Lynn Valley Lions Community Garden volunteers sought

A new community garden is being built in Lynn Valley, and this is your chance to get in on the “ground” floor – literally.

IMG_3465 Volunteers who help build the garden on the grounds by the Lynn Valley Rec Centre on Frederick Road near Mountain Highway on the weekend of July 18-20 will be first in line to secure a plot. People who can’t help out but would like to get their name on a waiting list for a plot are also invited to be in touch.

All the details regarding the project are here, and people interested are asked to email [email protected] by Friday, July 4.

The community garden at St. Clement’s Anglican Church on the other side of Lynn Valley Park has become a welcome sight for passers-by. Consider stepping up to create another interesting horticultural oasis!

 

Bike race, old-fashioned carnival in LV this weekend!

IMG_3463Well, it may not be a long weekend TECHNICALLY (although we suspect a few people might be taking Monday off), but there is sure a lot going down in Lynn Valley on June 28/29! A big splash will be made by the BC Bike Race, which will see 600 bike riders launch their seven-day stage race from Argyle Secondary. Their Lynn Valley route is the first part of a journey that will take them to Vancouver Island, up to Comox and over to Powell River, and eventually to Whistler by Day 7. Here’s a look at their Sunday, June 29th Day 1 North Vancouver route – and if you’d like to see some of the action in person, come out the End of the Line General Store, the designated “cheer zone” at the top of Lynn Valley Road. Kids are invited to take part in a bike race of their own, down at Argyle School field on Saturday the 28th. Registration begins at 10 a.m.; further details are on our Events Calendar.  (A Farmer’s Market will also be on site from 10 to 2!)

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For those of us who aren’t the two-wheeler type, head on down to Lynn Valley Village on Saturday for Lynn Valley Legion’s annual community appreciation event – an Old-Fashioned Carnival. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can take part in carnival games and goodies, enjoy Smartee Pants the Clown, meet a veteran, learn more about the work of the Legion and other community groups in our neighbourhood, and participate in crafts and storytimes thanks to the library and Karen Magnussen rec centre. Hope to see you out and enjoying the fun!

School strike news & childcare options

Looking for news about the teachers’ strike situation, and how it will impact your family?

For a strike update, including the exam information and new end-of-term procedures for students, read the North Vancouver School Superintendent’s letter, here.

North Van Rec has a number of day camps on offer to get kids up and dancing or out and enjoying the great outdoors. Check them out here.

Adventure camps up Grouse Mountain are on offer, with more being added as strike news develops. Read the Grouse site for more info.

There are bike adventure camps from Escape Adventures, and Pedalheads is planning strike-day programming as well, although at time of writing the information was not yet on their website.

We will add more resources as we learn of them, so please send us any resources you’d like us to share with your neighbours! Email [email protected].

 

 

Lynn Valley Mall redevelopment gets seven thumbs up

After years of extensive public consultation and study, in the end it took North Vancouver District’s seven councillors less than an hour to unanimously approve four bylaws that will allow Bosa Development’s Lynn Valley Mall development to proceed.

YesA special council meeting was held on the evening of Tuesday, June 10 with only one order of business: to vote for or against the redevelopment project, which includes a complete overhaul of the mall, mixed residential-retail usage, two 12-storey buildings, a new High Street connecting Lynn Valley Road and 27th Street, and a variety of public amenities.

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Lynn Valley Days 2014 – one of the best ever!

Wow! What a great Lynn Valley Day weekend! The LynnValleyLife crew was busy running the games pitch and the new SuperKids Obstacle Course, but were able to capture some of the park and parade festivities on camera. Here is a re-cap on the day from organizer Gillian Konst, director of the Lynn Valley Community Association:

Thank you to everyone for the biggest and best Lynn Valley Days so far.

With the weather firmly on our side, this was truly the best attended and most succesful Lynn Valley Days ever. We don’t have hard numbers yet, but it’s estimated that up to 15,000 people visited the park on Saturday!

