On Our Cover: Winners of the cover contest from the 2018 Healthy Family Expo, sponsored by Cultus Lake Waterpark and WestCoast Families. Miko and Michelle enjoy a summer day of adventure at Cultus Lake Waterpark with their daughters Madelaine, 14, and Makenna, 10!
Photo by Anita Chapman of Perfect Moments Photography. www.cultus.com www.healthyfamilyexpo.com www.perfectmoments.com
by Andrea Vance
Summer is in full swing on the West Coast, and we all love our short but amazing season of sunshine and long warm evenings. Summer means lots of outdoor adventures, beach trips, camping, hiking, and so much more! Sure, we love our skiing and hockey, but let’s face it, we’ve paid our rainy-day dues and we’re ready for the sunny season!
This issue, we help in your summer celebrations with a local family’s bucket list, sharing some must-try adventures in and around the Greater Vancouver Area. Slot these day trips into your summer calendar to ensure your family checks them off as you go.
There are so many families living with special needs – whether it’s a child, a parent, or another family member who is need of extra care. We dedicate much of this issue to those families, including information on travelling with kids that have sensory processing disorder, and debunking common myths about ADHD. We also provide some profiles of local organizations to help families find the resources, support, and development that they may need.
FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS We are thrilled to welcome these new distribution spots to the WestCoast Families network:
We Play Kids (kids gym) 3238 King George Blvd, Surrey www.weplaykids.com
Creative Kids (childcare centres)
Multiple locations in Surrey, Langley, and Maple Ridge www.creativekidslearningcenters.ca
In this issue, we’re also celebrating something new! WestCoast Families has a new look, a new logo, and a new website. We thought it was time to freshen things up to show our readers that we are more than just guides and listings - we are a family lifestyle magazine for living here on the West Coast. We invite you to check out our website for the current issue, great local resources, important information, and fun ideas for you and your whole family. WestCoast Families covers health and nutrition, well-being, travel and adventure, and so much more. We’d love to hear your ideas and feedback too!
Don’t forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. We are always sharing our latest finds, events, and thoughts on family life, and we want you to join the conversation. Enjoy the sun, enjoy the outdoors, and enjoy the adventure of summer!
Historic Stewart Farm 13723 Crescent Rd, Surrey www.surrey.ca
My Whole Earth Academy Preschool Suite 208, 2031 West 41st Ave, Vancouver www.mywholeearth.ca
Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre 2772 East Broadway , Vancouver www.wstcoast.org
HAVE YOU SEEN IT?
WestCoast Families is a family lifestyle magazine, highlighting the best of local family living, and now our website includes the best too, with a great new look, easier navigating, and more local information and resources.
Have you noticed our new logo and our new look? WestCoast Families is always growing and evolving, and that includes our look and feel too. We are focused on the West Coast lifestyle, including family health and nutrition, travel and adventure, business and childcare, and much more. Everything you need and want to help enjoy your family as THEY grow and evolve too.
WESTCOASTFINDS
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1) Easy Daysies® “My Day” Magnetic Schedules for Kids With Special Needs
For children with special needs, routine and predictability are paramount. Designed by a BC-based elementary school teacher and mother of three, the Easy Daysies® “My Day” Magnetic Schedules provide visual cues for daily tasks, designed for all stages of life, and perfect for children with ADHD, anxiety, autism, and developmental delays. www.easydaysies.com | $30 (“My Day” Kit For School Aged Kids)
2) Heys Luggage Portoro Fashion Spinner® 3pc. Set
Tired of dragging your suitcase behind you like an overloaded wheelbarrow? Whether you’re a globetrotting goddess or a first-time traveller, the Heys Portoro luggage set is lightweight, and moves effortlessly. Plus, the zipper-release expansion system creates more space. Canadian made and totally cool, you’ll want to upgrade and add these classy cases to your list of travel must-haves. www.heys.ca | $500 (3pc. Set)
3) Smash + Tess Sweetheart Romper
Have you ever wished that your child’s onesie came in your size? Well you can smash those dreams, and your summer wardrobe with these super cute and totally chic rompers! Designed by a mother-daughter-bestie team of empowered and fashion-forward women, the stylish sleepwear pieces are made ethically and locally, using a silkysoft bamboo and cotton blend. www.smashtess.ca | $119
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4) The Measure of My Powers by Jackie Kai Ellis
Written by the founder of Vancouver’s Beaucoup Bakery, Jackie Kai Ellis shares her inspiring personal journey through her newly-released memoir of food, misery, and Paris. The Measure of My Powers reads as an edgier, more relatable version of Eat, Pray, Love, as Ellis gives her readers a firsthand look at her search for self-love, taking you through her darkest moments, to find light on the other side.
Whether you’re lounging poolside on a hot sunny day, or snuggling by the fire on a cool summer night, these book series will keep you going all season long. Here are our top picks for great reads to add to your summer reading list.
Land of Stories
(6 book series) By Chris Colfer
Recommended by: Olivia V, age 10
This book series is about adventurers and kids who go into the mythical fairy tale world. It has lots of description and depth. Some parts are a little scary! There is so much depth that you feel like you are a part of the story and you are standing there in the land of stories. Alex and Connor embark on six different adventures, including battling the evil enchantress, trying to figure out a way home, going into stories, and seeing the good people you’ve always dreamed of or had nightmares about.
“Captivating, imaginative story of kids in fairy-tale world.” (Common sense Media)
Inkheart Trilogy
(3 book series) By Cornelia Funke
Recommended by: Olivia V, age 10
I started reading this book on recommendation from my librarian at school. I am only half way through the first book and Mo and Meggie and Elinor have already gone on multiple adventures, including meeting the darkest and the meanest villains out of books, being captured by that villain, and being threatened with death. This book is very interesting and the story is about a book called Inkheart that Mo has and that Capricorn, the evil villain, really wants. I like this book because I enjoy adventure books with a tiny bit of romance. The stories are about the magic of books and the art of reading.
“Lengthy but rich fantasy great for book-loving tweens.” (Common Sense Media)
The Orphan’s Tale, The Kommandant’s Girl
(2 books) By Pam Jenoff
Recommended by: Barb K, adult
Lately I’ve been reading a lot of historical fiction books set during WW2. The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff is a story about two women who end up travelling with a circus during WW2. 16-year-old Noa is forced to leave her family home after becoming pregnant by a Nazi soldier. Astrid, a Jew, is abandoned by her German officer husband. Full of a lot of hardship, secrets, lies, and love, the novel is actually loosely based on actual characters. I always find it interesting to learn more about personal elements - how they were affected, instead of just the overall tragedy of the war. This author also wrote The Kommandant’s Girl, another good one.
Cormoran Strike (3 book series) By JK Rowling
Recommended by: Jody V, adult
I love a good crime mystery, it’s a great escape. I enjoy watching a web of lies exposed, and figuring out the twists and turns. My summer reads have included a great series that comes to life in words - like watching a great movie in your mind. When my friend Nora gave me a book by Robert Galbraith and said “trust me”, I did. That book was titled The Cuckoo’s Calling. It was only after I’d read it that I discovered it was written by JK Rowling (read about why she did it, it’s a great story in itself!). The book was a feast, as were the others in the series: The Silkworm, and Career of Evil. The main characters are being taken to the small screen in an upcoming project. Read the books before watching!
