Notable Neighbours

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)

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?

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

New option for yoga classes

A new Lynn Valley fitness class melds yoga with pilates and the encouraging atmosphere of small classes. Ria Sisodraker of Vivafit Studios is hosting weekly sessions at the Mollie Nye House.

Find your own pace

Argyle grad Ria Sisodraker is bringing her yoga studio to central Lynn Valley with weekly sessions in a warm inclusive class. 

“I think yoga isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing,” she said. “When I’m teaching the yoga portion of the class, I like to debunk yoga myths during class.

“People have said, ‘I haven’t done yoga in 10 years’ or ‘I’m not flexible.’ Well, that’s not a problem – that’s totally fine. Yoga was initially made by a man, for men. So a lot of the traditional yoga poses don’t work with women’s wider hips. We talk about things like that and try to make the yoga poses work for you and not the other way around.”

Keeping classes small, with a maximum of 15 people, Sisodraker aims to create a space that is relaxing and energizing while allowing her to offer one-on-one attention.

“I put Christmas lights around the perimeter of the room so the light is soft and I play music to get energy going – mostly 80s and 90s music but it’s not overwhelming so my voice can offer guidance.”

Stretching herself

Building on her experience working the front desk and teaching at a hot yoga studio, Sisodraker created a program based on what she saw were the most wanted classes. 

“When you enter a chain studio it’s hard to understand what you’re getting into. It’s hard to go in because there are unknown customs the first time people go in and it’s just like they’re stepping into unknown territory,” she said. 

The small classes help Sisodraker connect with students and support their classes from where they are starting out. 

“It’s yoga mixed with Pilates-inspired exercises – and I thought, let me reintroduce this in a way that people can enjoy the stretch, stillness of yoga mixed with a little bit more of a workout.”

Sisodraker wants fitness to be a realistic goal that becomes a part of her students’ lifestyle. Her goal is for them to have small consistent successes rather than be all in and burn out or lose interest. 

“Find your own pace, is my little motto,” she said. “So go with the music. Go at your own pace. Go with the time we have together to work.”

The weekly classes have both men and women from their 20s to their 60s. The exercises add a pilates twist to traditional yoga. 

“I like to say it’s ‘pilate-inspired.’ I like to blend it with yoga. So taking, say, a boat pose, and then pulsing the arms in it, maybe you lift a leg, maybe you lift another leg, maybe you straighten the legs, and like pilates, we try to do a core focus. So you focus on that at the beginning of class, understanding what core activation is, understanding what the core is, and then learning how to fire it up. It’s slow, controlled, movements.”

In a further effort to make her classes accessible and inclusive, Sisodraker uses props and provides three to five variations to bridge the ability and experience gaps. 

“I want to know where you are at in each class. Do you have an injury? Are there movements that are painful that I can adapt in the class and provide general tips to the class that will help a student take care of themself? 

 

Sisodraker will be hosting Vivafit Studio classes at Mollie Nye House until mid-December on Wednesdays from 6-7 pm with classes beginning again for the winter and spring. 

Looking for more?

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November 5, 2024 in Blog, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)

Making a house a community home

The people behind Mollie Nye want the rooms and halls filled with the warmth of community and connection. With a range of intergenerational programs and a willingness to discuss more, this Lynn Valley jewel hopes you will stop by for a visit.

A community home

What is now known as the Mollie Nye house was one of the first homes built in Lynn Valley and was the lifetime home of Mollie Nye (1913-1997). The award-winning teacher was a lifelong community advocate who continues to serve long after her passing with the legacy of the Mollie Nye House. The community space remains a place to gather and connect.

Helen Murphy

“I want to fill the house as it should be,” said Helen Murphy, community engagement specialist for Lynn Valley Services Society.

The Mollie Nye House is a community resource overseen by a partnership between North Vancouver Recreation and the Lynn Valley Services Society (and also used by the Lynn Valley Community Association and the Lynn Valley Seniors Society). Its location and easy parking make it an ideal place for programming, said Murphy. 

“It is very accessible, there are good railings and grab bars – there has been a lot of care taken for access and inclusion,” she said. 