LV Lion racerHundreds of volunteers, along with the exhibitors and parade participants, made it a day to remember for the thousands who came out to enjoy the rides, games, Cookshack, activities and entertainment.

The warm weather also meant that our inaugural evening concert and BBQ dinner on Saturday evening were a big hit.  What a great way to end the weekend!

Lynn Valley Days is organized by the community for the community.   It is all about building and strengthening the community in which we live.   Thanks to our generous sponsors and donors we have two beneficiaries from our weekend:   The Tim Jones Legacy Fund and The North Shore Disability Resource Centre.

We were surprised but thrilled to discover that the night of our gala would also have been Tim Jones’ birthday; we were able to raise a glass and toast this remarkable man and the legacy he has left us.

Thank you from The Lynn Valley Community Association, Lynn Valley Legion and Lynn Valley Lions to everyone who pitched in, donated, participated and came to support the 102nd Lynn Valley Days. Together we make a difference in the community and you are all part of continuing the tradition.

There was a full house (well, tent) out to enjoy The Boom Booms Saturday evening.

There was a full house (well, tent) out to enjoy The Boom Booms Saturday evening.

The Boom Booms kept toes tapping from 5 to 8 p.m.

The Boom Booms kept toes tapping from 5 to 8 p.m.

The Boom Booms

The Boom Booms

The LVLife SuperKids Obstacle Course Leaderboard showed top times by age group at day's end!

The LVLife SuperKids Obstacle Course Leaderboard showed top times by age group at day’s end!

LVLife sponsoring realtor Kelly Gardiner took a (sadly unsuccessful) run at top time for the SuperKids Obstacle Course Masters category. He was doing well until it was time to "skip his age"!

LVLife sponsoring realtor Kelly Gardiner took a (sadly unsuccessful) run at top time for the SuperKids Obstacle Course Masters category. He was doing well until it was time to “skip his age”!

This Black Bear Band niece is getting an early intro to the art of the trombone from Uncle Jeff Seddon, a member of the band's 'Impalers' t-bone section.

This Black Bear Band niece is getting an early intro to the art of the trombone from Uncle Jeff Seddon, a member of the band’s ‘Impalers’ t-bone section.

Harry skips his age to finish up the obstacle course, and is named winner of the Masters category!

Harry skips his age to finish up the obstacle course, and is named winner of the Masters category!

Harry knocks the blocks off and prepares his return through the slalom run.

Harry knocks the blocks off and prepares his return through the slalom run.

A ballerina gets instructions and encouragement from a LVLifer as she starts out on the SuperKids Obstacle Course.

A ballerina gets instructions and encouragement from a LVLifer as she starts out on the SuperKids Obstacle Course.

We had a great time running the games pitch. The old-fashioned relay races are always popular, as was this year's new SuperKids Obstacle course.

We had a great time running the games pitch. The old-fashioned relay races are always popular, as was this year’s new SuperKids Obstacle course.

Bodies were flying everywhere at this cool challenge, in which players had to take to the air in order to avoid being knocked off their pedestals by the randomly twirling bonker thing (there is probably a more technical term for it, but whatever it's called, it's fast!)

Bodies were flying everywhere at this cool challenge, in which players had to take to the air in order to avoid being knocked off their pedestals by the randomly twirling bonker thing (there is probably a more technical term for it, but whatever it’s called, it’s fast!)

Great salmon car from the North Van Outdoor School alumni.

Great salmon car from the North Van Outdoor School alumni.

A small ensemble from the LV Black Bear Band entertained passersby. This could be you next year! Join up at www.blackbearband.ca.

A small ensemble from the LV Black Bear Band entertained passersby. This could be you next year! Join up at www.blackbearband.ca.

LVLIfe sponsoring realtor Jim Lanctot, looking dashing in a sombrero, coaches a Masters category runner through the obstacle course.

LVLIfe sponsoring realtor Jim Lanctot, looking dashing in a sombrero, coaches a Masters category runner through the obstacle course.

This was one of our best tower-builders of the day! It cost him some valuable seconds, but we confidently predict this detail-oriented young chap will go far.

