Blog

Lynn Valley home to Pookies, Pinkys and Snookums

After LVL-sponsoring realtor Jim Lanctôt mentioned that his wife Cindy was his “Cinderelly,” he and Kelly Gardiner decided that other Lynn Valleyites should  have to confess their beloveds’ nicknames if they wanted an entry into our draw for a Valentine’s evening out. We put out the call, and we weren’t disappointed!

Love ValleyWe now know our neighbours even better than we did before (and have learned to be careful what you wish for!) We are aware that Lynn Valley is heaving with Punkins, Snookums, Snuggle Bugs, Boo Boos, Dolls, Cuties, Pinkys and Puddin’s. There is a Sneep, a Winner, a Buddy Burger and a Big Ben. There is a good smattering of names that have their origins in different countries, such as a Filipino “Pre” (“my buddy”) and our winners in the draw, “Pippe” (doll) and “Pecas” (freckles).

And along with the endearments came some pretty endearing stories. Here are some of our favourites, anonymized as originally promised!

  • “Thank you for sponsoring this interesting contest. It made me sit down and think. T. and I have been married for four decades and I used to have a special name for him. But I forgot. Actually, familiarity doesn’t breed contempt. It breeds forgetfulness. Luckily, we are still deliriously happy  because we forget what it was that used to bother us about each other!”
  • “My husband of 16 years and partner for 22 years (as of February 5th) have called each other “tokfeh”. It always seamed so sweet, cute kind of. Until we went to visit his family three years ago in Slovakia……they giggled for days, perhaps still today as we have been calling each other “turkey” for all this time. We have not let it go but do giggle about it once in a while….”
  • “So normally the nicknames we use for each other (this is so weird) is “dude”.  So like the everyday stuff like “Dude, what do you want for dinner?” or “Dude, did you take the garbage out?”  It’s not very romantic but we could never get on board with words like baby, hun or honey.  But when we really want something from the other, like a late-night food run, ice cream, etc., we pull out the “Sweeeeetie punkin” or “Sugar muffin” and it works every time!”
  • “I call her “the red headed banshee that must be obeyed.” Or just “yes dear.”

And our sentimental favourite…

  • “I lovingly call my partner R. ” My Blunt Instrument of Love.” Her warm, kindness and ease of loving smack me across the side of the head ( i.e. Like a blunt instrument). Everyday I wake up to her wonderful presence.”

Thank you to everyone for giving us a peek inside your love life! We hope each and every one of you enjoy a happy day.

 

February 14, 2014 in Blog, Contests, Current News

“Pippe” and “Pecas” win “Love in Lynn Valley” Valentine’s contest!

We’ve been feeling warm fuzzies all week here at LVL headquarters, as our neighbours’ nicknames and endearments have been fluttering into our inbox on little Cupid wings.

Love Valley 615 290We’re pretty sure that only a top-class enticement – like a Valentine’s evening out – could motivate the sharing of some of these private monikers. We’ve heard about Stinky, Snookum, and Sneep. And Punkin’ Butt, Pinky, and Pookie Bear.

Fortunately, we didn’t have to choose our very favourite, because there were far too many of those (look forward to a special Valentine’s Day post featuring some silly and sweet neighbourhood endearments!) By random draw, however, we chose from amongst the pool of lovebirds to pick “Pecas” and “Pippe” (a.k.a. Kirkstone Road’s Ingrid Gossler and her husband Mauricio Trigos) as winners of the “Love in Lynn Valley” contest.

Ingrid tells us that Pippe is German for “doll,” while Pecas means “freckles.” (Actually, thanks to a typo in Ingrid’s first email, we were originally under the impression that her nickname meant “freakles,” which we kind of like, too!)

IMG_2584

The happy couple will have a $50 gift certificate to spend on dinner at the Black Bear Pub; management has promised to have their most romantic table ready and waiting. Following that, two tickets will be waiting at the door of Friday Night Live, which is putting on a special evening o’ love in honour of the occasion. Joining the usual troupe of amazing improv performers will be jazz musicians The Sharp Five, and dancing is on the menu following the performance for those interested in tripping the light fantastic. Also featured are some special refreshments – a chocolate fountain was mentioned – and wine, along with the usual complimentary treats and coffee, the latter of which is provided by Waves Coffee House.

