WE Vancouver, November 29, 2012

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Also: Bif Naked exposed 6 Psst... PostSecret 7 Chinatown Experiment 10 Hit ’n’ Strum 25

CELEBRATE MUSIC

Wide Mouth Mason’s Shaun Verreault performs in BC Music concert to ensure children (such as his daughter Layla) have access to music education 5 Rob Newell photo

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Signoffs

November 29 – December 5, 2012

3

12-11-27 12:33 PM

WHO

ARE

Publisher Anne Devereaux • 604-742-8684 publisher@wevancouver.com

the week ahead

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5

Managing Editor Martha Perkins • 604-742-8695 editor@wevancouver.com Editorial staff Kelsey Klassen • 604-742-8699 kelsey@wevancouver.com Photography Editor Doug Shanks • 604-742-8691 photo@wevancouver.com Advertising Manager Gail Nugent • 604-742-8678 admanager@wevancouver.com

A taste of the good life

Classified Advertising 604-575-5555 classifieds@wevancouver.com Creative Services Supervisor Robbin Sheriland

Santa Claus Parade

Creative Services Staff Tara Rafiq Circulation Miguel Black • 604.742.8676 circulation@wevancouver.com 280-1770 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V6J 3G7 Facebook.com/ WEVancouver @WEVancouver Member of Black Press, B.C. Press Council, Canadian Community Newspapers Association. Published at Vancouver by the MetroValley Newspaper Group a Division of Black Press Group Ltd. Editorial submissions are welcome but unsolicited manuscripts will not be returned. Submissions may be edited for brevity and legality.

Opinions in columns are not necessarily shared by the publisher. Copyright and/ or property rights subsist in all display advertising and other material appearing in WE. If, in the publisher’s judgment, an error is made that materially affects the value of the advertisement to the advertiser, a corrected advertisement will be inserted upon demand without further charge. “Make-good” insertions are not granted on minor errors which do not lessen the value of the advertisement. Notice of error required before second insertion.

Meet the mayor Last month graphic artist and blogger Jeff Hamada, creator of acclaimed art blog Booooooom. com, took 200 avid early morning listeners through the amusing flow charts of his mind (think deep ponderings on aliens and Nicholas Cage). On Dec. 7, the final CreativeMornings/ Vancouver of the year welcomes... the mayor!

And he won’t be talking politics in the wee hours of Friday morning, just creativity. Tickets to this free event become available through the new lottery system on Monday, Dec. 3 at 11am.

CreativeMorningsVancouver.Tumblr.com David Niddrie photo

Beat the Bulge this winter

Mark it on your advent calendar — Dec. 2, is the official date of the Rogers Santa Claus Parade.

The parade will start at W. Georgia and Broughton at 1pm, travel east along W. Georgia, turn south on Howe and finish at Howe and Davie.

This year’s parade will feature marching bands, dance troupes, festive floats and community groups, entertaining over 300,000 spectators.

Pre-parade fun runs from 10:30am to 1pm: visit the Coast Capital Savings Christmas Square in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery for the Food Bank drop-off zone, gingerbread decorating station, face painting, letters to Santa station, balloon twisting, and an entertainment stage featuring several music and dancing performances. Post parade, head down to the Robson Square Ice Rink for photos with Santa (3 to 5pm). The outdoor ice rink will be open Dec. 1 to Feb. 28 (Sunday – Thursday 9am to 9pm; Friday and Saturday 9am to11pm). Skate rentals are available for $4. Greg Hoekstra photo

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Sugar, Spice and All Things Nice, the new Christmas market put on by the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel and Urban Fare, is just a little bit different than your typical folksy fair. The outdoor patio of Market Restaurant will be filled with vendors offering one-of-akind crafts, original jewelry and edible delights from 9am to 2pm on Dec. 2. Head into Market Restaurant for the Brunch with Benefits ($45), orchestrated by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten for the YouthCo AIDS Society. The hotel’s Xi Shi Lounge will become the scene of a children’s afternoon tea party from 11:30am to 5pm ($24 per child). All the action culminates in a tree-lighting ceremony inside the hotel’s lobby at 1pm, decorated with handcrafted ornaments from local artisans and 4,000 lights. The ceremony will also feature the seasonal piano stylings of six-year-old prodigy Shuqi Li of West Vancouver (pictured), who has already performed twice at Carnegie Hall. Supplied photo

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November 29 – December 5, 2012

WEVancouver.com

Watching the lights turn on Shaun Verreault knows how important music is in a child’s life; Celebration concert will help keep music programs alive

By Gen Handley

S

haun Verreault hasn’t enrolled his six-month-old daughter in guitar lessons (yet), but it sounds as though she could be starting to crawl in the footsteps of her musician dad.

“Layla’s just got to the point now, where she’s trying out her voice, she’s trying all the different sounds she can make and experimenting with her instrument,” says the Wide Mouth Mason frontman. “She’s surrounded by music and instruments all the time and kind of yammers along to songs — Ella Fitzgerald records especially. I hope that by the time she’s in school, music programs will still exist if she’s interested in pursuing that.”

On Dec. 7, the Music BC Charitable Foundation (MBCCF) will host Celebration 2012!, a concert at the Vogue Theatre to raise money for programs that Verreault hopes his daughter will be able to experience. The concert’s lineup includes Verreault as a solo artist, as well as other notable local musicians including Chilliwack, Jim Byrnes, and The Harpoonist and The Axe Murderer.

“Music education benefits the school, it benefits the parents, it benefits the community,” says Elka Yarlow, MBCCF’s executive director. “These are critical skills. These are skills that, in the long term, help in job performance, help in other academic pursuits.”

The money raised at the concert will help fund MBCCF’s Adopt an Instrument, an initiative that provides instruments to schools, community centres and youth orchestras throughout the province.

“We don’t ever want to see a situation where a kid has a desire to play an instrument, but is denied because they can’t afford it,” Yarlow says. “That is what our commitment is: to make the school music program sustainable, to promote the importance and value of music education.”

MBCCF also has the Songwriters of a New Generation (SONG) program, which teaches at-risk youth about the benefits of songwriting as healthy and accessible form of self-expression. The foundation brings artists and industry professionals to public schools and community centres in the Lower Mainland to teach youth about the different aspects of creating a song.

Verreault is one of the artists/mentors who has contributed his knowledge — and passion — to aspiring young writers through SONG.

“I’m a product of music education,” says Shaun Verreault, who’s performing in the Music BC Charitable Foundation concert on Dec. 7 . “Having that opportunity sent me on the path I’m on.” Rob Newell photo “Watching the lights turn on in the kids’ eyes when they either discover they can write a song or that they can sheepishly, or confidently, play their compositions for their friends for the first time, is something that has been hugely inspiring for me,” he says. Verreault has been involved with the program for close to 10 years. “After those sessions, I’ll sometimes go home and write three or four songs.”

He says the time spent with the kids reminds him to embrace the playful spontaneity of songwriting that he forgets as an adult.

“When I do songwriting sessions with young people, I leave remembering that it’s about connection with others, but also that

it’s about that connection with yourself,” he says. “It’s those epiphany moments where you’re tangibly in touch with your sense of wonder and you can’t believe these ideas are coming to you. Once you listen for them and turn that tap on, they just keep coming and coming.

“I just reassure them that every time John Lennon or Kanye West or anybody starts a song, they’re looking at the same foreboding blank, white screen or white piece of paper — they don’t know where to start either.”

Over the past decade, Yarlow has witnessed a disturbing trend in reduced funding for school music programs — primarily for instruments. She’s energized by this challenge and feels it is the foundation’s job to

stop this trend, to help BC youth experience the benefits of music education.

“We know of the benefits of musical education,” she says “There’s been a plethora of studies proving how it helps critical thinking, how it builds self-esteem, which, unfortunately a lot of kids don’t have any more.

These are critical skills. These are skills that, in the long term, help in job performance and help in other academic pursuits.

“When you’re learning music, you’re using the same part of the brain that you use for math — but of course, don’t tell the kids that,” she adds with a laugh.

Additionally, the MBCCF offers $500 and $1,000 scholarships to students needing support for professional music instruction.

With these scholarships and the expensive programs, the success of events like the Celebration 2012! concert are important for the MBCCF and for music programs and future musicians around BC. Originally, Yarlow says they entertained the idea of holding a fundraiser gala, but the idea didn’t seem like a good fit.

“We decided it wasn’t who we are,” she says about the event, which she hopes is the first of many. “When it’s all said and done, we’re musicians helping musicians.

We decided to do what we do best and that’s putting on a show. This more closely reflects who we are and what we do.”

Verreault knows intimately, how important music education can be in a young person’s life.

“I’m a product of music education,” he says. “When I was going to high school, our school was incredibly well-stocked with all types of instruments for me to sit down and get acquainted with. Having that opportunity sent me on the path I’m on now. I’ve been able to literally see the world and find my place in and to make sense of it — it’s been that personality and life-defining that I can’t imagine not having access to those things and not having incredible mentors and teachers open my eyes to how much music encompasses.”

“I mean, it’s philosophy, it’s math, and physics and yoga — I can’t think of another discipline that has so much that’s a part of its makeup and you can express.”

He hopes that someday Layla will want to pursue musical endeavours. But for now, he’s content with serenading his favourite — and sometimes improvised — songs to his daughter because those words and melodies are such an integral part of him.

“Having a daughter has made me sing around the house for hours and hours every day and I got better at singing quietly,” Verreault says. “I have more stability in my voice when I’m singing quietly now, in a low register, that I didn’t have before.”

For more information on the fundraiser and the Music BC Charitable Foundation, go to MusicBCFoundation.org.

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2013 Vancity Board of Directors election

Notice to members The Nominations and Election Committee is seeking to fill three director positions in 2013, each for a three-year term.

A mandatory information session for all prospective candidates will be held at 6 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at Vancity’s head office at 183 Terminal Avenue, Vancouver. If you do not attend this session, you may not be eligible to run as a candidate in the 2013 election.

Potential candidates are required to submit confirmation of their intention to run for the Board by no later than 12 noon on Monday, January, 14, 2013. Interviews with the Nominations and Election Committee will be scheduled and held prior to Wednesday, February 6, 2013.

For more details about the call for nominations, please carefully review the candidates information package available online at vancity.com. If you have any questions, please call Vancity’s Governance Department at 604.877.7595.

Returning officers We are looking for returning officers to assist in branches between Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 20, 2013. To apply for a position, please send a letter, fax or email with your name, address and phone number and indicate which branches would be most convenient for you. Past experience as a returning officer does not guarantee re-employment. Submit your letter

by Friday, January 18, 2013 to:

Email: election@vancity.com Fax: 604.877.7993

6

November 29 – December 5, 2012

In her new album, Forever, Bif Naked goes looking for love

31/10/12 11:06 AM

Call for nominations

Governance Department, Reference RO Vancity PO Box 2120, Station Terminal Vancouver BC V6B 5R8

A heart exposed

By Gen Handley

T

hroughout high school, I had a pretty big crush on Bif Naked. During math class, when I was supposed to be focused on polynomials, I was instead concentrated on how the hell I would rescue Bif from the lonely orbital station in her music video for Spaceman.

So when I had the opportunity to interview the Vancouver singer about her new album, Bif Naked Forever: Acoustic Hits and Other Delights, I naturally had to ask.

“Alright, so I’m single and you’re single,” I said.

“What’s the quickest way to Bif Naked’s heart?”

Compassionate laughter echoed from my phone.

“It’s got to be through the dog,” said Bif, who has a 16-year-old Maltese named Nicholas. “The best way to any Vancouver girl’s heart is through the dog.”

While the best way to get to Bif’s heart may be through Nicholas, the best way to understand her heart is through her songs, where she candidly expresses past dealings with lost love and being alone, but minus any self-pity.

“I’m always longing to be loved in a way,” she said. “I’m always tripping over my two feet, over my fucking heartstrings to find someone. And 20 years later, I’m still making the same mistakes. We all wish to be adored and cared about — I think that’s the same for everyone.”

This theme resonates throughout Bif Naked Forever, helping unify the new and older revisited songs selected for the album. The album’s retrospective element is heightened with involvement of Warner Music Canada and writer and producer John Dexter from Reliant Music — the same team who worked with Bif on her first album in 1995.

“I thought I was going to fucking croak,” she said with a laugh. “I had come completely full circle with the same people, doing the songs with an acoustic guitar and I thought, ‘Uh oh, this is it.’”

All joking aside, there were times in Bif’s life when the future became a bit ambiguous. She has been diagnosed with a heart aneurysm, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and earlier this year, she spent two weeks in the hospital for major kidney problems.

The results were transformative for her.

“It took breast cancer — chemotherapy — for me to turn into a woman,” said Bif who is doing well now. “Before that, I was this very anxious, anorexic workaholic girl. During my treatment, with all of the hormones and therapy, I actually put on weight.

“But I also met a lot of really strong women in

“My entire life, I’ve always been falling in love.

That’s just how I’m built. [But] I’m always falling for the wrong people so there’s always that struggle to write about,” says Vancouver’s Bif Naked, whose new album comes out Dec. 4. the cancer ward and during clinical trials. They all knew me as Beth…they didn’t know I was Bif Naked. There was this beautiful autonomy and we were all bald and all going through it together. It changed my life.”

Along with this shift came the acceptance that she’s just one of those people who has a tendency to fall in love easily, which she says, can be a good source of lyrical content for her songs.

“My entire life, I’ve always been falling in love and that’s just how I’m built,” admitted Bif, who went through a divorce in 2011. “But it’s kind of a nice way of going through life; it’s always a beautiful thing to fall in love, you know?

“I’m always falling for the wrong people so there’s always that struggle to write about,” she added with a laugh.

So the quickest way to a girl’s heart is via her dog’s affections?

“You honour the girl by honouring the dog,” she stated. “Always and forever, it’s through the dog.”

Revised to-do list: grocery shopping, call mom and pick up doggie treats for an older Maltese.

Bif Naked Forever: Acoustic Hits and Other Delights comes out on Dec. 4.

WEVancouver.com

Can you keep a secret?

By Kelsey Klassen

H

e had to say yes. What starts with secrets and ends with The Beatles can only be summed up as the strangest emotional journey of composer Mario Vaira’s career.

Approached this past September by Vancouverites Justin Sudds, TJ Dawe and Kahlil Ashanti, Vaira was asked to lend his musical abilities to a production they were staging called PostSecret: The Play.

Originating as a community art project in Maryland in 2005, creator Frank Warren intended PostSecret to allow the unburdening of thoughts that were too heavy to carry alone any longer.

He dispersed plain white postcards in public spaces with the instructions to tell him a secret. It had to be true, anonymous and something never revealed to anyone else before. He was hoping to receive 365; he has collected more than 500,000.

PostSecret.com is now the world’s largest advertising-free blog at more than half a billion hits. The award-winning site has translated into best-selling books and feature exhibits at institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art. Heavily influenced by his background in suicide prevention, Warren selects 20 secrets a week that he feels have importance, and posts them on Sundays. He has never thrown away a single postcard.

