Community Events

Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen an outing for all

There’s some great Lynn Valley talent to be enjoyed in this holiday must-see for the whole family, coming to Presentation House from December 2 through 20. Lovers of Friday Night Live theatre improv will be delighted to know that Alan Marriott is one of the show’s creators and cast members, and musical director is FNL’s amazing Matt Grinke. Just a few other Lynn Valleyites taking part are sound director Tim Knight and Monica Sumulong, playing bass in the 10-piece North Pole Orchestra! Learn more about the show below, and get your tickets before they’re gone!

GTI Theatrical Productions Society, with the generous support of Famous Artists Limited, is proud to present the return engagement of Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen, a fresh holiday musical for the whole family.

Mrs Claus kitchenOriginally directed and choreographed by Jeff Hyslop, this year, the show enjoys additional direction and dramaturgy by Max Reimer. Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen was written by Bill Allman, Alan Marriott and Kevin O’Brien and this charming production wowed audiences with its Christmas spirit in December 2013. This year, Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen returns with even more elves, more songs and more family magic, and now features the fabulous 10-piece North Pole Orchestra led by Music Director Matt Grinke.

Mrs. Claus bakes Christmas spirit and it is the magic of her kitchen that binds the entire North Pole operation together. But after years of toiling in Santa’s generous shadow, she feels under-appreciated at the North Pole. Wanting some free time to reconnect with her famous hubby, Mrs. Claus enlists the aid of her trusted elves, the daffy Robin, and the prankster Ruprecht, and, convinced by Jonathan Brooks, the workaholic CEO of New York City’s Megabake Inc., she embarks on a quest to spread her baked goods worldwide.

Assuming the woman in his office is a kind-hearted delusional with a great recipe, Brooks ignores his own family when he sees an opportunity for gargantuan profits with the Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen brand and a revolutionary production practice set to a thumping disco song. With family traditions and holiday togetherness at the core of this heartwarming tale, Mrs. Claus discovers the “magical” recipe for drawing families together and helps to heal the Brooks family along the way.

Set on the cusp of the 1960s, when modern Christmas really came of age, the show takes the audience on a tuneful ride – with a lively variety of original songs – filled with charm and laughter, and provides a fresh look at the hustle, bustle and real worth of a family holiday. A delight for all ages, Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen gives the audience a chance to “taste the magic” by getting “hands-on” in the kitchen of the world’s most famous workshop!

Suitable for families with children aged 5 and up.
Don’t miss this new holiday classic! Tickets are on sale now!

Tickets can be purchased online at www.phtheatre.org, by phone at 604-990-3474 or in person at Presentation House Theatre.

November 16, 2015 in Blog, Community Events, Current News

Lynn Valley remembers

Remembrance Day events are growing in size all over Canada, as memories of past losses combine with sombre reflection about current conflict realities, risks and sacrifices.

The Lynn Valley service of remembrance has outgrown its earlier incarnation as a quiet ceremony at the cenotaph at Mountain Highway and Lynn Valley Road, and will this year be held in the Lynn Valley Village plaza on November 11 at 10:30 a.m. (In North Vancouver, services will also be held at Victoria Park and Cates Park, also beginning at 10:30.)

LV LegionThe Lynn Valley branch of the Royal Canadian Legion has put out a call for volunteer “poppy taggers” – those people who give out poppies by donation throughout the neighbourhood. Legion members could really use your help covering the many shifts that need covering in the days leading up to Remembrance Day, so if you can lend a hand, please call the Legion at 604-987-2050 as soon as possible. (Click here to learn where the $2,500,000 collected in BC/Yukon went last year!)

The Legion also welcomes the public to an open house following the ceremony, and donations of goodies would really help, too. Please drop baked goods or finger food at the Legion (1630 Lynn Valley Rd.) on the morning of the 11th.

poppies on rock

 

 

Legion invites new members – it’s good for you, and the community, too!

And here’s some more Lynn Valley Legion news from one member, Matina, who asked us to pass along the following – it’s membership renewal time, and she especially wants you to know that you don’t have to be a veteran, or related to a veteran, to join! 

  • 2016 Lynn Valley Legion #114 Membership Renewals are available for $55.
  • EARLY BIRD savings $5, deadline November 30
  • Annual Membership increases to $60, December 1

Only $5 a month includes:

  • Great prices on drinks, bring up to four non-member friends
  • Weekly live entertainment
  • Monthly jams
  • Booking venue for adult; birthdays, soccer parties, fundraisers…

The best reasons to be a member?

  •  The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #114 (at 1630 Lynn Valley Road) raises nearly $100,000 annually that goes back to schools, sports teams, groups, seniors and many non-profit organizations that need and ask for help.
  • Be part of an organization that gives back to your community.
  • Memberships available at 1630 Lynn Valley Road, 604-987-2050.

For some more interesting information about the BC/Yukon Legion, click here!