Fortunately for the rest of us, Pippe and Pecas don’t get to corner the market on V-Day fun. (Though we WILL let them have their romantic table to themselves.) The Bear has a special Valentine’s Menu on for all to enjoy, and the love-themed Friday Night Live, hosted at Lynn Valley United Church, is definitely singles- and family-friendly; no significant other required to make this a fun evening! So even if you didn’t win the contest this time, we hope you still enjoy some “Love in Lynn Valley!”

February 12, 2014 in Blog, Contests, Current News

Cedar V theatre memories recalled

Just over two years ago, we wrote this post about the now-legendary Cedar V theatre, located next door to what is now the PetroCan station on Lynn Valley Road.

This week, we were happy to receive some more reflections, sent our way by Dave Whitmore, who lived at 2826 Crestlynn Place from 1958 till 1973. Thanks for the memories and the photos, Dave!

The Cedar V Theatre Years

I was born in 1950, and our family moved to Lynn Valley in 1959. At that time there was a small shopping centre with a Safeway, one elementary school, Eastview Elementary, and soon one high school, Argyle (finished in 1965, in time for me) and one theatre – the Cedar V Theatre.

cedar vThe theatre was Quonset Hut-style building with a covered wrap-around area for the line-ups that also posted the marquee of shows playing. They always showed double features, and on Saturdays a half-price matinee for kids. The price was 35¢, later 50¢, and snacks were cheap, too. Also, they had hot dogs, a snack that has since disappeared from theatres.

When one of the two features were considered ‘adult only’, us matinee goers would be given a raft of cartoons and a ‘Three Stooges’ movie in place of it. Because of this, I have seen every ‘Three Stooges’ movie at least twice, and know the names of all five ‘Stooges’ characters: Moe, Larry, Curly (bald), Shemp, and Curly Joe (also bald).

Between features, there was a ‘Birthday Break’ where birthday kids came on stage and were given applause, a ‘Happy Birthday’ sing-along, and a free ticket and a treat. In all those years, my birthday never happened on a Saturday. Damn!

In the rear of the theatre were two soundproof ‘Crying Rooms’ with their own speakers and big glass windows. They were used in the evening where adults that had crying kids could go and watch the movie without disturbing others. On matinee days, they were occupied by all the local “tough kids” as a sort of clubhouse. Most of them were members of a loose Lynn Valley gang that called themselves ‘The Lynn Valley Smiling Crab Society’ (or LVSCS for short). In there they would smoke up a storm and drink smuggled booze; but that left everyone else in peace – so it worked out well for everyone. I’ve never seen ‘Crying Rooms’ in any other theatre, though some other theatres must have had them, too.

Cedar V property today

– graphic by Dave Whitmore

The family that ran it was the Chisolm family who lived upstairs in the theatre, and one of their kids (John , I think) was often in one of my high school classes. I always envied a kid who lived in the theatre. He was a small, mild-mannered guy, but unlike other small, mild-mannered guys like me, he never had to worry about the many bullies from the LVSCS and others, lest they be banished from the Saturday gang get-togethers in the ‘Crying Rooms’. A sort of ‘Diplomatic Immunity’.

Despite the fact that because I was always the smallest kid in my grade and got bullied a lot, the years in Lynn Valley were the best in my life. The schools and houses were surrounded by woods and trails, and Lynn Canyon Park had the free suspension bridge. Most people lived in the new suburban ‘Westlynn’ and ‘Westlynn Terrace’ developments and were generally pretty well off. And watching all the ‘Sinbad’ and ‘Beard and Sandals’ epic shows (eg: Ben-Hur, Barabas, etc) in technicolor at the Cedar V Theatre was a big part of it. Notwithstanding the shadow of the Cold War, these were happy innocent times.

– Dave Whitmore, former Lynn Valley resident

Dave Whitmore still visits his old haunting grounds in Lynn Valley.

Dave Whitmore still visits his old haunts in Lynn Valley.