In 2010 Sudds, Ashanti and Dawe started working with Warren to adapt PostSecret for the stage.

By 2012, they had it (almost) complete; all that was missing was the live music.

Vaira, a Juno-nominated producer and multi-instrumental songwriter, was a natural choice. After workshopping with the three men and Warren leading up to Pick of the Fringe, he sketched the musical mood of the sold-out play by taking an unexpected look at some of his own experiences.

“You’re presented with these lifelines that people have sent out, because some [secrets] are quite desperate. And you realize that someone has really meant this and all they wanted to do was get it off their chest and start finding a way to open up.

“The duty that I felt after reading [the play] was I wanted to be a long-distance support. Not to be ‘the wind beneath my wings,’” he laughs, shifting self-consciously in his chair. “I wanted to find a way to frame them and support them and elevate them so that they could exist for a little bit longer than just being on a postcard.”

Then he read a postcard that could have been written by him.

It appears in Act 1, saying simply, “I save voice messages from people that I love in case they die tomorrow and I’ll never get the chance to hear their voice again.”

As he quotes from it, seated in front of the production console of his North Vancouver studio, his lips tighten in grief. He looks down to play with something on his armrest.

He discovered, in his own archives as he combed for ideas, long-forgotten voice messages from his own loved ones that he too had saved — the discovery made all the more poignant by the sudden death of close friend and fellow Vancouver musician Randy Ponzio, whose body was found in a Downtown Eastside hotel in November of last year.

The piece he composed to accompany that particular confession has only six chords. He wrote it in one take while listening to the messages he had kept — going over, he says, the things he has lost and things he is still trying to hold on to.

And while that scene might sound sombre, the purpose of PostSecret in all its forms is to forge a community of support. And by the end of the play, Vaira’s music builds into a looping layer of guitar chords, seemingly chanting “you are not alone” as the audience risks reaching out to each other.

WEVancouver.com

Composer Mario Vaira had to confront some of his own struggles during the tour of PostSecret: Unheard Voices.

Kelsey Klassen photo Warren has nothing but praise for Vaira’s contribution. Wanting to rehearse only the bare bones of the music, Vaira made the rest up on stage, riffing off audience reaction. If they laughed, he played a happy tune; if they were reflective, he took the music down accordingly.

After the success of the Vancouver dates, the newly titled PostSecret: Unheard Voices went on tour. They travelled to theatres in Bethesda, Saginaw and Cincinnati, donating their time to telling the stories of strangers to strangers. On the road, away from his wife Robyn (of children’s band Bobs & Lolo), he retreated into the anonymity of supporting musician to give the secrets their space and ponder the past year.

“I was playing to Randy a lot.” His voice catches, the words struggling to escape his throat. “To try to have a conversation with him. And if I didn’t get closure, maybe I got a little more clarity.” Through a wavering half-smile, though, he concedes it might still be a work in progress.

50%

There are only two pieces of music in the play that were not composed by Vaira, and it was during one of those moments that he had his most powerful revelation. Standing in the darkness on stage, staring at the secrets for what he guesses was the 10th run through that scene, Vaira was struck by Sir Paul McCartney singing three words.

“It’s probably the first time I’ve heard the words ‘let it be’.

Like, actually heard them. And that’s a hard lesson to learn.

There are things we can’t change and things we can’t make better sometimes, and I’m going to have to accept them for what they are and let them be. And try to move on with love and respect and honesty. That’s all you can do.”

Vaira says he still hasn’t submitted a secret of his own, but perhaps, after this experience, he no longer needs to.

PostSecret: Unheard Voices is not currently touring. For updates on 2013/14 plans, follow Facebook.com/PostSecretPlay).

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WEVancouver.com

November 29 – December 5, 2012 Gateway Theatre ad / 15 November 2012

9

Chinatown Experiment A revolving storefront for young creatives

By Taraneh Ghajar Jerven

P Devon MacKenzie has created a space in Gastown where entrepreneurs can test run their ideas.

Rob Newell photo

op-up shops are nothing new. A retail space that’s devoted to revolving pop-up shops, however, is novel. Add a contractor willing to help you build your temporary dream store at minimal cost, and you’ve got the Chinatown Experiment at 434 Columbia between Hastings and Pender.

“The Chinatown Experiment is a facility for entrepreneurs to test run ideas before they commit capital,” says founder Devon MacKenzie. “You’re going to run through 100 bad ideas before you come up with a really good one. It’s being able to do something about them that’s important.”

The 28-year-old came up with his idea on an excursion to Portland. Vancouverites lust after Portland’s comparably laissez faire approach to liquor licences and food carts. For MacKenzie, Portland’s appeal is low retail rental rates which foster a glut of small creative businesses.

Although his fellow travellers asserted that this level of creativity is impossible in Vancouver where rental rates downtown, in Gastown, and even on Main, are prohibitively high for young entrepreneurs, MacKenzie set his mind to making it happen.

He rented 750 sq. ft. of rundown space in Chinatown, “the next place for all the young businesses.”

He had planned on using it as a showroom to display streamlined methods he’d developed as the co-owner of Strathcona Construction, the company behind Gastown’s HousexGuest. Instead, he launched The Chinatown Experiment.

Since October, it’s hosted several sell-out popups, ranging from a Twin Peaks-inspired diner to designer collectives. Sugo Sauce-y Pop-Up by Maya Sciarretta, owner of start-up tomato sauce company, inhabits the Experiment Dec. 3 to 10.

“I sell my product in six Vancouver stores and on the web. The Experiment gives me an opportunity to test having my own space and creating a combined retail and cafe experience,” says Sciarretta, who grew up in Chinatown and launched her business in May 2012.

MacKenzie emphasizes that The Chinatown Experiment is itself an experiment. Given that it’s booked solid through January, the hypothesis is working. Never one to stop experimenting, MacKenzie is testing offering modular retail display units, walk-in traffic metrics and even marketing, in addition to low daily rental rates.

“Anyone can get a space and rent it out. I’m hands on,” explains MacKenzie. “I want to help people try their idea for the least amount of money, while getting maximum exposure and research.”

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A trip to the magic kingdom How local actor Diane Brown started believing in random acts of courageous compassion

voice, and she says ‘Merry Christmas Di,’ and Shadow’s face is looking at me. He’s got a little twinkle in his eye, and a little wag in his tail, and it’s Christmas Day.” In a serendipitous turn of events, Brown’s family just happened to have stumbled upon the trailer of a retired veterinarian. In later years, Brown has often pondered the odds of this most fortuitous Christmas Eve. And ever since, she has been a firm believer in

By Christine Lyon

I

t’s the late 1960s and Diane Brown, her three siblings, their parents and their dog have just set off on a Christmastime road trip to Disneyland.

But, as Brown recalled at the annual storytelling event The Flame: Holiday Season Edition on Nov. 7 at The Cultch, this family vacation didn’t go exactly as planned.

“Three days later, we’re still driving and now we’re in the mountains of Northern California, in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the night, in the middle of a snow storm,” says Brown, an actor and artistic director at Vancouver’s Ruby Slippers Theatre.

“All of a sudden, out of nowhere, there’s this gigantic crash, and my dad hits the brake and I fly through the air and I plough into the dashboard and I thud to the ground.”

The family’s Rambler station wagon skids on black ice. When it comes to a halt, the passengers are OK, but the Rambler is not. It won’t start.

“The whole back end’s completely smashed in.

There’s glass and there’s metal all over the snow, and whoever did it has taken off.”

The six of them have no choice but to seek help on foot. As they are walking, Shadow, their 11-pound Sheltie, stops and lets out a deep, guttural growl. “And then, boom, the leash comes out of my mom’s hand and he leaps into the darkness, into the forest, and he attacks something.”

There are growls, yelps and then silence. Bravely, Brown’s father ventures into the woods and re-

random acts of courageous compassion.

“We didn’t make it to the Magic Kingdom,” she says, “but I think we were already there.”

The Flame: Holiday Season Edition is presented with Metro Vancouver as part of its Create Memories, Not Garbage campaign. It will be broadcast on Shaw TV, Channel 4 in December and will be available to view at MetroVancouver.org.

Do you want to practise forestry in BC? Diane Brown trieves the now blood-covered dog.

“My eyes are welling up with tears,” says Brown, “but I can see there’s a little blurry, yellow light through the woods.”

It’s coming from a tiny trailer. They bang on the door and a “flowery fat woman” ushers them inside. Her male companion motions to put the dog on the kitchen table and the woman leads the kids into living room where they watch TV, drink cocoa, eat graham crackers and try not to listen to Shadow whining in the next room.

“I fell asleep with my hands over my ears,” Brown says. “The next day I think I hear my mom’s

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11

High Five

Every family deserves a merry Christmas — Cathy and Martin Ward with the five siblings they adopted from an orphanage in the Ukraine: Yuliya, who is now 20, Ayona, who is now in Grade 8, Snezhana, who is now in Grade 9, Sasha, who’s now in Grade 5, and Sergei, who’s now 22.

Photo by Geno DellaMattia

Take five siblings from an orphanage in the Ukraine, add two adoptive parents in Surrey and a compassionate director and you have a fascinating documentary

By Martha Perkins

T

has to have deep sadness in its origins. Theirs is told partway through High Five by the oldest, Yuliya, and Sergei. Their father died and their mother married an abusive drunk. The parents fought and when they fought, the children tried to find safe refuge but eventually the tales of violence and abuse became known. When the authorities took away the four youngest children, their father blamed his two stepchildren. He beat Yuliya so violently she had to be hospitalized.

Yuliya was both caregiver and protector to her siblings. She absorbed the violence, and then the repercussions of their abandonment, as a way of protecting the others. But when she finally joins her younger siblings in Canada, she finds they have a new mother, one who they readily accept and, in doing so, no longer need Yuliya. And because Yuliya had done such a good job of protecting them, they don’t realize her sacrifice. Here in Canada, their new mother and father can offer them so much more — a secure home, food on the table, camping trips to the Okanagan, beautiful graduation dresses.... In the most heart-wrenching scenes in the documentary, Yuliya is emotionally abandoned by her siblings who are too young to be aware of the impact of their actions.

The Wards are also making tremendous sacrifices. Wanting to adopt one child, they are now a family of seven. The adoption process cost them about $200,000 on top of

all the expenses of caring for five children.

Cathy gets some disability income, but the financial burden falls on Martin’s shoulders.

It’s a burden he accepts with inborn stoicism and pride, even when it means having to work in the Arctic for four weeks out of every six so he can earn more money.

So many forces are at play. There are the natural dynamics between siblings, dynamics that can often be wrought with turmoil just on their own, especially as they age and start to assert their personalities. What sisters don’t fight? There’s the wrench of being taken from the land of your birth and being thrown into a world, albeit with gratitude, where everything, especially the language, is an unknown. There’s the relation between husband and wife when the demands of parenthood eat into the energy they have for one another.

That’s why, as a director, Ivanova avoids judgement. She, with an insightful and subtle touch, simply lets you watch. “My goal was not to sensationalize but to show the complexity of family relationships.”

Ivanova has been transfixed by the subject of adoption ever since it was her job to help facilitate the adoption of children from the former Soviet Union. She did an earlier “very Christmasy” adoption story called From Russia, For Love, but 10 years later, feeling better about her skills as a director, she wanted to tackle such a story again.

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“When I started,” she says in a telephone interview from her home in Vancouver, “it was a feel-good story about a family fighting to adopt five children.” Then, in reference to one of the final scenes, when Yuliya, who is now 20, packs her bags to move out, Ivanova adds, “No one expects that a child you fought so hard to adopt would want to leave, but it happens.”

High Five must have an ending, but the Ward family’s story is still unfolding. As eager as the audience will be to know the outcome, the camera has been turned off after five years of filming. You can only hope.

There is much love in that house. There also must be admiration for what each and every one of them has taken on — Cathy and Martin Ward and the five siblings who are forging a new life together.

You can say the Wards were naive about what lay ahead when they adopted five children but, says Ivanova, you also have to praise them, and others like them. “If it wasn’t for their naivety, all these children would stay in the orphanages,” she says.

“Because of this naivety, great things are happening in the world.”

High Five was commissioned and financed by the Knowledge Network. It premiered at the Vancouver International Film Festival in September. Its Knowledge Network premiere is December 4 at 9pm and December 5 at 12am.

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he scene is full of such raw, exposed emotion that the documentary’s director wonders aloud if she should stop filming.

No, go ahead, the teenaged girl cries as she flings all of her belongings onto the bed in preparation for heading out into the world feeling very much alone. She wants the world to hear her side of the story, feel her pain.

This moment is a torrential release of emotions that have been swirling inside a suburban home near Surrey for the past five years — and the emotions of the audience as they watch Julia Ivanova’s remarkable documentary about the couple who bravely takes on the challenge of adopting five siblings from the Ukraine.

In High Five, which débuts Dec. 4 on Knowledge Network, Cathy and Martin Ward may not have realized what they were taking on when they not only agreed to adopt the children but allow Ivanova to film the experience. But open up their lives to such joy and conflict they did. It’s impossible not to feel touched by what happens.

After Cathy Ward was seriously injured in a car accident, she and Martin decided not to risk pregnancy. Married for several years, the two nurses start the process of adopting a young girl from a Ukraine orphanage.

Then they find out she has a sister. That’s fine, they say to themselves as Ivanov films them arriving in the Ukraine to be introduced to Snezhana and Alyona. But then the Wards find out that the girls have four other siblings — an older half-brother and half-sister and a younger brother and sister.

The youngest sister had been adopted by another family as a baby but the three other children also need a home. It takes a few years, but eventually the five siblings are living together again as a family, this time in Canadian suburbia.

Any story about children in an orphanage

604.419.8888 www.GFFG.com WEVancouver.com

My Coal Harbour Daniel Frankel shares what he loves about the neighbourhood Which came first, opening The Mill in Coal Harbour or moving there?

In 1999, I moved into the ’hood. It was the very early days of the Coal Harbour residential community, but I quickly felt right at home and forged some very strong and lasting friendships. In September 2001, I opened my first business in Coal Harbour, which was a small café in the heart of the community, at the Coal Harbour Community Centre. This was my very first foodservice business and the beginning of what would later be known as the Daniel Group. Twenty months later I opened The Mill Marine Bistro, which quickly became the neighbourhood local, and I was thrilled to have had the opportunity to provide this social amenity.

What attracted you to the neighborhood?

The setting epitomizes Vancouver living for me. Centrally located and close to everything, on the waterfront and smack on the seawall, views of Stanley Park, the North Shore Mountains, Burrard Inlet.... In the early 2000s Coal Harbour had the making for the perfect setting, but it just needed more people; it was obvious that as developers built up the area, the people would come. The neighbourhood promotes a healthy lifestyle due to its proximity to everything... you don’t need a car; in fact it’s much easier to walk and bike. If you don’t own a bike we have many great bike rental stores in the area. It’s second to none.

