. followed by —
DRAG ME TO HELL! Thursdays at 11:30 p.m. An evening of killer drag hosted by Miss Understood and featuring a revolving cast of special guest performers and music by Dj Amy Grindhouse. Admission $12 in advance (here) and $15 at the door.
UNITY FRIDAY: At The Junction. Showtime 11 p.m. Service until 4 a.m. Hosted each week by a variety of queer community members. $15 cover. Music by DJ Dennis Kindel.
THE REALLY GAY HISTORY TOUR: Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. It’s time for Vancouver’s secrets to come out of the closet. Tour guide Glenn Tkach tells the stories of drag kings and two spirit warriors, queer church ministers ,and transgender crime fighters. This two-hour walking tour is a celebration of the unsung heroes who forever changed the social fabric of our city. $32 for adults and $29 for youth and seniors. Information and tickets here.
Venue Directory
WHERE THEY’RE AT AND HOW TO CONNECT …
If we’ve missed a venue please let us know at editor@thewestendjournal.ca
1181 Lounge / 1181 Davie / 236.513.1181 / Website
Art@Bentall Gallery / 595 Burrard St - Concourse #05 / 604.682.3701 / Website
Barclay Manor / 1447 Barclay / 604.669.5051 / Website
Bonta Italian Ristorante / 1047 Davie / 604.687.0055 / Website
Chef Ron Restaurant / 1037 Denman / 604.336.9994 / Website
Coal Harbour Community Centre / 480 Broughton / 604-718-8222 / Website
Gordon Neighbourhood House / 1019 Broughton / 604.683.2554 / Website
Health Initiative For Men (HIM) / 300 - 1033 Davie / 604 488 1001 / Website
HI Hostel Vancouver / 1114 Burnaby / 604.684.4565 / Website
Joe Fortes Library / 870 Denman / 604-665-3972 / Website
Kay’s Place / 118 - 1030 Denman (Denman Mall) / 604.669.5051 / Website
Mole Gallery / 1157 Pendrell Street, access from Jepson-Young Lane / Website
PAL Studio Theatre / 581 Cardero / 604.255.4313 / Website
Robert Lee YMCA / 955 Burrard / 604.939.9622 / Website
Shamrock Pub / 1184 Denman / 604.428.4414 / Website
St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church / 1022 Nelson / 604.683.4574 / Website
St. Paul’s Anglican Church / 1130 Jervis / 604.685.6832 / Website
Stanley Park Ecology Society / 610 Pipeline Road / 604.257.6908 / Website
Stanley Park Nature House / 712 Lost Lagoon Path / 604.257.8544 / Website
The Fountainhead Pub / 1025 Davie / 604.687.2222 / Website
The Loft Lounge / 1184 Denman / 604.602.1000 / Website
The Park Pub / 1755 Davie / 604.682.1831 / Website
The Pumpjack Pub / 1167 Davie / 604.685.3417 / Website
The Show Cellar (at the Park Pub) / 1755 Davie / 604.682.1831 / Website
The Pumpjack Pub / 1167 Davie / 604.685.3417 / Website
West End Community Centre / 870 Denman / 604.257.8333 / Website
If we’ve missed a venue please let us know at editor@thewestendjournal.ca
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Thank you!
Kevin Dale McKeown
Editor & Publisher
editor@thewestendjournal.ca