In an ideal world, the doors would be – literally – open and people would come and go from The House as a gathering space and community hub, said Murphy. This goal makes it an ideal space for rentals and to run inclusive community programming. 

Knowledge keepers and sharers

A wearer of many hats, Murphy brings her background as a community engagement specialist with past experience facilitating programming at Sunrise Senior Living, the District of West Vancouver and her work with the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations. It’s shaping her vision to make The House a hub of intergenerational exchange. Programs run by the Lynn Valley Services Society aim to be affordable, keeping costs to a minimum and offering discrete financial assistance to those facing financial hardship. 

“One program I run is called Gather,” said Murphy. “And that is really the goal of Mollie Nye House to bring people together to create connections.”

Running every Wednesday through the end of the month each session is $7 and is facilitated and sweetened with tea, coffee and snacks. Participants come from a variety of backgrounds from young new immigrants to Lynn Valley old timers for an exchange of experience. 

“We have people in our community who have so much to offer,” said Murphy. “Just because you are retired doesn’t mean you are done. My work with the Tsleil-Waututh has given me an even deeper appreciation of knowledge keepers. My own [family] taught me the gift of sharing and teaching by just spending time together. I learned knitting, crochet, felting . . .”

The House is open to those who want to share a skill or experience. There are special events like Ocean Ambassadors Canada presenting a monthly Climate Cafe – a discussion of current events with an environmental lens, and a bi-monthly drumming circle. There are discussions in the works for more yoga. Plus an entire calendar filled with everything from Tai-chi to walking groups to the neighbourhood favourite Munch & Mingle. 

Mollie Nye House“There is a wonderful library in the back where people can come and borrow books,” said Murphy. 

To reach the goal of open doors and community gathering Murphy is always on the hunt for new programs to connect people of all ages.

“We don’t expect people to donate their time,” she said. “It could be singing, yoga, or something else fun. We have funding to pay people for their time and keep the programs low-cost for participants.”

Coming up

The calendar is pretty full at Mollie Nye House for the coming month. Join your neighbours at: 

  • Gather
    • Wednesdays until Oct. 30, 1-3 pm, $7/session tea, coffee and snacks, pre-register 604-987-5820
  • Drumming with Abby
    • Every second Monday, October 7 & 21,  3-4 pm. Suggested donation of sliding scale  $20
  • Climate Cafe with Ocean Ambassadors Canada 
    • Last Thursday of the month, Oct. 24, 1-2:30 pm, free, pre-register 604-987-5820. Light refreshments. Up next: Discussing carbon offsets

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.

October 3, 2024 in Blog, Getting Involved, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)

Lively Lynn Valley Legion

The Lynn Valley Legion has caught a fresh wind and its energy is bringing people in and pouring out into the community.

Energetic evenings

Flying under the radar, the Royal Canadian Legion Lynn Valley Branch 114 is building momentum to be the liveliest night spot in Lynn Valley. With expanded entertainment programming and more kitchen hours, young and old coming together and sharing their free time in this community institution. 

“There are lots of new faces,” said Joe Phillips, Legion president. “The crowd has changed a lot and we have almost doubled our membership.”

Popping into the Legion does not require a membership. Patrons are invited to stop by three or four times on a ‘temporary membership’ to make sure it’s worth the membership commitment before signing up – that said, memberships are half-price for the rest of the year, just $37.50 for new members. 

“Folks come in and it’s comfortable. It’s like a rec room of yesteryear – with two big 85-inch televisions,” said Phillips. “Plus a 45-inch TV on the patio with three heaters. It’s a great place to be on a cool night. We have great music and beverages that, we think, are at a reasonable price.” 

Leading the charge for new guests are trivia nights on Wednesdays. Teams test their knowledge with alternating weeks of music and general trivia. Thursday nights are a burger and beer special and live music – frequently Rufu Muse. Fridays bring the 50/50 and Legion classic Meat Draw. Saturdays are sometimes reserved for private events and, when open, the member’s favourite Meat Bingo takes centre stage. Since the season kicked off, Monday night has football on the big screens. Children are welcome each night until 8 pm.

