of the 2014 Modern Family Expo Kids on the Cover contest, Lucas and Cadence are ready for school in style. Mark your calendars for the 2015 Healthy Family Expo, coming March 29, 2015 to the Vancouver Convention Centre. Thanks to RedFish Kids (www.redfishkids.com) for the amazing clothes! Photo by Dylan Doubt www.dylandoubtphotography.com
Oh September. The days are still warm, but not stifling, my garden thrives and the apples on my tree ripen. We welcome back a little structure and schedule into our lives and look forward to adding pumpkin to every meal (just kidding, that’s gross). But seriously, in my opinion the West Coast is at her best in September. We have some great content this issue to get you back into a September state of mind. Although it looks like not all of the little ones will be heading back to class on time this year, we had a blast putting together our annual back to school photo shoot. We tried to focus on local stores and even some talented local designers! We love supporting local and hope to inspire you to do the same. We are also excited to dig in to family dining. Vancouver is well-known for its culinary diversity and we are happy to share our faves with you and your little foodies. This month we are also taking a look at health and wellness by exploring options, local resources, and getting some great advice on how to ensure you are getting the best care possible.
Just because summer comes to an end this month doesn’t mean all the fun is over! Get out there and enjoy all our region has to offer. We will be hard at work on our October issue bringing you everything you need to know about fall family activities and our annual Baby Guide. Till then, enjoy a pumpkin spice latte….or don’t.
See you in October!
Contributing Editor
The ultimate shopping experience for the Vancouver Woman September 25, 2014 www.xpocity.ca
An annual event featuring inspiring talks from extraordinary moms September 26, 2014 www.leadingmoms.ca
Kids on the cover contest, entertainment, information, and more for families! September 27, 2014 www.bellybabykidshow.com
Fun-filled event and to raise money and heighten awareness about autism and the issues facing autism communities. September 28, 2014 www.autismspeaks.ca
westcoast families westcoastfamilies.com
Managing Editor Andrea Vance editor@westcoastfamilies.com
Assistant Editor Kelly S. Thompson kelly@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
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Published by National Families Network Publisher: Andrea Vance publisher@westcoastfamilies.com
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Contributors Nicole Breit, Jennifer Bruyns, Krysta Furioso, Patty Javier Gomez, Laura Grady, Jodi Iverson, Kelly S. Thompson, Andrea Vance
All contents copyrighted ©. Written permission from the publisher is required to reproduce, quote, reprint or copy any material from WestCoast Families
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Do you love fresh ingredients, a fun atmosphere and cheese galore? Enter to win a $50 gift card for Rocky Mountain Flatbread! Their tasty, wood-fired pizza is a hit with kids, as is their play kitchen and friendly staff. There’s nothing better than healthy, delicious meals on those busy school nights!
Deadline to enter: September 22, 2014
Enter at www.westcoastfamilies.com
Are you looking for a routine-builder for your learner? My Week is a great tool to help learn about how a week is organized and to anticipate upcoming events. 58 magnets teach the seasons, weather, holidays and activities. A must-have for every household, My Week is a magnetic sheet with a dry-erase marker that sticks to most fridges, even a cookie sheet! 2fish kids is a 100% Canadian company.
Tell 2fish kids about the methods you currently use to stay organized, “like” and “share” our page at www.fb.com/2fishkids and be entered into our contest to win a My Week!