How would you describe its character?

Contemporary yet steeped in Vancouver history. Beautiful, metropolitan, serene, warm and caring. There’s a beautiful community forming in Coal Harbour. In 2005 I moved into the Callisto building on Cordova and Jervis, and there was a great sense of community and friendships developing there.

“The setting epitomizes Vancouver living for me,” says Daniel Frankel, of the Daniel Group, who started his first business in Coal Harbour in 2001. He’s getting ready to open a new restaurant, the second Tap and Barrel, at the Convention Centre.

The Coal Harbour Residents Association is a very strong and involved voice for the community and hosted many events and meetings to bring the neighbours together. We sponsor an annual neighbourhood party, and also a block party. This new community is still quite young and growing.

If you and your family could spend a day in Coal Harbour, free of responsibilities, what would you do?

We spend many days exploring the area around the new convention centre and along the seawall to Stanley Park.

A stop at The Mill for lunch (of course) and off to the park on top of the community centre. After a nice long seawall stroll, it’s back up to Cordova for a gelato at Bella Gelateria.

We also love exploring the boats at the marina and watching the seaplanes land and take off. Having lived directly above The Mill, I quite often end my day with a drink there.

We know you love your own restaurants, but where else do you like to eat in Coal Harbour?

How to make a community feel like a community

I like to frequent the Fairmont Pacific Rim — their restaurant Oru and the more casual cafe Giovanne are both great, Darren Brown is a very talented chef. I also enjoy sitting and watching the boats from Cardero’s. Lift has a nice upper deck. Mahoney’s is a fun spot as well, great atmosphere. Pretty soon Cactus Club will open their flagship restaurant at the Convention Centre, which I imagine will be magnificent, and we are also opening our second Tap & Barrel directly across the plaza from them, with a stunning large outdoor patio, 30 local craft BC beers on tap and 20 premium BC wines on tap. As you can see, Coal Harbour is becoming a great culinary destination!

Any favourite stores or places to window shop?

Urban Fare on Cordova is a great place for groceries, a coffee or quick lunch. The Coal Harbour Liquor Store up the street has a great selection. Pacific Centre mall is very close by, as are all of the top shops along Alberni and Robson Streets, further down on Hastings, and Gastown is nearby.

G R E E N

D E S I G N

By Martha Perkins

W

hen one person gets angry about something in their neighborhood, it’s a rant.

When a whole bunch of people in a neighborhood realize they’re upset about the same thing, and bind together as one to do something about it, it’s the beginning of a sense of community.

In 1987, Doug McClelland and Anthony Tucker bought a floating home in Coal Harbour. At the time, there wasn’t much to the “neighbourhood” — just old marinas and shipyards, with Menchions Marine at one end, and the CP railway loading pier at the other. To make way for a new vision, the city wanted to remove all floating buildings, including floating homes. The couple rallied the support of their neighbours and took on city hall. They won, and Tucker became president of the Coal Harbour Marina Residents Committee.

Their community activism didn’t stop there.

As McClelland recounts, former mayor Art Phillips, who lived in the Bayshore buildings, called a community meeting to discuss the possibility of a street car route through Coal Harbour. The meeting was the first time many of the neighbours met, and they decided to form the Coal Harbour Residents Association (of which McClelland was its second president.)

“The genesis was that people had problems with the city and felt the best way to deal with it was by knocking on their neighbours’ door and saying, ‘Are you having problems, too?” McClelland says.

Today, Ina Schonberger is an active member of the association, helping it raise thousands when

WEVancouver.com

URBAN GARDENS CUSTOM FLORALS INTERIOR PLANTSCAPES LOCAL ARTISTS UNIQUE GIFTS Doug McClelland and Ina Schonberg credit the Coal Harbour Residents Association for bringing people together. Martha Perkins photo legal issues arise. “Coal Harbour eventually became a community but if it wasn’t for the association, it wouldn’t be cohesive,” she says.

But they don’t want people to think the association is only active when problems arise. Recognizing the benefits of providing opportunities for neighbours to get to know one another, it hosts an annual Meet Your Neighbours event. At the first one, in the lobby of Schonberger’s condo building, 250 people arrived. “They were running into friends and saying, ‘Oh, you live here, too? Now we have such a list of guests that all the politicians want to come.”

EPHEMERA

Happy Holidays Vancouver!

323 JERVIS STREET VANCOUVER (ON THE SEAWALL) 604.669.5678 | COALHARBOURGREENDESIGN.COM

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November 29 – December 5, 2012

13

BUSINESSES TO KNOW in your city

My Vancouver What are you most proud of as a business?

We’re proud of our products. And we’re very happy to bring something new to the city, most of what we carry is exclusive just to our store.

What’s next for your company?

We are currently looking to open a Notting Hill SW1 location in Hong Kong and Toronto. Next spring, we will also be launching Notting Hill Baby; NHB internationally in Shanghai. Keep an eye out for it!

Can you tell us a bit about NHB? Let’s jut say it’s going to be high on English design, but also comfortable.

Every season we’ll also be doing limited formal wear pieces for special occasions.

What do you like about running a business in Vancouver?

I think Vancouver residents are very much into home decor. There seems to be a demand for European-styled home furnishings and accessories here.

Notting Hill SW1 European chic for home, baby and gifts.

Fiona Bao (left), Yan Zhang (right) and Kevin Zhang (not shown), Owners.

One of London’s most fashionable neighbourhoods has found a home away from home in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

“We don’t want to import a lot of large pieces of furniture,” says Kevin, “just small pieces that will fit perfectly in a condo.”

Notting Hill SW1 is the newest home décor and lifestyle shop in town, specializing in high-end furniture, luxury toiletries, baby products and home accessories imported from the UK and all over Europe.

In addition to furniture and accesories, Notting Hill SW1 is proud to carry the ever-popular Abahna luxury bathing products from the UK, Arran Aromatics from Scotland, Maryse à Paris fragrances, eco-friendly Murchison-Hume cleaning fluids and Nature’s Purest organic baby clothing.

Plush toys by Moulin Roty from France and limited edition Steiff are also hot items for collectors and gift-givers.

The boutique opened its doors in mid-July at 840 West Hastings Street in one of the street-level heritage facade lots beneath the new Jameson Building residential tower.

It had its official grand opening celebration in early November.

Co-owners Fiona Bao, Kevin Zhang and Yan Zhang were inspired to open Notting Hill SW1 after spending over a decade in the UK getting their degrees in design, international business and marketing.

“We love the European style so much,” says Kevin. “But since we moved to Vancouver over three years ago and started looking around the home decor stores here, we rarely saw any European style.”

Notting Hill SW1 offers a Euro-chic alternative to the North American big box home retailers. Shoppers won’t find any overstuffed sofas or rocker recliners here. Instead, the boutique focuses on classic pieces with a romantic design.

“Every single piece of furniture, when you look at it, you just think about its story,” says Fiona.

Furniture brands carried include Lene Bjerre from Denmark and Coach House from the UK. The pieces tend to be more compact than North American-designed furniture, which is ideal for Vancouver apartment living.

14

November 29 – December 5, 2012

The three business owners did plenty of market research and consult their overseas contacts before deciding what to buy. As a result, 90 per cent of the products they carry are exclusive to Notting Hill SW1 and have been handpicked from collections in the UK, Denmark, Germany and France.

“We also go to the trade shows there so we can meet a lot of the artists and manufacturers,” says Kevin.

What we’ve learned...about business It’s critical to keep a close eye on the upcoming trends for the next season, so we can keep our clients intrigued and surprised.

With Christmas just around the corner, shoppers will want to check out Notting Hill SW1 for gift ideas and holiday decor. The collection of handmade Danish tree ornaments has proven particularly popular this season.

No matter what time of year shoppers visit Notting Hill SW1, the owners strive to make their retail space an inviting place for customers to peruse the shelves for unique imported treasures.

“We try to keep our store very cozy and make customers feel at home,” Kevin says.

Check back often as there’s always something new in store.

Reach us at address: 840 West Hastings Street phone: 604-669-4455 web: www.notting-hill.ca

WEVancouver.com

businesses to know in your city

Trafalgars Bistro A little bit French bistro, a little bit Canadian, and a whole lot West Coast.

Lorne Tyczenski and Stephen Greenham, owners

Sweet Obsession

A life-long love of desserts plus a commitment to local and sustainable ingredients is the recipe for one of Vancouver’s best independent cake shops.

Lorne Tyczenski and Stephen Greenham, owners

My Vancouver

What’s your favourite neighbourhood?

Vancouver has changed so much. It used to feel like one gigantic village, and now that it’s grown it’s more like a grouping of unique villages. I love Main Street, Commercial Drive and Gastown but Kits is my favourite, of course. It’s our village.

We live, work and shop there.

What’s your favourite way to unwind?

We have a cottage on the Sunshine Coast and love to get up there and relax.

I’ve also recently have taken up baking bread and it’s like a meditation for me.

What are your favourite stores or restaurants?

We go to Tableau quite often. It’s a French brasserie and the food is fantastic.

It’s the dream of many pastry chefs to one day open their own bakery. Lorne Tyczenski had that dream, and boy did it come true.

In July 2013, he and partner Stephen Greenham will be celebrating 20 years of business for their cake shop, Sweet Obsession. This isn’t JUST a cake shop though. Bring your appetite! The cases are brimming with yes, cake, but also tarts, flans, cookies, squares — and are all made with the best ingredients (including real butter and whipped cream.)

While Sweet Obsession is the perfect spot for an afterdinner dessert, mid-afternoon treat, or to celebrate an occasion, it also has an impressive savoury menu. Featuring light fare for breakfast and soup, hot paninis, fresh sandwiches on house made ciabatta and salads for lunch, all items are guaranteed to contain the most local and sustainable ingredients that Lorne and Stephen can find.

“Having a business that supports local producers and has an extensive recycling and composting program is just an extension of how we live our lives at home,” says Lorne. Sweet Obsession is also very proud that its partner restaurant, Trafalgars Bistro, was voted the Greenest Restaurant in Vancouver (Vancouver MagazineRestaurant Awards, 2012).

Lorne confesses that his obsession with dessert was apparent from a young age.

“When I was a kid, in small-town Saskatchewan, I could never understand that anyone would want to rob a bank. In our town, the bank was right beside the bakery and if it was up to me I would choose to break-in for a donut over money any day.”

What I learned... about business

Stephen Greenham and his partner Lorne Tyczenski are dedicated to providing elegant bistro cuisine at their restaurant, Trafalgars Bistro. “Business is simply interacting with people — your customers, your staff, your business partner,” says Stephen.

Together they have been creating outstanding dining experiences for fifteen years in a sunlit room in Kitsilano, just a couple doors down from their cake shop, Sweet Obsession. While the menu reflects the seasonal bounty from the West Coast and always has something new and fresh to enjoy, there are certain items that will always be there.

“Our regular customers have made it very clear that we aren’t allowed to take off the lamb burger or the poached eggs with latkes,” says Stephen with a smile.

Stephen and Lorne are strongly committed to the farmto-table movement; all the ingredients that make up the creative and classic dishes on the menu are sustainably farmed. The lamb in the burger, like all the meat on the menu, is from a local farm, unmedicated and free range. The seafood is all Ocean Wise compliant, and the veggies (when in season) come from organic farms in Richmond and Pemberton.

Their hard work and commitment to running a successful restaurant with an environmental conscience has earned them the Greenest Restaurant in Vancouver (by Vancouver Magazine’s 2012 Restaurant Awards).

Their state-of-the-art composting system diverts all of their organic waste from landfill and the remaining 99% of the garbage is recycled.

What’s your favourite neighbourhood?

“It’s a large outlay initially but economically it makes more sense to be environmentally conscious,” says Stephen. “We love to show our community that it’s not only possible, but it’s easy and saves money in the long run.”

What’s your favourite way to unwind?

As Trafalgars Bistro evolves through the years, Stephen and Lorne are still excited about what they’re doing. In a warm and friendly space, where everyone is welcomed with a smile, they have created not just a restaurant that has stood the test of time, but a place to call home.

I’d have to say Kits because it’s where we live, work and spend most of our time. It’s diverse, friendly and a very livable community.

When we’re relaxing in Pender Harbour or San Miguel Allende, I love cooking. I love trying new things out but sticking to good fresh ingredients and simple preparations. These days I’ve been cooking with chilies and I love them!

What are your favourite stores or restaurants?

What I learned... about business

I’ve learned that you have to be adaptable. Just when you think you have it all figured out, everything can change in a heartbeat. From freak snow storms in the midst of our Christmas rush to a long-standing pastry chef developing a gluten allergy — you can never become complacent.

Once the excitement of opening a business dwindles, it’s about meeting the day-to-day challenges of making the business sustainable. For us, that means developing an excellent team of co-workers and being proud of what we’re doing.

Reach us at

Reach us at

address: 2611 W. 16th Ave phone: 604-739-0555 web: sweetobsession.ca

address: 2603 W. 16th Ave phone: 604-739-0555 web: trafalgars.com

WEVancouver.com

My Vancouver

Dan, is a little Japanese restaurant on Broadway.

A lovely couple from Japan own it and he’s a fabulous chef.

Salsa and Agave is a little Mexican restaurant in Yaletown.

The food is fresh, authentic and very tasty, but more importantly, the margaritas are as good as (or almost as good as!) the ones at Trafalgars Bistro.

November 29 – December 5, 2012

15

businesses to know in your city

Girlz Rock Boutique

Rover’s Return Grooming That’s right — Rover has returned! And so has Elaine Stride, one of Vancouver’s most experienced dog groomers

Elaine Stride and Fred Hercules, owners

My Vancouver What’s your favourite neighbourhood?

We have two elderly dogs so we don’t get too far out of the West End. We live and work here; it’s nice to be near the water and have plenty of places to walk.

What’s your favourite way to unwind?

You can always find us walking our dogs, Spot and Cruz. We also like to jog the Seawall and hang out with friends.

What are your favourite stores or restaurants?

We frequent Sit Doggy Daycare and Bosley’s Pet Store for obvious reasons.

When it’s just Fred and I, we love The Dish restaurant. It’s a great spot for a quick and healthy lunch in the middle of a busy day at work.

My Vancouver What’s your favourite neighbourhood?

Kits and South Granville.

Elaine Stride and her partner Fred Hercules love dogs. It was their own dogs that brought them together and eventually led to them being in business together at Rover’s Return Grooming.

“We met because our dogs look so much alike,” says Elaine.

Their experience as dog owners ensures that they are gentle, understanding and professional in their approach to your best friend.

Elaine has more than 20 years’ experience grooming. Her very first job, as a dog washer, eventually led to her owning her first shop, My Dog Spot at 57th and Knight. After selling her second shop, a bustling business in the West End, she left to travel through Europe and take a break from her 30-dogs-a-day business. She spent time grooming in London with some of the finest specialists, learning some invaluable tricks of the trade.

