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Let’s Get Naked
An exclusive interview with Canadian singer/songwriter
Bif Naked
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Page Six Truth Be Told
There is a dangerous and pervasive movement afoot that scares me more than war, hunger, poverty and disease combined. It’s a complex fight for freedom that can be summed up in one word - TRUTH. Closely related to its cousin’ free speech’, the two are nonetheless very different. Still, governments are throwing them together along with terms like ‘disinformation’ and ‘fake news’, culminating in a treacherous presumption that people are no longer smart enough to think for themselves. And where we stand, in terms of our rights to know the truth, or to speak our minds, is under attack. Social media wants to censor it. News and media outlets want to manipulate it. And now, governments around the world want to police it. It’s not just Russia and China anymore. Even in Canada and the US, new laws are currently being introduced, the likes of which I thought I would never see. Some see it as protection. But ask yourself this - what will you do when the tables turn? What happens when it falls into the ‘other’ guy’s hands? It is, without a doubt, one of the biggest threats to our society we have ever seen. It is an Orwellian concept they taught us about in school when reading the book “1984” (by George Orwell). Now it’s starting to come to life, complete with the Thought Police and a Ministry of Truth. Big Brother is reading our mail, censoring our words and telling us what we are allowed, and not allowed, to think. By definition, ‘truth’ means “accurate or exact; in accordance with fact or reality”. We’re brought up to always tell the truth. ‘The truth will set you free’, they say. Yet here I was, censored on Facebook for talking about a family member who suffered a collapsed lung. According to the doctors, she got it from her second AstraZeneca shot. Was the doctor lying? Was I not telling the truth? Were my words dangerous? Why was this fact being called out as ‘fake’? Who made this decision? Facts are facts, correct? The problem is, sometimes they are lies disguised as facts coming from a group of trolls and troublemakers. We also take facts out of context a lot of the time. So what happens when things are ‘sort-of’ true? What happens when science evolves (or devolves)? What happens when the thinking changes? Just look at slavery, women’s rights or LGBTQ+ matters, for example. Then there’s climate change, Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine. Truth, as they say, is the first casualty here. “Is that true?” I’ve always liked that question. I asked it a lot when I was a child. I asked it when my friend’s dad told us ghost stories at sleepovers or kids on the playground said that Bubble Yum bubble gum contained spider eggs. Once I grew up, I realized they were just stories. Yet, for a while, I believed both. “I didn’t know that was true!” I said that a lot when I was a nursing student at university studying medical science (yes, I went to nursing school). We were taught things like cow’s milk was the most complete natural food on the planet and that people with AIDS shouldn’t be touched because they were infectious. Turns out that wasn’t necessarily true. The thinking changed. Science evolved.
As a news and media person, I’ve now settled on a better phrase: “Tell me why that’s true.” This works because I get to question what I’m being told, AND I get to listen to reasons and opinions with which I may, or may not, agree. I find the debate necessary and not offensive at all. But today, the go-to strategy is to slap on a label (e.g. homophobe, misogynist, xenophobe, extremist) and start screaming for ‘social justice’ and ‘hate laws’. Silence anyone who disagrees with you. Truth be told, activists use this. The media thrives on it. Hollywood loves it. Stoking. Invoking. Demonizing. Traumatizing. Justifying. Gratifying. Permissive. Divisive. Socrates asserted that you should question everything (the Socratic method). Descartes believed that to sort out true and false, you should subject everything to doubt (Cartesian doubt). My Sunday school teacher however told me to have faith and that sometimes, you just have to believe. As a result, I try to be wary of my’ echo chamber’. I don’t worship at the church of the CBC, Fox or CNN. I tune into different channels from different cities. I read all kinds of articles from various authors. I’m open to hearing thoughts and ideas, even the ones I find outrageous and disturbing. News outlets that used to tell both sides now seem more interested in steering opinion - or simply reprinting press releases. I do my best to sort through the bias. And yes, I question almost everything I see and hear. Questioning things, however, hasn’t stopped me from accepting answers - especially if they’re based on fact. And I can still respect those who have different political views from mine because I want to live in a world that grants that freedom. If someone disagrees with me, it doesn’t make them wrong. I’m also not easily offended. ‘Sticks and stones’, as they say. I have no tolerance for real hate, but debate must be allowed to take place. I grew up in a time when you had to play smart, have tolerance, adjust as needed and be strong to survive. The truth is, free speech isn’t the problem. TRUST is what we need. Trust that the facts aren’t being manipulated to serve an agenda - and trust in the voice promoting it. Media ‘news’ outlets, governments and big tech have violated that trust. But I also don’t think anyone needs a Thought Police run by unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats. And while misinformation can be deadly, removing voices of reasonable opposition has grave consequences. When you are not allowed to question or even oppose your government, things have gone too far. Proving something to be true - is hard. Not everything is math. But opinion is not fact. Science can evolve. And what we think we know - can change. But debate is not ‘hate’. If we don’t talk about it openly, we’ll never know what to believe. Truth be told, the facts can sometimes be on your side, but silence is the scariest sound of all. Catherine (Cat) Barr cat@turnernewsmedia.com | (a fully vaxxed and 2x Covid survivor)
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Bif Naked is a celebrated and notorious performer in music, TV, film and dance, a writer and poet, as well as a tireless advocate and humanitarian. Orphaned in India, emancipated
An intimate conversation with music star
by punk rock, and empowered by surviving breast cancer, kidney failure, heart surgery, divorce, and
Bif Naked
as a ‘Woman in The Entertainment Industry’ for 25 years. Bif is a platinum-selling recording artist, a best-selling author, a passionate coaches other artists as a mentor
- By Catherine (Cat) Barr
catbarr@turnernewsmedia.com
and manager. She is an animal rights and human rights advocate and activist. There is nothing that could stop her! Bif has transcended any and all obstacles placed in her path to become one of the world’s most unique, recognizable and beloved icons.
