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Lynn Valley Day 2013 will hit new heights (literally!)

There’s always something new to look forward to at Lynn Valley Days, and 2013 will be no exception!

For starters, we want to give a big community thank-you to William F. White International, which is sponsoring all of Lynn Valley Days’ cable and power needs. (And thank you to Lynn Valley’s Garin Josey, the William F. White VP who is making this happen for us!) Amongst other things, what this will mean is no more distressing generator failures, and a much better-balanced sound system at the sold-out Gala Dinner Dance. And if the weather cooperates, it will also mean some amazing light-up-the-sky special effects on Friday night!

People, businesses make it happen

It’s thanks to business sponsorships of all shapes and sizes that Lynn Valley Day has become the great event that it has. Please have a look at some of the other sponsors who stepped forward to support the community festival this year (list is not complete, we know more names are yet to be added!). But it’s not just businesses that make it happen – Lynn Valley Day is the result of months of hard work by host organizations Lynn Valley Lions and Lynn Valley Community Association, and many individual volunteers.

Shirin Ismail of the LVCA is once again coordinating volunteers, and would love people to step forward to offer just a couple of hours here or there. Whether you lean towards traffic control during parade time, staffing a ride on the midway or site clean-up, there is definitely a place for you to earn your karma points. The times and tasks, along with Shirin’s contact info, are listed here.

New ride promises good view

We’re definitely looking forward to watching people’s faces as they take in the new Euro-Bungee ride. Thrill-seekers will be strapped into this new attraction, then bounce on a trampoline that will shoot them 40 feet into the air – so hang onto your dentures!

People looking for more old-fashioned fun will once again be glad of the free games and races that the LynnValleyLife team will be organizing in its corner of the field. Egg-and-spoon, gunny sacks, three-legged races, ballon toss, the ever popular Hyak Rafting Super Soaker…. what more could you want for some good old family fun? (Well, if there IS something more, please tell us – it’s not too late to incorporate some other favourite races! Just email [email protected].)

Also new in our neck of the woods will be the chance to have your photo taken with our custom-painted Project Sunflower photo board (thank you, Julie Jay!) If you haven’t already picked up your free packet of seeds for Project Sunflower, please stop by and do so – we’re hoping to see hundreds of sunflowers blooming in the valley this summer!

Rain or shine, there will be something old and something new, something borrowed and …. oh, right, that’s weddings. But it holds true for Lynn Valley Days as well, and we know you’re not going to want to miss the Lions Cook Shack 7:30am Pancake Breakfast, the 10 a.m. parade, and all-day fun at the park. Keep our special Lynn Valley Days section handy so you’ll have access to all the entertainment schedules and other details as they are finalized!

 

April 30, 2013 in Blog, Community Events, Current News, Getting Involved, Lynn Valley Day, Merchant Mentions

Seylynn Village investment has potential for great return

This perspective on real estate investment is provided to readers by Mortgage Dave, a longtime Lynn Valley mortgage expert.

Given the North Shore’s high prices, current investors sometimes wonder if buying in North or West Vancouver can possibly provide a decent return. In fact, a well-thought-out real estate purchase can provide not only a decent return, but also one that’s far more lucrative than many current stock and mutual fund portfolios.

I decided to take a closer look at the new Seylynn Village development being offered by Denna Homes in the Lower Lynn District.  The Beacon building will comprise the first stage of new development in an area that is ripe for change. Being situated close to transportation, recreation, the downtown bridge, and Capilano University, it promises to be attractive to renters in an area that is already one of Greater Vancouver’s strongest rental markets (North Vancouver has a current vacancy rate of 0.9%).

(more…)

April 30, 2013 in Blog, Guest Voices, Real Estate News

Local landscaper gives top tips for lush lawns and great gardens

 

These spring landscape tips are provided by Lynn Valley local, Matt Boyd of Endless Summer Landscaping.

Are you looking forward to a beautiful, lush, green lawn this year, surrounded by attractive gardens and dotted with healthy trees? These top five spring landscaping tasks will ensure your lawn looks great. Review the list and hire a professional landscaper to get a jump on the season of outdoor living.

