Spring is bursting and the sun is shining. There is no better time to celebrate mom. We have put together our picks for Lynn Valley’s best celebrations for Mother’s Day.
Spring is bursting and the sun is shining. There is no better time to celebrate mom. We have put together our picks for Lynn Valley’s best celebrations for Mother’s Day.
With 75 years under their boots the Lynn Valley Garden Club has taken their plants from Victory Gardens to trendy succulents. The club is expanding its popular annual plant sale to celebrate its diamond anniversary May 18th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Stephens Church.
Lynn Valley Days is back on a new weekend to kick off the summer with the favourite festival of the year.
“The event wouldn’t run without volunteers,” said Jeanette Duey, director of communications for the Lynn Valley Lions. “The Lions, like everyone else, are all volunteers who get nothing out of it but helping Lynn Valley. It’s literally a community event, run by community.”
The annual event has moved back a weekend to June 21 and 22 for 2019.
“It’s no longer on Father’s Day weekend,” said Duey. “It’s a community event and we listened to the community and volunteers who want to spend time with their families during Father’s Day weekend. It’s a big commitment for the Lions and everyone who helps out.”
Lynn Valley Days has some consistent partners who show up year after year.
“Argyle Secondary’s soccer clubs and the Pipers are always there helping with rides and in the cook shack,” said Duey. “It’s not just the kids, it’s the parents and teachers too. They show leadership in being involved in the community. It’s encouraging to see the difference between a Grade 8 and a Grade 12. The older players mentor the younger one. We see the same kids the next year and we see their growth.”
This year the Lions are asking for early volunteer commitments from 30-40 people to help with the parade and traffic.
“We are working with the District [of North Vancouver] to make everything safe and keep traffic moving throughout the day – not just at the parade,” said Duey. “We need people to cover two to three hour shifts from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.”
Traffic volunteers will have a training session to ensure their safety and to establish event procedures. The Lions are looking for people 15 years and up for this role, but can also partner younger volunteers with older to fill positions. Like all volunteers they are offered free food and drink at the event.
“It’s a great chance to get some service or volunteer hours,” said Duey.
There are also opportunities for volunteers 19+ to help out at the gala.
“It’s a great way to be a part of the bigger event without having to buy a ticket,” said Duey. The gala needs volunteers on Friday, June 21 from 5-7 p.m. to act as greeters checking people in and throughout the night selling drink tickets.
“We want a day to celebrate community,” said Duey. “That’s why we aim for interactive booths – not a marketplace selling. We have rides for the kids and we are having a bigger and better community stage this year.”
To learn more about Lynn Valley Days visit the Lion’s webpage and to volunteer email lynnvalleydays(at)gmail.com.
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.
Mark your calendars for the Great Lynn Valley Neighbourhood Garage Sale. From mountain to mountain, valley wide homes will be selling their wares Saturday, May 25th, 9-noon.
Our favourite Lynn Valley Life event is just around the corner. We love our annual Easter Egg Hunt! Between hiding the all the eggs, seeing the happy kids and getting a high five from the Easter Bunny it doesn’t get much better.
We are celebrating our annual FREE Easter Egg hunt on Monday, April 13th at Viewlynn Park at 10 am. Due to the popularity of the event, any child 10 and under is welcome and we kindly ask that parents participate with their children. We love that this tradition brings so many people out. It’s great to see the same families year after year.
Back will be our favourite face painters and balloon twisters, prizes, and our famous loot bags (while supplies last).
Don’t forget your basket or bag! As in past years, we will stagger groups of kids with the youngest going first so they aren’t trampled by the older kids. Cross your fingers for sunshine and a whole bunch of bunny fun but the event will be happening rain or shine!
It sounds like there will be a mix of sun and clouds in Lynn Valley’s future, but whatever the weather we hope the Easter weekend is joyful for all!
We are having our annual FREE family Easter Egg Hunt April 22 from 10 a.m.-noon at Viewlynn Park. There will be prizes, plenty of eggs to find and lots of family fun — think face painting and balloon twisting too.
If it is rainy, there’s no better way to spend the time than in painting some Easter eggs to give out to family and friends. Here are few novel ideas to get you started – you probably have everything you need at home already!
