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Celebrating Persian New Year with local delights

With Persian New Year just around the corner, guest writer Nicole Palacios gives us a glimpse of the delights to behold at Lynn Valley’s Kourosh Bakery.

A cabinet of delights

Whenever I want to get a special cake for a birthday celebration, I always go to Kourosh Bakery in the Lynn Valley Mall. Not only are their cakes delicious, but the owner always remembers me – a trait I find hard to come by these days in most retail establishments. The smells that envelop you when you walk in the door are mesmerizing and the array of goodies behind the glass counters are pleasantly overwhelming. It’s hard to choose just one thing.

From amazing mocha cakes to chickpea cookies and baklava, this bakery has a little bit of everything. And they even deliver.

In speaking with the owner, Samaneh Zandieh, I was intrigued to find out a few things about Kourosh Bakery, like how they started, any obstacles they’ve had to overcome, specialties for Persian New Year, and why they chose Lynn Valley to open their bakery and call home.

Loving Lynn Valley

Zandieh was passionate about loving Lynn Valley, even before the bakery opened. She and her husband would come to Lynn Valley frequently to enjoy the nature and beauty that is our community. When they found the location for the bakery, it was easy to make the decision to open here. And now, after a few years, they are also able to call Lynn Valley home, living in a condo not far from where their business.

Opening Kourosh

Kourosh Bakery opened its doors in 2018. Zandieh and her husband, were looking for the perfect spot to open a bakery, and found it in the previous insurance office at 1248 Lynn Valley Road. The building was up for lease, and they thought it seemed like the perfect spot for them. 

At first glance, Samaneh thought the space was too small, but it turned out that there was enough space in the back for her husband to do the baking, while having a spacious storefront with all of the goodies displayed out front.

Small business bumps

Getting the space ready was a bit of a challenge, as they had to get many permits, she said. There were delays for eight months after getting the space, which made paying the rent an obstacle that the couple had to overcome. Generous support from the person they were subleasing from gave them a few months free on their rent to get on thier feet. 

This made all the difference and enabled them to do the work they needed on the bakery in order to open – from electrical to plumbing –  and start selling their baked goods, said Zandieh.

Covid Times

The bakery was established before Covid, adaptation and innovation helped the small business not only survive but thrive during the pandemic, said Zandieh. . The bakery closed for two weeks, like most other services at that time, but after that short time,  they reopened and were busier than ever.

“We started to deliver with UberEats and Doordash, which exposed us to new customers,” said Zandieh.  

Instead of having fewer customers, they were able to tap into a whole new market of people who were staying home and ordering in, during the tough time, their customer base grew extensively. 

Persian New Year

With many residents of North Vancouver hailing from Iran, Persian New Year is widely celebrated on the Spring Equinox. This year it takes place on March 20th. Kourosh has some amazing goodies like chickpea cookies, lady fingers, and coconut macaroons to place on your table to celebrate. 

Kourosh Bakery is in the Lynn Valley Mall, open six days a week, closed on Mondays. 

Written for LynnValleyLife.com by Nicole Palacios.

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March 2, 2025 in Blog, Merchant Mentions, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)

One Big Day with Bruce

Lynn Valley is home to many creative and interesting people, and one of them is Bruce Grierson. An award-winning writer and deep thinker, Grierson has spent years exploring human behaviour, personal growth, and what makes people tick. His project, One Big Day, is a simple but powerful idea: setting aside one full day to focus completely on something that truly matters to you. No distractions, no multitasking—just one day, one goal.

Who is Bruce Grierson?

If you’ve ever picked up The New York Times Magazine, Popular Science, The Walrus, Time Magazine, or Psychology Today, you’ve likely come across Grierson’s work. He has written for some of the biggest publications, tackling topics that range from longevity to the psychology of change. He’s also the author of books like What Makes Olga Run?, a fascinating look at the habits of a 94-year-old track star, and U-Turn, which explores why people make major life changes. His writing is engaging, relatable, and full of stories that make you think. Grierson firmly believes that “everyone has a story” — and through his work, he helps bring those stories to life.

The big idea of  ‘One Big Day’

Like most of us, Grierson found it challenging to carve out time for the things he truly wanted to do. We’re swamped with work, distractions, and endless obligations. One Big Day is his solution: dedicate one full day each month to focus exclusively on something important—whether it’s finishing a creative project, learning a new skill, or even just creating space to breathe. In the end, it’s these dedicated moments that turn into lasting memories.