Wild Robot (2 book series) By Peter Brown
Recommended by: Jesse V, age 7
I like the Wild Robot books because they’re interesting and because it’s very exciting.
“Robot vs. wilderness in poignant survival tale.” (Common Sense Media)
KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS SMOOTHSAILING
5 Ways To Make Travelling Easier For Children With Sensory Processing Disorder
by Wendy Jacobson
It was supposed to be a fun weekend away –a short trip to Chicago with the kids to take in the sights and see some friends. Since it was only a six-hour car ride from Minneapolis, we thought the drive would be manageable for Ethan, aged seven, and his sister Sasha, aged five.
We booked a hotel in the heart of downtown, and in the days leading up to the trip, my husband Andy and I planned what we wanted to see during our short visit. Four days and three nights. I was looking forward to one last weekend of family time before the school year began.
The weekend I had envisioned, however, ended up being a far cry from the weekend we experienced. Rather than days filled with sights and fun, our days were filled with challenges and frustrations.
Our son Ethan deals with sensory integration disorder and general anxiety, which can throw a wrench in any of our plans. For example, loud noises and crowded places make him feel physically uncomfortable, and if he could, he would spin in circles or be on a swing all day, every day.
Of course, we can’t always avoid crowds, and just because we take Ethan out of Minneapolis, doesn’t mean that he leaves his challenges behind. We had travelled with Ethan in the past, and he did alright, but something was different about Chicago. It is a big city full of loud sounds and throngs of people - two things he doesn’t like. His discomfort was evident from the start, and it only grew from there.
Ethan didn’t mean to wreak havoc on our plans. He couldn’t help the countless meltdowns and tantrums that her threw. Still, it didn’t make it any easier.
When we tried to help him cope, I truly believe that he made an effort. But without the comforts and familiarity of home, it was difficult for him to adjust. As I reflect back on the weekend now, a few years later, I realize that we could have done a few things differently to help him - and us - prepare for the experience a little better. Here are some of our learnings from our trip:
1. It’s important to discuss the trip early, and often.
Ethan takes time to process information. He asks lots of questions and discusses details over and over. We should have talked with him
(and our daughter) more about all aspects of that weekend earlier, and more often. By discussing not only how we’d get there and where we would be staying, but also that Chicago is a big city with lots to do, we would have helped him better prepare for what to expect.
2. Be sure to bring items to distract.
I remember the hissy-fit Ethan threw while we waited in line to get into the Shedd Aquarium. Lines are confining for him, and he wasn’t very patient. We let him get out of the line, and either my husband or I walked around with him, but that didn’t address the issue of waiting. Distractions like an iPod or iPad with headphones would have gone a long way.
3. Be willing to negotiate and compromise.
This may sound obvious but when you are on vacation or visiting someplace other than your hometown, you may want to pack in as much as possible. I know that’s how we felt. We had a long list of attractions that we wanted to see, but the reality is, that was a lot to ask from both of our kids. So, as much as we would have liked to spend more time seeing the city, we should have set up mini goals, such as see two places, and then go back to the hotel to go swimming.
4. Slow down and take a different route, if necessary.
Along with negotiating and compromising, do things differently if that will make your child happy. When we got to Willis Tower, we saw that the line was insane, and we knew that waiting in that long line probably wasn’t the best decision for our family. So instead, we walked around the tower and looked up at it from different views. We talked about what we might see if we went to the top, and then decided that going for ice cream was a far better idea than standing in the long line.
5. Tune out onlookers.
No one really likes to witness the complete meltdown of a child, and when it’s your child melting down, the last thing you want to hear is words of advice from others. During many of Ethan’s tantrums that weekend, we received a lot of stares, a few words of encouragement and yes, a couple of disapproving glares as well. My focus was not on any of that, but rather on what we could do to make things easier for Ethan, still enjoyable for Sasha, and salvageable for Andy and I.
We ended up leaving Chicago a day early to ease the pain for all of us. And although the trip did not go at all how we had planned, I’m happy to say that we can all look back on it and appreciate it for what it was: time together.
More Travel Tips For Kids With Sensory Sensitivities
• Select travel times around your child’s schedule. When does he have high energy, or focus best?
• Choose clothing that is the most comfortable and soft to avoid meltdowns and discomfort.
• Have lots of distracting activities and snacks.
• Call ahead to see if attractions or hotels have assistance for families with special needs, like quick passes, fast check-ins or special line-ups.
• If you are flying, take advantage of early boarding to get settled before the rest of the passengers.
NEEDS TRUTH BE TOLD
Debunking The Myths of ADHD
by Karen Ryan
I have “that kid.” I had him over 19 years ago and since the age of three, he was always tagged as being “that kid.” But we knew it and we were totally alright with it.
When the official ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) diagnosis came in, I wasn’t surprised, however I knew absolutely nothing about ADHD other than the appalling stigma that was attached to it. “My child is officially broken and defective!” was my first thought. But holy moly, was I ever wrong. Over the course of time, I decided to readjust my thinking on the diagnosis. I fell into the habit of continuously looking for the good rather than the bad in ADHD as I progressively became weary of battling other people’s opinions of my child. Through extensive subjective research with my son (as well as other people’s children), I soon discovered that there are an incredible amount of myths tied to this grossly misunderstood disorder.
Here are a few of the most common myths about children with ADHD:
Myth #1: The only way to treat ADHD is with medication. ADHD is multi-symptomatic, so it really deserves a multi-pronged approach. There is no such thing as a “magic pill”, it’s also important to incorporate proper diet, exercise, vitamins and minerals, and a good support system both at home and at school.
By nature, those diagnosed with ADHD are deficient in a handful of micronutrients such as Omega 3, magnesium, zinc, iron and the B vitamins so it’s important to eat foods regularly that contain these nutrients or supplement daily with good quality vitamins and minerals.
Myth #2: ADHD can be outgrown.
This is a very common misconception about ADHD. ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder
characterized by differences in brain structure and function that affect behaviour, thoughts and emotions. A child who is born with ADHD will grow into a teenager with ADHD, who then grows into an adult with ADHD. As the person ages through time, ADHD will manifest itself differently. If you hear someone say that they used to have ADHD, chances are they were actually misdiagnosed.
Myth #3: ADHD is the result of bad parenting.
This myth is often why parents of an ADHD child have negative feelings or self blame, yet it cannot be further from the truth. As mentioned earlier, ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder - a child is born with the disorder.
What is true, though, is that positive parenting, combined with specific routines, expectations, and consequences, will help manage your child’s ADHD symptoms.
Myth #4: Children with ADHD are rarely successful.
While some symptoms of ADHD can be negative (trouble focusing, impulsiveness, or executive functioning challenges), the positive attributes of ADHD can outweigh some of the negative. For example, the top five characteristics of ADHD are creativity, increased sense of humor, intuition, drive, and energy. All of these qualities can make for a very successful career, and life in general.
People diagnosed with ADHD thrive in occupations where the day is ever-changing, such as the medical field (doctor or nurse), law enforcement (police officer or firefighter) or sales (entrepreneurship). Some famous and successful people with ADHD include John F. Kennedy, Richard Branson, Mozart, Albert Einstein, Whoopi Goldberg, and Michael Phelps.
Myth #5: ADHD isn’t associated with any other conditions.
