publisher’s note

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brings so much more to the table than just status-quo and routine. Not only the bounty of amazing

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autumn local produce like squash, carrots, apples and kiwi (yes, kiwi is now BC-grown!), but great

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ack to School has come and gone, and everyone’s settling back into the routine of fall. But October

westcoast

attractions and events too. October is a month to be both savoured and celebrated: dressing up for Hallowe’en, picking fresh apples in an orchard, slow cooking with autumn squash, and roasting fresh

pumpkin seeds in the oven. Although for many, fall may seem like a time to get cozy and stay inside, us West-Coasters like to celebrate the season and enjoy all that our great region has to offer. Check out the pages of this October issue for the Fall Fun Guide, to find dozens of ideas to keep you and the kids entertained. Also our new Modern Home Ec feature tells you what local produce to keep your eyes open for when you’re grocery shopping. We’ve included a few recipes as well so you can put that local seasonal produce to good use. If you’re a Hallowe’en creative genius, send us a photo of your darling all dressed up for trick or treating. We may feature their photo on our websites and you could win great prizes too. And don’t forget to take a few minutes to check out our Reader’s Choice Awards survey. Make sure you tell us your favourite people and places that cater to kids and families in the Lower Mainland. The grand prize is spectacular: an annual, family pass to 10 major attractions! October is also a great time for babies. The fall sends everyone back into nesting mode and maybe that’s why there are so many baby shows this time of year. To celebrate all the new and expecting moms, we’re including the 2012 WestCoast Baby Guide with this issue of WestCoast Families. If you’re not in baby mode yourself, you can pull the Baby Guide out of the centre and share it with a friend. We love October, and we hope this issue shares our passion for the beautiful fall season on the West Coast. Enjoy! Correction: The phone number published in the Sunflower Montessori advertisement in the September issue of WestCoast Families was incorrect. It should be 604-222-1114. Call or go to www.sunfloweracademy.com for

Managing Editor Andrea Vance editor@westcoastfamilies.com Editor Stephanie MacDonald stephanie@westcoastfamilies.com Contributing Editor Jodi Iverson jodi@westcoastfamilies.com Art Director & Layout Krysta Furioso studio@westcoastfamilies.com Administration Jennifer Bruyns admin@westcoastfamilies.com Accounts Receivable & Payable Jennifer Brule finance@westcoastfamilies.com Advertising sales@westcoastfamilies.com 604.249.2866 Published by National Families Network Publisher: Andrea Vance publisher@westcoastfamilies.com For distribution inquiries, please email publisher@westcoastfamilies.com For submissions to our community calendars, please email admin@westcoastfamilies.com To share your feedback, please email editor@westcoastfamilies.com

more information or to register your child.

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Contributors Stephanie MacDonald, Barb Pattison, Claudia Laroye, Andrea Vance, Krysta Furioso, Jodi Iverson, Jennifer Bruyns, Alex Iverson, Cora Boecker, Kristy Hill, Laura Patrick, Jason Goodnough, Jennifer Parisi WestCoast Families is an independent, regional parenting publication. Published nine times per year in British Columbia, Canada. Total circulation: 50,000. All contents copyrighted ©. Written permission from the publisher is required to reproduce, quote, reprint or copy any material from WestCoast Families For editorial submissions queries, please view the guidelines on our website. Mailing address: 1215-C56 St. Box 18057 Delta, BC V4L 2M4 T 604 249 2866 | F 604 676 2802

Visit www.westcoastfamilies.com for more great features and information for families: • expanded community calendar • resource listings • online only feature articles • contests 6

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• advertising info

WestCoast Families is proud to have been selected as a mom-friendly employer for the 2010 Progressive Employers of Canada List. And congratulations to our fellow inductees!