Spring Landscaping Task # 1 — Aerate the Lawn

This process involves special equipment that actually punches holes in your turf, creating air pockets to improve the health of soil and roots. Aeration is best done when the yard has dried out, and hiring a professional to do the job is a wise idea. DIY aerating machinery is expensive and difficult to handle – the pros can whip through this job in a few hours and give your lawn the leg up it needs.

Spring Landscaping Task # 2— Clean Out the Gardens

Many gardeners leave their plants in the fall, providing seed heads for winter birds and creating an attractive picture throughout the cold season. But when the weather turns in spring, your garden needs to be cleaned out and cleared up. Cut down the dead foliage and stalks from last season, composting all but the diseased plant material. Destroy any bugs, larvae and other pests you find and avoid turning the soil too much — that amount of disturbance can kill off nutrients in the upper layers of soil.

Spring Landscaping Task # 3— Prune Your Shrubs

Many shrubs and bushes can be pruned or trimmed in the spring to create an orderly, attractive landscape. Juniper, euonymus, forsythia and plenty of other shrubs need to be trimmed for good health and to avoid massive overgrowth. Use sharp pruning shears that have been well cleaned and be careful when handling tall shrubs.

Spring Landscaping Task # 4— Fertilize the Grass and Gardens

The first thing that people often think about in the spring is feeding their grass to get it growing healthy and green. But you should spend some time thinking about the ideal type of fertilizer for your property. Are chemical products the way to go, or can your grass thrive on compost or other natural fertilizers?

Spring Landscaping Task # 5— Plan for This Year’s Projects

Maybe this is the year you’ll have the deck or patio installed. Or perhaps it’s time for a fence or a fence replacement. Whether you’re considering a pool, hot tub, flagstone patio or storage shed, it’s best to start planning early. Contractor schedules get filled up quickly; the longer you wait to get moving on the project, the longer you’ll have to wait for installation. Contact a few local contractors and find out the scope and budget of your outdoor project.

April 29, 2013 in Blog, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors, Merchant Mentions

Fixed vs. variable rates: how to choose

 This advice is provided  to LynnValleyLife readers courtesy of Mortgage Dave, a local mortgage expert and busy volunteer in our community.

One of the most important decisions when choosing a mortgage is whether to lock in a fixed interest rate or select a variable (floating) rate.  With interest rates at historical lows, making the wrong decision could cost you thousands.  Let’s look at the difference between the two types of rates, and how this choice might affect you.

Fixed Rate

With a fixed rate mortgage you “lock in” a predetermined interest rate for a set period of time (i.e., term).  The most popular term these days is five years.

A fixed mortgage rate can give you a bit more comfort and security knowing exactly what your payments will be each month for the duration of your term.  This makes financial planning and budgeting relatively easy.

The downside of a fixed rate is that if interest rates remain stable or fall during the term you will end up with higher payments than you’d experience with a variable rate mortgage.

Another consideration is that if you need to get out of a fixed rate mortgage before the term is up, you may have to pay a higher penalty.  The penalty is typically the greater of either 1) three months’ interest, or 2) the interest rate differential (the difference between your fixed rate and the current market rate multiplied by the outstanding principal further multiplied by the remaining years of the term).  Different banks calculate these penalties differently, so I would work with you to ensure the bank you choose matches your needs.

Variable Rate

The payments on a variable rate mortgage fluctuate, based on the prime rate throughout the term that you have the mortgage.

Lenders offer the variable rate as a discount off the prime rate.  Today the prime rate is at 3% and discounts on variables are around 0.40%, so a homeowner choosing this option will pay about 2.6%.  However, your mortgage rate, and therefore your payments, will increase and decrease along with the prime rate.  A great feature of a variable rate mortgage is that you can pay it off early with only a three-month interest penalty.  The lenders cannot charge the dreaded interest rate differential on variable rate mortgages.