Grierson also talks about how we approach our actions: anticipating, doing, and reflecting. Most of us spend our time simply “doing” without reflecting. Without reflection, our experiences don’t turn into lasting memories. According to Grierson, if you didn’t “write” the story—either literally or in your mind—you wouldn’t remember it. The story is what makes an experience memorable, turning ordinary moments into lasting memories.

How it works
The beauty of One Big Day is its simplicity. Pick a day, clear your schedule, and go all in. Grierson even suggests monthly themes to help guide your focus. For example, one month might be dedicated to learning something new, another to fixing something, or simply getting creative. 

The value of uninterrupted time

It’s about making real progress without the usual interruptions. This structured approach overtakes procrastination and makes it easier to make real progress. Grierson maintains that the continuous time dedicated to your project is more productive than the same amount of time broken up over weeks or months. With one day you do not have to pause to get set up, take down, or pivot to other tasks.

Ideas for a One Big Day in Lynn Valley
If you’re in Lynn Valley, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your One Big Day. Here are some ideas:

  • Get Outdoors & Create: Take a long hike through Lynn Canyon, then find a scenic spot to write, sketch, or snap some photos.
  • Finally, Tackle That Home Project: Whether it’s starting a garden, landscaping, or decluttering your space, use your day to check something off your list.
  • Give Back to the Community: Volunteer for a local group or event such as Lynn Valley Days.
  • Learn Something New: Try a new hobby—baking, woodworking, playing an instrument—and spend the day getting better at it.
  • Unplug & Reset: Go tech-free, get outside, meditate in the forest, or simply enjoy some uninterrupted time doing what makes you happy.

Building a community

To paraphrase Bruce – one of the coolest parts of One Big Day is the sense of community that’s growing around it. Grierson shares his experiences and stories from others who have tried it. By reflecting on and sharing these moments, we are reminded that taking time for personal passions can lead to meaningful change and great memories.

Why it matters 

Our attention is continually being pulled in different directions, and dedicating one full day to something important can feel like a game-changer. One Big Day isn’t about perfection—it’s about making progress in a way that feels doable. And who knows? That one day might be the catalyst for a bigger shift in your life than you ever expected. At the very least it’s sure to be a memorable story.

Want to learn more and see stories including  Lynn Valley locals and their One Big Day Projects? Check out Bruce’s blog onebigday.net.

Written for LynnValleyLife.com by Tina Homsy-Williams

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March 2, 2025 in Blog, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)

Helping kids to heal outside

There’s something about being out in nature that calms people’s minds and soothes the soul. Sarah Borthwick and Rosie Higgins wanted to harness that peaceful power for their work as occupational therapists working with children. They both dreamed of taking children’s therapy out into the great outdoors, and Forest Kids OT was born.

Forest Kids

Kids work with Borthwick and Higgins to build social and motor skills, balance and coordination, executive functioning, and sensory processing. Occupational therapy (OT) is a branch of health care that helps people of all ages who have physical, sensory, or cognitive problems. OT can help them regulate their emotions and regain independence in all areas of their lives. Forest Kids OT can help children become more confident, regulated, and aware of themselves and others.

“Rosie and I both really love the outdoors and see so many benefits for children in being in nature,” Borthwick says. “Nature is incredibly regulating and restorative, and we’ve seen this first-hand with our own children. We have both been OTs for many years, but learned more about pediatric nature-based OT in recent years and felt so drawn to it.

 “We both volunteer for our children’s cross-country ski club and we spent many hours last winter skiing together while dreaming of what Forest Kids OT could be,” she adds. “I took a certification course called ConTiGO, which is the professional standard in pediatric nature-based OT, and then we both took other courses which would help us provide best practice pediatric OT in a nature-based setting. We really believe children do well when they can, and being outdoors in nature is such a great environment to help them reach their goals and have fun in the process.”

Local forests are spaces to grow

Forest Kids OT is currently based in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, which Borthwick describes as a “beautiful and remote forest location away from the stressors of urban and everyday life.” (The two are considering adding an additional location in the future as well, possibly in central Vancouver as they get many inquiries for that.)