Community givings

With roots dating back to 1925 the Royal Canadian Legion was founded to centralize support for WWI veterans. With a Lynn Valley presence since 1930, the Legion today contributes more than $150,000 dollars through grants and fundraising to veterans, first responders and local community groups. The Poppy Campaign alone received $76,000 in donations last year.

“We have a very active executive working for what’s best for the community and above all veterans [and first responders],” said Phillips. “Our goal is $100,000 and we won’t be able to do that without the community and members that volunteer at the poppy tagging platforms.”

It’s a simple process to give a couple of hours. Each of the eight or so locations across the District of North Vancouver has two-hour shifts. It’s a simple way to dip your toe into community service, said Phillips. This year’s campaign will kick off on October 27 and run through Nov. 11. To join the volunteers contact the legion or give Phillips a call at 604-315-1951 to take on a shift. 

The public platform is just one aspect of the poppy campaign with others being more than 200 donation boxes throughout the District and a partnership with School District 44.

“We want everyone to get a poppy,” said Phillips. “The young elementary students each get a sticker and the older students a poppy. That is over 12,000 poppies for all the schools on the North Shore.”

Funds supporting veterans and first responders go to a variety of projects from upgrading equipment at nursing homes to offering retraining and skill upgrades for young veterans. Other fundraising and grants support Lynn Valley community groups. These essential funds are distributed to everyone from sports teams to school PACs to community groups like Girl Guides. 

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.

October 3, 2024 in Blog, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)

Youth creating a 2SLGBTQIA+ community

Entering its third school year, Queerly Quilled has expanded beyond its original literary roots to be a growing community for queer youth. Kicking off its 24/25 season on Sept. 11 at the Lynn Valley branch of NVDPL, the founders hope to see new faces join.

Build it and they will come

(courtesy Queerly Quilled)

Argyle Secondary grade 11 students London Clark and Aria Iliakis have always felt welcome at the library. It was a place to spend time, hang out and connect with others that wasn’t home or school. Both cared enough to want to give back by volunteering for the NVDPL’s Teen Advisory Group. The supportive and open space inspired the pair to kickstart the first youth-led program at the NVDPL. In that time between now and then it has evolved from the initial book club to an inclusive youth activity club – that sometimes involves books. 

“It’s a really good community for queer teens,” said Clark. “It’s a chance to meet people from other schools.”

The founders hope to offer connection, understanding and community to youth who might not experience that in all aspects of their lives. 

“A challenge a lot of teens have is that a lot of my friends are straight,” said Iliakis. “They are great but they don’t understand what its like to be queer –”

“They don’t get ‘it’,” adds Clark. 

The humble roots of Queerly Quilled (follow them on Instagram for club info) focused on queer books with a handful of people coming to the first meetings. Over the last 18 months momentum has grown and the group has had its own metamorphosis into a fun community that allows teens to be teens without the restraints of their school or home lives.

“Sometimes teens don’t have parents who are accepting or they don’t feel comfortable being trans at school. Here they can be who they are,” said Iliakis. “We have some homeschooled kids who don’t have as many opportunities to meet other queer teens.”

Everyone has a first day

The founders credit the empowering staff at the NVDPL to support and help them hone in on their vision and help them expand the club beyond its original book club vision. 

“Jessie [Hawkes, former teen engagement librarian] was amazing to help us get on our feet,” said Clark of the NVDPL staffer who helped get the ball rolling. “Sara [Oremland] has been so supportive and helpful.”

The program was born out of the ongoing youth consultation from the Library’s Teen Advisory Group. 

“We want to both support and empower teens in our community, so to have teen-created and teen-run library program like Queerly Quilled is the epitome of our service philosophy,” said Sara Oremland, youth engagement librarian. “Youth-led programs like Queerly Quilled give teens the chance to shape their community and take ownership of their experiences at the library.”

From ideas to space and snacks, the founders say the Lynn Valley staff are excellent mentors to keep them on track. 

“We’re always open to supporting teens in running programs they devise, so we encourage them to bring their ideas to the table and let us know what programs they might be interested in creating and running. Our teen leaders for Queerly Quilled have demonstrated impressive leadership skills,” Oremland. “Our youth department has something in the works for a program that would be partially youth-led, hopefully for next year.”