Deadline to enter: October 30, 2014
Enter at www.westcoastfamilies.com
These unique pieces will appeal to those who love quality in their embellishments. With necklaces, bracelets and earrings of fine beadwork, creatively strung on beautiful metals, you’ll be snatching up any number of these items for your jewellery box.
http://onlychildhandicrafts.bigcartel.com | $15 - $75
The Kid Fit Pillow is made of high quality, perforated memory foam, which keeps kids cool and comfortable for a cozy night sleep. The edges of the pillow are firmer than the softer centre, supporting your little one’s neck. The pillows come in three different sizes for your child’s age range.
www.kidfitpillow.com | $70
These locally made growth charts harken back to a day when you measured your child’s height against a wall in your house. Choose a more portable solution with these handy wooden charts to follow your little one’s progress, made of solid pine and hand painted and stained. You can even customize with your family name!
rulers@secondpie.com | $80
These reusable drink boxes are an absolute hit with kids and we’ve heard raves from Moms who have seen our kids using them! They can be filled with any drink your child prefers and seal nice and tight to prevent spills. It takes more than 300 years for one disposable juice box to decompose, so take care of the environment while giving your child healthy drinks, free of mess!
www.juiceinthebox.com | $12
These cute, personalized labels come in a variety of shapes and colours that will set your child apart from the crowd. With these labels, their names will emblazon any item they own, helping to keep track of those back to school goodies that inevitably go missing. You can even order allergy warning labels for your child. www.mabelslabels.com | $42 for a back to school kit
These handy outdoor chairs are all you need for your next festival or camping trip. Weighing in at only 1.6 pounds and packing up nice and small, they’re easy to toss in a bag and bring to the beach. Some models can even turn into a rocking chair for topnotch comfort. Choose from an array of colours to suit your personality.
www.alitedesigns.com | $70-$120
This cute Etsy shop, Kardz Kouture, makes easy, downloadable chalkboard signs that will sit pretty anywhere, making the cutest photo op for your child’s first day of school. They also carry Preschool and Last Day of Kindergarten options that will make your child feel special and celebrated during this huge milestone!
www.etsy.com/shop/kardzkouture?ref=l2shopheader-name | $8
These wildly comfortable pants, shirts and sweaters, made for both adults and children, come in a wide array of colours in 100% French Fleece. Designed and produced in Toronto, you won’t regret snuggling into anything from the Lazypants shop as you stay comfortable and stylish, all at the same time!
www.shoplazypants.com | $40-$130
These days, children are constantly bombarded with images in the media depicting how they “should” look. Mommy Am I Pretty? addresses body image, self-esteem and insecurities, pointing out that we’re all beautiful, inside and out. Share this book with your kids to remind them that beauty is more than skin deep. Best of all, a portion of all proceeds go to Meagan’s Walk charity. www.mommyamiprettybook.com | $19
by Kelly S. Thompson
after the recession, many of us opted for the “staycation” as a way to save money while still getting that required rest and relaxation. Thankfully, the Okanagan and interior British Columbia offer tons of family-friendly travel options that are full in experience while being easy on the budget if you keep the trip to just a few days. WestCoast Families has rounded up the best family getaways in the Okanagan area with our easy day-by-day plan with fun things to do and great places to stay!
Head north through Whistler for the best views on this amazing drive that weaves up the Sea to Sky highway.
Sundance Horseback Ranch
Sundance Horseback Ranch offers a one-stop shop vacation. Their ranch offers a pool, wellappointed rooms with amazing views, and of course, incredible food prepared by their chef and served with other families to encourage new friendships. Best of all? There’s babysitting available, kids programming and even kids bunks where your little ones can make new friends while you soak up the sun and relax with a book. Horseback rides with the wranglers and the gentle, well-loved horses will delight your inner child too. And if you have time, check out the historical town of Ashcroft, which will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
www.sundanceguestranch.com
From Ashcroft, go west Lower Mainlanders! There is a lot to do in the Vernon area that will keep the whole family busy with outings that are low on cost but not on fun.