Now she’s back! In that same location on Davie Street, Elaine and Fred re-opened their shop and together they’re a dynamic team ready to care for your pet’s needs. Fred is well-known for his love of all animals. Fred has taken to his position with natural skill and ease. Coming from a electrical engineering background, he is detail oriented which applies immensely to grooming and teeth care.

The space has been renovated to provide the perfect environment for anesthesia-free oral hygiene. Elaine went to the United States for special training to do maintenance teeth cleaning on dogs. After a thorough assessment, scaling and polishing can take as little as an hour and half.

A small price to pay to prevent gum disease, promote oral hygiene and keep Fido’s breath smelling fresh and clean.

What I learned... about business It’s all about communication. My years of experience as a groomer have taught me the right questions to ask so that I can better understand exactly Rover’s what the owner wants. Then I have Return to be willing to work with whatever the dog is willing to give me on the table. It’s a fine balance but I’ve been doing this for years and I love the opportunity to make everyone happy.

16

New store stocks funky clothing and one-of-a-kind accessories for tweens Roop Basran & Alexis Singh, owners

What’s your favourite way to unwind?

Roop — Spending time with my family and friends. I love to watch hockey, especially my son’s games. Playing softball and boxing with my trainer....

However, watching my kids grow and listening to their stories at the end of the day when I tuck them into bed is the greatest reward.

Alexis – Spending time with my kids and having quiet time at home with my family. If I ever have a free moment I enjoy a good yoga class to unwind. I cherish and enjoy watching my children grow and spending time with them at their activities.

Best thing about running a business in Vancouver?

We love the diversity in Vancouver. It’s a fresh, stylish and friendly city with many trendy shopping areas. We have a lot of schools and young fashionistas in our area and it’s so much fun watching all the girls come to our store to shop. Great energy in Vancouver.

What I learned... about business You have to love what you do. It takes passion and a positive attitude to succeed. We took our vision and brought it to life. There are always new things to learn when running your own business but we are enjoying every minute of it. From tweens to adults, all our customers have unique personalities and tastes. We have created a trendy store for girls ages 7 to 16.

Our goal is to carry clothes for every size, shape and personality. Every young girl deserves to feel confident and special!!!

Reach us at

Reach us at

address: #2-1064 Davie Street phone: 604-682-1955 web: www.rrgrooming.ca

address: 2652 Arbutus Street phone: 604-742-1335 web: GirlzRockBoutique.ca

November 29 – December 5, 2012

Rover’s Return PET GROOMING

Vancouver’s newest shopping Mecca for tween girls was born out of a vision of two stay-at-home moms.

Roop Basran and Alexis Singh loved shopping for their daughters, but they had grown tired of the same old stores.”Alexis and I had a dream to open a unique, funky store where we cater to tweens ages seven to 16, but carry clothes for all shapes and sizes,” says Basran. “Our mission is to make every young girl feel special in a relaxed atmosphere.”That’s how Girlz Rock Boutique came to be. Located on Arbutus Street near 10th Avenue, the shop — which carries clothing and accessories just for girls — had its grand opening Sept. 29. The playfully decorated store, featuring swaths of hot pink, a chandelier and plenty of mirrors, stocks brands such as Kate Mack, Biscotti, Vintage Havana, Ugg, Grumpy Princess, Posh Safari, Lexi Kate and Hot Focus. After two months in business, Basran is smiling.”I absolutely love my job! It’s so much fun to watch all the tweens get excited when they walk through our doors.”And Singh feels the same way.”I love coming to work every day to meet new people who come into the store,” Singh says, noting they’ve received a lot of positive customer feedback. “They really like our selection and they say that there has been a need for a store like this in Vancouver for a long time.”With the success of their début boutique, Basran and Singh hope to open up more locations in the future.

WEVancouver.com

businesses to know in your city

Mack Gordon and Kaitlin Williams share all the roles in Pacific Theatre’s The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

Michael Julian Berz photo

Strategies Games & Hobbies Get your game on at Canada’s Board Game Mecca

My Vancouver

What are you most proud of as a business?

We get to run a successful business doing something we’re passionate about.

We’ve grown up playing games — all of our staff have — and we’ve been able to turn this passion into a vocation.

We’re lucky and proud to be doing what we love. We’re also excited to be part of a thriving and community-minded neighbourhood. We love Main Street and are proud to contribute to the success of a neighbourhood that people enjoy, and to support community and special events, particularly in local schools.

How long do people tend to work for your company?

Our staff have been with us from the beginning and have worked in the nondigital game industry for a very long time.

Together we offer more than 32 years of game store experience.

What’s next for your company?

We’re going to continue to focus on board games and miniature-based games. We think that games that offer the chance to spend time with other people face-to-face offer the most enjoyable experience, so no electronic or digital games for us! We plan to keep listening to our customers to make sure we bring in the games they want and offer the kind of service they value.

We’re open until 9 pm on Thursdays now (also 9 pm on Fridays), which offers even more time for in-store gaming!

Remember the good ol’ days when kids would play board games for hours on end? Well, they still do at Strategies Games & Hobbies. Kids of all ages, that is.

Strategies has a huge selection of board games. After six years in business, they now have one of the best selections of board games in Canada. They have a game for everyone — family games, party games, word games, kids games, and lots for the superstrategic-minded gamer.

While it’s easy enough to rekindle your love for Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue, the selection of international award-winning board games is second to none at Strategies. There are many amazing new games released each year and you can be sure someone at Strategies has tried them out, so make sure to ask for a recommendation. As dedicated game players themselves, they help their customers find games that will become new favourites.

With more than 32 years of combined experience selling games, the staff are quick to admit, “We could talk about games all day!

We’re excited to be in business doing what we love, and proud to contribute to this vibrant Main Street neighbourhood.”

Strategies hosts three ongoing events a week where everyone is invited to drop in to play games in the store. Whether you’re new to board games and want to learn in a friendly environment, or a seasoned competitor looking to meet a worthy match, these events have something for everyone.

Looking for Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride, or Game of Thrones? There’s no better time to drop by Strategies. As everyone in Winterfell knows, “Winter is coming.”

What I learned... about business What we’ve learned is that nothing beats the business basics of providing a fantastic product and amazing service. Put simply, these games are fun and we want to share them with you!

Reach us at

address: 3878 Main Street phone: 604-872-6911 web: strategiesgames.ca

WEVancouver.com

The power of grace gives Narnia tale its magical appeal

A

married couple in real life, Kaitlin Williams and Mack Gordon star in the upcoming production of CS Lewis’s The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, which runs at Pacific Theatre from Dec. 5 to 15 before traveling to The Evergreen Cultural Centre (Dec 18-22), Presentation House Theatre (April 21-27, 2013), and The Kay Meek Centre (April 28-May 4, 2013).

We asked them what they love about this classic tale.

helps us understand life outside ourselves.

This is a big part of religion and it’s a big part of why we’re so compelled by stories.

LWW appeals to people of faith because it’s an allegory on the sacrifice of Christ. Despite the stigma against the dogma and institution of religion, Christ’s sacrifice is a story that all of us can relate to on some level. It’s the story of mercy and compassion. It’s got action, excitement, and compassion, things any viewer can appreciate.

Kaitlin, you’ve said that this is a dream role for you. Why?

What’s it like, as husband and wife, working on the same play?

First, I love CS Lewis and the Narnia stories.

I have fond childhood memories of reading them with my brother and sister, and then watching the BBC adaptations on VHS until we knew them by heart. I’ve always loved Lucy for her ability to believe with such an open heart and for her tremendous courage.

This adaptation is especially exciting as I not only get to play Lucy, but also a number of others including vastly different characters such as the White Witch and Father Christmas.

What makes the message of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe so timeless?

Kaitlin: The grace that Edmund is shown after he betrays his family is beautiful and the love Aslan portrays for all the children, and for Narnia, is humbling. I think our world could always use more love and grace.

Mack: The message is one of mercy. Mercy is probably one of the most timeless messages there is. You have the ability to see someone harmed and you have compassion for them. It’s the attitude of benevolence that man has always strived for.

CS Lewis was a deeply religious man. How does the play appeal to both people of faith and people who simply like to be entertained by a good story?

Kaitlin: It is an epic tale with journeys, magic, battles, evil witches and good lions.

It is also a tale of believing in the impossible, of faith and love — what more could you want?

Mack: I think the purpose of theatre, of storytelling even, is compassion. Watching stories of people in situations unlike our own

Kaitlin: We feel very fortunate to have been given this opportunity to work so closely for the next month and a half. We truly are best friends — and what could be better than getting paid to go to work with your best friend all day? It’s such a fun play and we both know we are going to have an amazing time working on it.

Mack: It’s challenging sometimes. It’s terrific fun sometimes. It’s rewarding always to participate with someone you love in polishing and nurturing an artform you’ve devoted a large part of your life to. It’s easy to be a team on stage because we are, truly, working for each other, professionally, artistically, and personally. I want to see Kaitlin succeed as much as I want to succeed myself. It’s amazing to start a process in a room so filled with trust from and for your fellow actor.

Anything special about this production?

Kaitlin: It is told with only two actors, which is a real treat to witness. I think audiences will love the inventiveness and imaginative parts of the show, and they’ll have a lot fun watching Mack play both Mr. and Mrs. Beaver!

Mack: The opportunity to perform a flagship title for one of my favourite theatres. I get to speak the lines that so many great Vancouver actors have spoken before me.

Enter to win two tickets to the Dec. 6 performance at WEVancouver.com/contests November 29 – December 5, 2012

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November 29 – December 5, 2012

Melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket makes Oakwood bistro’s poutine among the best in the city. Chef Michael Robbins’ radicchio salad is also surprisingly good because of the harmony of tastes. Andrew Morrison photos

Oakwood bistro — where Canadiana is made better OnThePlate

A

By Andrew Morrison

little over a decade ago I was living in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood, just around the corner from a charming little watering hole called the Victory Café.

I have fond memories of the place, and not only because it’s where my then girlfriend (now wife) and I spent many an evening trying to determine if we were indeed exactly right for each other.

Chief among its ancillary attractions was its cozy unpretentiousness, which wasn’t the embarrassed consequence of a lack of ability. The “Vic” was just straight up comfortable, and the fact that they had a deep list of whiskies and beers — plus a menu of quality pub grub — was just a bonus. They also played a lot of old Rolling Stones, which is always fine by me.

I was reminded of it recently while dining with my family at the Oakwood Canadian Bistro. The unassuming spot in Kitsilano had a similarly authentic “come on in and take a load off” sensibility. It may have looked and felt more like a modern gastropub than it did a “bistro”, but no matter. My immediate aesthetic takeaway was that coziness was its business, and that they were good at it.

The whole of the Oakwood is wrapped in wood, brick and leather. There’s a long bar offering a tidy selection of beers and wines, not to mention some surprisingly good bespoke cocktails. There are a couple of booths huddled around a gas fireplace and a few more near the front windows, which look out to a tiny (dormant) sidewalk patio and across the street at the venerable Naam.

The service crew is attentive, quick, and friendly, as is owner Mike Shea, who is a former veteran of the Donnelly Group (the guy is omnipresent).

Through two suppers last week, the atmosphere’s only sour-hitting note came occasionally from the soundtrack, which would inexplicably — from time to time — morph from a pleasant enough toe-tapper to a bass-heavy bull in a china shop, thumping ridiculously and incongruously along, oblivious to its own artlessness. Sad, but common, which — I suppose — makes it especially sad.

Where The Oakwood picks up extra points is in its kitchen. Chef Michael Robbins, who worked previously for the Glowbal Group, takes familiar, well-loved dishes and puts creative twists on them, invariably to delicious effect. That’s nothing new, of course, but he does a really good job of it.

For example, his “all Canadian poutine” comes mounted with a pile of melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket of the “still warm” kind with fat, flavourful edges. Because it sits atop of the fries and so stays unmolested by the gravy, the textural integrity of

the meat remains intact until it meets a tooth or two (I reckon it would be one of the best poutines in the city if the cheese curds had the proper “squeak” to them). Likewise the addition of alfalfa and house-made pickled relish to his otherwise same-old burger. They make the staid old beast pop.

Along similar lines was his seemingly traditional radicchio salad that saw its naturally bitter base balanced out by a honey vinaigrette and a scattering of candied pecans. It’s a very typical start, but the thus harmonized components were then employed as a battleground for halved grapes, globs of blue cheese, and perfectly porky lardons to fight upon. And despite all that chaos and violence, it came together well enough and massively (twas a very large and filling salad).

The best of the lot was the mason jar of albacore tuna confit, and not just because it opened up so many roads toward extreme self-indulgence.

The deep and wholly smearable happy putty was probably my favourite dish of the week. The tuna flavour was heavily pronounced in the fat and the macerated flakes gave the spread plenty of textural oomph. One jar comes with only a few slices of toasted bread so I’d advise that the more careless among you spend another $5 on a mini-loaf of fresh bread that comes with a ramikan of smoky butter and then combine all for a coronary supernova.

And if you survive to discover that there is now too much bread remaining, order the spiced broccoli and patty pan gratin and use the extra slices to soak up the casserole’s smoked cheddar bechamel.

Attaboy.

Robbins clearly loves food, so much so that I wonder if he isn’t punching below his weight class. It’s a fair question when confronted with his beautifully arranged, flawlessly cooked arctic char, which comes decorously anchored to a square slate plate with bright orange globes of smoked applewood caviar surrounded by cut fingerlings and droplets of a subtly herbaceous emulsion. It was a killer dish presented in landscape mode, one that I’d half expect to see arrive at table in Hawksworth or West and not in a place that serves salt and pepper pork rinds (which, by the way, are flippin’ awesome). And while I’m in a comparative mood, Robbin’s short rib supper is superior in taste and texture to the one at Wildebeest, plus it’s $2 cheaper.

So I dig The Oakwood. A lot. It’s the kind of place that I wish was at the end of my street, just like The Victory once was. There’s no fuss or pretension, just good eating and drinking, with or without The Rolling Stones.

TheOakwood.ca | 2741 W. 4th | 604-558-1965

WEVancouver.com

FreshSheet

Food & Drink Happenings

Hotel Georgia opens its doors to Santa On Dec. 2, the Santa Claus parade will pass right in front of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia.

You’re invited to drop by for complimentary hot chocolate or apple cider while you listen to Christmas carols and marvel at the twinkling Christmas trees, gingerbread houses and festive flower displays. Children are encouraged to post their letters to Santa, who will be paying a visit to the hotel, which first opened in 1927. Donations will be accepted for the CKNW Orphan’s Fund and heritage hotel tours will take place every 30 minutes from the lobby.

RosewoodHotelGeorgia.com

Four Seasons Festival of Trees Each of the Christmas trees in the downtown hotel will sparkle with decorations from a sponsor to raise funds and awareness for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. From now until Jan. 1, visitors can vote for their favourite tree by submitting a donation and entering a draw to win one of three sponsor prizes.