This was one of our best tower-builders of the day! It cost him some valuable seconds, but we confidently predict this detail-oriented young chap will go far.

Gunnysackers gave it their all.

Gunnysackers gave it their all.

Neighbourhood seniors are well represented by the LV Seniors' Association.

Neighbourhood seniors are well represented by the LV Seniors’ Association.

The sword play looks pretty authentic!

The sword play looks pretty authentic!

A Tin Man from LV United looked the part.

A Tin Man from LV United looked the part.

LV United had a great float in the parade, with Wizard of Oz characters following behind.

LV United had a great float in the parade, with Wizard of Oz characters following behind.

They may be relaxing now, but things got pretty hectic at the LVLife Games pitch once the parade was over!

They may be relaxing now, but things got pretty hectic at the LVLife Games pitch once the parade was over!

Marching bands had the perfect weather to strut their stuff.

Marching bands had the perfect weather to strut their stuff.

Lynn Valley Elementary Band's rendition of Louie, Louie was enjoyed by all.

Lynn Valley Elementary Band’s rendition of Louie, Louie was enjoyed by all.

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Tucker the Turtle presses some flesh.

Tucker the Turtle presses some flesh.

It was all peace and love with the Zazou '70s singers.

It was all peace and love with the Zazou ’70s singers.

Fairy tale princesses and other book characters marched along with the NVD Library parade entry.

Fairy tale princesses and other book characters marched along with the NVD Library parade entry.

Mmmmm…. Purdy's Hedgehog.

Mmmmm…. Purdy’s Hedgehog.

The Lynn Valley Lion reminds everyone to get their Christmas trees from the Lions, and see your money do some good in the community!

The Lynn Valley Lion reminds everyone to get their Christmas trees from the Lions, and see your money do some good in the community!

Our first two contestants in the SuperKids Obstacle course.

Our first two contestants in the SuperKids Obstacle course.

LVLife threw its annual pre-Gala shindig at the home of Jim and Cindy Lanctot.

LVLife threw its annual pre-Gala shindig at the home of Jim and Cindy Lanctot.

This LV Lion has some tough comptetition in the gunny sack race. He was wishing he was mascot for the Lynn Valley Kangaroos.

This LV Lion has some tough comptetition in the gunny sack race. He was wishing he was mascot for the Lynn Valley Kangaroos.

Warm-weather watering wisdom from the pros

The sun is out, and your garden needs you! Here are some warm-weather tips from Matt and Rob Boyd of Endless Summer landscapers, with some especially good advice about watering plants properly!

These are just a few gardening tips for you to consider here in late May/June. Many people seem to think that just because all the plants have been put into their places for the summer and your perennials are blooming, or past bloom, there is no more work to be done. The garden is full of multi-colored flowers, so there must be little or nothing to do. Right? No, there is always work that may be done.

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Parents rally to save Swangard track meet

With only a few days’ notice, people banded together to resurrect the North Vancouver track and field meet at Swangard Stadium, which had been officially cancelled as due to the teachers’ strike on the day of the meet. One of the volunteers, Desiree Kranendijk, tells us how it went:

IMG_3378Hundreds of students from almost all the schools across North Vancouver had the opportunity to compete in the annual Swangard Track Meet yesterday despite the ongoing teachers’ strike. A collection of over 100 parent volunteers mobilized after hearing the track event would be cancelled due to the rotating strike, in order to ensure that the students had the chance to showcase their athleticism and put to use all the training provided by the teachers and supporters in the months leading up to the event.

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Lynn Valley steps up to Relay for Life

All of us know someone, or more than one someone, who has been touched by cancer. Those of us in Lynn Valley are no exception, which is why many of our neighbours are stepping up to take a leading role in the Canadian Cancer Society’s largest national fundraiser, the Relay for Life.

The event takes place on Saturday June 7,  at Mahon Park, where for 12 hours, all manner  of people will be joining together to remember those lost to cancer, those who have survived it, and those whose journey still lies ahead.