The pair offers occupational therapy in groups of up to six children aged four to nine in weekly 1.5-hour sessions for nine weeks. The small numbers give kids the opportunity to develop relationships with peers over time and work on peer relationships. 

Fully immersed in nature, the program consists of a mix of structured and unstructured, facilitated play. 

“We might be cooking over a camp stove, going on a scavenger hunt, doing an art activity, or playing collaborative games—all the while keeping in mind during the planning and throughout the sessions what each child’s goal is,” Borthwick says. “We also commonly integrate some content from a self-regulation or emotional regulation curriculum we are both certified in.[We also] communicate the information to the families so they can continue to support their child at home. Every activity is purposeful, but the kids just experience a fun morning outside. We want the children to enjoy being in our group and want to come back week after week.”

For Borthwick and Higgins, the work is incredibly fulfilling. 

“We love seeing the children become more comfortable and confident as the weeks progress and as they develop relationships with the other children and us,” Borthwick says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to get to know these amazing children and be a part of their lives and see them make progress on their therapy goals. It’s such a privilege to help children and families work towards their goals, and it’s so meaningful to develop lasting relationships with families.”

For more information about Forest Kids OT, visit https://www.forestkidsot.ca/

Written for LynnValleyLife.com by Gail Johnson

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March 2, 2025 in Blog, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors Comments (0)

Raising voices to raise money

Have you ever dreamed about singing in a gospel choir? If movies like Sister Act get you up and dancing, guess what – now’s your chance to give spirited choral singing a try, and help Argyle Music students at the same time.

Voices together

Argyle Secondary School choir teacher Will Clements has teamed up with St. Clement’s Anglican Church, BC Choral Federation vice-president Kevin Zakresky, and Universal Gospel Choir director Lonnie Delisle to plan a day of choral collaboration for singers and listeners alike.

On Saturday, March 8, at 11:30, singers of all ages and abilities will work with Universal Gospel Choir director Lonnie Delisle, putting heart and soul into learning some tunes together. An afternoon concert will follow at 3:30 p.m., featuring not just the workshop singers, but performances from excellent Lower Mainland choirs including Maddalena’s Descant, Pacific Spirit Choir, the Argyle Chamber Choir, and the Universal Gospel Choir.

Supporting students

Clement, who leads Argyle’s vocal jazz and concert choirs as well as its chamber choir, describes the event as “the perfect everything coming all together.” He is “really excited” to be working collaboratively with St. Clement’s and local choir directors to host an event that will bring the choral community together.

As an added bonus, the workshop and concert will take place in Argyle’s atrium, a light-filled space with marvellous acoustics that Clement likens to a cathedral. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit the near-new school, here is your chance to do so.

Argyle Music has deep roots in the Lynn Valley community, with both band and choir programs proving a high-school highlight for many students throughout the decades. Will was happy to report that popular former choir teachers Janet Warren and Francis Roberts are still involved in the Argyle Music “family,” and he had hosted them both for tea just the week before his conversation with LynnValleyLife. Warren is a faculty advisor for new music teachers and drops by in that capacity, while Roberts often works as a teacher-on-call if Clement is absent.

Clement promises the workshop will be “very fun and engaging,” and anyone who comes to the concert is definitely in for a treat. All money raised will support the Argyle Music travel bursary fund, so that cost doesn’t stand in the way of students being able to attend music trips and retreats. 

 

Details for the events, and links to purchase tickets for the workshop or concert, can be found at www.stclementschurch.ca or www.argylemusic.ca.

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February 26, 2025 in Artistic Endeavours, Blog, Community Events, School News Comments (0)

Acts Of Kindness continue

Celebrating Lynn Valley is just about our favourite thing to do. Doing it with good people is even better. Our Acts Of Kindness contest with our partner Romer’s Kitchen Lynn Valley makes it even better. We feel pretty lucky each day we open up a nomination for our AOK award. 

Above and beyond

Carol Williams is the most dedicated volunteer supporting Girl Guides in our Lynn Valley community. She dedicates countless hours to planning fun and creative activities for our kids and always does it with a smile. On top all the organizing, she’ll also goes above and beyond to bake hundreds of beautifully decorated cookies to gift to each girl as a treat. Beyond supporting the district she has also offered to be the treasurer for a small group of Pathfinders traveling to the UK this summer. She didn’t have to do that but recognized a struggle and offered her help. She is the kindest, most amazing woman that is so deserving of being recognized and rewarded! Thank you.