 

February 12, 2014 in Blog, Current News, Guest Voices, Looking Back

Rice Lake rink a rare treat!

Rice Lake Feb 2014

Even those of us who have lived in Lynn Valley most of our lives don’t have many “back in the good ol’ days” stories about skating on local waterholes. The small ‘swamp’ off of McNair Drive in Mountain View Park would very occasionally freeze over enough to provide a destination for a few skaters, but there wasn’t room for many, and ‘skating’ was probably an over-generous verb to use to describe the experience of shakily navigating between the branches and logs frozen into the muddy ice.

(more…)

February 9, 2014 in Blog, Current News, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors, O'Malley's Musings

Lynn Valleyites are sure cleaning up!

There's lots of streets getting some love in Lynn Valley!

There are lots of streets getting some love in Lynn Valley!

We recently received an email from NVD Community Beautification Coordinator Courtenay Fraizl (our lovely Adopt-a-Street boss!) It was an inspiring email for two reasons. First, as you can see from the map above (click on image for a closer look), the Lynn Valley neighbourhood is way out in the lead when it comes to the number of “adopted” streets – yay, LV!

But there’s lots of room for more participants, so call Courtenay at 604-990-3841 if you’d like to get in on the action. You’ll get some vests and picker-uppers, and a good excuse for a walk every month! We always learn something new about our neighbourhood when we’re out for a stroll.

Our second source of inspiration was this great quote she sent our way – it’s so true!

Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day what kind of community you want to live in.  – Marjorie Moore

adopt a street logo

 

 

 

February 6, 2014 in Blog, Current News, Getting Involved, Governance and Services

Enter the “Love in Lynn Valley” contest

Love in Valley for BearWin a romantic evening for two!
Celebrate a fun Valentine’s night on the town, close to hearth and home! Start by enjoying a $50 dinner for two at the Black Bear Pub (they’ve promised their most romantic candlelit table!), then carry on to Friday Night Live’s “Love to Laugh” show, featuring dance music from The Sharp Five jazz band, hilarious improv from Ad Libretto, and refreshments – including a chocolate fountain!
All you have to do for your chance to win this great evening (beside being 19+, of course) is to send us the nickname or term of endearment you use for your sweetie (or best buddy, we won’t discriminate against singletons!) by Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. We’ll make the draw that night – so good luck, everyone! (And yes, we’ll be publishing a post about LV’s goofiest endearments – anonymously, of course!)
P.S. Psst! FYI, the prize must be accepted as awarded – all the fun to take place on the evening of February 14, 2014!

 

February 6, 2014 in Blog, Contests, Current News, Getting Involved, O'Malley's Musings

Lynn Valley Masons welcome others to join Lodge

Most local drivers pass by the nearly windowless grey building on the corner of Lynn Valley Road and  Harold without a second glance, it has long ago disappeared into the invisibility that comes with familiarity.

Walkers, though, travel at a different pace and have time to notice, and wonder about, this unique building that has housed Lynn Valley’s Masonic brotherhood since 1930. If he happens to be on the premises, Mason Phil Perry, a member of the Lodge since 2009,  welcomes their questions.

At an interview with LynnValleyLife, Phil and fellow Mason Alphonse Quenneville explained that the talk about freemasonry being steeped in secrecy and intrigue is largely urban myth fuelled by Dan Brown-style novels.

There was certainly no hesitation shown in welcoming LynnValleyLife over the threshold, even to the point of allowing its female editor into the Lodge’s inner sanctum, camera in hand. While this windowless upper-floor room is obviously decked out for ceremonial use – complete with flags, ornately carved podiums, and throne-like chairs on a raised dais – the lower level consists of an ordinary kitchen and eating area that houses social gatherings and the Lodge garage sales.

The history of freemasonry is undeniably rife with intrigue and readers interested in its roots can find fascinating reading on the BC and Yukon Grand Lodge website.

According to Phillip and Alphonse, however, today’s modern Masonic Lodges simply seek “to make good men better men.” The Lodge does not recruit members – “we’re not Amway,” says Alphonse – but instead wants members to be attracted to Freemasonry for its values and fellowship. Masons must be men 21 and over, but beyond that, the Lodge says “to be one, just ask one!”