A majority of those diagnosed with ADHD will have at least one other comorbid condition that will result in other difficulties that are not ADHD related. The most common ones are:
Anxiety – Anxiety can affect approximately 25-30% of children and youth with ADHD, whether it is causal (such as test anxiety or problems in the home) or just general feelings of fear, worry or panic. It’s important to notice the signs in order to be able to treat your child accordingly.
Learning Disabilities – While ADHD itself is not a learning disability, it certainly is a common comorbid condition. Learning disabilities, such as dyslexia or dyspraxia, can be challenging conditions on their own, but combining these conditions with ADHD can make school extremely challenging. Having a good tutor and specific classroom strategies set up by your child’s teacher can help to ensure future success.
Mood Disorders – Bipolar Disorder and depression are two of the more common mood disorders that often accompany ADHD. If this is the case, it is important to re-evaluate your child’s medication and ensure that proper therapy and counseling is in place.
Oppositional Defiance and Conduct Disorder – Violent and defiant behavior can sometimes play a role in ADHD, and recognizing it early is the key. Behaviour intervention at a young age is crucial for future success, and it’s important to notice the signs of substance abuse or sexual aggression.
While ADHD is a life-long condition, it is by no means a “life sentence” and shouldn’t be deemed as such. Having a child with ADHD is fun. It’s exciting. It’s unexpected, and you really don’t know what to expect each day. I love having “that kid!” I love the exuberance of his spirit, his tenacity, his hyper-focus, and his unending eagerness. But most importantly, I love his essence of who he is and I wouldn’t change a single thing about him.
Karen Ryan, NNCP, RHN, is a clinical and holistic nutritionist, ADHD practitioner, author of “ADHD is Not a Four Letter Word” and the founder of vancouverADHD and The ADDvocates. She is a firm believer in the correlation between food and mood and that a clean diet is the best medicine for sound health of body and mind. Karen dedicates her focus to helping all people, especially children and teens with ADHD, eat healthier and live happier. She works out of the Finlandia Health Centre located in the heart of Vancouver.
WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
PARTNER PROFILES
Millennium Learning Advantage
Millennium Learning Advantage was established in 1992 as Port Moody’s tutoring & learning centre for struggling students. Over the years, the focus has shifted from a tutoring centre, to a place where learning and education challenges are addressed and corrected. The goal for each student, regardless of age or diagnosis, is that he/she becomes as comfortable and independent a learner as possible. www.millenniumlearningadvantage.com
Vancouver Neurotherapy Health Services Inc.
Vancouver Neurotherapy helps individuals achieve their full potential through brain-based self-regulation techniques. They use advanced technologies to improve one’s health and wellness, as well as selfregulation, self-awareness, and knowledge of the self. Their practice offers EEG Neurofeedback, Brain Gym Educational Kinesiology, Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy, Hypnotherapy, and speech, language and cognitive behavioural therapy. www.neurofeedbackclinic.ca
Check out these local resources for families with special needs.
PosAbilities
PosAbilities in Burnaby assists persons with developmental disabilities to lead meaningful and healthy lives. They partner with the community to provide a comprehensive range of person-centred services for individuals and the families who care for them. Their goal is to open doors to a world of possibilities through practices that help believe, engage, and inspire.
www.posabilities.ca
Pacific Medical Law
Pacific Medical Law in Vancouver is one of the very few law firms in Canada that practice exclusively in the field of plaintiff medical malpractice and birth injury. Representing patients who have been injured as a result of medical negligence is the only work they do, and they are recognized as leaders in the field of medical malpractice and birth injury.
www.pacificmedicallaw.ca
A Local Family’s Summer Bucket List SUMMERFUN
by Bianca Bujan
Vancouver is known for its stunning sea-to-sky adventure scene – from zig-zagging down the ski slopes of the local mountains, to trekking up the tree-lined mountain trails, to kayaking and paddle boarding along the city’s coastline – the city has something to offer for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
While my family is fortunate to have been born and raised in the picturesque city of Vancouver, there are a number of local adventures that we have yet to try. That’s why each Summer, we put together a bucket list of new local gems we’d like to explore. Here’s what we’ve added to our Summer bucket list for this year.
Wave at the New Walruses at the Vancouver Aquarium
Two new charismatic and curious young walruses - Lakina and Balzak - have been added to the Vancouver Aquarium animal family, and we can’t wait to get an up-close look at the brand new Arctic mammals! Look for the handsome duo at the Research Outpost, where you can learn about their cool-climate adaptations like their thick blubber, long tusks, impressive whiskers, and surprising vocals.
Hike To Joffre Lakes
This one’s a bit of a jaunt from downtown Vancouver, but I’ve been told that the 3-hour drive is more than worth the trip. It takes a 10-11km round-trip hike from the trailhead to see all 3 lakes, making it more of a full-day hiking trip than a quick trek. Reviewers say that the hike can be strenuous with a steady incline on the way up, so we’d likely leave our little one at home for this one and just take our 8 and 11 year old children. Before heading out, I’d study the detailed hiking guide on what to expect, shared on vancouverhikingtrails.com.
Take a Seaplane Flightseeing Tour of Vancouver
I’ve always wanted to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of my favourite city, and have watched on with envious eyes as the little white-and-yellow seaplanes have ascended from the water’s surface. Harbour Air, the world’s largest seaplane airline, offers a wide range of flightseeing tours of Vancouver, Whistler, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. With prices as low as $95 (per adult), and $55 (per child), this would be a special treat for adventure-seeking families looking to experience Vancouver from a new perspective.
Slide The City In North Vancouver
A favourite summertime memory from my childhood is of sliding along the slippery surface of a slip n’ slide in my neighbour’s backyard – it was the perfect way to cool off and cavort with friends on hot Summer days. Each year, North Vancouver makes a splash with the only Slide The City event in Metro Vancouver, and it’s returning again on July 21-22 this year! Imagine a larger-than-life slip n’ slide – 1,000 feet of inflated vinyl – lining the corridor of Lonsdale Ave, set against the backdrop of the Vancouver downtown skyline. Sign me up!
Ride Playland’s Wooden Roller Coaster
While this quickly became my oldest daughter’s favourite Playland attraction last Summer, I haven’t ridden the rickety ride since my early childhood days. My goal is to build up the nerve to ride it once more this Summer. I hope that its 60-year-old wooden frame will cure my fear of fast-falling coaster action!
Take A Skyride Up Grouse Mountain
While many prefer to climb Grouse mountain via the heartpumping Grouse Grind hiking trail, I’d prefer to enjoy the picturesque views in a more relaxing way. The Grouse Mountain Skyride, North America’s largest aerial tramway system, transports visitors to the “Peak of Vancouver”, where they can enjoy a wide range of activities in the serene mountaintop setting. From bird watching and guided walking tours, to ziplining and paragliding, Grouse mountain offers a range of activities to satisfy all interest levels.
Chase Waterfalls Up The Sea-To-Sky Highway
The Sea-To-Sky Highway isn’t just a north-south artery that connects Vancouver to Whistler, it’s also the perfect route to chase waterfalls up the mountainous coastline that connects BC’s most world-renowned destinations. Featuring half a dozen breathtaking waterfalls, a drive along the Sea-To-Sky Highway would be the perfect way to chase waterfalls all day.