While there, you can pick up one of the 2,500 traditional stollen cakes that Yew’s pastry chef, Bruno Feldeisen, will bake with legendary baker Gerhart Weitzel.

The cakes sell for $22 each and if you want more than one loaf, it’s suggested you phone 604-6924939.

UGM’s Christmas feast It’s going to be a real team effort when the Union Gospel Mission hosts its 72nd annual Christmas dinner celebration on Dec. 8. More than 3,000 meals will be served from 10:30am to 4pm, requiring 150 turkeys, 1,500 pounds of potatoes, 700 cherry pies and 400 litres of ice cream! Once again, Clearly Contacts is partnering with UGM to donate and distribute eye glasses to those in need; optometrists will be onsite to assist guests with more complex issues. UGM.ca

or medical condition. To make your bid go to BidToGive.Vonality.com.

Save on Meats’ meal tokens As much as many people want to help those in need, there’s sometimes a worry that a monetary donation won’t be used to buy food. By purchasing Save On Meats’ new meal tokens, you can give the gift of a nutritious hot meal while supporting Save On Meats’ social mandate of helping Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

The tokens are $2.25 each and can be redeemed for a hot breakfast sandwich at the Gastown eatery by whomever you chose to give one to. You can purchase tokens at SaveOnMeats.ca.

Farmers market raffle Got your ticket for The Big Harvest Draw yet? It’s the Vancouver Farmers Market annual fall fundraiser and your chance to win one of 20 prizes of $250 in Market Money.Tickets are $5 and for sale at The Winter Farmer’s Market at Nat Bailey Stadium (4601 Ontario), every Saturday from 10-2 until Dec. 1.

Only 3,000 tickets are printed.

Good luck! EatLocal.org

Whittaker wears chowder crown Twelve of Vancouver’s top chefs vied for the honour of making the best seafood chowder in the annual Vancouver Aquarium OceanWise Chowder Chowdown. Not only did Chris Whittaker — who just opened Forage — impress the panel of judges, his recipe also earned

him the People’s Choice Award.

His creamy spot prawn chowder with poached egg and smokey chicharon also featured white wine, leeks and bacon. Chef Dana Hauser of Herons West Coast Kitchen at the Fairmont Waterfront won the award for best chowder and beer pairing.

Her roast Powell River sturgeon chowder was paired with Granville Island Brewery English Bay Pale Ale.

A Choices anniversary The Choices grocery store in Kitsilano (2627 W.16th) is celebrating its 22nd anniversary.

Stop by on Saturday, December 1st from 11am to 3pm when it hosts a donation barbecue, serves fresh brownies and coffee and offers many in-store specials.

Noodle tasting tour Vancouver Foodster is going crazy over noodles. His next Tasting Plates is a culinary tour of Vancouver eateries that specialize in all types of noodles, from chow mein to spaghetti, to ramon, udon, pad Thai and more.

You buy a ticket and then, on Jan. 13, travel to the participating restaurant which will serve up tasting plates or bowls. If you buy your ticket before Dec. 4, it’s $20. Between Dec. 4 and Jan. 10, tickets are $30. After that, tickets are $40. Noodle Mania tickets are available at EventBrite.ca

WEVancouver.com

Happy birthday, Australia It’s Aussie rules for House Wine’s Australia Day celebration. It’s throwing a party with more than 40 different wineries and 120 wines from across Australia so everyone can raise a glass to the country’s birthday. The party isn’t until January 25 at the Stanley Park Pavilion, but you can buy tickets for $45 (as opposed to $55) if you order them before Dec. 25. HouseWine.ca

49th Parallel presents By taking two Honduran coffees — Juan Evangelista’s La Maravilla and Miguel Enamorado’s Los Robles — the coffee roasters at 49th Parallel Roasters have come up with their 2012 Holiday Celebration Blend ($18). Perfect for that person in your house who wakes up at four in the morning to see what’s in their Christmas stocking! Another gift idea is the coffee subscription. At the beginning of every month, you’ll get three bags of coffee, with the first one arriving in a cedar box with the 49th Parallel logo. Subscriptions start at $170. 49thParallelRoasters.com

Book your company Christmas Party at

Brock House Restaurant!

Special 3 Course Prix Fixe Menus starting at $30

Shop and eat Coco Cake is one of the vendors at Nandemo Kandemo and Friends’ holiday sale at The Skinny (600 Campbell) on Dec. 1. From 11am to 4pm there will be yummy treats, original art-

December Specials Holiday Brunch Buffet $ 3995/person & $1895/kids 6-12 years

WATERFRONT DINING AT ITS BEST.

Sunday, December 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd

Bring in the attached coupon for your discount!

Family & Friends Dinner Buffet $ 3500/person & $1900/kids 6-12 years Sunday, December 16, 2012

Fabulous prizes A cooking class for two with Top Chef Canada finalist Trevor Bird. A wine and canapés cruise on an 87’ mahogany yacht for 18 people. An Okanagan Crush Pad VIP weekend.

These are some of the prizes up for offer in the British Columbia Hospital Foundation’s first Bid to Give online auction.

The foundation supports individuals within the hospitality industry who are coping with severe financial difficulties arising from a serious health

work and holiday gifts on offer while Mimi’s Ami entertains the shoppers.

Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet $ 5495/person & $2495/kids 6-12 years

RESERVE YOUR TABLE NOW! JOIN US FOR JAZZ AND BLUES BRUNCH ON SUNDAY

50% OFF OUR HOLIDAY BRUNCH

With the purchase of 1 adult brunch buffet, receive the 2nd brunch buffet at 50% off.

Valid on December 2, 9, 16, 23, 2012 1st seating: 10:30am Please call for reservations: 2nd seating: 1:00pm 604.224.3317 No cash value. Not applicable with any other promotions/coupons. Maximum 3 coupons per table.

To view our menus, go to www.brockhouserestaurant.com

RESERVATIONS: 604-224-3317 For more details go to www.docksidevancouver.com In the Granville Island Hotel, 1253 Jonston St, Granville Island 604-685-7070 Valet parking available

or catering@brockhouserestaurant.com

3875 Point Grey Road, Vancouver (at Jericho Beach)

November 29 – December 5, 2012

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What’s fresh at the farmers market: Onions

Hand-made gifts are great, but edible hand-made gifts are even better

By Jenn Chic

W

by Jenn Chic

O

nions are an essential in the kitchen, there’s no denying it. They are often the key ingredient to add depth to soups, stew, sauces and stocks. While in the store they can be found fresh, frozen, canned, pickled, powdered and dehydrated, the farmers markets offers a rainbow of possibilities. Deep red, blushing pink and an array from white to yellow, their flavours are as varying — sharp, spicy, tangy and pungent or mild and sweet.

Onions can take a starring role, though.

It’s all how you cook them.

By cooking them low and slow, the oncepungent raw bulb becomes sweet and tender. This sweetness can be spread on sandwiches and pizzas, or as a garnish on just about any meat and fish, especially salmon.

At room temperature, they’re a welcome addition to a salad or stirred into a sauce.

Ask your farmer to recommend an onion variety to enjoy in this versatile recipe.

Low and Slow Melted Onions Based on Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc At Home recipe 8 cups sliced onions (about 3 large) Salt ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces 1 sachet — 1 bay leaf, 3 thyme sprigs,

10 peppercorns, 1 garlic clove, smashed and peeled, tied up in a 7-inch square of cheesecloth.

Keep an eye on the heat while cooking the onions. Slight adjustments will have to be made because at no point during the cooking do you want the onions to begin to brown. Put the onions in a large frying pan, set over medium-low heat, sprinkle with two generous pinches of salt, and cook, stirring often, for about 20 minutes, until the onions have released much of their liquid.

Stir in the butter, add the sachet, cover with a lid left a bit open and cook slowly over low to medium-low heat for another 30 to 35 minutes. The onions should look creamy at all times; if the butter separates, or the pan look dry before the onions are done, add a bit of cold water and stir well to re-emulsify the butter.

The onions should be meltingly tender but not falling apart or mushy. Season to taste with salt. Once cooled, the onions can be refrigerated for up to five days.

Jenn Chic is a writer, photographer, baker, cook and the market manager for the Kitsilano and Kerrisdale Farmers Markets.

JennChicCooks.com EatLocal.org

hen I first left home, every Christmas I would receive a much anticipated box of holiday baking from my mom. Nanaimo bars, fruit cake, fudge, and of course, shortbread were all neatly packed with care and disappeared all too quickly.

I was happy to share with friends and give them a taste of how delicious Christmas was around my house.

It was pure love in every bite. Not only a celebration of the season, it was a wonderful way to connect with my family thousands of kilometres away.

Giving the gift of a homemade edible is much easier than you think. For instance, if you take part in a holiday cookie exchange, when you get home divide your dozens of cookies into scrumptious assortments and wrap them up for gifts.

Preserving fruits and vegetables sets us up for a winter filled with the bounty of summer’s best produce. Tied up with a bow and jazzed up with a hand-written label, strawberry jam or pickled beets is a welcome treat.

If you weren’t on top of your preserving game, or you’re unwilling to dig into your summer stash, the farmers market is still overflowing with preservables — frozen blueberries for jam and syrup, onions for caramelizing, and carrots for pickling.

Other quick gifts that are easy to make are flavoured vinegars, fruit-infused spirits, caramel popcorn, and seasoned nuts.

When giving homemade gifts of food, always include a recipe card so the lucky recipient can replicate your recipe and keep

on giving the gift of deliciousness. If there’s any concerns about allergens, a recipe card keeps everyone informed.

Classic Blueberry Jam Based on a recipe from Put ‘Em Up

by Sherri Brooks Vinton Perfect for pancakes on Christmas morning or warmed up and used as a sauce over ice cream or pound cake.

8 cups blueberries 2 cups sugar ¼ cup lemon juice Combine the berries with a splash of water in a medium nonreactive saucepan.

Bring to a boil, stirring and crushing the berries to release their juice. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Stir in the lemon juice.

Continue to cook at a steady boil, stirring frequently, until the jam reaches the desired gel. Remove from the heat and let the jam rest for five minutes, stirring occasionally to release air bubbles and prevent fruit float.

Skim any foam from the top of the jam.

Ladle into jars and refrigerate for up to three weeks or can using the boiling-water method of sterilizing your jars for longer preservation.

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at the Holiday Inn Vancouver Downtown Join us on December 25th for a traditional Christmas dinner with all the fixings, $32.95.

Seatings at 4pm and 7pm.

Reservations recommended.

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Seasonal wines from City Cellar all-stars in the fridge. Pair it up with almost anything or quaff it on its own. Light body, lifted fruit and bright acidity leave you looking forward to the next sip.”

CityCellar

By Kurtis Kolt

I

think it was in Shopper’s Drug Mart where I first saw them. Christmas decorations and other seasonal hoopla were already jazzing up the aisles before Hallowe’en. Before Hallowe’en! I’m pretty confident that Christmas ephemera used to only appear once American Thanksgiving hangovers had cleared, but I guess the holiday season is now a two-month phenomenon whether we like it or not.

So, while I’m not quite comfortable with tapping away at a holiday-themed column in November, I think it more important that you’re prepared for the holidays with some of the best-suited wines for various occasions. I put out a call to a good handful of Vancouver’s wine community, those who’ve made appearances in this column over the last year, to check in with what they think you should be drinking this season. If it’s gonna come early, we may as well uncork the good stuff!

Monmousseau 2007 Cuvée JM Brut | Loire Valley, France | $18.99 | BC Liquor Stores Sebastien Le Goff, the service director of Cactus Club Café, opted to go with a little traditional method (Champagneesque) sparkling Chenin Blanc from wine from the Loire Valley, as it’s a “perfect bottle to open as you are preparing the dinner and setting up the table while waiting for your guests to arrive.” He adds that it’s “refreshing and delicious, a great aperitif and very good value.”

Balthasar Ress ‘Hattenheimer Schützenhaus’ Riesling Kabinett 2010 | Rheingau, Germany | $23.99 | BC Liquor Stores

Famille Perrin 2009 ‘Les Cornuds’ Vinsobres | Rhone Valley, France | $23-25 | Private Wine Stores Sometimes people take a challenge like this and run with it. Not only did YEW at the Four Seasons sommelier Emily Walker pick an awesome bottle, but she provides a well-stated manifesto of support that’s equal parts mini-wine lesson and ringing endorsement.

In her own words: “This joyful little red is the perfect companion at a casual holiday soiree where you’re bound to be grazing on a wide variety of appetizers — from cheeses and smoked meats, stuffed mushroom caps and flatbreads to the infamous shrimp ring, this wine can go with the gamut. Just 40 kilometres north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in France’s Southern Rhône Valley, the Vinsobres appellation is lesser-known in relation to some of its more famed neighbours, but due to its higher elevation you can find Syrah-dominated blends with elegance and finesse that’s sometimes lost as you head farther south. A mediumbodied blend of Syrah and Grenache that offers up aromas of violets and plenty of plush, juicy black fruit with a subtle backdrop of pepper and mineral. A great value from an underrated appellation.”

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Next week, we’ll continue with more holiday hits from some of Vancouver’s best sommeliers.

Meanwhile, you can visit my website, KurtisKolt. com, for more news from the wine world or follow me on Twitter @KurtisKolt.

There is more online

David Tremblay, sommelier at Market and the Shangri-La Hotel, went for this literal and figurative mouthful that’s a personal favourite of mine, too!

“Whether you’re having turkey or ham for Christmas — or sushi on Boxing Day — Riesling is a great option to have

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21

WellnessBriefs Check into the skin gym for the holidays

Carbon monoxide prevention Natural gas is used safely and reliably in homes across B.C. Regular inspection and maintenance is the best way to ensure peak performance of your natural gas appliances — and to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) in the home. Since CO is colourless and odourless, you can install a CO alarm for extra peace of mind.

To learn more about carbon monoxide safety, visit fortisbc.com/co.

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Suffering from skin as blah as winter weather?

Internationally-lauded, Vancouver-based skincare purveyors, Skoah, have added a sugar-andspice limited-edition holiday line to their skin care “workout” regimen, each product carrying the scent of warm vanilla and brown sugar for a spicy holiday treat. At $10 to $35 each, the line is perfect for stuffing stockings or rounding out the gift of a skin gym membership — one facial every month for a year plus member benefits ($550). Whether you’re a regular or a rookie, adding the occasional facial to your routine ( such as the popular Facialiscious ($100), Fitskin ($70) or Quickie ($35) treatments), will have your skin fit for the holidays. Available at all three Vancouver locations. Skoah.com

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice lights up On Thursday, Nov. 29, Canuck Place will welcome the holidays by illuminating a dazzling display of more than 60,000 festive lights decorating the hospice grounds (1690 Matthews).

The hospice lighting will feature a performance by the Vancouver Bach Choir and activities for children, as well as light holiday refreshments.