Since the prime rate can increase or decrease on a monthly basis, variable rates are not for the faint of heart.  Anyone taking on a variable mortgage needs to be able to handle changes to their monthly payments not only financially, but psychologically as well.  If the thought of paying an extra $200 per month in mortgage payments causes you to lose sleep, a variable rate may not be for you.  I would work with you to manage this risk.

Then And Now

In the past there has been a huge discrepancy between fixed and variable rates.  Five years ago fixed rates were around 4.8% and prime was around 4%.  We had large discounts off prime of around 0.9% so you could get 3.1% variable vs. 4.8% fixed.  Going with a variable rate was an easy choice for most people, especially if they thought that interest rates were moving downward in the coming years.

Today the best five-year fixed rate is around 2.89% and variables are around 2.6%, so the gap has reduced significantly.  Prime has been around 3% for over 2 ½ years and most experts believe it will remain steady for some time, but that it will go up eventually.

Which Is Best For You?

If you are planning on moving in less than five years, a variable may be the best way to go.  If you are staying put I would definitely look at a five-year fixed or even a 10-year fixed at a slightly higher rate.  On 10-year terms the penalty to pay out after the fifth anniversary is only three months interest, so you get the best of both worlds — stability over a decade and the ability to renegotiate or payout in the last five years for a relatively low penalty.

Everyone’s situation is unique to them, and Mortgage Dave is here to provide a mortgage solution that is customized to meet your specific needs.

As always, I would be happy to review your personal situation and make my recommendations for you.  Feel free to call me at 604-315-DAVE (3283) or email me at [email protected].

 

 

April 28, 2013 in Blog, Merchant Mentions, Real Estate News

Mark Sager given mandate to gather public planning views

Last fall, Canada Safeway and Bosa Development sent North Vancouver District some preliminary applications for a newly imagined Lynn Valley Mall area. Their plans called for high-rise towers that got the ‘thumbs-up’ from some residents, but also resulted in an immediate outcry from many people who were concerned about traffic, densification and a change in neighbourhood character. 

There was enough concern, in fact, that North Vancouver District Council voted to re-engage the public in a discussion about redevelopment options for the Lynn Valley town centre area.

Now we’ve learned that Mark Sager, founding partner of Sager LLP and former mayor of West Vancouver, has been given the mandate to be the sounding board for the residents of Lynn Valley. He’ll gather feedback, engage in conversations, listen to questions and concerns, and help Bosa come up with a new proposal that is in line with what the neighbourhood wants while being economically feasible for the developer.

“I am really, really honoured to be given this opportunity,” he said over a coffee in Delany’s. “Bosa is one of the most respected builders in Western Canada. They’ve said to me ‘Go out, and then tell us what’s the right thing to do here.'”

Nat Bosa, he says, lives on the North Shore. While leasing the old Zellers space to Target might be an easy economic answer, Mark says that Nat wants to build something with more neighbourhood appeal.

Mark and a team of students are inviting local residents to visit them in the mall, where they will be setting up a storefront where the pet store used to be (across from CIBC). From Saturday, May 4 to 25, hours will be Monday to Wednesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to  4 p.m.

 

You’ll also find them at Lynn Valley Day on Saturday, May 25, and Mark is also hoping to snag some tickets for the virtually sold-out May 24 Gala Dinner.”At the end of the day, we have to do something that makes economic sense,” says Mark. “But Nat is completely open to hearing a range of ideas.”

Mark has introduced himself to the neighbourhood via this letter that was mailed out to 7,000 Lynn Valley homes this week. If you’re not able to pop into the mall, he invites you to email your comments to him at mark[at]sagerllp.com. (We’ll also be sure to post any of his team’s feedback forms or community information here on LynnValleyLife, so keep an eye on our Front Porch blog’s Town Planning section.)

Mark says that since his letter hit the streets, the response has been fantastic. “I’ve had many very thoughtful emails in just the first two days,” he said.