Planet Bee
Buy some tasty honey in a variety of flavours, sample honey mead, load up on beeswax-based products and take part in the programming that will teach your children about how hard these little animals work. With more than 300 hives and 400 bus tours that come through to visit, you won’t want to miss Planet Bee!
www.planetbee.com | Free
O’Keefe Ranch
As one of the oldest ranches in BC (opened in 1867, two weeks before Canada officially existed!), this preserved ranch offers hayrides, historical tours, a corn maze, visits with farm animals like miniature donkeys and chickens, and lots of kids programming that will show your child what life was like as a pioneer. Mr. O’Keefe had 17 children with three different women, so there’s a rich and wild history at this ranch that leaves eons of stories to tell.
www.okeeferanch.ca | $33 per family
There’s a ton to do in the Kelowna area! If you’re visiting the Okanagan, it’s not to be missed.
Okanagan Lavender and Herb Farm
Tour the gardens and snatch up some of their amazing products such as bath and body scrubs and creams, essential oils distilled from their lavender grown on site, and scented candles that smell like relaxation heaven. Last but not least, don’t miss the lavender tea at the small outside café.
www.okanaganlavender.com | $10 for the tour
Need a bit of exercise? The Kettle Valley trail lets your family walk, run, or bike the trail at your leisure. Views from the 12 km Myra Canyon section weave through old trestles and tunnels carved into the rock. Be sure to bring a camera and a picnic too! There are several bike rental companies who will deliver your bike and pick up afterwards. Bring a sweater as the high elevation makes for a chilly start.
www.kettlevalleyrailtrail.com
Be sure to coast down the Bottleneck Drive where you can explore a variety of wineries that offer picturesque landscapes and perfect spots to have a bite to eat. Don’t forget to stock up on local fruits and veggies before heading home.
With a tasty restaurant, amazing wines and a relaxing atmosphere, this family-friendly winery is as beautiful as it is welcoming. The ranch was started in 1902 by a military veteran who loved his pups and See Ya Later Ranch carries on the dog-loving tradition by holding canine events and donating some wine proceeds to the local SPCA. Don’t miss their cheese plate and be sure to pay the $10 for the tour, which offers a tasting of three wines and inside info on the ranch history.
www.sylranch.com
Summerland Waterfront Resort and Spa offers everything you could need for a family vacation. There’s a pool, learn to fish and wakeboarding courses, free laundry access and family-friendly activities at every turn. Each room comes with a full kitchen and access to a barbecue, meaning meals and snacks can be made on the go. Top it off with an on site bistro, saunas, fitness room and more, you won’t be left wanting anything if you vacation here. There’s also some amazing programming for children including art classes (taught by the artist in residence) and free wine tastings for adults. www.summerlandresorthotel.com
This market is full of hundreds of vendors selling everything from arts and crafts to local fruits and veggies. The main street of the town is lined with sun-seeking visitors and the atmosphere is warm and friendly. Don’t miss the food trucks too! We couldn’t resist eating a few local apricots before we got home!
www.pentictonfarmersmarket.org
You don’t have to venture far this fall for the perfect family getaway! The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Region is home to everything you need. Here are some of the top family-friendly events and activities happening in the region this fall: 1 2 3
Ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola: now to September 21, 2014
Get some end of season hiking in before the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola closes until the winter season! Along with 360-degree views of Whistler Village, mountain peaks and lakes, you’ll get access to family-friendly hiking trails on both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain.
Please your palate at the Richmond Night Market: now to October 12, 2014
Located near the Canada Line’s Bridgeport Station and the River Rock Casino Resort, the Richmond Night Market features hundreds of merchandise booths and over 80 food vendors serving Asian street foods and desserts! It’s open from Friday to Sunday until October 12.
Have a blast at the Agassiz Fall Fair & Corn Festival: September 13 & 14, 2014
Celebrate the “Year of the Bee” at the Agassiz Fall Fair & Corn Festival! Enjoy a tasty chicken & corn BBQ, a large 4-H animal section, live entertainment, midway rides, a Kids Corner, an antique tractor pull & lawnmower races, and even a goat milking contest.
Get a taste of local history on BC Legends Day: September 20, 2014
Kilby Historic Site in Harrison Mills is hosting BC Legends Day, a chance to socialize with local history experts. Learn about the early explorers, the Hudson’s Bay Company and more! You can also check out the 1906 General Store Museum and farm.