BifNaked.com
W
elcome back everybody - back to another West Vancouver podcast. I am so honoured and privileged to have this amazing artist, singer and musician with us here today. She calls herself the ‘Super Beautiful Monster’. I prefer to call her a friend - but she is so much more than that. Please welcome the spectacular Bif Naked. BIF: We are friends. And we go back. We go way back. That is so fun. I love it. And I love the magazine, obviously - and of course, now the podcast. What you guys have always done with the community has just been incredible. It’s always fun to keep up with what’s going on here. I’m just thrilled to be on your show. CAT: Well we love you too. And you’re always looking good - and you’re always up to something fun. You were just back here in Vancouver recently to help support the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Ball gala event. And whenever we manage to get you on stage, we get way more than just a music performance. We get ‘you’ the real person - the person who talks about her life and her philosophies and your positivity. You share so much more than music. And you’re also a cancer survivor and can speak to that experience as well. You have that connection. BIF: It was amazing to be there. The gala was virtual for the past two years, so it was an honour to be asked this year. They do so much and raise wonderful amounts of money for cancer research. There’s the new lodge, which I toured the day before, so it was a real full-circle moment for me. CAT: Now, some people are lucky to get to know this side of you, but most people know you as Bif Naked music star. How did you ‘assemble’ Bif the character? How did you grow up to become this famous person? Tell us where it all began?
Photo Credits: photos submitted and used with permission
entrepreneur, and advises and
BIF: Well, you know, I am a performing arts kid. My parents were just regular academics who put their three daughters in ballet and dance, theatre and spoken poetry, and art festivals - like a lot of art festivals across Canada. And I just really loved it. So I think it’s always been in my blood. And then, in university, I fell into being in a punk rock band as a vocalist. And I had no plans at all, no training, no plan at all. I always say you didn’t require a lot of talent to be in a punk rock band - you just needed to have a whole lot of heart. And it just kind of kept happening. And eventually, I became a solo artist. Bif Naked was already a nickname that I had from the early days. It was a punk rock stage name that I kind of donned because all the guys had, you know, provocative stage names - so that set me apart. I love what I do. I’m very, very lucky. CAT: You mentioned university - but you were also given a great honour recently. And you’ve also got an honorary degree from Simon Fraser University (SFU) as well. Tell us about that.
CAT: You are also an actor. How do you like acting compared to music? Do they play an equally important role in your life? BIF: I would say it was the early 2000s. I was in a couple of feature films, and I enjoyed it immensely. Nicholas Lea was my co-star along with Ching Wan Lau in Lunch With Charles. And then another film I was able to do was Crossing with Crystal Buble. And it was just, you know, it was just fun. I think that my first love will always be performing live [on stage] and being in a band. CAT: The album SuperBeautifulMonster. That was really big for you and included your hit single ‘I Love Myself Today’. Now I always hear bands and artists kind of complain about their ‘hits’ because they’re stuck singing them forever. Audiences will not forgive you if you don’t sing your big hits. Are you still in love with your big singles?
Being able to have these accolades like this - it just makes my mother so proud, and for me, I could die happy.
A fierce animal advocate - Bif travels and cares for her animals wherever she goes.
BIF: Oh, absolutely. Just like in the 60s or even 50s. Nothing’s really changed in that regard. Protest music has always been at the forefront of the Billboard charts. And, you know, it’s not just love songs. I think young people today are very interested in social justice. They’re interested in climate justice. And definitely, music and the arts will always reflect that. CAT: So we’re still categorizing everybody a little bit. But you are a woman in the music business. Things are changing, but traditionally that’s been a different experience. So tell us, do you think it has gotten easier for women in music today? Do you think it’s gotten harder? Give us some advice?
BIF: That was just such a joy. My dad was still alive in 2013 when the University of the Fraser Valley gave me an honourary degree in letters. So he was very proud. We lost him to prostate cancer shortly after. But my parents were both academics. They both had Master’s degrees. So in 2020, I was lucky enough to get an honorary degree from SFU in Fine Arts. We’ll finally be able to celebrate that convocation ceremony in person at the beginning of May (as it was delayed due to Covid).