Other places you’ll want to check out this summer:
Royal BC Museum
Victoria, BC www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
Imagine Children’s Museum
Everett, WA www.imaginecm.org
Gulf of Georgia Cannery Richmond, BC www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.org
Harrison Lake
Harrison Hot Springs, BC www.tourismharrison.com
CULTUS LAKE
Bring Out Your Inner Child
by Andrea Vance (with contributions from Christine, Olivia, Ryan, Andie and Maddie)
Driving into the Cultus Lake area through the trees and winding roads, I’m taken back - way back to when I was a kid. Growing up in the Greater Vancouver area, Cultus Lake was a big part of our summer adventures: camping, swimming, and exploring the outdoors. It was one of my favourite places to visit, and it was our family’s top summer spot, where we would visit with the truck and camper or camper van for so many years throughout my childhood.
One of my favourite stops has always been the main beach of Cultus Lake, and of course the waterslides. As a teen, my friends and I made the trek out from Abbotsford, Cloverdale and Vancouver to slide down the Freefall waterslide, or take a turn on the tube rides.
As I drive in now with my own children, I am happy to see that the Cultus Lake recreational area remains nearly as it was when i was a child, with no large hotels or condos. The biggest differences that I notice are the new large traffic circle, the upgrades to the Cultus Lake Waterpark, and the addition of the new Cultus Lake Adventure Park - all welcome changes to a childhood classic!
The trek from Tsawwassen was just over an hour’s drive. Not bad considering we’ve been transported to a gorgeous mountain lake, surrounded by forest and beach. The waterpark opens at 10am, so we made a plan to beat the traffic and arrive early. The beauty of this area is that you can park once, and walk everywhere. Since the waterpark was our main destination, we parked our car in that lot, left some of our goods in the trunk, and walked to the nearby Cultus Café for a really good cappuccino and breakfast sandwich.
We head back to the park at about 9:45am to stand in the short lineup, and can’t wait to start our day. Getting there early means that we can hit all of the rides with very little lineups before the big crowds arrive on this really hot sunny day in June.
When we do walk through the gates, I’m
struck by the number of lifeguards on duty, an unlike some public pools, they’re really on guard. From outside the gate we had witnessed their morning meeting and warm up, so I enter feeling confident that the kids will be well taken care of today on their water adventures.
Three hours of sliding and splashing, and we’ve hit pretty much every slide. The favourites: the Boomerang, hands-down, but the Speed Slide (that we’ve nicknamed Caterpillar) is a close second. Colossal Canyon was the best family ride (but parents be
warned, you may go into hysterics watching the terrorized look on your kids’ faces on this one!). The Bazooka is really good if you want to feel like you’re being flushed down a giant toilet bowl, and the Valley of Fear is definitely not for the faint of heart.
The waterslides cater to toddlers and cowards too, with rides like the Adventure River, Family Spray Park, and the brand new Tots Castle - all really popular for little ones. But for our crew, Pirates Cove was so much fun with sprays, water buckets, climbing and more.
We loved that you could take your own snacks
and refillable water bottles inside (no water though – fill up must be done from inside the park). There are lots of picnic tables, and a big grassy area where you can set up camp for the day. There are also so many food choices - from pizza to fish n’ chips. Our personal favourite was the onion rings!
The washrooms are remarkably clean, and the whole park is well maintained. For us, this was important, especially when you’re visiting with a big group of kids and lots of water-based activities. The music is upbeat without being obnoxious, and always family friendly. This park has all ages covered, and never caters to or alienates any one group of guests.
By midday, the sun is getting really hot, and the park is getting crowded. We’re feeling like we’ve had our fair share of sliding, and decide it’s time to head out for more fun.
We drop off some things in the car, and a short walk later, we are at the main beach of Cultus Lake. This is a classic lakefront, with docks, a playground, a concession, and some swim ladders - perfect for a few jumps in the cool water. Bring your fishing net if you want to catch a few minnows off the dock, or your rod for something bigger!
It’s early evening now, and we decide to take advantage of the discounted $15 unlimited ride pass at the Cultus Lake Adventure Park that came with our waterpark admission. Here we love the Windmill Drop, and whipping around on the roller coaster, Blastin Barrels. But while these are fun, the new ride of the year has definitely become the Cloud Buster, which shoots riders straight up into the sky!
One thing we’ve loved about this Adventure Park over the years is that there are very few lineups. You buy one all-ride pass, and you can play all day. Just 4-5 rides makes the pass worthwhile. This park is good for all ages, although we feel like it’s most ideal for visitors aged 5-13.
If you’re looking for a really fun recreational destination this summer, one that will appeal to every age group and stage in your family, Cultus Lake is definitely a top choice.
www.cultus.com www.cultuslake.bc.ca
Quick Tips:
• Avoid big crowds and arrive early or go later in the day. Weekdays are your best bet.
• Plan to spend the whole day, and bring layers for cooler mornings or evenings.
• Don’t forget the towels and blankets to lay on.
• Bring your own refillable water bottle, but wait to fill it up inside the park. No outside liquids are allowed, to keep the pools clean.
• Hit Beethoven’s Pizza for dinner before you head for home. It’s owned by an old New Yorker who has now retired at Cultus Lake, and the pizza is amazing.
• Hit the ice cream shack across the street from the waterpark to cool down.
• Cultus Lake is totally walkable - a great area for kids to have some independence. Walking from the beach to the shops and cafes, and to either of the parks is safe and easy.
BE A TEAM
How To Consciously Co-Parent
by Michelle Kambolis
A family is more than the sum of its parts; it’s an emotional and psychological ecosystem whose healthy functioning depends upon the harmony among its elements, especially parents. But so often, we act in the same ways as the adults we’ve witnessed in our own childhood, and these patterns can interfere with our ability to embody the qualities that a healthy partnership requires.
After all, it’s hard to be mindful and emotionally open when alarm bells from our past are ringing loudly. But, consciously moving into intentional and collaborative parenting can be made so much easier with a plan for change. Tips for Working as a Parenting Team:
Expect conflict now and then.
A clash in parenting styles is unavoidable from time to time, but that doesn’t mean that the relationship is in trouble. When you notice your emotions (or those of your partner) rising, take a moment to determine where the issue fits into your parenting priorities before continuing. There’s a wide divide between your ideal solution and the unacceptable, with a lot of room in between for compromise.
Aim for a speedy resolution.
One of the best predictors of a happy family is swift conflict resolution, even if that means agreeing to disagree. Children (especially those with a sensitive temperament) are highly attuned to parent-to-parent interactions - their survival relies on it. When you resolve issues quickly without allowing your ego to get in the way, you teach your children the art of acceptance and compromise. This is a gift for any child. If necessary, put a time limit on the discussion and agree to revisit it later to safeguard your child’s sense of stability.
Help children make sense of your disagreement.
I’m always amazed when I realize just how much my children are absorbing. Even wearing headphones and sitting in another room, they will readily pick up that something’s up, even from a whisper. When we all do our best to avoid arguing within earshot of our children, they inevitably notice our transgressions. Instead of ignoring the hot-button moment, use it as an opportunity to build understanding. Children often blame themselves for their parents’ quarrels - especially when they are the subject of the conflict.