We are glad you are a part of our community.

Good deeds, good eats

That is the Lynn Valley we see too. The future is bright with small acts of daily kindness that make this community warm and a place where people still say hello to strangers walking down the street. Thinking about our own experiences and the couple of LVL team members who live close to Argyle: we have had students offer to carry in groceries, hold the hands of a busy toddler while their baby sibling is put into their car seat, show up to clear flood debris, rake leaves and shovel snow. We know negative news is noisy but there is plenty of good to get loud about.  

Romer’s Fresh Kitchen and Bar and LynnValleyLife want to acknowledge more AOK Good Deeds with Good Eats in the months to come. Nominate anyone who lives or works in Lynn Valley here. 

It’s fitting that Bragg, our last Good Neighbour is our first nominator for AOK, wants to share how Rosemary Tapp makes her days better. 

“I stopped to talk to Rosemary Tapp last year for the first time while out for a walk and she was raking leaves in her garden. The next day, and the Christmas season fast approaching, she appeared with the most beautiful wreath that she had made for my front door. From that time on she has brought me beautiful bouquets of flowers from her exquisite garden, to lift my spirits as she knows my love of flowers. She has done many acts of kindness since I stopped by that day last year. Such a kind sweet caring person, she has brightened many a day for me during this very difficult year. She just recently turned up with a care package of comfort food and it just happened to be at a time when I needed a hug.

It is not just me that she does these good things for, she is just one of those generous souls that just makes this a better place to be.” 

Looking for more?

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February 6, 2025 in Blog, Contests Comments (0)

Photo session

Lynn Valley’s iconic mountain bike trails have become the in-the-wild studio of North Shore photographer Lukáš Janko. The avid mountain biker has been working on a series of self-portraits.

Self control

Czech-born Janko was lured to the North Shore mountains by the promise of snowboarding. He soon incorporated another interest into his days on the slopes: photography. To amp up the challenge, he didn’t spend his time in the terrain park watching others; instead, he developed a technique for self-portraits. 

“I started with snowboard tricks,” said Janko. “I would practice the trick, then set up the composition of the photo with a wireless remote in my hand. It’s tough to get a nice photo by freezing a fraction of a moment. Something small like the body or arm position might not be right. It can take a lot of tries to get satisfied to match the image I have in my head.”

Thinking back, Janko ties his interest in art to his father’s side of the family and his grandfather, who also did photography. The long-held interest helped him build a portfolio of both action and art photography. Continuing to push his skills and achieve his artistic vision he level-uped his skills after building an enduro biking changing how he explored and interacted with the trails. 

“I actually had never experienced mountain biking when I moved here but there is only snow a few months of the year so I was looking for something else,” he said. “After the winter I borrowed a friend’s bike to fill the space between snowboarding season and for exploring.”

Like any true biker, Janko fell in love with his second-hand bikes. As he shares his story, he recalls the smallest details of those early rides and the all-too-common experience of how bike theft affected his early days, stalling his riding for several years. 

Flash forward

Capturing the atmospheric trails of the North Shore in the context of self-portrait photography has led to an obsession. In just over three years, Janko rode 570 days – most with the goal of photography. It’s remarkable given that a crash last summer required surgery and cut his season short.

A single image can take hours.

“You can return to the same sport over and over – there is no limit because the weather conditions and light may never happen again,” he said. “Next time it will be a different creative opportunity – unlimited possibilities.”

The process is exact – syncing impressive athletic feats with artistic precision. Janko must set up his equipment, assess the ride for safety, hike the bike up, find a comfortable – and safe – position for his remote and then ride the line while clicking the remote at the perfect time. There are opportunities for failure in every step. The light might simply change. 

“It makes me stop and look around at the trails – to slow down and see possibilities,” he said. “It’s important that I make a photo that matches my vision. I will come back again and again – hundreds of tries until I am satisfied. Then I think I have a good photo from the camera screen and I look on the big screen [his computer] and I am not satisfied. I will go back. I am willing to put in all day for a photo.”