Bif Naked at the University of the Fraser Valley receiving her honorary degree in 2013.
A humanitarian, vegetarian and lover of peace. Don’t worry, the only thing Bif would use a knife for is cutting up carrots in her kitchen.
BIF: You know what, I love to do it, and I love singing it. We do it as the finale every single show, and I swear I always will because it leaves everybody on a high note. Really it does. It’s a recognizable song for people. They like singing the words back. We can rock out to that song. It is a positive high energy song. CAT: You were really ahead of the curve. Everybody’s into ‘body positivity’ now and learning to love themselves more - being more spiritual, maybe. I think you really amplified that message. You told everybody, “we’re gonna be loud and proud”. You started that off. Where do you think we are in the world right now in terms of all this. Does music still lead the way in terms of social change?
BIF: Well, I think honestly, that my generation, so I guess Generation X, I think that we were still taking the brunt of all the garbage treatment. It was very misogynistic and sexist, but we had no choice except to roll with it and just carry on. And if we wanted to, you know, be considered half as good, we had to rock twice as hard. And I think as a result of that, it made us tough. And it made us very, very resilient. We all had to develop coping techniques - like having a sense of humour, being very flexible, and just being a little more easygoing. I’m not sure that that is available to young women today. You know, there are a lot of young bands who will, I guess, if they don’t feel the audience is being polite to them, they will stop the show and leave the stage. I can’t get behind that at all. I manage young artists in Canada, and that would never fly. Unless, you know, they were in danger in any way. But I didn’t have that opportunity. We were not allowed to stop the show. So, as a result, we would make a lot of jokes. The show must go on, as they say. The older I get, the more easygoing I am, truthfully. And Continued on next page . . .
TurnerMagazine.com | WestVancouver.com | NorthVancouver.com - 11
“As long as you have a positive outlook and a
happy heart, you’re already in Heaven. Just being able to take
deep breath
a , and go back to that type of thinking, is imperative. It’s important for us spiritually as individuals.” . . . continued from last page
I basically think everything is funny. I am very relaxed. I don’t pay attention. I don’t take it on. I don’t take on negativity in any way.
us with the option and the opportunity to explore any and all religions, including Buddhism and Hinduism, Hari Krishna, Judaism, anything we wanted.
CAT: I can honestly say I’ve never seen you be negative. I’ve never seen you be angry - unless, of course, you were supposed to ‘act’ angry. Like at the opening of the new Hard Rock Casino Vancouver back in 2013. They wanted you to smash this guitar at the ribbon-cutting. You were supposed to be this angry, stereotypical punk rocker. But you were so nice, you were smiling. You didn’t want to hurt the guitar. It was hilarious.
I believe that all paths lead to God. And God doesn’t have to be an entity. It can just be a good orderly direction, as they say. As long as you have a positive outlook and a happy heart, you’re already in Heaven. Just being able to take a deep breath, and go back to that type of thinking, is imperative. It’s important for us spiritually as individuals.
BIF: You know what - the thing with the Hard Rock was, (laughing) I could not break that guitar. I could not break it no matter how hard I hit it. And then I just felt bad. I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to smash the guitar. I felt, you know, they’re expensive. I didn’t want to do it. I had too much respect for it. CAT: Well, there’s your positivity coming through again. You just light up a room. Your spirituality shows. Even on social media. You greet the day with enthusiasm. How do you do it? BIF: You know what, I think that even though my parents were missionaries (they were Christian missionaries), they did raise
Whether they are our family or at our work, or even strangers out in the world - if we can have a heart that’s full of positivity and love, we’re going to naturally spread that. CAT: That’s amazing. And it takes a lot of effort to maintain that kind of attitude every day and do something new. And speaking of new, you have a new album coming out, right? BIF: I do. And it’s very exciting. We’ve been working on it for a couple of years. It’s called Champion. It started off in one direction, and we thought we would put it out in 2020. Then, of course, by the time spring came around in 2020, it was very obvious that there was a global pandemic. And we were not able to get behind it. I just didn’t feel it with everything going on in the
12 - NorthVancouver.com | WestVancouver.com | TurnerMagazine.com
world. And then, when the summer started to unfold, there was just a racial uprising and so much social unrest. I just thought, yeah, the world needs to focus on all these important issues. And then we just waited and kept writing and kept tweaking the songs that we had and wound up writing, I don’t know, 30 more songs. So now I’m hoping to put it out. It’s a lot bigger and bubbly-er than when we first started. So I’m very excited. CAT: So, as we wrap up here today, I want to ask you: where will you be five years from today? BIF: I’ll be in a mini skirt and heels doing a concert. CAT: Ha. We love it. And we will be right there cheering for you too. Thank you so much for being here today. BIF: Oh, thank you so much for having me.