Another tradition that will keep the kids busy is to bake hot cross buns on Good Friday, or to make an Easter bonnet for Sunday. And if you’re really having fun, why not make some homemade chocolate Easter eggs as well?
Easter Sunday is the culmination of the Christian Holy Week, and is preceded by Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Special services are being held on all three days at many Lynn Valley churches, and all are welcome – should you want more information, contact info and church websites are listed on our Clubs and Associations page. Happy Easter, everyone!
Celebrating its 20th year the North Shore Writers Festival comes to Lynn Valley April 5th and 6th.
The annual North Shore Writers Festival has both writers and libraries uniting for two days this April. Together North Vancouver District, North Vancouver City and West Vancouver Memorial Public Libraries are presenting the 20th anniversary edition of the festival. All the events are FREE thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the North Shore Libraries and there is even three hours FREE parking at Lynn Valley Village.
This year favourite events return like the 7th Annual Literary Trivia Quiz hosted by CBC’s Grant Lawrence on Friday night. From panel discussions to practical workshops Saturday is packed with something for all writers and readers.
7th Annual Literary Trivia Quiz Night hosted by CBC’s Grant Lawrence
Friday, April 5 | 7:30pm–9:30pm
Test your mental mettle and compete for prizes and glory! Register teams of 3-6 at [email protected]. Doors at 7pm. Cash bar. 19+. COMMUNITY ROOM
First Nations Welcoming Ceremony
Saturday, April 6 | 9:55am
Come early to get a seat, enjoy coffee, and attend the official festival opening. Doors open at 9:30am. COMMUNITY ROOM
Finding Your Audience: a North Shore Writers’ Association Workshop
Saturday, April 6 | 10:05am–11:30am
You’ve spent years honing your skills, months drafting, and weeks editing…all you need now is an audience! How do authors find their readers and how do readers find new authors? There are many paths to publication. Join Mahtab Narsimhan, Rod Baker and Wiley Ho as they share their successes and challenges getting their works out into the world. COMMUNITY ROOM
A Storyteller’s Journey with Monique Gray Smith
Saturday, April 6 | 11:45am–12:45pm
Award-winning Cree, Lakota and Scottish author Monique Gray Smith will share her personal journey as a celebrated YA and children’s storyteller. Monique will read from her latest release, Tilly and the Crazy Eights, an epic road trip with Indigenous Elders from Vancouver to Albuquerque for a Pow Wow.
COMMUNITY ROOM
Local Author Book Fair: A Showcase of Local Writers
Saturday, April 6 | 12:30pm–4:30pm
Explore local creativity and talent at the book fair! LYNN VALLEY VILLAGE HALL, outside the Community Room
Lunch Break Lounge & Writers Café
Saturday, April 6 | 12:45pm–1:45pm
Enjoy a free light lunch! Aspiring writers are invited to chat with Mahtab Narsimhan, Rod Baker and Wiley Ho to get the inside scoop on all things related to the writing life. Bring your questions and comments. LEARNING LAB
The Art of Narration with Erin Moon
Saturday, April 6 | 2:00pm–3:00pm
Award-winning Audiobook Narrator, Erin Moon, will discuss the art of becoming a narrator and the process involved in developing an audiobook. Erin will also explore the diverse ways that narrators capture the reader’s imagination and bring stories to life. Sponsored by Recorded Books. COMMUNITY ROOM
Writing the Personal: Lindsay Wong with JJ Lee
Saturday, April 6 | 3:15pm–4:15pm
In conversation with fellow memoirist JJ Lee, Vancouver-based Lindsay Wong chats about her darkly comedic memoir and Canada Reads finalist The Woo-Woo: How I Survived Ice Hockey, Drug Raids, Demons, and My Crazy Chinese Family. Lindsay outlines how she wrote this deeply personal, smart and funny book, while exploring themes of youth, parenting and mental illness. COMMUNITY ROOM
Strength and Resilience through Storytelling: Darrel McLeod with Alexander Dirksen
Saturday, April 6 | 4:30pm–5:30pm
Join Cree author Darrel McLeod in conversation with Program Director for Community Knowledge Exchange, Alexander Dirksen. Darrel discusses the powerful themes of love, family, resilience and identity within his 2018 Governor General award-winning memoir Mamaskatch: A Cree Coming of Age, as well as the impact his book has had on its readers to date.