Let the good times roll at the Pender Harbour Jazz Festival: September 19 – 21, 2014
Enjoy a world-class lineup of musicians at the Pender Harbour Jazz Festival on the Sunshine Coast. They will be playing a variety of styles from Afro-Cuban to Bebop to Swing. Indoor and outdoor venues are scattered around Pender Harbour and most of the events are free!
Kick off the harvest season at Pumpkinfest: October 5, 2014
Head to the West Vancouver Community Centre from 10am to 3pm for an old-fashioned harvest festival! Pick the perfect pumpkin in the on-site pumpkin patch, go on a pony ride, enter the scarecrow competition, and visit the Family Zone.
The City of Coquitlam and the Hoy/Scott Creek Watershed Society are hosting a free family event at the Hoy Creek Fish Hatchery called Salmon Come Home. From 11am to 3pm families can enjoy crafts, spawning salmon viewing, live music and a prize fishing pond! 4 5 6
Take your best shot at the Hell’s Gate Airtram Pumpkin Drop: October 13, 2014
Visit Hell’s Gate Airtram near Boston Bar for their last day of the season! People who bring a carved pumpkin can ride the tram for free and drop their pumpkin from 500 feet above the Fraser River, in hopes of hitting a target to spin the prize wheel.
Celebrate the return of the salmon: October 19, 2014
There are plenty of events and activities to check out in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Region this fall. Visit 604pulse.com/fall-fun for more information and to start planning your getaway today!
Written by: Crystal Solberg
Photos by: Yoko Yamamoto/Destination BC, Toshi Kawano/Destination BC; Metro Vancouver Map: htp://bcer.trams.bc.ca /pics/wvtlq.jpg 7 8
In a world of fast food and packaged meals, we have replaced quality and nutrition with convenience. It is no secret there is an obesity epidemic in North America. Consequently, instances of diabetes and cardiovascular disease have increased in children, health issues traditionally reserved for adults and the elderly. It is important to teach youth about proper nutrition and summer is a great time to implement healthier food choices into their diets.
In Vancouver, we are lucky to have a variety of fresh produce that grows year round and we are especially bountiful during the summer months when we can look forward to local corn, melons, and berries, to name a few! There are also a variety of local farms you can visit to pick your own produce.
Getting your family to make the switch to healthier foods isn’t limited to farmer’s markets. Here are some great foods you can look forward to seeing in September:
Beets- High in iron, folate, and potassium. Slice super thin and bake with a drizzle of olive oil.
Blackberries- Like blueberries, they pack tons of antioxidants and vitamin C.
Tomatoes- Good source of vitamin C to boost your immune system.
Swiss chard- High in vitamin C. Add chard to stir-fry’s, omelettes, or salad.
Broccoli- Great source of calcium and iron, necessary for growing bodies.
Potatoes- Another great source of vitamin C as well as dietary fibre. Bake, mash, or whip into soup.
Pumpkins- High in minerals such as Zinc, which is great for skin, hair, nails, and the immune system. Make a soup or roast up the seeds.
Learning healthy habits and stocking your cupboard with healthy foods and snacks will initially take more time, but will quickly become routine for the whole family. Here are some tips on how to start:
Get your kids excited about food:
• Include them in the preparation of cooking.
• Teach them about food (where it comes from, daily nutrients, etc.).
• When it comes to cooking, consider their input. This will empower them and help them to feel like active participants in the lifestyle change.
Suggestions to instill healthy eating habits in kids:
• Children learn by imitation. If you want to instill good nutrition values, reassess your own eating habits and lifestyle.
• “Replace” foods as opposed to “restricting” for diet changes that last.
• The 80/20 rule. As long as they are eating nutritious foods most of the time, sneaking in an unhealthy snack (say at a friend’s or grandma’s house) isn’t the worst thing.