Flu vaccine questions answered London Drugs has created a question and answer blog post for those looking for more information surrounding the reintroduction of the Novartis vaccine into the Flu Vaccination Programs across Canada (HealthBlog.LondonDrugs. com/info-on-suspended-novartis-seasonal-fluvaccine). London Drugs provides flu vaccinations in Alberta and British Columbia.

New age category added to BMO Vancouver marathon With the growing number of older adult runners, the BMO Vancouver marathon will now recognize and award participants of 70 years of age or more in the May 5, 2013 marathon and half-marathon. The age categories will be divided into five year increments from 76-100. BMOVanMarathon.ca

Discover the freedom that balance can bring!

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Relive the sinking of the Titanic

C

ommemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic with a one-of-a-kind poolside performance inside the Vancouver Aquatic Centre (1050 Beach).

On Dec. 4 at 9pm, Vancouver-based new music organization, Redshift Music, will transform the deck of the enormous indoor pool into a stage for Victoria’s Aventa Ensemble (pictured), who will perform British composer Gavin Bryars’ 1969 masterpiece, The Sinking of the Titanic. “[The Sinking of the Titanic] is one of the most solemn and haunting works I’ve ever encountered,” said Jordan Nobles, artistic director of Redshift Music Society in a press release. “With its cavernous acoustics and myriad reflective surfaces, the Vancouver Aquatic Centre is the ideal venue for this unique work.”

This year marks 100 years since the “unsinkable” British passenger liner collided with an iceberg on its maiden voyage, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,500 of its 2,223 passengers. In the intervening century, countless artists have sought to explore the many facets of the historic maritime disaster — including Bryars, who drew his inspiration for The Sinking of the Titanic from reports that the Titanic’s musicians remained on the deck, playing their instruments, as the liner sank into the sea. The multimedia work weaves recordings of survivors describing the Titanic’s final moments with Bryars’ evocative, hymn-based composition.

Audience members are encouraged to bring their swimsuits and towels and listen from the pool (or from the bleachers). “You don’t have to float in the pool in order to fully enjoy this work, but it will certainly heighten the overall listening experience,” he explains.

The evening will also feature video projections

by Giorgio Magnanensi, and premieres of new instrumental works by Nobles, Magnanensi, and Jennifer Butler. Tickets are $10/$20, available at Redshift.BrownPaperTickets.com or at the door.

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Trevor Burnett and his Oakheart Festive Night Punch. Doug Shanks photo

Rum punch with a tea twist

P

lanning a party? Trevor Burnett, Bacardi brand ambassador and mixologist at Market by Jean-Georges at the Shangri-la Hotel, has a cocktail that’s easy to make and a sure hit with guests.

Oakheart Festive Night Punch 6oz Bacardi Oakheart Rum 3oz cranberry juice (organic if available) 3oz of green tea ( The Urban Tea Merchant “Festive Night” brewed looseleaf tea) 3oz simple syrup

1/2 squeeze of fresh lime (juice) strained 1/2 squeeze fresh lemon (juice) strained 1 squeeze whole orange (juice) strained 5 dashes of Angostura Bitters (Bittered Sling Orange and Juniper bitters

by Kale & Nori)

Add all ingredients to a punch bowl and stir well. Garnish with fresh cranberries, thinly sliced lime, lemon, and orange wheels.

Serve over ice in a tea cup; serves approximately 4 to 6 guests.

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23

rant/rave!

E-MAIL: rantrave@wevancouver.com Please send your rants by email only. All rants are the opinion of the individual and do not reflect the opinions of WE. The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity and brevity, so please keep it short and (bitter)sweet.

Drivers make their own rules here

you’ve already done on the subject in preparation to be able to understand the workshop itself AND as a result you’re shockingly disappointed? Why must people present themselves as experts with 20 years’ experience in their field AND present simple information, yet present it to the unknowing crowd as complex, information that I can find in a 30-minute focused Google search? Why?

Here’s a shout out to Vancouver drivers — I have encountered more incompetent, rude drivers here than anywhere I have lived. Last week I witnessed a new low in the “I am a very important person” category.

A driver turning right onto Burrard from W. 2nd couldn’t wait for four Carys cars to turn right, so he created his “own” middle lane on W. 2nd. Not only did he cut off the line-of-sight of the other drivers, he turned right ahead of all of them.

Anonymous Every time I drive, bus or walk over the Burrard Street Bridge, I can’t help but cringe at the awful amount of concrete cancer pitting what were probably lovely guardrails in their day.

Is there any way to give the railings This is to the woman who yelled a facelift? Thousands of visitors and “Excuse me!” after she nearly ran Vancouverites cross the 80-year-old into me while crossing Howe at bridge every day, stopping to take Davie, westbound. Actually it was pictures of the spectacular view, but up to you to excuse yourself as you the old girl deserves to look just as were walking to the left and were, essentially, in my lane of traffic. Next splendid. Right now the sides look like they have been chewed by mice! time, before sarcastically yelling at Anonymous someone, take a look at your own behaviour/habits.

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November 29 – December 5, 2012

This is for the pedestrian walking along Burrard on a rainy Friday: I know you love the huge umbrella that you probably got at some fabulous resort during an absolutely amazing holiday but… do you mind being just a bit more modest? You took up a lot of space on a sidewalk already crowded with umbrellas. I could tell by your demeanor that modesty doesn’t suit you but please try it on for size the next time you go for a walk in the rain.

Anonymous

Vancouver Panorama

rr

Bu

This is a rave to the man in front of Barclay Manor the night of Nov. 22.

He helped me fend off an extremely aggressive and vicious racoon that attacked my two dogs. Although one of my pups was bitten by the racoon, it’s not too serious and she’ll be fine; she’s a bit traumatized but OK. So, whoever you are, a huge thank you.

Anonymous

Tel: (604) 687-6480

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From stunt man to director... and actor, and scriptwriter...

By Curtis Woloschuk

W

hile countless actors have been heard to say, “But what I really want to do is direct,” it’s safe to suggest that select few stuntmen have proclaimed, “But what I really want to do is write, direct, produce, star in and perform all the music for my first feature film.”

And, in fairness, Vancouver’s Kirk Caouette never intended to push his multi-hyphenate status to almost absurd extremes. He was looking to make a movie and found a passion project instead.

“I’d wanted to make a film for about 15 years. But... I didn’t know what it was going to be,” admits Caouette, who’s collected more than 70 credits as a stunt performer, stunt coordinator and fight choreographer. “It sort of came about before the Olympics. I got inspired to write a film about street musicians on the Downtown Eastside after seeing these people play. Seeing

some of the real talent that’s down there and also the lack of appreciation [for them].”

Picking up his guitar, he composed the earnest ballad Dream With Me, which unfolds through the eyes of one of the street musicians he saw struggling. It, in turn, spawned Hit ‘n Strum, which explores Vancouver’s disparate sides (and showcases several other Caouette compositions).

After an upwardly mobile lawyer (Michelle Harrison) hits a homeless busker (Caouette) with her car, she insinuates herself into his life and strives to better his lot. Having already scored multiple awards at Toronto’s Canadian Film Fest, the film makes its Western Canadian Premiere at the Whistler Film Festival this Saturday.

After collaborating with likes of Bryan Singer and John Woo, the technical elements of filmmaking had been demystified for Caouette.

Conversely, stepping in front of the camera — for reasons other than putting his personal safety at risk — left him out of

Vancouver’s Rick Caouette wrote, stars in and directs Hit ‘n’ Strum, which screens at the Whistler Film Festival this Saturday.

his element. “I’d never said a line on camera my whole career. It was not something I ever wanted to do. But, for this role, I really wanted to create a very authentic character.”

Furthermore, he was willing to fully commit himself to achieving that sense of realism. “I went down to the Eastside. I busked. I grew my hair out. I stopped washing my hair. I got really into the character. I went down and collected my wardrobe from dumpsters. Just trying to get a real sense

for that. It’s million dollar condos and absolute poverty right in the same area. That’s a really interesting place to set any story.”

of what it’s like to be down there.”

Such extensive research also assured him that Gastown’s cobblestone streets were the ideal stage for his drama. “The focus of the movie is these people colliding and being forced to have a relationship.” He opines, “Gastown is a perfect place

Hit ‘n Strum screens on Saturday, December 1. Full details at WhistlerFilmFestival.com.

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25

Hitchcock pokes but doesn’t stab HITCHCOCK

Starring Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren Directed by Sacha Gervasi When presented with subjects as delusional as Anvil, the wannabe Toronto rock gods, director Sacha Gervasi indulged their inherent ridiculousness, fashioned the deliriously entertaining documentary Anvil! The Story of Anvil, and inadvertently granted them a semblance of the fame they’d always desired. Now transitioning back to narrative filmmaking, Gervasi inexplicably retains an irreverent approach to this supposed “behind the (shower) scenes” look at the making of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. As a result, a filmmaking icon is transformed into fodder for disposable entertainment that verges on utter rubbish.

The warning flags go up immediately as we watch serial killer Ed Gein (Michael Wincott) carrying out his grisly practices in a manner intended to

be darkly comic but proving clumsy instead. If only this was the last we saw of the infamous madman.

Alas, as soon as Hitchcock (Anthony Hopkins) announces that Psycho — inspired by Gein’s exploits — will be his next film, the murderer begins popping up in his dreams for tête-à-têtes.

These absolutely ridiculous fantasy sequences prove indicative of a film that plays loose with recorded facts (particularly if such pesky details might impede an easy laugh). Similarly, Hopkins — slathered in latex in order to emulate the filmmaker’s “corpulence” — is similarly content to offer us a broad caricature of Hitchcock. This is only exasperated by the fact that Gervasi apparently believes that the best way of extolling the virtues of Alma Reville (Helen Mirren) — Hitchcock’s better half and unsung collaborator – is to depict her husband as a borderline buffoon.

Unfortunately, it seems it was far easier to poke a little fun rather than taking a genuine stab at dissecting Hitch. — Curtis Woloschuk

How Wall Street affected the mean streets KILLING THEM SOFTLY

Starring Brad Pitt, Scoot McNairy Directed by Andrew Dominik Given that the only previous adaptation of a George V. Higgins novel was the revered 1973 crime drama The Friends of Eddie Coyle, it’s surprising that it’s taken almost 30 years for another filmmaker to mine Higgins’ back catalogue. Brilliantly transferring Cogan’s Trade from ‘70s-era Boston to post-Katrina New Orleans, writer-director Andrew Dominik illustrates how 2008’s financial crisis affected Wall Street and the mean streets in equal measure.

The first denizens of the storm-ravaged city we’re introduced to are low-rent thugs Frankie (Scoot McNairy) and Russell (Ben Mendelsohn). Cajoled into knocking over a card game run by a hard-luck mook (Ray Liotta) and teeming with mobsters, they marvel that no one else had the brainwave.

(Dominik’s script is armed to the teeth with such instances of dark humour.) With the black market economy grinding to a halt, the unseen powersthat-be recognize that “unprecedented and aggressive measures” are required to get people back gambling. Cue the summoning of Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt) to set things straight.

Helming just his third feature in 12 years, Dominik continues to astutely navigate the complex relationships shared by men of violence.

There isn’t so much honour amongst his thieves and assassins as there is a strict code of conduct.

And while Cogan may feel sympathy for both his kindred and quarry, he has no qualms about taking care of business. Rather audaciously, Dominik submits that this isn’t just the callous state of the underworld but also of the nation as a whole. It may be a simplistic and cynical worldview but it’s not necessarily that wide of the mark. — C.W.

Movie Reviews

Jude Law stars as Alexei and Keira Knightley as Anna in Joe Wright’s Anna Karenina. Laurie Sparham photo

Anna Karenina pure movie magic Anna Karenina

and what sets the filmmaker’s vision apart from other movies in the genre. Backed by the glorious cinematography of Seamus McGarvey, Wright opts for a reimagining that resembles an actual stage play — shifting backdrops cleverly transition various scenes, costume changes often appear on camera and much of the film’s rousing score is provided by live music recorded on the intricate sets. The results, though some will find contrived, are nothing Thor short of pure cinema Diakow magic.

Eventually, the film suffers from a bit of ‘style over substance’ and even Tom Stoppard’s witty screenplay can’t help the piece from getting a bit bogged down.

Despite some flaws Anna Karenina is immensely enjoyable, not only for its vivid imagery but for the fact Joe Wright took such a bold and ambitious approach to what could have otherwise been another overlong costume drama.

Directed by Joe Wright Starring Keira Knightley, Jude Law

As period pieces go, Joe Wright’s Anna Karenina is a bold and unconventional take on Tolstoy’s classic that’s sure to sharply divide audiences.

In the director’s third teaming with Keira Knightley (Pride and Prejudice, Atonement), his leading lady stars in the title role as an aristocrat who engages in a sordid affair with the affluent Count Vronsky (Aaron Johnson), thereby throwing her marriage to Aleksei Karenin (Jude Law) into disarray.

The cast is exceptional, with stellar work from Knightley and Law plus solid support from a scene-stealing Matthew McFadyen and Domhnall Gleeson, who surprisingly gives the film much of its emotional depth.

The execution, however, is what everyone will be talking about

“

THE BEST LOVE STORY SEEN ON FILM IN YEARS!

A spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.”

LET ANNA KARENINA WORK ITS MARVELOUS SPELL!

“

Keira Knightley is glorious.”

★★★★ ! INTOXICATING! Anna Karenina sings, dances and soars.

“

”

K E I R A

K N I G H T L E Y

J U D E

L A W

VIOLENCE, SEXUALLY SUGGESTIVE SCENES

A BOLD NEW VISION OF THE EPIC STORY OF LOVE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ‘PRIDE & PREJUDICE’ AND ‘ATONEMENT’ facebook.com/alliancefilms

annakareninathemovie.com

youtube.com/alliancefilms

9:40 plus Sat & Sun 1:15 starts fri. Nov. 30 4:00, 7:00, www.festivalcinemas.ca FACEBOOK.COM/ALLIANCEFILMS

26

November 29 – December 5, 2012

festival cinemas

ridge theatre 3131 arbutus street • 604-738-6311

YOUTUBE.COM/ALLIANCEFILMS

NEWSPAPERS: FOR LEONARD SIZE: 4.33” x 5”

WEVancouver.com FILE NAME:

Free Will Astrology

By Rob Brezsny • Week of November 29 ARIES (March 21-April 19): “They are trying to make me into a fixed star,” complained religious leader Martin Luther a few centuries ago. “I am an irregular planet.” I invite you to use that declaration as your own in the coming weeks. You have every right to avoid being pinned down, pigeonholed, and forced to be consistent. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you need abundant freedom to mutate your identity. You deserve a poetic license that allows you to play a variety of different roles and explore the pleasures of unpredictable selfexpression.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “The Star-Spangled Banner” is America’s national anthem. It features the lyrics of a patriotic poem written by Francis Scott Key. But the melody itself is entirely lifted from a bawdy old song that celebrates Bacchus, the ancient god of wine and ecstatic dancing. I love it when things are repurposed as dramatically as that. Do you? The coming weeks will be prime time to repurpose stuff with creative abandon. Make the past useful for the future, Taurus. Turn good old ideas into fantastic new ones. Don’t just recycle; transform.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I’m guessing that in the coming weeks you will be receiving a multitude of inquiries, invitations, and temptations -- probably more than you feel capable of responding to, and certainly more than you should respond to. A few of these opportunities might be appealing and lead to interesting adventures.