While Mark doesn’t want to give his own opinion regarding the best direction for Lynn Valley’s future development – he’s keeping an open mind as well – he does say that many residents seem to want more of a ‘village centre’ feel than a ‘town centre’ feel, one in keeping with our mountainside location. He’s very familiar with our community, he says, having lots of friends here and a penchant for our YYoga studio, and he knows it’s a place where a great many people choose to raise their families.

Mark himself was born and raised above the family shop in Dundarave, where he says his father planted flowers down the middle of the street. “I grew up always being aware of the things that make a community,” he says. He enjoys the challenge of consensus-building, loves listening, and has a reputation as someone who is patient and thoughtful – all qualities that stood him in good stead when he was the West Van mayor, and will no doubt play a major role in his new post as Lynn Valley town planning confidante!

 

April 26, 2013 in Blog, Current News, Development and Town Planning, Getting Involved, Merchant Mentions, Real Estate News

Cousteau name graces LV French school

Last month, the The French International School of Vancouver (located in Lynn Valley’s former Fromme Elementary building) honoured the legacy of visionary Jacques-Yves Cousteau — the most celebrated French defender of marine ecology— by renaming itself The French International School Cousteau. The school has pledged to make environmental awareness a significant part of its ethos and curriculum.

The French International School Cousteau became the first French International School in the world to be granted official permission by the Cousteau Society to bear its name. An annex school, named Calypso in memory of Cousteau’s infamous ship, will also open its door in September 2013. Located in the South Granville area, this annex will offer a preschool program.

The French International School Cousteau has pledged to honor Cousteau’s passion for, and committment to, marine ecology through a partnership with the world-renowned Cousteau Society and Vancouver Aquarium, that will make marine ecology a major part of the school’s day-to-day curriculum. The French International School Cousteau will teach students the Cousteau philosophy— “To Know, To Love, To Protect.”

The Science and Environment Director of the Cousteau Society,  Tarik Chekchak, was on hand as an honoured guest at the March 14 inauguration at the Lynn Valley School. For more information about the rededication of the school, read their press release. To learn more about the school, visit its website here, or attend the school’s Open House on Tuesday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to noon.

LynnValleyLife would like to congratulate the French International School Cousteau on its rechristening. We’re glad to have you in the neighbourhood!

April 7, 2013 in Blog, Current News, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors, School News

Writing fest comes to Lynn Valley Library

Readers of all stripes will find something to look forward to at the 2013 North Shore Writers Festival, which is being hosted this year at Lynn Valley Library on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20.

Included in the line-up of visiting authors are Helen Humphreys, award-winning Canadian author of novels such as The Reinvention of Love and Coventry, humourist Terry Fallis, Toronto writer Tanis Rideout, and local poet Evelyn Lau. At other times in weekend,  a panel of writers will discuss the publishing process, while another will explore the delectable world of food writing.

New this year is a Friday evening Literary Trivia Night, hosted by author and CBC radio personality Grant Lawrence. Register your own team of six, or come prepared to join an impromptu team on the spot, and engage in a friendly battle with other lit lovers.

Click here for the festival website, and be sure to take advantage of having these interesting events happening right on our doorstep! All activities will take place in the Community Room adjacent to Lynn Valley Library.

April 1, 2013 in Blog, Community Events, Current News

Coach Janet’s Top 5 Procrastination-Busters

Procrastination eats away at our ability to achieve the success we want in our business and personal lives. It steals hours, days, months and years, and delays the benefits associated with completing our actions. Practice these five tips to start taking action today!

1.     Find Your Motivation

Think about the goals you are trying to attain. Spend a few moments visualizing what could be achieved and what you could gain if you take action. Then think about the consequences of NOT taking action. What fears could motivate you to take action today? Often the task that has the most negative consequences of NOT doing it is often the MOST important task to complete.

2.     Do The Worst First

Often the biggest, worst thing you need to accomplish will be the thing that causes you to procrastinate on it and everything else on your list. By procrastinating on the least enjoyable, most troublesome, or fearful activity you will only have it waiting there tomorrow, possibly even bigger and messier than it is today. Get the worst thing over with early so you free yourself mentally and emotionally to do other things more effectively.