This story was produced using segments from a live podcast interview. Listen to the full podcast online at
westvancouver.com/podcasts
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Social Seen NOWRUZ NEW YEAR Celebrating Nowruz 2022 was extra special this year because, after a long two years of lockdowns, everyone was back together in person. The Canadian Iranian Foundation welcomed the New Year with an elegant event at the Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier in North Vancouver complete with live music, dancing entertainment, fabulous food and more. The haft-seen table looked amazing - and Baba Nowruz was also there for good luck. Congratulations to all involved.
Sisters Anahita, left, and Armita Alikhani looked spectacular for the celebration. BlueShore Financial was also a main sponsor of the event.
Canadian Iranian Foundation president and founder Nasreen Filsoof was delighted to welcome everyone back in person to celebrate.
A girls’ night out for the beautiful mother / daughter team of Homa Faezirazi and Hedieh Rahmani.
Volunteers Ashraf Mirnezami, left, and Haleh Shirchian welcome guests to the gala reception.
Time to dress-up again and sparkle after a long time in lockdowns. Hoda Masoumi and Mina Najipour are among the glamorous dinner guests.
Mahboobeh Barzinpour and Nooshin Naqvi help seat guests as volunteers at the event.
Foundation directors Masjid Babaei, left, and Amir Miri look dapper for the occasion.
Dancing queen Pooneh Alizadeh, centre, performs with Melody Teymourian, left and Rosa Vaezi to start off the celebrations for the night.
Arash Azad appeared as Amu (Baba) Nowruz and posed for pictures with guests beside the beautiful haft-seen table which celebrates the start of Spring.
14 - NorthVancouver.com | WestVancouver.com | TurnerMagazine.com
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Cat’s Meow - May / June 2022
By Catherine (Cat) Barr
Bringing you all the best events, openings and charity galas in town. Invite us to your next party and we’ll bring the camera and the glam. Stay in touch - and save me a smile!
CatherineBarr.com | catbarr@turnernewsmedia.com | Twitter/Instagram @CatherineBarr
Jim and Cindy Lanctot and son Jordan, centre, attend the Zajac Ranch luncheon where funds raised go to help families enjoy experiences not otherwise available to those with special needs.
It will be the new hottest place on Georgia. Managing Director Alejandro Diaz, left, GM/Wine Director Lucia Nahacka and chef Sam Fabbro look forward to welcoming guests to their new Nox restaurant this spring. That’s Italian.
At the grand opening of Monika’s Art Gallery in Park Royal, fashion designers Linsey Rae and Ramin Amini, of Creoviii Designs, pose with Myriam Callot, centre, of Callot Events
Event MC Jeff Uppal, right, joins Alexandria Lee and Carmen Zajac, centre, to help raise funds for the Zajac Ranch foundation at the special ‘In Conversation’ event held recently.
Here’s a toast to Wendy and Mel Zajac, left, and VIP guest Lily Lee at the recent Zajac Ranch ‘In Conversation’ luncheon event to raise money for the kids. Cheers!
Congrats to Kasondra Cohen-Herrendorf, left, and Christi Yassin, CEOs of the Herrendorf and Yassin Family Foundations, who raised over $150,000 as part of the We Got You Family Day campaign which helps support vulnerable youth primarily in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
Retiring in style. Salon owner Yasmin Habib, centre, celebrates with staff members Vicki Brown, left, and Julie Hyde. She will be missed dearly by all her clientele.
Taking over as the new owners of Dina’s Hair Salon in Ambleside are Soroush Azani and Nasim Mostafavi, who will carry on the tradition of style and grace.
Businessman Peter Brown, left, was on the hot seat with Global TV’s Chris Gailus as he took part in a fireside ‘In Conversation’ chat as part of the recent Zajac Ranch fundraising luncheon event.
16 - NorthVancouver.com | WestVancouver.com | TurnerMagazine.com
Karen Graves, left, and Anna Blackmore pose with Sister Jazz orchestra director Christian Morrison, centre, who heads up the 18-piece jazz ensemble as the only all-female professional big band in Canada.
A singer and trumpet player, Bonnie Northgraves delivers a saucy and sexy performance as part of the Sister Jazz Orchestra’s Int’l Women’s Day concert.
Tanya Phelps, left, and Chan Hon Goh, right, of Goh Ballet fame, are welcomed to the 3rd Annual Luxe Bridal Brunch by Fleur de Lis Events Producer Nargess Tabrizy-Shokrani.
PR pro Naz Taylor, left, poses with Nargess Tabrizy-Shokrani, founder Fleur de Lis Events Planning, at the super sparkly Bridal Champagne Brunch event.
They got good bones. Band members Hayley Bennett, Casey Thomas-Burns, Robin MacLulich and Janine King slide into the groove at the Sister Jazz Orchestra performance.
You gotta have heart. Tap & Barrel owner Daniel Frankel and father George Frankel finish painting their ‘wall of hearts’ mural together at the new Bridges restaurant on Granville Island due to open later this year.
Shoo-bop-doo-wop. Three cheers for the members of Capilano University’s Nitecap jazz vocal ensemble led by Dr. Laura Morrison. The group led off the night at the Sister Jazz Orchestra’s International Women’s Day concert.