Children need to know that disagreements are a normal part of any relationship, and that as long as there is mutual respect and healthy ground rules for communication, they don’t have to be scary. It’s reassuring for your kids to see that while you may not always like what someone says or does, you are always ready to make amends.
Give priority to family routine.
Researchers at Syracuse University have confirmed something my grandmother has been saying for years: families that remain connected, thrive. After reviewing a multitude of studies, Spagnola and Fiese reported that when families eat breakfast and dinner together, and maintain some kind of family routine, everyone gains. Children in these families are healthier overall, parents feel more satisfied with their marriage,and both parents and children are less stressed.
When you routinely cuddle up with your child to read at the end of the day or spend every Sunday hiking together, your special family activities provide more than fun - they provide security as everyone inherently senses the unity and connection deepening.
Move from auto-pilot to co-pilot.
The role of parenting can often fall on the shoulders of one parent in particular, which can naturally lead to resentment or feelings of alienation on either end of the partnership. When it comes to major parenting decisions, try to press the pause button before jumping in to take care of it yourself. Instead, take a minute or two to sneak away to another room and have a quick conversation with your partner about how you’d like to address the tough issue together. Then, schedule in regular times to consciously discuss both parenting hurdles and how you’d like to better balance your parenting roles and responsibilities.
Present a united front.
Children develop many strategies for getting what they want, including exploiting weak spots in their parents’ relationship. When your children complain to you about your partner, use that opportunity to teach them how to address issues directly. Encourage them to share their frustration with the person they are angry with so they learn to take responsibility for their feelings rather than simply blowing off steam. When children see that their attempt to have you overrule your partner (or vice versa) isn’t working, they experience firsthand that while you may empathize with their feelings, you are united in your parenting.
Stay connected.
According to relationship specialist and researcher John Gottman, almost 70 percent of couples describe feeling less satisfied with their marriage after having their first child. With the many demands of parenting leaving little time for intimacy, it can be difficult for parents to remain connected to themselves, let alone to each other. Committing to kid-free time together sends the message that you value your partnership and the foundation it provides for the whole family.
Look for new solutions.
One of the most important things to remember when problem solving together is this: “the problem” isn’t the real problem; the old solution is the problem. By looking at what hasn’t worked, you can avoid making the same mistakes and finding yourselves in exactly the same position again and again. Instead, brainstorm together, talk to friends, take an attachment-focused parenting course, or try couples’ counselling. Do whatever it takes to keep the conversation open.
Michele Kambolis is a 20-year veteran child and family therapist, acclaimed author, and parenting expert. A MA/PhD (Cand.) in mindbody medicine, Michele combines her knowledge and passion for integrative healing to support parents and children through their challenges. www.michelekambolis.com
TRAVEL&TECH
Tips For Family Travel
by Claire Newell, Travel Best Bets
If your family is anything like mine, a vacation means preparing and loading up all of the gadgets necessary to ensure that everyone will be entertained during long flights or road trips. Here are some simple tech tips for traveling peacefully with your kids.
Load up on devices.
Enjoying time unplugged - chatting with your children, and playing games of 20 Questions & License Plates - is important, however, tech can be a huge help on long trips. My kids love to stream movies and watch YouTube, but most of our gadgets are only accessible through WiFi. Without data plans, they have to skip streaming while on the road. It’s important to do a little planning before you leave, to make sure their gadgets are ready for a WiFi-free trip. I recommend downloading the Netflix app (if they don’t already have it), and downloading their favourite movies or shows before your departure. This can only be done on the app - not the website - but it’s super quick and easy to do. Also, look into loading games or e-books onto their devices, but make sure they can be used offline!
If you are flying, take the time to find out if the aircraft you are flying on has seat-back screens or an in-flight app. Many airlines today provide their entertainment through your personal devices, but the apps often have to be downloaded ahead of time. You can expect to find this on many aircrafts with Air Canada Rouge, WestJet, Air Transat, American Airlines, and more. We will probably be seeing more of these entertainment apps instead of or in addition to built-in screens in the future.
Take the proper safety and security precautions.
Combining kids and gadgets means there is always a chance of breaking, dropping or losing something expensive. To help reduce your chances of any of that happening, before you set foot out the door, think about ways to ensure that the devices stay safe. I recommend getting an extra-protective case for your kids’ devices, like phone cases by Otterbox.
If you are visiting a warm-weather destination where you will be around water and sand, be sure to look into waterproof cases for mobile phones and for tablets. If you forget to protect your devices and they get wet, just throw them into a ziplock bag filled with rice!
Losing a device is a nightmare too, but it does happen on family vacations when busy parents are juggling so much. For that reason, I recommend a tracking device like the popular Tile. You can buy a family pack of 4 for about $70 on amazon.ca. If you have Apple gadgets, you should also take the time to set up Find My iPhone, a lifesaver should it become lost or stolen.
Bring the right accessories.
It’s not just the phones, tablets, and laptops that you need to remember when travelling with kids, there are lots of smaller devices that you’ll want to pack as well to make travelling a whole lot easier, such as portable chargers, splitters & headphones. If you are driving to your destination or renting a car when you arrive, a car adapter is always handy to pack for an extra charger too. I highly recommend investing in a good portable power pack for when you aren’t close to an outlet. Luckily, most aircrafts today have both a USB port at your seat, and a power plug to charge anything else you need, but a portable power pack will come in handy when you’ve arrived at your destination.
If you’re visiting a country with different outlets and voltage, make sure you bring a converter. On my family getaways, I use a Bestek voltage converter/adapter which has 4 USB Ports and 3 outlets, which costs about $48 on amazon.ca.
Keep it organized.
With all of the devices, gadgets, accessories, and cords in our homes, keeping it all neatly organized when you’re on the go can be challenging. Consider buying a cord tamer and some pouches (even just using clear zip top bags works!) to help keep all of the cords, earbuds, and cables tangle free on the road.
As convenient as all of the technology out there is today, it’s important to take advantage of your time away to unplug and spend some family time together. But if you’re en route or in need of a little quiet tech time, be sure to be prepared.
Claire Newell is a travel expert, author, travel consultant on Global BC and president of Travel Best Bets by Jubilee Tours and Travel. www.travelbestbets.com
Kits Beach becomes wheelchair accessible
The addition of water wheelchairs and Mobi-Mats at Kits Beach have made the city’s most popular summertime destination more accessible for wheelchairs.
As part of a larger commitment to making local beaches more inclusive, the Vancouver Park Board has rolled out MobiMats (no-slip, beach-access pathways) that make it possible for wheelchairs to travel across the sand to the water, allowing visitors in wheelchairs to enjoy beachtime independently. Vancouver’s first Mobi-Mat was introduced at the beach in English Bay last summer, and the new installation at Kits Beach is a welcome addition to the ongoing initiative.
Along with the the beach-accessible mats, 10 new water wheelchairs have been added in locations across the city, including Kits Beach, Second Beach, Jericho Beach, Spanish Banks, Trout Lake, and at the New Brighton outdoor pool.
An attendant is required to use the chairs, and they are available on a first-come-first-served basis from 11:30am - 8pm at lifeguard stations, at no charge, until Labour Day long weekend. www.kitsilano.ca
Drowning Prevention Week
Approximately 500 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents annually. Drowning has become the third leading cause of unintentional death among Canadians under 60+ years of age, and one organization hopes to make a change, preventing these incidents from happening, through the implementation of educational water-safety programs.