Ingredients
• 1 bunch of kale
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp paprika and/or other herbs and spices of your choice
Instructions
1. Rinse kale and let dry completely.
2. Rub oil and sea salt onto kale.
by Patty Javier Gomez, RHN
3. Bake at 350F for 10-12 min until crisp. (Do not let it brown or the kale will be bitter)
4. Season with paprika or any other of your favorite spices.
Ingredients
• 1 cup dry oats
• 1 cup of nut butter
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 1/2 cup nuts & seeds (omit if you have allergies)
• 1/4 cup raisins or cacao chips
• 2-3 tbsp ground flax seeds or hemp seeds
Instructions
1. Mix ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Roll into small 2.5cm balls.
3. Put in a container lined with parchment paper.
4. Chill in fridge for an hour (we put ours in the freezer for about 20 minutes, so we can eat them right away!).
• Agree on dietary changes as a family.
• Approach food changes in a positive manner.
• Use “replacing” instead of “restricting” techniques.
• Get into a routine.
• Keep healthy snacks in your cupboard.
• Make water fun by adding fruits and herbs. This will provide electrolytes and hydration.
• Take your children to the farmers market and let them help pick out foods.
• Make a weekly meal plan. Get the whole family involved!
Photos by Dylan Doubt | www.dylandoubt.com
Karibou Kids
www.facebook.com/kariboukids
T-shirt - Superman with Cape $24
Pants - DKNY $28
Creative Crocs Superman Clog $43
Lunch Bag - Superman $15
As parents prepare their kids to head back to school, there’s one thing they need that’s more important than any backpack or notebook–it’s the know-how to ensure their children are safe online.
Online security is becoming increasingly important. From hackers and cyberbullies to predators and phishers, the online world can be a scary place if you’re not armed with the right information. As your kids head back to school, here are some tips from TELUS and TELUS WISE to keep in mind so you and your family can keep yourselves safer online:
1. Review the permissions before giving permission. Apps and social sites often ask for access to personal information that could put you at risk. Set rules around what info you and your kids will share and with whom.
2. Keep it private. It is vital to constantly check and adjust privacy settings within apps and social sites to keep up with ever-changing defaults. Looks for app settings that share information publicly and change it to close friends only.
3. Set-up a 24/7 watchdog for your name. Create a Google alert for yourself and each of your family members to track how your names are being used online and where you’re being mentioned.
4. Less is more. Limit the amount of potentially sensitive information posted online to lower chances of theft or abuse–think twice before posting last names, age, school names, vacation location or other personal info.
5. Keep connections personal. A good rule of thumb is to only connect and share with people that you know in real life. “Friending” people online, whom you’ve never met in person, increases your risk of exploitation.
6. Think before you click. Always read the full path of the URL link you are about to click to make sure it’s going to take you where you want to go.
7. Don’t be found. Turn off geo-tagging on smartphones and tablets to keep from being tracked. When this feature is enabled, your exact location can be exposed even if you’re just posting a photo. Ensure that apps that rely on location (e.g. Google Maps) are the only ones that have location enabled.
8. Lock it down. Set passwords that are at least six characters long. Use at least one symbol, number and uppercase letter. For extra security, use different passwords for each website or account you use.
9. Don’t log in and leave it. Always be sure to log out of social accounts and apps when you aren’t using them. Disable or deactivate accounts and apps you no longer use.
10. Keep your digital household clean. Set a recurring threemonth calendar appointment to check your online profiles, confirm privacy and permission settings on the social media sites you subscribe to, and review any apps that you’ve downloaded.
More tips to keep families safe online can be found at www.telus.com/WISE where anyone can set up a free online safety education tutorial, or simply visit a local TELUS store.
According to Canadian not-for-profit organization MediaSmarts (www.mediasmarts.ca/cyberbullying), Cyberbullying is on the rise, with one in ten Canadian students experiencing it last year. Studies show that it can have traumatic effects on youth, with links to depression, yet kids underestimate how much it can impact them, shrugging it off as a normal part of their online interactions.