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Local artist Miriam Aroeste, left, poses with gallery owner Cindy Sandoval at the NIMBO ArtRoom in San Miguel de Allende. Aroeste’s work is on display in Mexico as part of the Sueños Mojados art exhibit. Congrats!
ONLINE IN YOUR OWN HOME
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THURSDAY, MAY 12 | VIRTUAL VARIETY SHOW
Social Seen DAFFODIL BALL REIMAGINED Spring is gala season, and charities are in need of your support more than ever. The Canadian Cancer Society (BC / Yukon) had an original idea for 2022 as it held a hybrid fundraiser that reached out to those who wanted to gather in person, or at home. The Daffodil Ball - Reimagined was held at North Vancouver’s Polygon Gallery, blending a sumptuous in-person gathering with an exciting at-home experience. Featuring entertainment by spokesperson and musician Bif Naked, the night included an intimate dinner, the Dipping for Diamonds raffle, and a vibrant live auction with lots of smiles from those who came out in support.
Designer lollipops and other goodies tempted VIP guests Leah Alexandra, from left, Brittany Clark, Olivia MacLean and Brett Hagen to celebrate in style.
Canadian Cancer Society CEO Andrea Seale, left, and gala committee member Jodi Fisher worked hard to help put the night together.
Glamorous gala co-chairs Meghan Brown, left, and Jennifer Traub welcome guests to the champagne reception.
Always giving their support to good causes are West Vancouver power couple Christie and David Garofalo.
Gala sponsor Randy Smallwood, CEO of Wheaton Precious Metals, and tech superstar Laurie Schultz are happy to support to such a wonderful cause.
La Stella Winery owners Saeedeh and Sean Salem are among the VIP guests for the big celebration.
It’s good to be together again to raise money with friends. Karen Wolverton, left, and Melita Segal always lend their support.
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Leslie and James Carter, of Carter GM fame, salute the night as the sun sets at the Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver.
Turner News Media’s Craig Turner chats with event MC and CTV news anchor Mi-Jung Lee on the patio at the stunning Polygon Gallery.
Blue Skies
It seems like there are blue skies ahead - finally. After two long years, things are looking up. So here’s a few of our favourite Staff Picks that strike a cheerful note and make us think of the birds and the bees and the deep blue seas. Don’t forget to celebrate Mom on Mother’s Day (May 8) and Dad on Father’s Day (June 19). There is also the Victoria Day long weekend (May 21-23) for the unofficial start of outdoor fun.
Canali Textured Silk Tie nordstrom.ca Canali’s ties are an expression of timeless style and rigorous craftsmanship. Stitched in Italy from pure silk, with an eye-catching pattern guaranteed to elevate any tailored attire. Look out 007.
BREITLING SuperOcean 36 Automatic Ladies Watch
$180
breitling.com/ca Stainless steel case with a blue rubber strap. Unidirectional rotating stainless Lugaro Blue Topaz Ring lugaro.com Your hand will dance with this 10K white
steel medium-blue bezel. Light blue dial with luminous blue hands and index hour markers. Classic, for work
gold ring with a 5.68 carat round shape
or play.
blue topaz. Featuring a brilliant stone
$4,150
set to allow maximum light transfer
Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue sephora.com This colorful, fresh, floral Eau de Toilette reflects the sensuality of the Mediterranean lifestyle. A timeless design inspired by the classic Dolce & Gabbana parfum, Light Blue shape is confident but always very feminine. $138
from all angles. Stunning and bright, this piece will compliment any spring wardrobe. $450
Manolo Blahnik Slingback Satin Pumps manoloblahnik.com Its spring time gala season ladies! “Hangisli” features an elasticated ankle strap and square crystal buckle, encased in a gunmetal frame. Finished with a stiletto
TaylorMade Women’s Spider GT Putter
golftown.com
mid heel. Comfort, all night. $1,265
The Spider GT sets a new standard in terms of performance and contemporary construction. The modern wing design has sharp angular features and extreme perimeter weighting for optimal forgiveness and roll. End three-putting for good with this in your bag. $470
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All prices are in CDN dollars and are approximate. May sell for lower or higher. Want to recommend a product to feature on this page, email news@westvancouver.com
Beats by Dr. Dre thesource.ca Get inspired with Solo Pro noise cancelling wireless headphones. Features two listening modes: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency. The ergonomic design delivers exceptional comfort for extended wear and sleek style. $399
Gucci Marmont mini shoulder bag gucci.com/ca The GG Marmont is reimagined through eye-catching new shades and textures. As a part of Gucci Love Parade, a new iteration of the line is introduced in blue with two different quilted geometric motifs. A modern classic, anywhere you take it.