The Lifesaving Society has designated the third week in July as National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW), with the aim of directing community and media attention towards the drowning problem, and sharing important drowning prevention messages and best practices through Water Smart® educators.
The campaign’s message focuses on the key causes for drowning incidents, including watching your kids instead of your phones, and practicing safe, sober boating. Learn-to-swim, lifesaving, and first-aid classes are also highlighted on the site to create awareness around the ongoing drowning problem in our country. www.lifesavingsociety.com
BC Children’s Hospital collaborates to develop immunotherapy treatments for kids with hard-to-treat cancer
Every year in BC, approximately 150 kids are diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to rapid and significant advances in cancer treatments, 80% of kids are now expected to survive. For the remaining 20% who have cancers that are difficult to treat with traditional therapies, immunotherapy provides new hope.
In partnership with CureWorks, BC Children’s Hospital is focused on improving care for children with hard-totreat cancers, by expanding clinical trials and accelerating the development of leading-edge immunotherapy treatments. This partnership was made possible through the generous support of the Michael Cuccione Foundation (MCF) and the Government of BC.
CureWorks aims to accelerate the development of new immunotherapy treatments through the power of collaboration so children with cancer can grow up to realize their full potential. The members of this initiative include the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, the Children’s National Health System in Washington DC, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and founding member, Seattle Children’s Hospital. www.bcchr.ca
Fort Langley opens new children’s play area
Last month, Fort Langley kicked off the summer season with the opening of a new indoor children’s play area that encourages children to learn about Langley’s history through interactive stations centered around the themes of trade and transportation. Fort Langley invites youth 17 and under to take advantage of free admission with a visit to the new play area this summer, where they can trade salmon for blankets, gather cranberries, climbing in boats, and more. In addition, there is the Indigenous Ingenuity exhibit, which is on temporary loan from the Montreal Science Centre. This display, located upstairs in the Big House, allows visitors to explore the creativity of Indigenous peoples from North America through a series of interactive activities and features. www.pc.gc.ca
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
What caused my child to develop cerebral palsy? Could it have been prevented?
These are questions we are often asked by parents of children with cerebral palsy. They are questions rarely addressed by the child’s treating physicians. Answering these questions involves bringing together the medical opinions of a variety of different medical specialists who must each contribute their opinion on discrete areas of the medical care provided or the injury suffered by the child. Since this does not impact upon the medical treatment being provided to the child, this typically does not occur in the clinical setting.
This leaves many parents with unanswered questions. Over the years an exhausted parent’s battle for answers quickly becomes displaced by the daily battle for much needed support such as therapy and equipment. The unanswered questions, however, continue to weigh on the parent’s mind, resurfacing from time to time, only to be buried again by the weight of the day-to-day needs of their child.
It is understood that cerebral palsy can occur as a result of various medical conditions that are well-known and preventable with appropriate medical care. In these circumstances, your child may be entitled to receive significant financial compensation to allow the parents to provide for their child’s care, support and therapy, to help their child reach their full potential in life.
It is also understood that cerebral palsy can occur for reasons that are not (yet) understood by modern medicine and in circumstances
in which it was not preventable. In these cases, knowing the child’s injury was no one’s fault can help relieve any anger or guilt parents may be feeling, and help them to put the circumstances of their child’s birth behind them, and to focus on their child’s future.
Either way, parents often feel it is better to know, rather than to continue to wonder.
If you are a parent of a child with cerebral palsy and have unanswered questions, please feel free to contact us. We will carefully review your concerns with you, conduct a detailed review of the medical records and consult with our medical experts as required in order to answer your questions and determine if your child may be entitled to financial compensation.
We will review your case and answer your questions without charging you any fees for our investigation.
You may contact us at 604 685 2361 or toll free at 1 888 333 2361, or you may visit our website at www.pacificmedicallaw.ca
THE COMEBACK
Re-entering the Workforce
by Lisa Torreggiani
I, like most mothers, thought before I had kids that I would nail my work-life balance, and return to work full time after baby was born. It hadn’t crossed my mind that having a family would impact my life as drastically as it did. Call me naïve, but I really thought I would be able to do it all.
After the pre-term birth of our first child, my work life began to erode, and when our second child arrived, it felt like countless forces were conspiring against me, starting with myself. I didn’t feel the same at all. I was constantly having to choose work over family or vice versa, and was perpetually dealing with overwhelming feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Mornings were complicated, evenings were worse, and I didn’t even know what a good night’s sleep was anymore. Literally everything in my personal life had changed, yet nothing in my work life had. My husband travelled a ton, I travelled a ton, the deadlines still loomed, and the targets had to be met. I felt overwhelmed and was miserablesomething had to give.
In the end, it was my job. I had read somewhere that “you will miss your kids more while at work than you will miss work while with your kids.” Was this true, or was it just stay-at-home-mom propaganda? I was about to embark on a journey to find out.
At first, I transitioned to contract work in the film industry. This was sustainable and flexible for years, but eventually it ended. In 2009, I wasn’t working, and I liked it!
I was busy enough with the kids and my volunteer commitments. I had put my hand up for everything: team manager, class representative, Girl Guide leader, Ski Club Volunteer Coordinator, and I even took courses to become a ski race official.
Additionally, I was a board member and volunteer for a national organization, a committee member, and a volunteer at BC Women’s Hospital. My board work created awareness of various opportunities, and I began to explore different career options that I felt passionate about. I decided it was time to get back to “paid” work.
Although I had some reservations, I was excited and confident. I had always told myself that work would be there for me when I decided to return. After all, no one can take my professional experience away from meand it was substantial.
My education and experience were intact, and worth a lot. However, I found out quickly, not enough. In interviews, I was honest about my gaps and my choices - proud even. I related my volunteer commitments to the jobs, and downplayed the contract work because it seemed disassociated from any paid work I was seeking.
Employers were not impressed, they didn’t seem to value my volunteer work. This didn’t seem fair, and I felt desperate to demonstrate that I hadn’t completely left the job market. I felt judged and small, I was second guessing my value, and most importantly, I was not landing a job. I knew my resume was rusty and my interview skills lacking, but my experience - what about that? I was feeling deflated.
At one of my daughter’s field hockey games I was lamenting to another mom about how hard it was to find work after being a stay-at-homemom and she told me about WorkBC Employment Centres. She had taken a workshop there and had landed a job soon afterwards. I immediately went to the nearest location and was amazed. This resource provided me with the support and structure that I needed. It helped me to assess my skills, and develop a confident approach to finding work.
I registered for workshops in resume writing, LinkedIn profile development, interviewing skills, and more - and all of these programs were completely free! After lots of practice, hard work, and a few disappointments along the way, I finally landed a contract. Once that was done, it took me 5 months to find another job - covering a maternity leave position. After 5 more months, I was hired on permanently as the consulting manager.
The transition was challenging, and longer than I had expected. Initially, I was making excuses for my choice to stay at home with my kids. Despite owning it in interviews, I wasn’t completely convinced that I believed wholeheartedly in my decision. I didn’t know how my interviewers felt either.
WorkBC’s perspective was invaluable, as they deal regularly with diverse individuals who are trying to re-enter the job market. New immigrants, career transitions, youth, and the aging job seeker. Stay-at-home moms transitioning back to the workforce are just one of many scenarios that they support.