Other times, he must move quickly knowing there is a moment or two of special light to capture sun stars through the trees. A true adoptee of his new home Janko, prefers to ride and photograph in grey skies and in the rain – enduring the risk of the remote on wet handlebars for the ability to freeze rain with a flash. 

You may have encountered him at Mt. Fromme selling his work to fellow riders. The drive for perfection has led to an impressive catalogue of images that led him to publish his first calendar for 2025 which he sold at End of the Line and Lynn Valley Bikes and biker to biker to overcome the Canada Post strike. His work can be seen on a large scale in the windows of North Shore Bike Shop. Janko also offers a variety of photoshoot services including capturing local riders and visitors in their mountain bike photos. His work will be on display and for sale on his website.  

“With video becoming increasingly popular, I still believe in the magic of photography to capture a single perfect moment.”

All images are courtesy of Lukas Janko.

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.

February 4, 2025 in Artistic Endeavours, Blog, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors Comments (0)

Concerns over turf territory

In the years ahead, Kilmer Park will be getting a facelift. The gravel southern section will be replaced with all-weather turf. The long-term plan has Lynn Valley Little League excited about the opportunities for its young players but it is raising concern that a soccer-focused field is taking shape. (UPDATE: A council meeting on Jan. 27 moved the project off the five-year capital plan, and as such the DNV did not respond to questions.)

Goodbye gravel

The District of North Vancouver has been consulting with user groups over its plans to upgrade the fields at local parks. At the start of the dialogue, Lynn Valley Little League was excited to hear the plan to replace the gravel portion of Kilmer Park with artificial turf. However, in recent months the conversation has quieted. 

“Communication was good up to a point until we received a draft of the design that seemed a bit more soccer-oriented,” said Eric Benson, president of Lynn Valley Little League. ”Initially, it was described as a multisport upgrade. We recognize the need for more facilities for young people to play sports on the North Shore and we are excited to have the gravel upgraded but not at the expense of our baseball community.”

The league is concerned that without lines and field markings on the turf, it will be harder for its young six- and seven-year-old players, who use that portion of the park, to learn the game. The typical hand-lining used on grass and gravel won’t be an option on the turf. 

“We have tee ballers and single A up on the gravel, we have double and triple A up on the grass. That is six fields going at the same time – 12 sets of families,” said Brett Halicki, coordinator for the majors’ division.

At this juncture of the project, the league understands the fields will remain baseball fields for April to August but feels that investments in soccer-centred field design is a concerning precedent leaving out other sports from a ‘multisport’ design. 

“It’s an envious spot on the North Shore, we are lucky to have such a great facility,” said Benson. “When there was a proposal to make it turf and multisport we were excited. Soccer isn’t the primary sport there for much of the year.”

As a large infrastructure project for the district, the league is advocating for safety, long-term use and access for multiple user groups.  

“When we asked if there would be backstops and dugouts kitty-corner to the existing ones, it was met with a no,” said Benson. “If we are investing this much in a multisport facility it would be nice to include baseball in that because it’s important for young kids to have a safe place to sit and be coached away from the crowd and protected from gameplay.”

Halicki said they are excellent – local – examples of turf fields designed for use by both soccer and baseball, like the facilities at UBC. DNV staff responded that such configurations would be confusing for soccer players. 

“After seeing the initial drawings, we discussed it as a board. Bolder lines and maybe a lighter shade for the in-field,” said Benson. “It, apparently, was discussed on their end but brought back that it would be too confusing for soccer, but how won’t it be confusing for baseball if it’s not incorporated at all?” 

It’s an argument Halicki thinks is illogical. Using the example of an indoor gymnasium with lines and coloured zones for five or more sports being used by athletes of all ages.  

“We want to make sure we aren’t forgotten,” he said.”We don’t understand the argument that it’s confusing for the athletes. It doesn’t hold water in the context of a gymnasium. I don’t understand why the District wouldn’t want to support multiple sports – whether it’s baseball, field hockey or soccer. UBC has just done a soccer and baseball hybrid and I don’t think they should be concerned about a brown spot showing where the plate is and where the mound is.” 

Community centred

Kilmer Park offers a unique sporting opportunity in the Lower Mainland. The large space allows for all ages (four to 12-year-olds) of the league to cheer each other on and mentor players. 

Brett Halicki, back row, second from left.