KitchenAid Artisan Mixer kitchenaid.ca The KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand
$2,850
Mixer has the capacity for every occasion. Features 10 speeds to gently knead, thoroughly mix and whip ingredients for a wide variety of recipes. Get creative with over 10 optional hub-powered attachments. $629
Vespa Elettrica Scooter vespa.com/ca On the new Elettrica, you can navigate urban streets in absolute silence.The complete absence of acoustic Daub Designs Mika Crop daubanddesign.com
pollution will ensure you appreciate the smooth Italian riding experience to the max. Speeds up to 70 km/h. Long
The Mika Crop is made
range battery life too. Born to be wild.
for an easy transition from
$9,895
studio to street. The subtle cropped length hits right above the hip line and is perfect to pair with high waisted jeans or leggings. Made in Vancouver. $72
TurnerMagazine.com | WestVancouver.com | NorthVancouver.com - 21
Social Seen HOT CHEFS, COOLS JAZZ In support of Junior Culinary Team Canada, the 2022 Hot Chefs & Cool Jazz Gala was held at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. Top culinary talent and their chef coaches created speciality dishes at different food stations as guests enjoyed exotic samples accompanied by sips of Mission Hill wines. Live jazz from the Jennifer Hayes Quartet made for an elegant evening that helped raise money for Canada’s Team, which will be training and competing in the upcoming Culinary Olympics in Germany 2024.
Sustainable sturgeon served with a smile from chef Robert Clark, left, and Julian Bond.
Organizer and chef Poyan Danesh and wife Shab Ansari mix and mingle with guests and VIPs.
Manager and coach for team Canada JC Felicella, left, with gala host Dawn Chubai and the legend himself, chef Bruno Marti.
Providinig the ‘cool jazz’ portion of the evening are Joel Fountain and singer Jennifer Hayes, of the Jennifer Hayes Quartet.
Three cheers for Canada and BC’s team for all their hard work - and for helping raise money this night for the upcoming competitions. A big thank you to everyone for their creativity and culinary excellence.
It was wagyu beef in the VIP room courtesy Fairmont Pacific Rim chef Damon Campbell, left, and chef/ team member Heejo Jung.
Toasting the night in style are PR executives North Vancouver’s Douce Diner was in the and foodies Morgan Somerville, left, and house with chefs Dawn Doucette, left, Laura Serena. Lidka Honsa and Aidrian Bartels.
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It’s art and music combined. This all-chocolate cello had pastry chef and coach Susannah Yeung pulling some strings to get things just right for the big night. Wow!
Give the gift of Michael Aram
902 PARK ROYAL SOUTH, WEST VANCOUVER | 604-922-7122 | WWW.HERZOGCRYSTAL.COM
Legal and Finance - Directory Listings North Shore Law LLP I 6th Floor - 171 West Esplanade l 604-980-8571 www.northshorelaw.com As a full service law firm since 1973, we handle all of our client’s needs including estate planning and administration, incorporations and other business transactions, personal injury, family mediation, separation and divorce from division of assets to custody issues. Contact us to discover the difference.
Veritas Law | 203 - 815 Main St Park Royal | 604-925-9260 www.veritaslaw.ca Lawyers at Veritas Law are known for providing high quality, personalized legal service. Through our commitment to strong client relationships and our practical experience, we strive to provide successful and cost-effective legal services.
Heritage Law | 220 - 545 Clyde Avenue | 778-786-0615 www.bcheritagelaw.com At Heritage Law, we help clients protect their families, their assets and their legacies. We specialize in family law, wills and estate matters.
Heritage Trust l 220 - 545 Clyde Avenue l 778-742-5005 www.heritagetrustcompany.ca We help clients protect their families, their assets and their legacies. We are located in the community and offer caring and professional executor, trustee and power of attorney services.
Watson Goepel l 203 - 2403 Marine Drive l 604-913-2100 www.watsongoepel.com Announcing our new West Vancouver office that provides comprehensive legal advise where and when you need it. We are bridging downtown expertise with great local service. Contact us today.
Visit us online for a complete list of all our featured categories and listings. Supporting local businesses and building your community online for the world to see. Join us at WestVancouver.com and/or NorthVancouver.com or call 604-926-9293 for more information.
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Presented by
15th Annual Heart & Stroke Gala
Join us for some roaring good fun and impact! The 15th Annual Heart & Stroke Gala is returning in-person, and you don’t want to miss it! With the theme of the Roaring Twenties, expect glamour, style and great music, along with an opportunity to work together to make a real impact for people living with or at risk for stroke. The evening will include a cocktail reception, a 3-course chef-inspired meal, inspiring speakers, live and silent auctions and an after-hours speak-easy lounge. Please join us for some roaring good fun as we work together to beat stroke!
Friday, June 10, 2022 | 6:00 pm Parq Vancouver, Parq Grand Ballroom TICKETS
Gala Table of 10 – $4,500 per table | Single Ticket – $450 per person Limited tickets available: visit heartandstrokegala.ca to reserve your seats today! FO R M O R E I N FO R M AT I O N
Visit heartandstrokegala.ca or contact us at 778-372-8028 or gala@heartandstroke.ca
With your support, we can make a difference to beat stroke!