COMMUNITY ROOM
Writers + Readers Reception with JJ Lee
Saturday, April 6 | 5:15pm–7:00pm
Join us for music and refreshments while mingling with fellow festival-goers as we close out the 20th festival! Hear the winners of the North Shore Writers’ Association writing contest and a very special announcement from the North Shore libraries. LIBRARY LOBBY
Lynn Valley trail runner Julie Flynn has taken her experience in the forest and created a adventure story to help children be prepared for the outdoors.
Spring Break is almost upon us. The weather is *supposed* to turn warmer. The kids will be out of school and the time change is upon us. Longer days, new beginnings and new challenges. If you are still looking for something to keep your children busy during the last part of March we have pulled some ideas offering new adventures.
Get inspired! Get educated! Get involved! Learn about the rich biodiversity of our planet from the experts who care for wildlife. Plan to arrive early as space is limited and admission is on a first come basis. Suggested donation: $2 per person or $5 per family. Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre
Sunday, March 17
Scales and Coils
Noon to 4 pm
Presented by: Westcoast Reptile Education Society
Come to Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre open house to meet reptiles from around the world and get a peak into their fascinating lives.
Monday, March 18
Wild About Mason Bees
1:30 pm
Presented by: Taren Urquart
Native bees are our most important pollinators. Attract friendly mason bees to your garden by making them a bee house.
Tuesday, March 19
HighFlyers – Birds of Prey
1 pm
Presented by: OWL Rescue
Owl is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of raptors. Discover how OWL volunteers save the lives of over 700 raptors each year and meet an owl and a hawk.
Wednesday, March 20
Orangutan Rescue
1:30 pm
Presented by: Jacqueline Sunderland Groves
Learn how the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation gives hundreds of orphaned orangutans a second chance to survive in the wild.
Friday, March 22
Bear Aware
10:30 am
Presented by: North Shore Black Bear Society
Learn how to stay safe and get along with our black bear neighbours.
Tuesday, March 26
Leave it to Beavers
1:30 pm
Presented by: FurBearers
Discover why our national animal is also an ecological superhero.
Wednesday, March 28
Making a Splash
2:30 pm
Presented by: Wild Ocean Whale Society
Whales, dolphins, and sea lions, oh my! Discover who’s swimming in the waters around Vancouver. There will also be an optional marine wildlife field-trip associated with this presentation. Saturday, March 30. 10 am to 12 pm at Whytecliff Park.
Spring Break Mini-Camps
March 18-20
Nature Investigators
9:30 am-12:30 pm. For ages 5 to 8
Cost: $69.50. To register phone 604-990-3755
Come and be a nature detective in Lynn Canyon Park. Learn about tracking, uncover the hidden habitats of animals, play games, and create nature crafts as we ramble along the forest trails.
March 25-27
Animal Builders
9:30 am to 12:30 pm. For ages 5 to 8
Cost: $69.50. To register phone 604-990-3755
From caddisflies to crows, discover how animals construct their own temperate rainforest homes. Explore the forest looking for signs of animal homes, and learn how you can help our local wildlife get ready for the springtime building boom.
Bricks4kidz building and coding camps
March 18-22, 9 am-12 pm
Junior Robotics & Coding
Age 6-11 yrs
1277 Lynn Valley Road (Lynn Valley Village)
Robotics & Coding introduces kids to robotics and provides a hands-on learning experience that engages children’s creative thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. Campers build Lego models featuring working motors and sensors and program their models with drag-and-drop software.
https://my.bricks4kidz.com/index.php?action=classdetail&record=213224
March 18-22, 2019, 1-4 pm
Everything is Awesome!