“It’s used extensively, Monday through Sunday with hundreds of kids playing,” said Benson.”Our concession is busy with parents, grandparents and passersby who stop and enjoy immersing themselves in a bit of baseball culture.” 

“Kilmer Park is a special place,” added Halicki. “There are not many places where we can have a whole league together. Our smallest kids can watch the 10-year-olds play and they can see their older brothers or sisters go at it. It’s such a great atmosphere.”

The league launched a petition to engage the public and raise the profile of the baseball community. 

“We are hoping to create awareness and bring some insight to the decision makers that might not know how important baseball is to the Lynn Valley community,” said Benson.” We are aware of the need for all-weather fields for multisport use but don’t want it lost that baseball uses these fields from April to August. We are a strong baseball community and we have been for a long time.”

The public can see and sign the petition here or contact the DNV to voice support for baseball at Kilmer Park.

Looking for more?

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February 4, 2025 in Blog, Development and Town Planning, Neighbourhood News, Uncategorized Comments (0)

Insight from Argyle into Alpha

With technology and life evolving at a seemingly ever-faster pace, language is changing more rapidly than ever. Argyle staff member Andy Thompson has recently released a book giving insight into the vernacular of younger generations. Generation Alpha Dictionary: A Guide to the Language of Tomorrow offers clarity on new terms and an opportunity for generations to come together. 

Times are a-changing

For more than 20 years Andy Thompson has been working with Lower Mainland youth in group homes and schools. It has given him a first-hand look at generations of children and teens. As an actor and playwright, Thompson is well-versed in the creativity of language and how it can be used to unite a group of people. Slang is one way generations pull together. 

“It can be like a secret code,” he said.”It can be frustrating for parents who don’t understand what their kids are saying but it is also an opportunity for new forms of dialogue.”

Thompson’s day-to-day work with young people made him take notice of a particular shift in the youngest of teens – Generational Alpha, which is typically defined as children born 2010-2024). 

“Memes spread around the world in a heartbeat and suddenly you have language that used to take years or generations to become universally new or novel, and it’s now happening so fast because of modern technology,” said Thompson. “This generation is influenced by technology, the internet and social media unlike any before and in a much more profound way than Gen Z was influenced by these technologies.”

When the ‘teacher’ becomes the ‘student’

Youth have always had slang and frequently a few select words make it into common usage. But Thompson thinks Gen Alpha and its influence feel different.  

“One of the disconnects that I have learned is that Gen Alpha kids love that older people don’t know this language,” he said. “It’s proprietary to them.

“I started hearing these terms and I was instantly annoyed because kids were laughing at me and I didn’t know what they were saying. I thought it was a secret code amongst a small group of friends so I didn’t give it much thought.”

He began to notice that separate and distinct groups of kids were using common terms and then hearing the occasional word pop up online. 

“There was a terming point in September – and I remember it – I was at Argyle in the Choices room and I decided I was going to be more open-minded. I was going to try to understand it. I opened my mind and I thought I wanted to learn.”

Harnessing the collective energy of all the teens around him Thompson began the task of recording and defining the terms heard to better understand and connect with the kids he works with. 

“I have had kids scold me for using these terms because I am too old – it’s like the reverse thought police – with children policing these older people that shouldn’t be saying it.”

 More common were students eager to add to the list. 

“Kids were eager to teach me about this strange vernacular and I started writing it down for myself,” said Thompson/ “The more kids who found I was doing this, then others would come and tell me.”

Open dialogue

Thompson as a professional, and as a parent himself, knows the challenges of parents and teens communicating. As a support worker for kids who have a variety of challenges, he is looking for ways to bridge the divide and make meaningful connections. Initially, he thought the list might be a fun staff guide to his Argyle colleagues – partially amusing and partially useful as more Gen Alphas enter the halls.

”The list was growing and growing and my wife said ‘I think you might have something here that is more than a joke gift. It’s worth publishing.’”

Thompson embraced the idea and got to work on what is now  Generation Alpha Dictionary: A Guide to the Language of Tomorrow. A collection of over 200 terms and phrases. 

“I included a workbook because I think a lot of the words have come from kids creatively playing with language. Like turning verbs into adjectives,” he said. “I want to encourage kids and parents to play around with a language and perhaps come up with their own.”

It has been just a couple of months since publication and Thompson is proud of the feedback he is getting. From educators using as a tool in their classrooms to engage kids who are disengaged to parents who feel disconnected.  