But some will be useless, diversionary, or trivial. Will you be able to tell the difference? That’s your big challenge. If you’d like help dodging unwanted solicitations, give out this phone number as your own: 212.479.7990. It’s a free service provided by “The Rejection Line” at Rejectionline. com. People calling that number will be politely told you aren’t available.

Staten Island, one of New York City’s five boroughs. Most of them make a sound that resembles a long snore or a rapid chuckle. But over the years, biologists have also detected a third type of frogly expression: a clipped, repetitive croak. Just this year, they finally figured out that this belonged to an entirely distinct species of leopard frog that they had never before identified. It’s still so new it doesn’t have a name yet. I expect a metaphorically similar development in your life, Libra. You will become aware of a secret that has been hiding in plain sight.

You will “find” something that actually revealed itself to you some time ago.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Tom Tolbert is a sports talk show host on San Francisco radio station KNBR. I am amazingly neutral about him. Nothing he says fascinates me or mirrors my own thoughts. On the other hand, he never makes me mad and he’s not boring. I neither like him nor dislike him. I simply see him for who he is, without any regard for what he can do for me. He has become a symbol of the possibility that I’m able to look at a human being with complete impartiality, having no wish for him to be different from what he is. In the coming week, I suggest you try to achieve this enlightened state of mind on a regular basis.

It’s prime time, astrologically speaking, to ripen your mastery of the art of objectivity.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): If you say “rabbit rabbit rabbit” as soon as you wake up on the first day of the month, you will have good luck for the next 30 to 31 days. At least that’s how reality works according to a British superstition. But judging from your astrological omens, I don’t think you will have to resort to magic tricks like that to stimulate your good fortune.

In the next four weeks, I suspect you will be the beneficiary of a flood of cosmic mojo, as well as a surge of divine woowoo, a shower of astral juju, and an upwelling of universal googoo gaga. If it would give you even more confidence to invoke your favorite superstitions, though, go right ahead. Even scientists say that kind of thing works: tinyurl.com/SuperstitiousBoost.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): According to Greek myth, Perseus cut off the head of Medusa. She was the creature whose hair was composed of snakes and whose gaze could turn a person into stone. The immortal winged horse Pegasus was instantaneously born from Medusa’s blood. He ultimately became an ally to the nine Muses, and Zeus relied on him to carry thunder and lightning. I predict that while you’re sleeping, Capricorn, you will have a dream that contains elements of this myth.

Here’s a preliminary interpretation of that dream: You are undergoing a transition that could in a sense give you the power of flight

and a more abundant access to a muse.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): It’s time for you to be leader of the pack, Aquarius; to take your gang to the next level; to make sure the group mind isn’t suppressing innovation and enforcing peer pressure but is rather inspiring every member of the tribe to be as creative as they dare to be. And if it’s not realistic for you to wield that much power, then do whatever you can to synergize the alliances that hold your posse together. Build team morale. Gossip constructively. Conspire to animate an influx of fresh magic.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): If you’re a food company that wants to sell chicken in the shape of a chicken wing, it must have actual chicken wing meat in it. Otherwise, the law says you’ve got to call your product “wyngz.”

I’ve always thought that there’s a lot of information the media presents as “news” that is really as fake as wyngz. That’s why I advocate calling the bogus stuff “newzak” (rhymes with “muzak”). Your assignment in the coming weeks, Pisces, is to make sure you’re not putting out any wyngz- or newzak-like stuff in your own chosen field. The fates will help you rather dramatically if you put a high premium on authenticity.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): For millennia, the plant known as the yellow avalanche lily has thrived on mountain slopes and meadows throughout western North America.

It blooms early in the spring, just in time for broad-tailed hummingbirds that migrate from Central America to sip the flower’s nectar. But now there’s a problem with that ancient arrangement. Due to global warming, the lily now blossoms 17 days earlier than it used to. But the hummingbirds haven’t made an adjustment in their schedule, so they’re barely showing up in time to get their full allotment of nectar. I suspect this is a metaphor for a shift you may be facing in your own life rhythm. Fortunately, you’ve been forewarned, and you can adjust better than the hummingbirds.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In our calendar, there is no special holiday devoted to honoring the joy and power of rebellion. This oversight confounds me. All my experience tells me that the urge to revolt is a fundamental human need. Every one of us has a sacred duty to regularly rise up and overthrow a stale status quo that is oppressing us -- whether that’s an organized group effort we’re part of or our own deadening routine. I’m telling you this, Leo, because it’s an excellent time to celebrate your own Rebellion Jubilee. Your vitality will soar as you shed numbing habits and decaying traditions.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Recently you’ve had resemblances to an eight-year-old kid wearing the pajamas you loved when you were five. Your bare arms are jutting out beyond where the sleeves end, and there’s a similar thing going on with your legs. The fabric is ripped here and there because it can’t accommodate how much you’ve grown. You’re feeling discomfort in places where the overly tight fit is squeezing your flesh. All of this is somewhat cute but mostly alarming. I wish you would wean yourself of the past and update your approach.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A lot of leopard frogs live on

WEVancouver.com

November 29 – December 5, 2012

27

out after dark OUT AFTER DARK is a weekly feature highlighting social and cultural events around Vancouver. Got an upcoming event? E-mail us at outafterdark@WEVancouver.com. On Twitter: #OADVan

with

MAY GLOBUS

2

1

1 Designers Brockton Lane, Paul Reyes, Mira Campbell (left to right) celebrated all things sartorial at the Blanche Macdonald’s Annual Fashion Design Show Nov. 21. 2 Feedback Management’s Sean Miller and Wings & Horns’ Davidson Manaloto looked sharp in beanies and brights at the Blanche Macdonald’s Annual Fashion Design Show. 3 Solo Lisa blogger Lisa Wong checked out the new Butter nail colours on Nov. 21 at the annual BeautyMark holiday party. 4 BeautyMark co-owners Kendra Lovick and Tayler Rogers happily greet guests at the holiday party, held at

3

4 the two-storey Yaletown boutique. 5 Clara Kan and Holt Renfrew’s Farhad Younus at the cocktail party hosted by BMW Canada at the downtown store on Nov. 26. 6 Co-hosts Jillian Harris and Todd Talbot celebrated the launch of the Vancouver version of Love It or List It at Stanley Park’s Teahouse Nov. 26. It premieres Jan. 7.

5

6

In support of Music BC Charitable Foundation’s music education programs

THE VOGUE THEATRE 918 Granville St. Friday December 7th 2012 Doors 7:00 PM Show 7:30 PM

Featuring 102.7 The PEAK FM host Tamara Stanners, the Rainbow Creek Dancers, special honouring ceremony from Chief Ian Campbell and select student performers from Music BC Charitable Foundation programs Tickets available at the Vogue box office or online at www.northerntickets.com Concert Info-line 604-873-1198

www.musicbcfoundation.org

Inspiring and empowering BC youth through access to music & music education

28

November 29 – December 5, 2012

WEVancouver.com

WE Vancouver Thursday, November 29, 2012

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 21 COMING EVENTS 7

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30 WEVancouver.com EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 114

DRIVERS/COURIER/ TRUCKING

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EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 160

TRADES, TECHNICAL

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134

HOTEL, RESTAURANT, FOOD SERVICES PASTRY BAKER BEST FALAFEL INC 2013 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5N 4B1

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You should have a diploma/degree in journalism, and/ or related experience. Knowledge of basic Photoshop, iMovie and InDesign is a must.

You’re a critical thinker, with keen attention to detail, and the ability to work well under deadline pressures.

The Abbotsford News is part of Black Press, Canada’s largest private, independent newspaper company, with more than 150 community, daily and urban newspapers in B.C., Alberta, Washington State, Ohio and Hawaii.

Those interested should submit a resume, writing and photography samples, and a cover letter to: Andrew Holota, Editor The Abbotsford News 34375 Gladys Avenue, Abbotsford, B.C. V2S2H5 e-mail: aholota@blackpress.ca Deadline for applications: November 30, 2012 We thank everyone who is interested in this position, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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Call: 604-882-9122 Fax: 604-882-9124 HEAVY DUTY Mechanic (Fraser Valley).

We are a well established medium size contractor serving the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley area since 1969. We are recruiting a Heavy Duty Mechanic stationed at our Abbotsford shop. You will be responsible to service, maintain and repair our fleet of mobile paving and grading equipment in addition to undertaking basic welding and fabricating duties to upkeep equipment.

Must have a good understanding of hydraulic and electrical systems and have a keen eye for preventative maintenance practice. You must have a valid class 5 BC driver’s license and a safe driver’s abstract in order to drive our service truck to respond to field service requests. A min 3yr experience is needed along with Interprovincial Heavy Duty Mechanic Certificate and you must possess an ability to work in a team environment and at times with limited supervision. This is a unionized position paying very competitive wages and an extensive benefits package for the right candidate. Respond by email to: nickjs@telus.net JOURNEYMAN AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE TECHNICIAN. Hanna Chrysler Ltd. (Hanna, Alberta) needs a few more good people.

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182

FINANCIAL SERVICES

DROWNING IN DEBTS? Helping Canadians 25 years. Lower payments by 30%, or cut debts 70% thru Settlements. AVOID BANKRUPTCY! Free consultation. www.mydebtsolution.com or Toll Free 1 877-556-3500 GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com IF YOU own a home or real estate, ALPINE CREDITS can lend you money: It’s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is NOT an issue.

1-800-587-2161.

MONEYPROVIDER.COM. $500 Loan and +. No Credit Refused.

Fast, Easy, 100% Secure. 1-877776-1660.

Need CA$H Today?

Own A Vehicle?

Borrow Up To $25,000

No Credit Checks!

Cash same day, local office.

www.PitStopLoans.com 604-777-5046 NEED MONEY? No credit checks!

No upfront fees! Immediate response! Electronic deposits and payments!

1 (866) 499-5629 WWW.MYNEXTPAY.COM

188

LEGAL SERVICES

CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certification, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES 236

www.blackpress.ca > www.abbynews.com

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

C & C Electrical Mechanical

SABAI THAI SPA, W. Van requires 1 Asst. Spa Manager Bachelor Degree or Exp. $2200/mo Email: sabaispavan@gmail.com

WANTED IN NORTHERN ALBERTA-Log truck drivers with off-road experience.

Immediate openings,Good wages, accommodation supplied, forward resumes: johnwb@telusplanet.net

HELP WANTED Join our Promo Team!

940 ADULT PHONE SERVICE

HELP WANTED

Make it yours.

Call 604-708-2628 caregiving@plea.bc.ca www.plea.bc.ca

$500 HIRING BONUS!!

940 ADULT PHONE SERVICE

130

An Alberta Construction Company is hiring Dozer and Excavator Operators.

Preference will be given to operators that are experienced in oilfield road and lease construction. Lodging and meals provided. The work is in the vicinity of Edson, Alberta. Alcohol & Drug testing required. Call Contour Construction at 780-723-5051.

DRIVER (CLASS 5)

Expanded Lifestyle Options!

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

CLEANING SERVICES

GOAL CLEANING TEAM Lic/Bonded/Insured, Res/Comm Provides Janitorial Services $20/hr Call 778-928-4647 or 778-840-6919

FLOOR REFINISHING/ INSTALLATIONS

HARDWOOD FLOOR REFINISHING ✶ Repairs & Staining ✶ Installation ✶ Free Estimates

Century Hardwood Floors 604-376-7224 www.centuryhardwood .com

281

GARDENING

STAND-UP GARDEN SERVICE ATTENTION: APT MANAGER’S YOUR HEDGE & SHRUB PRUNING EXPERTS In Business 15 Yrs. Fully Insured

Joe (604)803-7324 WEED FREE Mushroom Manure 13 yards - $180 or Well Rotted 10 yds - $200. 604-856-8877

283 GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

ALWAYS GUTTER Cleaning Service, Repairs, 20 yrs exp. Rain or shine.7dys/wk.Simon 604-230-0627

287

HOME IMPROVEMENTS Always Done Right With Integrity.

Complete Dry-wall & Renovation services. Textured ceiling specialist.

Phone Steve (604)613-4861

HOOT & OWL CUSTOM TILE WORK or BATHROOMS CUSTOM CARPENTRY

Reno’s/Additions/Kitchens Drywall work/rubbish removal

Email: hoot&owl@telus.net

Gary 604-339-5430 320

MOVING & STORAGE

1PRO MOVING & SHIPPING. Real Professionals, Reasonable.

Rates. Different From the Rest.

604-721-4555.

2guyswithatruck.ca Moving & Storage Visa OK. 604-628-7136

ABBA MOVERS & DEL Res/comm 1-4 ton truck, 1 man $35/hr, 2 men from $45. Honest, bsmt clean up.

25yrs Exp. 24hrs/7days 604-506-7576

AFFORDABLE MOVING Local & Long Distance

$45/Hr

From 1, 3, 5, 7 & 10 Ton Trucks Licenced ~ Reliable ~ 1 to 3 Men Free Estimate/Senior Discount Residential~Commercial~Pianos

604-537-4140

WE Vancouver Thursday, November 29, 2012 HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES 320

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

MOVING & STORAGE

338

PLUMBING

SPARTAN Moving Ltd. Fast & Reliable. Insured Competitive rates. Wknd Specials.

Call Frank: (604) 435-8240

WEVancouver.com 31 HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES 356

PETS

RUBBISH REMOVAL

477

Haul Anything...

But Dead Bodies!!

604.

Northstar Painting Ltd.- The Residential Specialists. BIG jobs, Small jobs - We do it all! Interior and Exterior Projects. Master Painters at Students Rates. WCB Safe, Reliable, Efficient & Quality Paint. 778.245.9069

220.JUNK(5865)

Serving The Lower Mainland Since 1988

RECYCLE-IT! JUNK REMOVAL Recycled Earth Friendly • Estate Services • Electronics • Appliances • Old Furniture • Construction • Yard Waste • Concrete • Drywall • Junk • Rubbish • Mattresses & More!

www.paintspecial.com 604.339.1989 Lower Mainland 604.996.8128 Fraser Valley Running this ad for 8yrs

PAINT SPECIAL 3 rooms for $299, 2 coats any colour (Ceiling & Trim extra) Price incls Cloverdale Premium quality paint.

NO PAYMENT until Job is completed. Ask us about our Laminate Flooring & Maid Services.

$38/HOUR PLUMBING, HEATING plugged drains. Big & small jobs.