Alphonse says the Lynn Valley Lodge is “blessed with a great gang of high-energy guys,” and Phillip notes that a growing number of the members are in their 20s and 30s. Beyond age and sex, the only requirement for membership is that initiates believe in a Supreme Being – however they choose to define that. Lynn Valley Lodge’s members include people of all religions, and those who do not outwardly practice any religion.  Membership in this cross-cultural group “is a constant, regular reminder that Freemasonry offers brotherhood and friendship across all of mankind,” says Phil.

In fact, discussion of religion and politics are forbidden in the Lodge, due to being potentially divisive. Values are instead imparted through the telling of moral tales, which Alphonse describes as universal allegories – similar to Aesop’s Fables, or Jesus’s use of parables in the Bible. The stories are only conveyed within the Lodge however, not to those outside it – not because their content is inflammatory, says Phillip, but because it allows Masons practice in maintaining confidentiality, an important life value.

Masons are also close-lipped – or modest, as Alphonse terms it – about their charitable deeds. According to the Lynn Valley Lodge FAQ page, Freemasons throughout the world give over three million dollars per day to a wide variety of causes, just some of which include Shriners’ children’s hospitals, learning centres for children with special needs, and the Masonic Angel Foundation, which helps needy individuals who do not fit other social services criteria.

Along with supporting other local causes, Lynn Valley and other B.C. Masons run the Freemasons’ Cancer Car Program in partnership with the BC Cancer Agency, providing free round-trip rides for people without transportation to their treatments.

 

For more information about the Lynn Valley Masonic Lodge, please visit their website.

January 31, 2014 in Blog, Current News, Getting Involved, Notable Neighbours

One-of-a-kind jewellery made from found glass

When life gives you lemons, the optimistic make lemonade. So when Dana Kovanda and her son find broken glass in Hastings Creek, they don’t just pick it up – they make beautiful jewellery that’s unique to this neighbourhood.

Dana’s tumbled-glass jewellery – like beach glass, but tumbled via machine instead of waves – has just been introduced at the End of the Line store, where owner Connie Fay is confident it will be popular with neighbourhood residents and visitors alike.

The silver-wrapped green, clear, amber and blue pendants and earrings aren’t just lovely to look at, Connie thinks that some Lynn Valleyites of her generation will also get a kick wondering if the glass shard might be a remnant of one of their own evenings of youthful excess.

While the glass jewellery might evoke fond memories, the garbage that Dana and her son collect from the banks of Hastings Creek is a less romantic testament to human activity around the fish-bearing waterway. According to her sign posted by display case, glass isn’t the only thing they find – unfortunately, it’s not  too unusual for them to have to haul out items as large as office chairs.

The family passion for environmental stewardship has found a lovely expression in this Hastings Creek line of jewellery, so have a look while you’re at the End of the Line. If you’d like to clean up your own neck of the woods, consider North Van District’s Adopt-a-Street program (bottle cap cufflinks may be the next big thing!). If you’d like to learn more about the interesting history of Hastings Creek, read this watershed profile. And if you’d like to learn more about local creeks and their protection, check out the fine work of the North Shore Streamkeepers.

And if you’d like to know more about Dana’s jewellery, you can contact her at [email protected]!

January 29, 2014 in Blog, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors, Merchant Mentions

Get ready for LynnValleyLife 2.0

What could possibly be better than LynnValleyLife, your neighbourhood news source? That’s easy – LynnValleyLife 2.0, coming your way later this month.

We’re excited to be unveiling some major changes that will make the LVL experience even more user-friendly. We know that readers often visit our website when they’re on the go, whether it’s to check out the details of a community event listing or the address of an open house. So we asked the good folks at SplitMango (a web development agency headed by Lynn Valley’s David Miller) to build us a site that is “mobile responsive.” That means that regardless of what device you are using when you visit LynnValleyLife.com, the content will present itself in the most reader-friendly way. No more squinting and “zooming in” required!