“I have had multiple stories from parents who were struggling to talk to their kids, who now can – that was my hope for the book.”

Generation Alpha Dictionary is available online. 

Looking for more?

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February 3, 2025 in Blog, Notable Neighbours, School News Comments (0)

Lynn Valley athlete and veteran taking on Invictus Games

A pair of skis and a prince are empowering Lynn Valley’s Assunta Aquino to fight PTSD and take aim at the podium of this month’s Invictus Games.

Proudly wearing the maple leaf

Courtesy of Solider On.

The world will be watching Vancouver this month when more than 550 athletes from 25 nations come to participate in the 11 sports that make up the Invictus Games. The international competition – founded by a team featuring Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex – is for athletes who are sick or injured military service personnel or veterans. For Aquino, donning her Team Canada kit is a powerful step forward in her recovery and an opportunity to proudly represent Canada again.

“I am so excited,” said Aquino between training sessions at Whistler. “I feel like I am starting life again. I have goals – so many things I want to do. I am a better mom being pulled out of my head to the present.”

Selected from hundreds of applicants, Aquino got the call telling her she was on Team Canada in the fall of 2023 – one of two from the Lower Mainland and a handful from BC. It will be a completely different experience than the first time she donned the maple leaf: as a member of Canada’s military for more than 24 years.

Impacts of service

Aquino’s service began after hearing from a high school classmate about their career in the military.

Courtesy of Solider On.

“They deployed to Bosnia during the active war in Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina, returned and told me all about it. I thought this was my calling,” she said. “My role was as a combat engineer as a non-commissioned officer, those with an engineering degree are officers and I did the combat side. I learned mine warfare, mine awareness [reducing the dangerous impacts of mines and explosives], bridging to get troops in or out of zones and demolition, which is used on both of those things – destroying mines or bridges.”

With nine years of deployment to war zones, Aquino’s service – particularly an incident in 2005 where colleagues were lost demining – injured her mental health. While it was impactful at the time, the effects and realization it resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) came later.

“The next opportunity for deployment was Afghanistan. My husband and I had a conversation that if we want to start a family I can’t deploy. I knew I couldn’t go into another warzone,” said Aquino. 

What followed was the balance of working within the military and being a mom of three while dealing with the lasting injuries of PTSD. 

“I am very lucky it’s not physical but emotional and mental,” she said. “But I have said things I can’t take back, woke up in a bad mood or didn’t show up on time or manage what I was needing to for my kids. If you were to ask them they would gush with love but they would also talk about the other side with PTSD. I am aware of what was happening on the outside because of what was happening in my head.”

Those effects were severe. 

“I was retired before I was ready in 2015. Those intervening years [before the Invictus Games] were not filled with a lot. Being a mom is incredible but there is a huge part of you that feels like you are no longer contributing. People try to tell you otherwise but I was just marking time.”

Ultimately, Aquino sought more support with inpatient care through the Ravensview Guardians Program for first responders and military personnel. 

“It’s a challenge. I am learning to live with it. It’s taken a lot of acceptance and that has happened just recently.”

Game on

Today, Aquino is effervescent on the eve of the Invictus Games, taking place in Whistler and Vancouver  Feb. 8-16. She is participating in downhill skiing, swimming and seated volleyball. 

Courtesy of Assunta Aquino

“I didn’t know [the games] existed until my husband told me about it 18 months ago,” she said. “I withdrew so fully from the military I didn’t pay attention. I didn’t watch the news because it was too scary. My world got very, very small. You’re isolated, not just cut off from the world in your home, you are isolated inside yourself.” 

After a family discussion on whether she was mentally strong enough to share her story and whether her kids were comfortable with it being public, she began the application process. 

“I don’t know if you are ever ready. I have struggled. Have I overshared? How will it translate down to my sport? Will I be able to keep my head in the game?  It’s a lot to be ready to unpack that journey – and to do it publicly in front of your own children,” she said. 

There were also the practical aspects. Invictus was offering winter sports for the first time, but athletes do not participate just within their comfort zone. Each athlete also selects new sports to set new goals, stretch themselves and find new teammates to enable them to achieve success and reframe their self-image.