 New members of Queerly Quilled will experience a welcoming space, games and opportunity to connect with others. They have cleverly incentivized participation to encourage participants to speak up and get involved. 

“I want to meet new people and I remember not knowing anyone but London,” said Iilakis acknowledging it’s brave to try a new thing. “We have a lot of ice breakers and by focusing on activities we have a chance to get to know other people.”

“No one is shy once a game of Uno gets going,” said Clark. “We created opportunities for people to win these gold beads – we call them doubloons – and when we have advance reading copies of books we hold auctions with the winnings.”

Meetings days bring an abundance of energy to the library, says Oremland. 

“Queerly Quilled is our most exuberant group, and the feeling of joy, inclusion, and belonging is palpable during every meeting of queer youth and queer allies,” she said. “Our library believes in being a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone in our community, and this is also a core tenet of our philosophy for teen services. Public libraries are one of the few public spaces that are actively welcoming to teens, so we want to show that they are welcomed and respected, through our programming like Queerly Quilled, and also in the materials we offer and the spaces we create for them.”

When the doors open on Sept. 11 at 4 pm Clark and Iliakis are hoping to see a bunch of new faces. 

“Come meet new people, have fun and join a community of people like you, your own age,” said Clark.

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.

September 5, 2024 in Blog, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)

Lynn Valley’s HopeU supports antiracist youth

We are pleased to partner with Argyle Secondary School’s journalism class for another student article from Austen Eidnani.

Since 2020 Charles Tetteh-Lartey has been educating the young about racism through his non-profit organization based in Lynn Valley, HopeU. Tetteh-Lartey is the Youth Pastor at Valley Church with a passion for working with youth. 

Hoping for the future

“There is no way that change can happen without conversation”, said Tetteh-Lartey from his office.

It is a cozy space with dim lighting, filled with books, and photos of friends and family. He is sharing his belief that communication is necessary for change, this ties into what HopeU is as an organization, and its message of anti-hatred.

“HopeU is not about the normal fight against racism,” said Tetteh-Lartey. “It is about equipping the next generation with tools that reveal their own biases and a fight for unity instead of hatred.”

“There is no way that change can happen without conversation” is one of the main pillars of HopeU as an organization. This belief is why Tetteh-Lartey does what he does in the community: communicating with young people in highschool, elementary school, and youth programs through workshops, seminars, and personal conversation.  

The spark

Following the George Floyd incident in 2020, Tetteh-Lartey found that people close to him were often arguing about it. Should this person be celebrated? Is it right? Is it wrong?

“I think people just need to hear stories of how this can affect people close to them and how we can focus on being better in the future,” reflects Tetteh-Lartey. “I did a video on my Instagram – when I had my Instagram public – and it got a few thousand views of people just listening to me sharing my thoughts, and that’s kind of how HopeU started.”

Tetteh-Lartey was inspired by Martin Luther King Jr, one of the prominent leaders of the civil rights movement during the 1950’s – 1980’s. He was also inspired by Daryl Davis, a blues musician who converted dozens of former Ku Klux Klan members through communication and empathy. 

Change is never easy

After the noise from the George Floyd incident and the Black Lives Matter movement died down, many people believed the conversation was over. This has been a struggle for Tetteh-Lartey because the conversation is not over, and people still need to be educated on the matters of racism. Running an organization mostly by yourself is extremely difficult and stressful, especially when you are neurodivergent, said Tetteh-Lartey.

“For my type of learning disabilities, it’s hard to take in information standardly,” he said. “For school, or corporate jobs usually people take in information by meetings or lectures, and it is hard for me to take in information that way and regurgitate that information.

”What I see right in front of me is the most important, so I can not do something that is in the back of my head and bring it to the front, that is especially why running a business like HopeU on the side is hard.”

Never stop hoping

HopeU offers “table talks” and workshops for children and youth. Its programs have been used in conjunction with schools. Its website offers more information on its services and videos explaining his motivation for HopeU. Tetteh-Lartey hopes that in the future if – or once – the issue of social injustice is resolved that he can transform HopeU into fundraising help for students hoping to attend or attending university or college. 