(www.mediasmarts.ca/cyberbullying/cyberbullying-overview)
A TELUS survey reveals that 71 percent of parents purchased their child’s first mobile device before the age of 14 and five percent of parents bought their child a mobile device before the age of eight.
• Parents say they are buying these devices to protect their children offline. Nearly one-third (31%) say they want to be able to contact their child, while 27% want their child to have a mobile device in case of an emergency.
• At the same time, parents are worried about their child’s online safety: 64% of parents are concerned about the visibility of personal information, 50% are concerned about privacy and 42% of all parents surveyed reported that cyberbullying is a top concern when it comes to their child’s safe use of mobile devices
by Nicole Breit
difficulty finding a family physician. Long wait times. Hurried visits. These are some of the reasons more and more families are choosing private medical clinics to enhance or replace their care under our publicly funded health care system.
But what is a private medical clinic, what services do they offer, and how much do they cost? Most importantly, are they right for you? Read on to learn more about the private options for families looking for premium health care alternatives.
Under the Canada Health Act, all Canadians are entitled to basic health care via their provincial health insurance. Any health service that falls outside of your basic MSP coverage is considered private care. This can include everything from a private room at a hospital to fertility treatments or cosmetic surgery.
A private medical clinic offers a one-stop health care solution for families who are willing to pay out-of-pocket for premium health care services. Typically, family physicians work alongside a wide range of medical professionals in a private clinic, overseeing a comprehensive health care plan for each of its patients.
Families who use private medical clinics do so for different reasons, depending on their personal circumstances and priorities. Some choose a private medical clinic because they feel the care is more attentive, unrushed, and personalized. Others continue to see their regular family physician and only access specialized services as needed, on a pay-per-service basis with a specialist at a private clinic.
For families who want to take a proactive approach to wellness, private clinics empower their patients with access to diagnostic testing, advanced medical technology and an integrated team of specialists, minus long wait times for consults, lab results, procedures, and surgeries.
In addition to one-on-one visits with a family physician, some of the services your family may access in a private medical clinic include:
• Diagnostic Imaging
• General Surgery
• Mental Health Support
• Pediatric Care
• Travel Clinic
• Women’s Wellness
below. The annual fee, and what’s included, varies by clinic. Some clinics offer unlimited visits to a family physician under annual membership, while others limit the number of appointments. Typically, patients are billed separately for additional services beyond visits with a family physician. Some private clinics also offer financing options for surgery and other costly medical procedures. When you’re considering the cost of using a private medical clinic, be sure to look into your extended health coverage. You may also be eligible for reimbursement of private medical costs on your income tax, so hold on to your receipts.
Want to look into the local options for private health care for your family? These clinics may provide just the kind of personalized health care you’ve been looking for.
Copeman Healthcare Centre offers true patient-centered care with access to family physicians, medical specialists, advanced technology, and resources. The primary focus of this clinic is on prevention and wellness, and this philosophy is supported by unlimited patient access to a personal care team when families enrol in the LifePlus program.
Yearly fee: $9,000 for family of four (includes unlimited visits with a family physician, dietician, kinesiologist, and nurse)
4th Floor, 1128 Hornby St., Vancouver
604-707-2273| www.copemanhealthcare.com
• General Surgery
• Internal Medicine
• Nutrition and Weight Loss
• Plastic Surgery
• Urgent Care
When you become a patient of a private medical clinic, you will either pay a non-refundable annual fee or pay per use of service. We’ve included information on a few local clinics and their fee schedules for a family of four
Established in 1996 as a private surgical facility, False Creek Healthcare Centre includes a wide range of medical services for families, including specialist health programs and advanced diagnostics. The clinic is home to a team of 60 physicians and surgeons. Founded in 2008, the family practice is limited to foster close doctor-patient relationships. The Urgent Care Centre operates out of the same office and provides patients with the care of experienced physicians and nurses who specialize in emergency medicine.