“I got this opportunity and it shifted my thinking. I can do so much more in life – and I will,” Aquino said. “I would never have applied if there weren’t winter sports because skiing is my passion. Then I got to the third page of the application and it asked what are my other sports.

Courtesy of Solider On.

“I feel like I am starting life again. There are things I want to do. For my kids, they see a renewed energy in their mom. Even though I am away training, I am much more present.”

Aquino has also had a unique experience of being one of two athletes from the Lower Mainland which has given her access to the inner organization of the games itself. 

“I am blown away by the planning and the volunteers putting in hours after hours to make sure every single veteran has been considered and planning what each needs to be successful at these sports.”

It includes making sure venues, transportation and hotels are accessible to all. Another unique aspect is that the Invictus Games recognize that the traumatic impacts of service extend beyond the veteran to families. Each athlete also gets to bring two family members, giving athletes additional support and opportunities for families to be a part of this new positive experience. With her family here in Lynn Valley, Aquino is bringing two friends she met while at Ravensview for trauma care as her supporters. 

 “One of the coolest things about Canada being the host nation is that Canada gets to augment teams [add team members] that can not fill an event team on their own. So if a team needs six people Canada fills in those spots so that other athletes can participate and they are called Unconquered. That is exactly what Invictus is about – being unconquered.”

Coming from around the world there will be athletes participating in winter sports who have never seen snow. The games’ foundation also ensures that the athletes get future support with continued athletic opportunities and events like group treks in places like the Himalayas.  

There are still tickets available to watch individual sports such as wheelchair rugby and basketball, as well as the opening – featuring Katy Perry, Noah Khan, Nelly Furtado and athletes – and closing ceremonies. Plus all Whistler events (skeleton, downhill skiing and snowboarding, biathlon and nordic skiing) are free to attend. 

For Aquino, it’s a chance to make her country, her community, her family and herself proud of this battle she is fighting – and winning – for herself.  

“I noticed there was a full moon last night at Whistler and it dawned on me that the next time there is a full moon it will be during the games – on the days of my alpine events. When every country – every family member, every friend will be standing under that full moon together – the snow moon. Incredible.” 

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.

January 28, 2025 in Blog, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)

Acts Of Kindness abound

Celebrating Lynn Valley is just about our favourite thing to do. Doing it with good people is even better. Our Acts Of Kindness contest with our partner Romer’s Kitchen Lynn Valley makes it even better. We feel pretty lucky each day we open up a nomination for our AOK award. 

Stepping up in the rain

We have had a number of nominations for our AOK award from neighbours stepping up during the October atmospheric river. For our first 2025 award, we want to recognize Poya Afrooz. Afooz answered an appeal for help from her nominator Martha Molls for help stem flood waters. Using her family connections to a home-building business she helped locate and loan pumps – helping families knee-deep in water.

We are glad you are a part of our community.

Good deeds, good eats

That is the Lynn Valley we see too. The future is bright with small acts of daily kindness that make this community warm and a place where people still say hello to strangers walking down the street. Thinking about our own experiences and the couple of LVL team members who live close to Argyle: we have had students offer to carry in groceries, hold the hands of a busy toddler while their baby sibling is put into their car seat, show up to clear flood debris, rake leaves and shovel snow. We know negative news is noisy but there is plenty of good to get loud about.  

Romer’s Fresh Kitchen and Bar and LynnValleyLife want to acknowledge more AOK Good Deeds with Good Eats in the months to come. Nominate anyone who lives or works in Lynn Valley here. 

It’s fitting that Bragg, our last Good Neighbour is our first nominator for AOK, wants to share how Rosemary Tapp makes her days better. 

“I stopped to talk to Rosemary Tapp last year for the first time while out for a walk and she was raking leaves in her garden. The next day, and the Christmas season fast approaching, she appeared with the most beautiful wreath that she had made for my front door. From that time on she has brought me beautiful bouquets of flowers from her exquisite garden, to lift my spirits as she knows my love of flowers. She has done many acts of kindness since I stopped by that day last year. Such a kind sweet caring person, she has brightened many a day for me during this very difficult year. She just recently turned up with a care package of comfort food and it just happened to be at a time when I needed a hug.

It is not just me that she does these good things for, she is just one of those generous souls that just makes this a better place to be.” 

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.

January 7, 2025 in Blog, Contests Comments (0)