We’re also introducing a bulletin board forum that will allow Lynn Valley residents to talk directly to each other. We know that if you’re selling household treasures, looking for a babysitter or hunting for a lost dog, it’s the people down the street you want to reach, not the citizens of Port Coquitlam or Richmond. We’ve really been looking forward to launching this “classified ads” section – because who doesn’t love a little buying, selling, and swapping, especially when you can shop local?

Another upgrade will be a re-organized Merchant Profile section that will make it easier to search out the shops and services you need. So if you operate a business here in Lynn Valley and haven’t yet gotten on board, now’s the time. Just contact us at [email protected] and we’ll send you all the info you need to have your own page in our business section – for free!

It’s thanks to readers like you that LynnValleyLife is able to help local businesses, individuals and non-profits spread the word at no charge. We’re able to stay ad-free because our site is sponsored by Jim Lanctot and Kelly Gardiner, the top two RE/MAX realtors in Lynn Valley,* so your continued word-of-mouth referrals and real estate business will keep LynnValleyLife thriving well into the future. But don’t just sign on with Jim and Kelly because you love your neighbourhood news website – take a look at what previous clients have said about their work. You can be confident you’re making a great choice when you go with the LynnValleyLife team!

(*based on MLS sales in Lynn Valley, Braemar, Tempe, Westynn, Westlynn Terrace & Princess Park between 01/01/13 – 10/15/13).

January 20, 2014 in Blog, Current News, Merchant Mentions

New fitness club opens close to home

The Fitness Well – a public fitness studio within the North Shore Winter Club – is opening on January 13, just in time to help Lynn Valleyites with their New Year’s Resolutions. Up to three classes may be taken for free during the week of January 13 to 18; after that, classes can be taken in eight-week sessions. The schedule of classes can be found here.

LynnValleyLife caught up with Fitness Consultant Justine Simmons as she was in the final countdown to get the Fitness Well open for business. Here’s what she had to say about North Van’s newest fitness facility.

What is The Fitness Well, in a nutshell? 
The Fitness Well is a brand new fitness studio based in the North Shore Winter Club. We offer yoga, pilates, Zumba® and dance to all ages including family classes.

Do you have to be a member of the North Shore Winter Club to join The Fitness Well (FW)?
No. Both members of the NSWC and the public can register for classes at the FW, although the FW is owned and managed by the NSWC.

What’s your background in the fitness biz?
I have been a personal trainer and fitness instructor for over 10 years. I have specialised in yoga for the last five. Before that I competed in international level skiing.

What prompted the NSWC to open up The Fitness Well?
The NSWC was lacking in non-“sports” fitness. They have very active tennis, hockey and curling programs, but not a lot aimed at women and girls, nor people who enjoy non-competitive fitness. We hope the studio will be an inviting space for females mostly, but men are encouraged to join in as well.

What do you think FW clients will most appreciate about your facility?
I think they will appreciate the convenient location and free parking, the variety of classes for all ages, and the hand-selected instructors.

What’s ‘different’ about the The Fitness Well?
We’re the only public studio within a private club setting. It is a little exclusive, but not excluding, if that makes sense!

Do you have a target market for whom you think the FW would be a great fit?
Locals will enjoy the accessibility of the location, and we expect mostly local women and girls of all ages. We have surveyed our female members in detail and hope we are offering the classes, times and levels that they are looking for. That said, we also offer classes such as “strength and stretch” which are provide a great balances for hockey players and other athletes who need to minimise injury and protect their joints and muscles.

What words of encouragement/advice do you have for fitness newbies embarking on a healthier 2014?
Sign up with a friend, it makes it easier not to back out. You will look forward to seeing your friend even if you don’t feel like working out. Also, try out our free classes in our January opening week – there is no excuse not to!

Thanks, Justine! Anything else you’d like to add?
Those who have never been to the North Shore Winter Club may like to take a tour of the facility when they stop in. They may be surprised at how enormous the Club is, and what a great family environment is provides. Please speak to the front desk for more info and to sign up for the free classes: 604-985-4135.

 

January 2, 2014 in Blog, Merchant Mentions