We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of all of our loyal sponsors, including: PRESENTING SPONSOR
VENUE SPONSOR
WINE SPONSOR
TV MEDIA SPONSOR
™ The heart and / Icon and the Heart&Stroke word mark are trademarks of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Real Estate Professionals - Directory Listings Devon Owen | Royal Pacific Realty Corp. | 604-614-8380 www.devonowen.com It’s about you! My client centric approach ensures your needs are top priority. My experience, market knowledge and strategic marketing plan gives my sellers the edge. I pride myself on my work ethic, integrity, strength at negotiating and passion for achieving the best results for my clients.
Chas Woodyer l Bellevue Realty Group l 604-761-6409 www.woodyer.com Chas Woodyer is a professional who brings world-class buyers to West Vancouver. Expertise in luxury home marketing, combined with sharp negotiating skills and proven knowledge of local conditions ensures your home will receive the unique exposure it needs to sell for the best possible price.
Ballard 360 l RE/MAX Masters Realty l 604-913-9000 www.ballard360.com The Ballard 360 team is led by Mark Ballard, with decades in real estate and mortgage brokerage experience. Caylee Sampson has been an integral part of the team for many years and James Barnes is the hard-working newest member. Ballard 360 brings creativity, local knowledge and passion.
Eric Latta l Sotheby’s International Realty Canada l 604-351-5211 www.ericlatta.com Marketing your home leveraging the and power of the brand. Sotheby’s International Realty is A respected leader in by North Vancouver West Vancouver home sales, Eric has consistently partnered with and distributes properties the mostRealtors® significantyear media companies andsold real the estate established himself as one of the highest to producing after year. He has two focused websitessales in theinworld. Expertise, Global Connections. highest recorded West Local Vancouver’s history. Service and knowledge make the difference.
Jesse Dean Cook l Engel & Völkers Vancouver l 604-506-5174 www.thenextdoor.ca Jesse Dean Cook is an award-winning Realtor® and proud owner of The Next Door Real Estate Group / North Shore - Engel & Völkers’ #1 team in Canada. Jesse’s happy clients rave about his work ethic, integrity, negotiation skills, responsive communication style and world class marketing.
Visit us online for a complete list of all our featured categories and listings. Supporting local businesses and building your community online for the world to see. Join us at WestVancouver.com and/or NorthVancouver.com or call 604-926-9293 for more information.
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BRING INSPIRED LIFE TO YOUR SPACE
5
FACTS
01 ROCKIN’ THE MOUNTAIN The recently deceased rocker Jerry Doucette rode the wave of his 1977 hit single, Mama Let Him Play, all the way to the peak of Vancouver.
North Shore Summer Fever
Summertime, summertime, sum-sumsummertime. From shore to peak, the North Shore figures prominently in summer fun, some of which made world headlines.
“The Douce” was among the acts that rocked Paradise Bowl in 1978, when North Pacific Presentations Ltd. promoted a series of weekend concert festivals, featuring the likes of Burton Cummings, Jimmy Buffett and local folky Valdy. If you remember the Lighter than Air Fair on B.C. Day weekend in 1978, were you really there? The venue has since played host to some big gigs, off-and-on, through the years. Nickelback played there on Canada Day in 2001.
Stormy weather and seasickness led to a delay in Santa Cruz, Calif., where Richard Tomkies replaced Lind. Tocher eventually guided the Orenda II to Hawaiian shores on July 29. But TV cameras missed it. So they restaged the end of the adventure two days later. A modest plaque commemorating the epic voyage was installed at the end of the Dundarave Pier, which was battered by the king tide/windstorm combo on Jan. 7 of this year.
04 KNACKERED KNEES North Shore’s gift to the world’s great ultramarathons and truth in advertising is the 1989-established Knee Knackering North Shore Trail Run. The gruelling 48 kilometre quest from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove on the BadenPowell Centennial Trail boasts an 8,000 foot climb and 8,300 descent. Nick Elson has the four hour, 32 minute and three second record from 2017. Ellie Greenwood set the women’s standard in 2010, at 5:06.09. This year’s race is July 9.
05 BATHTUB HUB-BUB
02 TRIP OF A LIFETIME Betcha can’t top the trip of a lifetime led by Geordie Tocher in 1978. Along with navigator Gerhard Kiessel and Karin Lind, they set out from the Bayshore Hotel marina on May 19, destined for Waikiki in a 40-foot, Douglas fir canoe that Tocher carved at the Panorama Studios in West Vancouver and launched at Fisherman’s Cove.
- By Bob Mackin bob@thebreaker.news
03 CANNON-BALL! Legendary local publicist Tom Butler devised the World Belly Flop and Cannonball Diving Championship to promote the pool at the Bayshore Hotel in 1974. It was also staged at the Delta Airport Inn in Richmond and eventually, the Coach House in North Vancouver (where the Holiday Inn is today). NBC came to cover the event, President Jimmy Carter’s beer-swilling brother Billy was a celebrity guest and B.C. Lion, pro wrestler and T-shirt tycoon Butts Giraud won the coveted Green Bathrobe four times. In 1979, Al Simard famously jumped from a tethered hot air balloon, but finished 14th. Robin Gentile, 20, took the Green Bathrobe.