Local & licensed cell (778)549-2234 10% OFF if you Mention this AD! *Plumbing *Heating *Reno’s *More Lic.gas fitter. Aman: 778-895-2005

551

GARAGE SALES

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS

Re: The estate of JOHN MATTHEW PETRUCCI, also known as JOHN MATTHEWS PETRUCCI, JOHN M. PETRUCCI, and JOHN PETRUCCI, deceased, formerly of #202-2121 West 6th Avenue, in the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia V6K 1V5.

Resort Spa Restaurant Golf Marina

www.MarinSemiahmoo.com

627

Creditors and others having claims against the estate of JOHN MATTHEW PETRUCCI, also known as JOHN MATTHEWS PETRUCCI, JOHN M. PETRUCCI, and JOHN PETRUCCI are hereby notified under section 38 of the Trustee Act that particulars of their claims should be sent to the executrix, LONI MARIE LIVINGSTONE c/o Wilson Rasmussen LLP, at #300-15127 100th Avenue, Surrey, British Columbia, on or before December 28,2012, after which date the executrix will distribute the estate among the parties entitled to it, having regard to the claims of which the executrix then has notice.

HOMES WANTED

WE BUY HOUSES! Older House • Damaged House Moving • Estate Sale • Just Want Out • Behind on Payments Quick Cash! • Flexible Terms!

CALL US FIRST! 604-657-9422

Auto Financing 1.800.910.6402

RENTALS 700

RENT TO OWN

STOP RENTING RENT TO OWN No QualiďŹ cation Required, Flexible Terms! Cloverdale – 60th Ave &176th St. Spacious 742 sf.

1 Bdrm. Condo. Only $880/mo.

Option Fee Required 604-657-9422

Canuck Roofing All Roof Repairs Any job big or small. Free Est. *WCB *Insured *BBB 778-772-1969

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE 548

• Tree & Stump Removal • CertiďŹ ed Arborists • 20 yrs exp. • 60’ Bucket Truck • Crown Reduction • Spiral Pruning • Land Clearing • Selective Logging ~ Fully Insured • Best Rates ~

PLUMBING

AUTO FINANCING

2 Bdrm. & 2 Bath

1-888-996-2746 x5470

NEED A GOOD HOME for a good dog or a good dog for a good home? We adopt dogs! Call 604856-3647 or www.856-dogs.com

810

LUXURY OCEAN FRONT CONDOS!

GOLDEN RETRIEVER X COLLIE (Lassie) pups. You can’t find a better combo of smart and loyal dogs.

Born Oct 13, ready Dec 8. Both parents on site. Raised in home with kids, cats & other dogs. Dad 75lbs (Golden) is OFA hip cert. free of hip displasia & eye cert. mom also (rare blue headed white Collie, 48lbs).

Both parents 4H (obedience, showmanship & agility) dogs. 5 Males (3 are blue merle) & 3 females (black). $500. Mission, 604-820-4827

MINI SCHNAUZER pups. 1st shots, dewormed, tails docked, vet ✓ $650/ea. Call 604-657-2915.

TREE SERVICES

APARTMENT/CONDOS

Was $850k ~ Now $399,900

604.587.5865 374

TRANSPORTATION

GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES P.B. $1200: Born Sept. 29th.

2 Male, 1 Female. (778)863-6332

MALTESE 1 M, 1F Born Sept 3rd 1st shots, vet ✔, health guarnt’ view mother. $650 1(604)355-0452

Tree removal done RIGHT!

338

609

On Time, As Promised, Service Guaranteed! www.recycleitcanada.ca

353 ROOFING & SKYLIGHTS

PETS

EASY XMAS SHOPPING FOR PETS! No line ups - No cold weather. Deals to Bark about!! Receive 10% off with coupon code: Clubpet10 www.petland.ca 1-855-8390555

bradsjunkremoval.com

329 PAINTING & DECORATING

REAL ESTATE

604-787-5915, 604-291-7778 www.treeworksonline.ca treeworkes@yahoo.ca 10% OFF with this AD

*NEW QUEEN MATTRESS SET* Pillow Top in Plastic. Mfr. Warranty Must Sell $200 ~ 604-484-0379

551

GARAGE SALES

560

PETS

All kinds of re-roofing & repairs.

Free est. Reasonable rates.

(604)961-7505, 278-0375

GL ROOFING. Cedar shakes, Asphalt Shingles, Flat roofs, WCB Clean Gutters. $80. 604-240-5362

MATTRESSES starting at $99 • Twins • Fulls • Queens • Kings 100’s in stock! www.Direct Liquidation.ca (604)294-2331

FIVE STAR ROOFING 477

3/4 LAB 1/4 Golden Retriever puppies. 4 males 1 female, born Sept.

8. $300. 604-864-9874 Mission CATS GALORE, TLC has for adoption spayed & neutered adult cats. 604-309-5388 / 604-856-4866

ChillSpot is The COOLEST Dog Bed-A new and innovative, thermodynamically cooled dog bed, that enhances the cool tile surfaces our pets rely on during the warm weather months. www.chillspot.biz

CATS OF ALL DESCRIPTION in need of caring homes! All cats are Spayed, neutered, vaccinated and dewormed. Visit us at fraservalleyhumanesociety.com or call 1 (604)820-2977

HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?

CHIHUAHUA, SMALL male, 4 years old, sweet boy, $500. Call 604-794-7347

STEEL BUILDINGS/METAL BUILDINGS 60% OFF! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed!

Call 1-800-457-2206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

European German Shepherd pups, 9 weeks, nice, classic colors. Lrg dogs CKC + all shots $1000/ea & up. 2 F. 604-538-4883

706

Claims Landlords Contractual Lien against the following persons goods in storage at:

APARTMENT/CONDO

1070 SE. Marine Drive, Vancouver , B.C. 604.325.6526

0229 Laurent Lussier 616 Nodales Drive, Campbell River

MISC. FOR SALE

BIG BUILDING SALE...�THIS IS A CLEARANCE YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS!� 20X20 $3,985. 25X24 $4,595. 30X36 $6,859. 35X48 $11,200. 40X52 $13,100. 47X76 $18,265 One End wall included.

Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422. www.pioneersteel.ca.

PETS

U-Haul Moving Center Vancouver

FURNITURE

0550 Jodi F. Fingarsen #106 - 1428 Parkway Blvd., Coquitlam 0583 N. Constantinescu #119 - 210 Abbott Street, Vancouver

733 MOBILE HOMES & PADS 821 CARS - SPORTS & IMPORTS

2BRM 2Bth. 55plus Mobile Home for rent. Must pass strata interview.

Small dog ok, sorry no cats. Renter responsible for all utilities. Long term tenant preferred. Lots of storage room, clean quiet. View @11915875 20th Ave. Reply to fastgary56@ymail.com if interested. $1100/mo. plus damage deposit.

750

SUITES, LOWER

E. VAN. 1 blk fr Nanaimo Skytrain Brnd new 1 bdrm suite. Inste lndry.

Lg patio. $1000/m. 604-603-7180

0990 Christian J. Roux 2616 19th Avenue East, Vancouver

RECREATIONAL/SALE

838

1996 22’ SLUMBER QUEEN 5th wheel. Interior like new, has to be seen to appreciate. New stereo, back up camera, new HD antenna, m/w, a/c. Includes hitch. $6,500.

604-625-7761 Aldergrove.

TRANSPORTATION 810

0735 Ritchie Orbegoso 8630 Shaughnessy Street, Vancouver

2004 JAGUAR X-Type AWD, no accid, maint, 121K, loaded, silver w/black leather. Reduced for quick sale $8200. 604-599-4498

845

SCRAP CAR REMOVAL

AAA SCRAP CAR REMOVAL Minimum $150 cash for full size vehicles, any cond. 604-518-3673

AUTO FINANCING

TOP CA$H PAID TODAY For SCRAP VEHICLES!

1384 Joel A. Hartmann #2 - 7737 Main Street, Vancouver 2032 Brody Dielessen #405 - 75 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver AA5187A Cleopatra Lanyero 7529 Oak Street, Vancouver

2 hr. Service www.a1casper.com (604)209-2026

A sale will take place at the storage location on Friday, December 14, 2012. Viewing 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Sealed bids will be opened at 12:30 p.m. Room contents are personal / household goods unless noted otherwise. Bids will be for entire contents of each locker unit.

The Scrapper

DreamTeam Auto Financing “0� Down, Bankruptcy OK Cash Back ! 15 min Approvals

1-800-961-7022

www.iDreamAuto.com DL# 7557

more valuable websites‌

Save time, save money.

VANCOUVER’S LARGEST INDIAN BUFFET

FALL MAINTENANCE PACKAGE 1. OIL, LUBE & FILTER: Change the oil, install a new oil filter and lubricate the chassis 2. BRAKES: check front & rear brake systems 3. FRONT END: check shock absorbers, struts, & steering components 4. EXHAUST SYSTEM: visual inspection of catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes, manifold & gaskets 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: check battery, lights, horn & wipers 6. TIRES: rotate all tires, check tread depth, & adjust tire pressure 7. COOLING SYSTEM: check for leaks, check hoses, clamps, waterpump, & radiator 8. BELTS: check all belts & hoses 9. FLUID LEVELS: check all fluid levels

KITSILANO LOCATION: 1390 W. 4th Ave. 604-738-5590 Open Sunday

K YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTIES BOO

!

NOW

Bring a guest and their buffet is

50% OFF

*

All this for

36

$

NEW A LA CARTE DINNER MENU! WEDNESDAY SPECIAL

88

*Plus ENV. Fees and taxes - with up to 5L of Oil. Synthetic Oil Extra. Coupon expires December 31, 2012.

Offer may not be combined with other coupons or promotions.

Coupon must be presented for discount. Surcharge may apply.

YALETOWN LOCATION: 710 Pacific St. 604-688-9309

20

% anytime with coupon off

*Buffet only. Offer excludes alcohol.

Expires December 31, 2012.

ALL YOU CAN EAT

Lunch Buffet: MON-FRI $12.95 / SAT & SUN $14.95 Incl. Chai, Coffee and Juice 11:30-4

805 W. Broadway

Dinner Buffet: MON-THURS t FRI-SUN $16.95, 4–10 PM

604.874.5800

40 items to choose from!

Room for Groups up to 70 people

Expires Dec. 31, 2012

Draft Beer Pints $3.95 – Pitchers $12.95

WEEKLY SPECIALS 100% BC Owned and Operated Prices Effective Thursday, November 29 to Wednesday, December 5, 2012.

We reserve the right to limit quantities. We reserve the right to correct printing errors.

Grocery Department

Meat Department Hot-Kid Rice Crisps

Uncle Luke's Organic Maple Syrup

assorted varieties

assorted varieties

19.99

1L

3/4.98

Green & Black’s Organic Chocolate Bars

Silver Hills Bread

2/6.00

Simply Pure 100% Natural Almond Butter

assorted varieties

WOW!

5.99

WOW!

PRICING

Boneless Rib End Pork Roasts

1.98

2.49lb/ 5.49kg

Mexico Grown

WOW!

PRICING

Deli Department

reg 3.59

WOW!

PRICING

220g • product of USA

1.58lb/ 3.48kg

Blodynamic Organic Jonagold Apples from JMJ Rothe Orchard in Oliver

Choices’ Own 8” Tourtiere’s

2/4.00

PRICING

each

Red Tomatoes On The Vine

100g • product of E.U.

Kettle Brand Potato Chips

500g product of Canada

PRICING

2/5.00

430-615g product of Canada

Mexico Grown

4.99lb/ 11.00kg

WOW!

assorted varieties

assorted varieties

Organic Whole Cantaloupe from Rico Farms

value pack

100g • product of China

product of Canada

Produce Department

Extra Lean Ground Turkey

B.C. Grown

10.99

WOW!

PRICING

reg 14.99

.98lb/ 2.16kg product of Canada

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Beverages assorted varieties

3/4.98

946ml • product of USA

assorted varieties

2/7.00

650-750g

assorted varieties

reg 11.99

946ml • +deposit +eco fee product of Canada

assorted varieties

3/7.98

made with organic corn, assorted varieties

454g

product of Canada

1.00/100g off regular

100% Wholewheat Organic Bread

3.79

Balderson Aged Cheddar Cheese assorted varieties

from 9.99

500g

product of Canada

Imagine Foods Organic Broths assorted varieties

product of USA

Health Care Department

WOW!

PRICING reg 9.99

500g

2/6.00

7.49

454g

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is naturally present in small amounts in various fruits and vegetables. NOW Xylitol is derived from non-GMO corn and resembles sugar in consistency and taste.

ShiKai Ultra Shower Gel

8.49

Chocolate Chip or Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

5.99

Zevia All-Natural Sodas 355ml • +deposit +eco fee

20% off regular retail price NOW Xylitol

Bakery Department

453-454g • product of Italy

assorted varieties

6/3.96

Organic Cranberries

bags or bins

retail price

2/3.00

6.99

Earth's Choice Tortilla Chips

Bulk Department

assorted varieties

9 or 12 pack product of Canada

from 2/6.00

assorted varieties

Pastifico Di Martino Semolina Pasta

Cascades Bathroom Tissue

WOW!

2/6.00

739ml • product of USA

product of Canada

Artisanal Quebec Cheese

assorted varieties

Simply Natural Organic Pasta Sauce

Liberté Organic Yogurt

PRICING

Happy Planet Fresh Fruit Smoothies

package of 12

Rice Bakery

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Skin Care

Christmas Cookies Rice Shortbread 150g or Peppermint Candy Cane non-dairy, package of 6

1.00 off

regular retail price

1L • product of USA

355ml

ShiKai Lotions and Shower Gels are so luxurious and moisturizing your skin will feel and look fantastic!

from 8.49

Alba Botanica makes natural 100% vegetarian personal care products.

This means no parabens, sulphates or phthalates are used.

WOW!

Choices Kitsilano Location 22nd Anniversary, 2627 W. 16th Ave, Vancouver.

PRICING

Look for our

Join us in celebrating our 22nd Anniversary. Stop by on Saturday, December 1st from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. We will be hosting a donation barbecue, serving fresh brownies and coffee and offering many in-store specials.

WOW! PRICING

2011, 2012 Awards.

Your Loyalty has helped Choices achieve these awards. Thank you!

www.choicesmarkets.com Kitsilano

Cambie

Kerrisdale

Yaletown

Rice Bakery

South Surrey

2627 W. 16th Ave. Vancouver 604.736.0009

3493 Cambie St. Vancouver 604.875.0099

1888 W. 57th Ave. Vancouver 604.263.4600

1202 Richards St. Vancouver 604.633.2392

2595 W. 16th Ave. Vancouver 604.736.0301

3248 King George Blvd.

South Surrey 604.541.3902

Choices at the Crest 8683 10th Ave. Burnaby 604.522.0936

Kelowna 1937 Harvey Ave. Kelowna 250.862.4864