 

November 7, 2015 in Blog, Community Events, Current News, Getting Involved

Halloween in Lynn Valley – not just for kids!

We’ve already told you about all the fun Halloween happenings for Lynn Valley’s youngsters – but this neighbourhood is throwing a few bashes for grown-up ghouls and gals, too!

New this year is a parkade party – yes, that’s right – in the “Lions Lair,” aka the  parking lot underneath Lynn Valley Village that will be decked out as a haunted house for the family entertainment in the village in the afternoon.

Come night-time on the 31st, though, it’s adults only, with a live band, prizes for best costumes, snacks, and all the scary good time you can handle. This is a fundraiser for the Lynn Valley Lions, so put the kids to bed and come on down to show your support! The fun starts at 8 p.m. and goes ’til late. Tickets are $30; please email [email protected].

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… or go party at the Lynn Valley Legion!

The ever-popular band Swayed will be keeping the crowd happy at the LV Legion on Halloween night, so put on your best monster mash outfit and join the fun. Tickets ($20) are usually a sell-out, so get yours soon. Call (604) 987-2050.

While you’re at it, why not visit the Lynn Valley Legion’s Facebook page to get an idea of all the other social and service activities going on there? The public is always welcome, so whether it’s some live music, a night out for dinner, or a party, there will be something that catches your eye. (Psst! Food donations for Remembrance Day open house would be welcome, too!)

October 28, 2015 in Blog, Community Events, Current News

Happy Halloween hi-jinx in Lynn Valley!

There are all sorts of fun activities to keep young ghosts and princesses busy this year – including our LynnValleyLife jack o’ lantern carving contest!

Neighbourhood fun starts the weekend before Halloween. Here are some we’ve rounded up for you, courtesy of the North Vancouver Recreation and Culture newsletter. (And adults don’t have to miss out either, see our post about the Lions Lair at Lynn Valley Village and the LV Legion party on Saturday the 31st!)

All Ages Halloween Party Extravaganza

Friday, October 30th  – $10.00 Youth / Adults (Children 12 and under FREE)

Friday Night  Live (FNL) makes room for Halloween-y fun with a safe, inclusive, interactive event for the whole family.

6 pm – games, pumpkins, crafts and treats / 7:30 pm FNL live magician and improv /9 pm Halloween Dance Off. Come One, Come all – in Costume!

1277 Lynn Valley Road, LV Library Community Room

Lynn Valley Haunted Village

Saturday, October 31 1:30 – 4 p.m. FREE

Take your little ghosts, goblins, princesses and superheroes to Lynn Valley Village and enjoy an afternoon of spooky Halloween fun. There will be face painting, trick or treating, storytime with the librarians, crafts, science experiments and a haunted garden. The Lynn Valley Lions will be there serving up some food at their cookshack… and, if you’re brave enough, visit the Lions Lair Haunted House in the LV Village spooky UNDERGROUND…

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A Happy Haunting

Saturday, October 24 10 a.m. and 12:30 pm $7.50 / $2.50

HalloweenParty-300x209Take your little goblins, superheroes and princesses and have some ghoulish fun at this family Halloween event. There will be games, crafts, stories, activities and more. For children aged 8 and under accompanied by a parent. Registration is required; register by phone or online.

Lynn Valley Community Recreation Centre: 3590 Mountain Highway, 604-987-7529. Visit the website for more information.

Halloween Hiss-teria at the Ecology Centre

Sunday, October 25 noon – 4 pm; suggested donation $2 person / $5 family.

If you love reptiles this is the event for you! Drop by to meet reptiles from around the world and learn about these amazing animals. Maybe you will discover that reptiles are not as scary as you think?

Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre: 3663 Park Road, 604-990-3755

Visit the website for more information.

October 23, 2015 in Blog, Community Events, Current News

Brush up on voter basics at Democracy Cafe!

We have all, at times, been guilty of taking our democratic system for granted. Many citizens even forego their chance to vote, despite the fact that casting a ballot is a privilege denied to many in this world. But more and more “ordinary Joes” (and Jills) have been taking increased notice of our country’s governmental processes in past months, and the upcoming federal election is likely to bring out many people who have otherwise stayed distant from the fray.

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The Lynn Valley Library is hosting a Democracy Cafe that will help all of us – newcomers, old hands, super-engaged citizens or those just beginning to show their interest – strengthen our knowledge of how government and elections work, democratic values and current election issues, and overcoming voter apathy.

The discussion is, of course, non-partisan, but is sure to be lively and engaging nonetheless!

If you have a first-time voter at home, attending Democracy Cafe together
The Cafes, held in partnership with North Shore Community Resources and other organizations, will be held Wednesday evenings in Lynn Valley, beginning September 23:will provide an excellent launching point for some follow-up dinnertime conversation.

 

Lynn Valley Library

Wednesday Evenings | 7:00pm-9:00pm
September 23, 30 & October 7
Call 604-984-0286, ext. 8144 to register. 