We all make choices and life decisions for many reasons, but being confident in your decision is key. I did miss work while with my kids, and I do miss my kids when I’m at work, but I am happy with my choice to return, and am ready for any new challenges that may come my way.
Are you looking to re-enter the workforce, start your own business, or find part-time work to supplement your income? Here are some local resources to help you out:
The Minerva Foundation For BC Women
The Minerva Foundation provides programs that are focused on elevating the visibility, influence and contribution of women leaders, including Women Leading the Way™ - a distinctive, hands-on, parttime leadership training program for women who want to increase their impact in business, government and community, and Leaders in Transition - A unique, interactive program for women 50 years and over who wish to explore ideas and possibilities for a rich, satisfying and productive next chapter in life.
www.theminervafoundation.com
WorkBC Employment Centres
Services include: group workshops, individual sessions, employment training services, customized job placements, self-employment assessment services, and work experience placement services for clients with significant barriers to employment.
www.workbc.ca
Women’s Enterprise Centre
The Women’s Enterprise Centre provides business skills training, personalized business advice, mentoring, practical business resources, and a supportive community to help women business owners gain the skills, mindset, financing, and networks they need to realize their full business potential. www.womensenterprise.ca
Forum For Women Entrepreneurs
The programs and events offered by the Forum For Women Entrepreneurs (FWE) are designed to support and mentor women who are venturing into new business opportunities, or ready to ramp up and grow their existing business. From start-up advice to specific tips and tricks, FWE leaders, advisors, and business professionals are ready to share their expertise. www.fwe.ca
COMMU
COMMUNITYCALENDAR
Nature House
Campbell Valley Regional Park, Langley
Mondays 1- 4pm, Wednesdays 10am1pm, weekends & holidays (until Labour Day weekend)
Self-guided trail maps, real owl and bobcat specimens, games and books about local wildlife, and crafts for kids! Park at the South Valley Park entrance at 20285 8th Ave and follow the trail markers for a lovely 5-minute stroll to find free interactive experiences for the whole family. www.metrovancouver.org
Miniature Train Rides
Confederation Park, Burnaby Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 11am - 5pm (until October 15)
Ride the rails, and see and hear 1/8th scale live steam, diesel, and electric locomotives and trains in action, and check out the new Garden Railway attraction. www.burnabyrailway.org | www.wcra.org
Theatre Under The Stars
Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park
July 4 - August 18
The 2018 season offers two song-and-dance filled fables, one of Fairy Godmothers and glass slippers in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and the other of Golden Era glitz and showbiz glam in 42nd Street! Tickets: $30 - $49. 604-631-2877 | www.tuts.ca
Khatsahlano Street Party
West 4th Avenue, between Burrard and MacDonald, Vancouver
July 7, 11am - 9pm
Vancouver’s largest free Music + Arts Festival featuring multiple stages, showcasing more than 50 of Vancouver’s top musical performers, as well as the eclectic work of local artisans and street performers. This 10-block street fair also features a wide variety of food options, giveaways, special activities, and licensed beer gardens! www.khatsahlano.com
Abbotsford Berry Fest
Essendene and Montrose Avenue, Downtown Abbotsford
July 7, 10am - 10pm
The fair features berry sales, food trucks, a craft beer and wine garden, a marketplace, roving entertainment, main stage entertainment, face painting, games, rides and so much more!
www.downtownabbotsford.ca
Newton Days
The Newton Grove, Surrey
July 7, 14, 21 & 28, 12pm - 4pm
Complete with a craft and farm market, kids’ crafts, face painting, free bbq, henna, a Science World display, music, a petting zoo, mini golf, and more, Newton Days has something for everyone. Open to the community, nearly everything will be free! Returning this year, $5 farm vouchers will be handed out to redeem at the farmers’ market; find them at the Newton BIA photo booth!
www.newtonbia.com/newton-days
Symphony in the Park
Deer Lake Park, Burnaby
July 8, 7pm - 9pm
Enjoy an evening classics and popular favourites by the VSO. Admission is free. 604.291.6864 | www.burnaby.ca
21st Century Flea Market
Croatian Cultural Centre, Vancouver
July 8, 10am - 3pm
This European-style collector’s market is the largest of its kind in BC, with over 185 vendor tables of vintage jewelry, retro glam accessories, mid-century modern, boho chic furnishings, antiques and memorabilia, books, records & CD’s, collectibles, sports items, dolls and toys, silverware, paintings, and much more!
www.21cpromotions.com/flea_market/
Car Free Day on the Drive
Commercial Drive, Vancouver
July 8, 12pm - 7pm
The festival stretches across 15 blocks featuring local artisans, musicians, community activities, delicious food, entertainment, and activities for all ages.
www.carfreevancouver.org/commercialdrive
2nd Annual Yoga on the Lawn
Rai Chiropractic, Langley
July 10, 12:15pm - 1pm
Bring your yoga mat or towel and join in for a gentle yoga practice on your lunch break. Enjoy light refreshments and rejuvenate your body with yoga! All skill levels welcome. Minimum $2 donation grants you entry to the event. All proceeds go to the Langley Child Development Center.
604-371-4320 | www.raichiropractic.ca
Free Slurpees at 7-Eleven Stores
All 7-Eleven locations
July 11, all day
When the name of the store is an actual date on the calendar it means time to give stuff away for FREE! On July 11th (7th month; 11th day), 7-Eleven stores are giving away FREE small slurpees in celebration of their birthday.
www.7-eleven.com
Rockin’ in the Park
Coal Harbour Park, Vancouver
July 14, 11am - 2pm
This is an all ages, free family event including live entertainment, face painting, arts and crafts, demos, a youth fundraising BBQ, and so much more!
www.coalharbourcc.ca
Nature Paint & Print
Campbell Valley Regional Park, Langley
July 14, 1pm - 4pm
Get inspired by local flora and fauna. Create beautifully detailed leaf prints or try your hand at drawing and painting. Free.