While the continuous relay event runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., activities are planned all day long, starting with an 8:15 a.m. Survivors’ Breakfast prepared with the help of the two North Vancouver mayors.  Peter Twist of Twist Conditioning is the guest speaker, and  will also be leading warm-up exercises before the race start.

Many other Lynn Valley people are involved in the day’s entertainment, festivities and fundraising. Zazou Salon employees will be offering haircuts by donation, with all proceeds going to the cause, and performing ceremonial head shaves as part of the festivities.  Bruce Peters, owner of Zazou, says “Zazou is proud to be participating in the North Shore annual Relay for Life….We love how the North Shore community gathers and supports events of such a great cause. We have all been affected by cancer in one way or another, either a loved one, friend or someone we know or heard of. We must band together – rally the troops and make concerted efforts to lend support to each other….it is a nasty little bugger.”

Other Lynn Valley contributions include entertainment from RNB Dance, student participation from Sutherland and from Argyle Secondary’s Cancer Awareness Club, silent auction items from Browns Social House, the Black Bear Pub, the new Butter Lane Bakery and Tea House, and other local businesses. North Vancouver Save-on-Foods are sponsoring food and beverages, and Subway and Booster Juice who are providing discounted lunch and smoothies for the cause.

The Relay for Life organizing team includes Lynn Valley’s Kathy Drake as event leader, and Maureen Turner as fundraising development chair. Several event volunteers are from the Lynn Valley area, as are a number of the fundraising relay teams.

“The community involvement from the Lynn Valley area is very impressive,” said Maureen. “It shows that Lynn Valley is a tight-knit community that steps up to the plate to really support the cause.”

The day include lots of fun activities for children and adults, entertainment, health and wellness information, a bouncy castle, dunk tank, and various ceremonies.

“People can still become involved by submitting a team, volunteering, and donating to the CCS – North Vancouver. And we welcome survivors, caregivers and their families to our complimentary breakfast,” says Maureen.

Anyone who wishes to help at the event or wishes to participate in the Survivors Breakfast must register at www.relayforlife.ca – North Vancouver.

 

“Pedal power” rules at Lynn Valley schools

Did you notice a few extra two-wheelers around Lynn Valley this week? You weren’t imagining things.

IMG_2906Today wraps up Bike to School Week at Lynn Valley Elementary, a week that kicked off with 135 kids cycling to school with or without parents. They’ve been treated to energy snacks from local merchants, bike tune-ups from Lynn Valley Bikes, courses from Cycling BC, a visit from the RCMP Safety Bear and more fun activities, including a family bike ride in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve on Wednesday evening.

For photos and more details about the week and how it went, read the Lynn Valley Elementary School Parent Advisory Council post here.

Ross Road Elementary will be hosting its own Bike to School Week from May 26 to 30, so if you are driving please keep your eyes peeled for novice riders!

 

Bell & Anchor invites neighbourhood newcomers

With its trademark anchor in the front lawn, St. Clement’s Anglican Church at 3400 Institute Road is a well-recognized Lynn Valley institution. But church members know that not everyone in the neighbourhood feels quite so established in the community.

St. Clement's

Alecia Greenfield is one of the driving forces behind the Bell & Anchor, a monthly games night at the church that’s designed especially for people who are still finding their footing in Lynn Valley. By coming out and meeting others, Alecia hopes that newcomers and friends get the behind-the-scenes info that will help them feel at home in their community.

Along with refreshments and games, the Bell & Anchor can serve up recommendations for dog walkers, child minders, best hiking trails or coffee hang-outs. Whatever the query, church members hope that they or other attendees will be able to serve up the “inside scoop.” People who aren’t quite as new to the neighbourhood, but still looking for a few more connections, are also more than welcome, says Greenfield.

The Bell & Anchor runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 23. The event will generally be held on the second Friday of the month, with the next one scheduled for June 13. Games will be indoors, or sometimes taken outside when good weather beckons – allowing people to enjoy St. Clement’s community garden, now in its second year and already looking wonderful.

For more information, call the church at (604) 988 – 4418 or check out their website here.