The same series will be held in other North Shore libraries on different dates and times if  your local option is inconveniently scheduled. Click here for times, places and (free) registration details.

We hope to see lots of people of all ages out at a Democracy Cafe – and, later, at the ballot box!

September 19, 2015 in Blog, Community Events, Getting Involved, Governance and Services, Uncategorized

1962 Lynn Valley Day May Queen remembers crowning glory

From Lynn O’Malley, Voice of the Valley

She may have accomplished many things in her life since, but chief among Jane Jessop’s memories is being crowned May Queen at the 1962 Lynn Valley Day. And it wasn’t just any Lynn Valley Day – they really put on the Ritz as it was the 50th anniversary of the first Lynn Valley Day that took place in 1912 in Lynn Canyon Park.

It wasn’t Jane’s first Lynn Valley Day, though. Then Jane Hambleton, she had been one of the May Queen’s flower girls when she was just in Grade 1. But that was nothing compared to being chosen by popular vote from amongst four or five other Lynn Valley Elementary School girls to be the May Queen in Grade 6.

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May 25, 2015 in Blog, Community Events, Current News, Looking Back, Lynn Valley Day, Notable Neighbours

Mom won in a walk: a Lynn Valley Day memory

By contributing writer Len Corben

My mother’s Achilles heel was actually her most valuable asset. At least it was on the afternoon she entered the Lynn Valley Day walking race from 15th Street and Lonsdale Avenue to Lynn Valley Park on June 1, 1957, coming up 58 years ago now.

With this year’s Lynn Valley Day scheduled for Saturday, May 30, this is the perfect opportunity to tell the tale of my mom’s victory using a rather unorthodox finishing kick.

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May 18, 2015 in Blog, Community Events, Current News, Guest Voices, Looking Back, Lynn Valley Day

Granddaughter offers glimpse into Lynn Valley Day history

Thanks to our internet-connected world, a little piece of Lynn Valley history recently came to light.

Kim Wertenberger of Wapato, Washington, sent LynnValleyLife a photo of a much-cherished trophy that once belonged to her grandfather, Brian J. Ingoldsby. “I love it dearly and wanted to share it with you,” wrote Kim, who had unsuccessfully tried to make contact with someone in Lynn Valley years ago. This time, her internet search found an appreciative audience in the LVLife editorial office.

Image 4The trophy was given to Mr. Ingoldsby for winning the “Mile Flat Race” in 1921, 22, and 23. The race was run at the first-ever Lynn Valley Day in 1912, and again in 1913, but there is a significant gap in the dates while World War One interrupted such idyllic pastimes. (For a first-hand account of another Lynn Valley man’s experience of this period, see Walter Draycott’s online chronicle of The Great War.) It must have been celebratory indeed when Mr. Ingoldsby won the race when it made its reappearance in 1921.

Says Kim: “I was told that [my grandfather] qualified for the Olympics as a runner, but was spiked by another runner’s shoe so couldn’t participate.  I’m not sure about the truth in that or even if I am remembering the story correctly…but he won this trophy three years in a row so he must have had some skill!”

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May 2, 2015 in Blog, Community Events, Current News, Looking Back, Lynn Valley Day

Celebrate whisky, books, music and friendship at red-letter library event

Longtime Lynn Valley resident Trish McMordie was well known for her sense of fun, community service, hospitality and love of reading and teaching. So it’s no surprise that all these elements are coming together to create a special event in support of the North Vancouver District Library memorial fund set up in Trish’s name after her passing from a brain tumour in October 2013.

A Whisky Library is a community event (for the over-19s!) taking place in the Lynn Valley Library on Saturday, May 9, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

whisky tastingA distinctly festive air will permeate the gathering, which will see five whiskies each represented by a “whisky advocate” in the style of the CBC Canada Reads contest. Tastings will be offered of the five whiskies, each of which will be individually represented by advocates Grant Lawrence (CBC Radio), Mark Forsythe (former host of CBC’s BC Almanac), Catherine Barr, North Vancouver MP Andrew Saxton and Grandy Chu, and North Vancouver District Mayor Richard Walton.

Celtic ceilidh music provided by the Black Bear Rebels,  an auction and refreshments (including a chocolate table!) will ensure that there will be plenty to entertain both whisky aficionados and abstainers alike. The library’s Trish McMordie Memorial Fund has already purchased a sit-and-play snake named “Piper” for the children’s department; funds raised at the Whisky Library will help further Trish’s love of bringing together children and books.

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Trish McMordie was an avid member of the JP Fell Pipe Band, along with her husband Allan.

Tickets are $55 for a whisky-tasting ticket (includes five whisky tastings) or $25 for a non-whisky ticket. They can be purchased at any North Van District Library, or online. Trish’s two children, David and Janet, would assure you that there’s no better way to celebrate Mother’s Day 2015 than by buying your mom a ticket and bringing her along to this festive fundraiser.

 

May 1, 2015 in Blog, Community Events, Current News