3.     Start Small

Often just looking at a large task is enough to cause us to look in the other direction. The more apparent complexity there is to a task, the more likely we will procrastinate. Just as you would never try to drive across the country in one stretch, don’t try to take on all of a job from the start.

Sometimes the best way to stop procrastinating and complete a major task is to take a small slice and complete just that piece. In order to do this, you may first need to spend some time breaking down the larger project into smaller individual tasks so that you can see your progress and stay motivated. Completing one task motivates you to complete another. It’s a snowball effect. Commit to doing one thing today and you will find you will accomplish even more.

4.     Become Action-Oriented

Often once you take a step to complete a task, you find the momentum builds and you are able to continue. Get into the habit of not even having to think about getting started; build action into your routine every day so that you begin your day with the momentum needed to complete your tasks.

5.     Remove Distraction

We all have habits we revert to when we don’t want to begin a task: organizing our desks, going out for coffee, cleaning the house. If you know that you get distracted easily then schedule short burst of time, 30 to 60 minutes, to focus on an important task. Remove yourself from environments that pose distraction, shut your door, turn your phone off, turn off the TV/radio and focus for that short period of time.

“A journey of 1,000 leagues begins with a single step.’’ – Confucius

Janet Bonaguro is a Certified Business Coach with FocalPoint Coaching. She works with business owners and executives in order to improve revenue, profitability, productivity and teamwork. For more information please visit her website; for more of her coaching tips see her Merchant Profile
on LynnValleyLife.

March 29, 2013 in Blog, Guest Voices, Merchant Mentions

LV Optometry employee plans Mexican aid trip

April showers bring May flowers, and for Krista Phillips at Lynn Valley Optometry, May is the month her dreamed-about non-profit endeavour will finally blossom.

Krista is part of a team of young people who are travelling to an impoverished area of Mexico to  work with small communities and help meet some of their needs. Krista is hoping people who are interested in promoting this kind of work will consider donating towards the group’s trip (donations must be collected by April 14). Read on to hear more about the project, in Krista’s words:

 

Tell us about the project!

For two weeks in May, I will be going to the Copper Canyon in Mexico with a team of young people from Coquitlam Alliance Church. While in the canyon, we will be spending time with the Tarahumara Indians and bringing food and supplies to them in their very small, impoverished communities. We will spend some time in the orphanage in Guacayvo, help to build a church, and be hiking into other remote areas of the canyon. We plan to bring food and clothes, and I’m hoping to bring some glasses as well.

What inspired you to get involved?

It broke my heart when I heard that the people had been collectively jumping off the cliffs as families in order to avoid dying from starvation. I really felt called to go do what I could to help, even if it’s only for a short time.

What is your biggest hope for the trip?

That’s a tough one, mostly because I really don’t know what to expect. I know it’s going to be a huge leap out of my comfort zone to be in a completely different country with different culture and way of life, but my hope is that I can make a difference to the people there.

What kind of support are you looking for? Be specific as you can.

Thoughts and prayers are a huge one. Mostly for health and safety while we’re away. I do have to raise funds for my portion of the trip as well, and donations would be immensely appreciated. We can offer tax receipts as well.

What do you do at Lynn Valley Optometry?

I get to be the one who helps people pick out a fabulous pair of frames and match the best type of lens for them to see. I love it. The patients and customers we have are the best I’ve ever worked with, and at Lynn Valley Optometry, we really are a work family, not just co-workers.

Have you been involved in community projects before?

Over the past two years, in the winter months, I’ve collected warm articles of clothing, blankets, socks, etc. for people in need in Vancouver, as well as the Coquitlam area. I am currently trying to get involved with Habitat for Humanity as well, but my schedule hasn’t co-ordinated with their orientations yet. I’d love to find other projects to get involved with though, because I am really discovering my passion for outreach!

 

Thank you, everyone, for your help. The support I’ve already received has been overwhelming!

 

March 24, 2013 in Blog, Current News, Merchant Mentions, Notable Neighbours