604-432-6359 | www.metrovancouver.org
3E Women’s Wellness Event
Art of Sauna, Burnaby
July 15, 12pm - 6pm
Indulge in self-care and empower fellow ladies in doing the same. The afternoon is lined up with wellness presentations, zumba session and a yoga session. www.3ewellness.com
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Performance Works Outdoor Stage, Granville Island
July 27 - August 11, Monday - Saturday, 7:30pm
This summer the talented teens of the Teen Shakespeare Program at the Carousel Theatre For Young People brings one of Shakespeare’s best-loved plays to the outdoor stage. A delightful tale about friendships, fairies, mischief and magic is a sure delight for all the family! This event is free with premium seating available in advance for $6. 604-685-6217 | tickets.carouseltheatre.ca
Curious by Nature - Fraser River Fishes
Derby Reach Regional Park, Fort Langley
July 28, 2pm - 4pm
Want to know more about nature in regional parks? Drop by these pop-up stations to chat with a park interpreter. Learn about a featured plant or animal, or bring your own questions. Drop in is free for all ages. 604-432-6359 | www.metrovancouver.org
White Rock Princess Party 2018
Centennial Arena, White Rock
July 28, 10am - 12pm, and 2pm - 4pm
Immerse your child in the world of fairy tales as they play, paint, decorate, craft, and sing along with Elsa, Anna and all their favourite characters at this magical fundraiser for a new all abilities and all ages playground in Centennial Park. www.pahfoundation.ca/events/princessparty/index.htm
Richmond Maritime Festival Britannia Shipyards
July 28 - 29, 10am - 6pm
Check out this free family festival every August for seafarers and landlubbers alike to celebrate Steveston’s waterfront heritage at the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. www.richmondmaritimefestival.ca
Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest
Columbia Street, New Westminster
July 28, 4pm - 10pm
This is the largest one day food truck fest in Canada, featuring 150 vendors, 6 beer gardens, and live music, all found along Columbia Street in historic Downtown New West. Admission for this event is free. www.downtownnewwest.ca
Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows Country Fest
Albion Fairgrounds, Maple Ridge
July 28, 10am - 10pm & July 29, 10am - 6pm
This annual festival features main stage entertainment, kids activities, and live performers. There is a vintage market, food trucks, games, farm exhibits and much more! www.mrpmcountryfest.com
Abbotsford Agrifair
Abbotsford Exhibition Park, Abbotsford
August 3-5, 10am-11pm
Enjoy midway rides, a Demolition Derby, the Laughing Logger Show, 4-H Shows and the Country Horse Classic, the Global FMX Motocross Show, Cannon Top Gun Logger Competition, pig and duck races, nightly concerts, daily performances of the RCMP Musical Ride, and so much more! See online for full schedule and prices. www.agrifair.ca
Sunset Beach Festival
Sunset Beach Park, Vancouver August 5, 11am
Enjoy the diverse entertainment lineup at the main stage, the Vendor Village, the Family Fun Zone and the brand new Community Zone, or dance to DJs spinning in the beer garden. Stay and take in the festival for the whole day, or stop by after the parade celebrating Pride.
www.vancouverpride.ca
Abbotsford Air Show
Abbotsford Airport
August 10-12
Watch planes from around the world delight the fans. Wander the tarmac and climb aboard planes from all eras; the skies will be filled with machines you’ve never seen before.
www.abbotsfordairshow.com
Kaleidoscope Arts Festival
Town Centre Park, Coquitlam
August 11, 2pm - 10pm
This free, full-day event will feature live performances across two stages, as well as dancers, multicultural acts, and interactive community art, craft beer, and food!
www.coquitlam.ca
Amazing Farm Scavenger Hunt
Historic Stewart Farm, Surrey
August 11, 11am - 3pm
Bring your friends and family to help you win this old time scavenger hunt. Race to the water pump and do a load of laundry, dress up like a pioneer, and try your hand at a whole host of pioneer activities. Admission is free.
www.surrey.ca
Big Superhero Run
West Dyke Trail, Richmond
August 18, 1pm & 2pm
This superhero themed fun run offers a 10km & 5km Big Superhero Run/Walk (2pm), as well as a 1km Sidekick Run/Walk (1pm) along Richmond’s picturesque West Dyke Recreational Trail. The route is suitable for all ages and abilities. Leashed dogs and strollers are welcome.
www.BigSuperheroRun.com
Richmond World Festival
Minoru Park, Richmond
August 31-September 1
This is Richmond’s major multicultural festival celebrating significant cultural diversity and the world is invited!
www.richmondworldfestival.com
LAST LOOK
Healthy Eating: How To Survive The Season of Socializing
by Alyssa Bauman, Nourished.ca
Summer - it’s the season of fun that just doesn’t seem to end! Fun-filled days, late sunny nights, backyard bashes, sunset cruises, barefoot BBQs - the season of socializing seems endless, and inevitably, the events all seem to revolve around food and drinks. The key becomes planning intelligently. A little self control, coupled with these eight strategies, will help you to navigate social functions with grace, dignity, and no morning-after regret. Here’s how to enjoy a healthy summer, despite the pressure from social gatherings.
1. Eat before you go.
You know how most social events go. They start late, usually they are standard fare, or the main dish contains dairy, wheat or crazy hidden fats.
You arrive starving, and mingle mindlessly, munching on whatever passed appetizers are flowing. Before you know it, you have filled up the things that leave you feeling awful!
I always eat before I go to events - smoothies, a handful of slowroasted nuts, or a huge fresh salad. These snacks help to curb my appetite and slow my cravings, so that the focus is on great conversation rather than all those mini passed pastries.
2. Once through, and I’m
done.
All-you-can-eat doesn’t mean you should eat all you can. Whether it’s your summer family picnic, another night of entertaining, or big dinners or brunch buffets, make the decision to fill your plate once, and fill it with colours of the rainbow. Enjoy that first plate, and then step away from the food table.
3. Be mindful and examine your habits.
What’s a social occasion without a glass of wine in hand? But is it about the wine itself, or having a glass to hold while you mingle? We are habitual creatures and most of the time we are just handed a drink and we sip away at it because it’s there. But have you ever really examined your habits and become mindful of what you do. Are you en route for another drink before the first is already finished? For many of us, one drink leads to 2, which leads to 3. Before you freshen up your drink, freshen up the way you think about drinking in general and slow it down.
4. Lighten up.
Reduce your alcohol intake by one to two drinks per day, and add in delicious alcohol-free spritzers or elixirs. For every drink consumed, I follow with 2 glasses of water. Take advantage of the seasonal summer ingredients, and replace an alcoholic beverages with a smoothie, soda water with fruit, or mocktail. After my first party doing this, and ever since, I have yet to feel deprived.
5. Be a taster.
Deprivation does not work. If you abstain from a dessert you love all the time, you will eventually over indulge and eat too much. Rather than passing on the goodies altogether, enjoy a couple of bites, and then step away from the dessert table.
Not every indulgence warrants the three-bite rule. Remember that even a little gluten or other food you are intolerant to can derail your efforts, so proceed accordingly.
6. Keep your hands full.
Empty hands at a cocktail party makes grabbing random, mindless nibbles too easy, especially when you’re feeling a bit relaxed after a glass of wine. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself mindlessly reaching for yet another passed bite. That’s why I keep a clutch in one hand and mineral water in the other. Guys, you can sub an iPhone or another electronic gadget for the clutch - just don’t check your text messages every five minutes!
7. Give yourself a curfew.
The sun sets late during the summer months, and dinner parties carry way past regular hours - especially when the drinks are flowing. But that doesn’t mean that I need to keep up. I give myself a solid curfew before I arrive to ensure seven hours of solid, uninterrupted sleep. Lately I am the first one to leave, and I don’t feel bad about it, because it allows me to get an early start the next day.
8. Put yourself first.
There’s no doubt that it’s a bit difficult to leave when the fun seems to have just begun, but I always like to leave on a high note. Sure there are the times when closing the party down is the highlight, but for the most part, my happiest nights are the ones when I put myself and my needs first. Feeling rested, energetic and happy the next day are my priorities. This may be a big shift from what I used to value, but it’s important for us all to honour what works best for each of us.
Certified Holistic nutritionist and health consultant, Alyssa Bauman, founded Nourished {A Health Consulting Firm} six years ago when she was constantly being asked for healthy living advice. It’s not as difficult as it seems, that’s where Alyssa comes in and guides you through whatever your nutritional needs may be. When she isn’t upgrading food choices, she will be playing in the park with with her most treasured muses—her three daughters. www.nourished.ca
