Mollie Nye House: the "thriving little centre for everyone"

Do you only notice Mollie Nye House when it’s beautifully lit up for Christmas? If that’s the case, the Lynn Valley Services Society wants you to know that this heritage home-turned-community centre is lighting up smiles all year through.

Programs for all and open to suggestions

Sandwiched between Hillside Baptist and Sunrise assisted living on Lynn Valley Road, the house was built in 1913 by Mollie Nye’s father, Jack. After having lived in it virtually all of her long life, local schoolteacher Mollie generously willed her home to North Vancouver District. In the years since her death in 1997, Mollie’s house has taken on a vibrant new life in the neighbourhood she loved.

Mollie Nye House today reflects the diversity of the community around it. “People should see it as a little centre for everybody,” says John Charles, executive director of the LVSS. From cooking and dining nights featuring international cuisine, to drumming circles, to “Bob the Builder” classes that help novices learn home repair skills, there is something on offer for a variety of ages and interests.

And if you’ve got a program idea of your own to pitch, Charles is all ears. “We like to throw mud at the wall and see what sticks,” he said when speaking with LynnValleyLife. The LVSS will often help people get a program off the ground if they think it’s a good fit for the neighbourhood.

Last year the LVSS partnered up with students from Capilano University to explore new marketing ideas, a successful venture that Charles hopes to repeat. A promotional video that came out of the partnership can be seen on the LVSS website, along with event information, program listings, and information about renting the house for private functions.

Coming up in May are a Mother’s Day Tea on Saturday, May 10 (book your tickets now!) and a evening of jazz, Latin, and blues music with The Fixations on May 16. Spring music nights and a fall concert series are a popular way to spend an evening; beer and wine are available and light snacks are provided. Charles notes that volunteering on one of these evenings is a great way to enjoy some good tunes while dipping your toe into the workings of the Lynn Valley Services Society.

Heading the LVSS is a board of directors with a variety of skills and professional backgrounds, supported by a staff member and others who lend a hand with programs and promotions. If you’d like to learn more about the LVSS, John Charles invites you to reach out to  [email protected] or call Mollie Nye House at 604-987-5820.

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.