Age 5-10 yrs
1277 Lynn Valley Road (Lynn Valley Village)
This camp has a different theme every day, and campers will build Bricks 4 Kidz models using LEGO bricks. Join them for models ranging from bumper carts, battle tops and helicopters!
https://my.bricks4kidz.com/index.php?action=classdetail&record=213225
March 25-29, 9 am-12 pm
LEGO Mindstorms EV3
Age 9-15yrs
1277 Lynn Valley Road (Lynn Valley Village)
Campers will use the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 product to introduce and advance campers through robotics and coding. Program focuses on how robotics and technology can make life easier in a modern city. Build robots using Mindstorms EV3 electronic bricks and programming with different sensors and software.
https://my.bricks4kidz.com/index.php?action=classdetail&record=213226
March 25-29, 9 am-12 pm
Ticket to Ride
5-10yrs
3590 Mountain Highway (Lynn Valley Community Centre)
Get your ticket to ride at Bricks 4 Kidz’s very own Lego Amusement Park! Campers will build a new ride each day, learning how to make models spin, turn and rock’n roll. Motorized Lego models maximize the action and fun. Each camp day includes carnival-themed games, group challenges, model building and more!
All campers receive a themed Bricks 4 Kidz shirt and camp brag tag!
https://my.bricks4kidz.com/index.php?action=classdetail&record=213228
March 25- 29, 1-4 pm
Stop Motion Movie Making with LEGO
Age 7-14
1277 Lynn Valley Road (Lynn Valley Village)
Light, cameras, LEGO® action! Use LEGO® Bricks to tell YOUR story, complete with music, special effects and all your favorite LEGO® mini-figure characters! Students plan, script, stage, shoot, and produce their own mini-movie. Working as a team, students will use LEGO® components to build the set and props, then shoot their movie using a camera. Don’t miss your chance to be a movie producer! All campers receive a themed Bricks 4 Kidz shirt and wearable USB drive with all camp-produced movies!
https://my.bricks4kidz.com/index.php?action=classdetail&record=213227
Hit the trails
Last year we profiled all the great options offered by Escape Adventures that post will give you insight into all the action and adventure campers experience with Escape Adventures. Some of the programs may have changed so get all the latest details on 2019 programs here.
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.
Signs have been popping up and down seasonally along local streams and creeks in a partnership between the North Shore Streamkeepers and the District of North Vancouver to raise awareness of sensitive salmon habitat.
For the past two fall/winter seasons the North Shore StreamKeepers have placed signs around sensitive fish habitat – like Hastings Creek in Hunter Park – asking owners to keep their dogs out of the water.
“There is a season when fish are vulnerable,” explained Janet Dysart, North Shore Streamkeeper overseeing Hastings Creek. “There are eggs present on the creek bed and when the alevin [juvenile salmon] are out swimming around.”
There are times when the creeks are low – August/September – when fish are less at risk and entering creeks presents little risk, she said. However, during the late fall and early winter the eggs and fish are especially vulnerable.
“Disturbing the gravel creekbed can destroy eggs,” said Dysart. “Mostly we are concerned about bacteria and fecal contamination putting the young fish at risk. I know we can’t do anything about wildlife but we should try and do what we can to limit our impact.”
Hastings Creek is home to Coho salmon. It is natural habitat as well as the recipient of alevin stocking from education programs at local schools.
“Think about where the salmon are coming from,” said Dysart. “It’s amazing the journey they have had to return to Hastings Creek. We can’t protect it all but the least we can do is try our best.”
In Hunter Park, Dysart draws attention to the wetland environments that border some of Hastings Creek calling the areas particularly sensitive to both human and animal feet.
“We want people to be aware – if we are not we might lose – it.
Later this month the North Shore Streamkeepers are hosting a workshop in the honour of the International Year of the Salmon.
February 23rd they will be hosting a panel discussion with representatives from the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and local experts. Workshop on the Wild Salmon Policy Implementation Plan: Moving from Policy to Action will be held in the Arbutus Room at the Delbrook Community Recreation Centre, Saturday February 23rd from 1:30-4 p.m. They have also confirmed the attendance of a number of local politicians, members of the legislature and Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Jonathan Wilkinson. The public is welcome to attend and participate, register in advance here.
The North Shore Streamkeepers meet every second month at the District of North Vancouver Hall. The next meeting is March 13 at 7 p.m. For more information visit their website.