 For more information visit https://hopeu.ca.

Written by Austen Eidnani, Argyle Secondary student

Looking for more?

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August 4, 2024 in Blog, Guest Voices, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)

Valley to Shore, farm to table

Bringing the goodness of the Fraser Valley directly to Lynn Valley has an Upper Lynn entrepreneur evolving her business that brings food from farms to local doorsteps. Dana Dykema has a knack for finding partners to fill her Valley to Shore Harvest Boxes and to offer other unique local products.

Farm direct

Healthy living and eating have always been a priority for Dana Dykema. When possible she buys local or grows her own food.

“It’s been a journey of years for me to change how I think about food,” she said. “We don’t go on extravagant holidays because I have to feed our eating habit of buying farmer direct.”

Back in 2021, that desire to care for her family through healthy food led Dykema to seek out a farm partner and launch a small business. This began a three-year passion project with farmer Dan Oostenbrink’s market garden farm  Local Harvest. 

“I was going out to the [Fraser] Valley a lot to pick up what was seasonally available, to pick cherries, ” she said. “I have been frustrated with the lack of Fraser Valley produce on the North Shore. It’s so good and it’s right there. Why isn’t it in our stores?”

As she got to know Oostenbrink, and his family, and to experience the quality foods he grows, Dykema felt compelled to offer it to other families who might not have the time to source high-quality food. 

“I was going out to the [Fraser] Valley a lot to pick up what was seasonally available, to pick cherries, ” she said. “I have been frustrated with the lack of Fraser Valley produce on the 

Since its humble beginning (the first harvest box was a fundraiser for Upper Lynn Elementary) Valley to Shore has grown to offer more than just weekly produce deliveries. There are eggs, meat, self-care products – like make-up – and garden products. All of them were produced between here and Hope. 

“It’s more than just delivering a product to the North Shore,” she said. “There is no mystery to where the money goes. The whole dollar goes back into the local economy.”

One challenge local suppliers and small businesses, like hers, face is potential clients being intimidated by price. Food produced in Canada, especially by small producers can have a slightly higher price point.

“It may feel like you’re paying more but the value is there. When it has a longer growing season and is ready for the table – and not for shipping – it tastes better.

“We need to support local producers or they won’t survive,” said Dykema. “We are not going to be getting some of the usual products this year like Okanagan fruit. We need to buy what they can offer so we can carry them through.”

Referring to the devastating cold snap late last winter that affected both the Fraser Valley and Okanagan after the previous drought and fire summer, Dykema is passionate about trying to offer local farmers a fair price. The Fraser Valley floods cutting off the Lower Mainland from the rest of Canada also highlighted the need to support the local food producers.

“Not all small farms will make it, I have been able to diversify so I am not relying on one,” she said. “Knowing that my money is supporting local families makes it a no-brainer to ride it out with them.”

In season

Local eating can be an exercise in patience and indulgence, said Dykema. She has made connections to offer more products like honey and foraged products like morels and sea asparagus. 

“Waiting for seasonality is worth it. I am really excited for blueberries and haskap berries – we only get them for about two weeks. They are special flashes in a pan.”

The last few decades of grocery store offerings have shifted away from nutrition and seasonal foods to the shelf stability of global offerings and convenience foods. 

“Simple, good ingredients taste better and people feel so proud cooking what’s delicious,” said Dykema. “It takes a bit of work but there is more enjoyment too.” 

She tries to make seasonal cooking less intimidating by offering recipes and writing posts related to each week’s offerings. 

“Some of the ingredients are new to people so it’s a culinary adventure.”

To dip your toe into seasonal eating and get a taste of Valley to Shore, Dykema recommends testing out a taster box which has veggies, meat, eggs and bread (and variations available to accommodate different diets) to get an idea of the quality and variety of items available in the Fraser Valley. Orders can be placed on recurring subscriptions or weekly by Sunday evening for pick-up in Lynn Valley the following Tuesday. All the details and offerings are available on ValleytoShore.com.

 

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.

July 1, 2024 in Blog, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)