Nanaimo Mayor Frank Ney put the Hub City on the map with its annual bathtub race, launched as the Great International Bathtub Race as a 1967 Canadian centennial event. It was run across the Straight of Georgia through 1996, but since 1997 from Nanaimo Harbour to Departure Bay. The first edition ended at West Vancouver Yacht Club in Fisherman’s Cove, where 46 of 214 tubbers crossed the finish line. White Rock’s Rusty Harrison won in three hours, 15 minutes and 29 seconds. Ney presented the crew of the last-place finisher the Royal Order of the Golden Plug for taking 30 hours to cross because they used a sail instead of motor. This year’s World Championship Race weekend is July 22-24 in Nanaimo; Races are also planned for KitsFest on Aug. 6.
Bob Mackin is a North Vancouver journalist who specializes in politics, business and sports coverage. He publishes theBreaker.news and hosts theBreaker.news Podcast online. His columns and contributions can also be found at WestVancouver.com and NorthVancouver.com
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Events Calendar Also check online at WestVancouver.com and NorthVancouver.com for complete event listings
LYNN VALLEY DAYS
TD VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
July 16 Lynn Valley Park Lynn Valley Days has been an event that our community has welcomed since 1912. It’s a weekend for families, friends and neighbours to come together and celebrate. This is a tradition that the Lynn Valley Lions Club are proud to spearhead. 2022 is a wonderful year to highlight our amazing community to residents and visitors alike. Please join us! lvlions.com
HONDA CELEBRATION OF LIGHT July 23 - 30 English Bay, Vancouver
June 24 - July 3 Various
THEATRE UNDER THE STARS July 2 - August 27 Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park So much more than just a night at the theatre, Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) interweaves a kaleidoscope of elements - setting, scenery, concessions, and quality art - into a fun, encompassing experience much greater than the sum of its parts. Always a great night! www.tuts.ca
Pack your picnic blankets and head to the beach, as three countries compete to amaze the crowds with a fireworks show. Choreographed to music and featuring creative explosions of light and design with every synchronized beat, the shows provide a perfect spectacle for three special summer nights. For 2022, Japan, Canada and Spain compete.
Since 1986 Coastal Jazz and Blues Society has contributed vigorously to the local, national and international jazz scene. Our vision encompasses a wide spectrum of jazz, blues, world, creative, and improvised music, including evolving forms of jazz and the technologies and media that influence jazz as an art form. Always one of Vancouver’s premiere annual events. jazzfestivalscanada.ca
ROTARY RIDE FOR RESCUE June 11 Cypress Mountain Road Now in year eleven, this year’s ride will benefit North Shore Rescue and the equipment they need for more effective night time responses. Whether you‚Äôre going for a personal best or climbing for your first time, the Cypress Hill Climb is an electric experience that you do not want to miss. Always a great day, rain or shine.
hondacelebrationoflight.com
www.rotaryrideforrescue.org
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL
BEER BY THE PIER June 18 The Pipe Shop Venue at the Shipyards
May 16 -22 Various Locations We know you’re eager to discover new wines and wineries from far and near at Canada’s premier wine show, so we will be putting tickets on sale as capacities and wines are confirmed. Enjoy the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner and Auction, seminars, hosted wine dinners and trade days, highlighting wines and countries from around the globe.
Beer by the Pier has been a signature summer event since it started in 2015, and is a highlight for North Shore Family Services and our supporters. Bring your friends, family and colleagues for a spirited evening featuring local craft breweries, delicious wine, amazing food, a silent auction and live music – all while raising money to support vulnerable children and youth in North and West Vancouver.
www.vanwinefest.ca
www.familyservices.bc.ca
Friendly Reminder Covid-19 restrictions and public health notices issued by the provincial government must be followed at all times. Please refer directly to the websites listed above for more information and updates as they happen.
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ARE WE IN A
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
1270 RYDAL AVENUE | $3,988,000 SOLD IN 1 WEEK ON MARKET
1005 W 23RD STREET | $2,699,000 11,418 SF LOT WITH SUBDIVISION APPROVAL (2 33’ X 73’ LOTS)
SOLD
836 GRAND BLVD | $2,399,000 SOLD IN MULTIPLE OFFERS ABOVE ASK
722 17TH STREET E | $1,799,000 SOLD IN MULTIPLE OFFERS ABOVE ASK
When is the best time to sell? You might be losing sleep over this question. There are many variables to consider - interest rates, available inventory, market demand, COVID-19, and more. We’re here to help! Contact us today for a no-obligation conversation. We’ll determine the best strategy for listing your home and answer your questions about the future of the Vancouver housing market.
KITANDCOOP.COM 604.904.5000 Your Move.
AN INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED LICENSEE OF UMRO REALTY CORP.