Yearly fee: $5,500 for two adults and $800 per child under the age of 17. Includes 10 one-hour visits with a family physician and access to urgent care. 107 - 555 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver
604 628-2822 | www.falsecreekurgentcarecentre.com
Choose a pediatric dentist you are comfortable with and trust. Ask them to inform you on oral hygiene programs starting from infancy, and have your child’s first visit by their first birthday. Once at the dentist, help your child familiarize themselves by supporting interaction between your child and the dentist as well as the surrounding environment. This pleasant introduction builds the foundation for a positive and comfortable association with the dentist as well as a proactive start to maintaining excellent oral hygiene.
Lysha Wong, PDG Dental www.pdgdental.com
Going to the doctor or dentist can be anxiety provoking for many children. First, listen to your child’s worries and validate them without necessarily “buying in” (after all, the fear is very real, even if the worries don’t always seem reasonable). Another helpful idea is to help your child get familiar with the situation they are scared of, in advance. This might include having your child come with you to your next dentist appointment to witness what goes on. Or, set up an office visit just to get familiar with the surroundings, smells, and sounds. See if your child can meet the doctor/ dentist for a few minutes between appointments and see that he or she is friendly. Your child may want to ask a few questions. Encourage and praise your child’s effort, and hey, planning a treat after the appointment doesn’t hurt. Every step is a huge accomplishment.
Liliana Cortes, RCC LEAP Clinic www.leapclinic.ca
If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than a year (six months if you are over 35), it’s time to see your family doctor or gynaecologist and get your fertility checked out. Talking to your doctor is an important first step but it can also be awkward and anxiety producing. Here are five tips to make you feel more comfortable and help you get the answers you need.
1. When booking your appointment, say you want a fertility consultation
2. Bring your partner to the appointment
3. Don’t hesitate to mention embarrassing symptoms like acne, excess facial hair or previous STDs
4. Write a list of all your concerns and questions
5. Record the dates of your last four menstrual periods Mairi Campbell, Olive Fertility Clinic www.olivefertility.com
As a practitioner and mother of three children, I find being honest and matter-of-fact is the best way to instill confidence and assure your child that the appointment will be just fine. If going to an appointment where needles are involved, an EMLA patch, which contains anesthetics for numbing and available at most pharmacies, will ease much of the distress involved. Many practitioners that work with children, like myself, do not wear a white lab coat, as that can also contribute to their apprehension. It also helps if the healthcare provider has a child-friendly environment with toys and books to distract the nervous child. And one last incentive for a positive experience is to have exciting plans for the child following the appointment, such as a visit to the playground or favourite place.
Dr. Stephanie Bonn, Coco Chiropractic www.cocochiro.com
Many parents may not know that the American Academy of Pediatrics revised their statement regarding circumcision in 2012 to read, “The evaluation of current evidence indicates that the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks.” We are currently waiting for the Canadian Pediatric Society to release their revised statement as well. Medical studies have shown some benefits to circumcision include a lower risk of acquiring HIV, a lower risk of acquiring other STIs like genital herpes, HPV, and syphilis, and a 10x lower risk of urinary tract infections in the first year of life. Like any medical procedure, circumcision is not without risks, although complications are rare and usually minor. These complications may include bleeding, infection, improper healing, or cutting the foreskin too long or too short. Parents should always do their own research and choose what is best for their child by looking at the benefits and risks.
Dr. Neil Pollock, Pollock Clinics www.circumcisionvancouver.ca
Seeking clinics that are designed just for kids can ensure that the environment is specifically tailored for children and that the staff has tricks up their sleeves to keep kids on track. We encourage parents and their children to browse our website and social media feeds to get a sense of what a visit to Kids Physio Group looks like. Photos or videos of what to expect can help to make the appointment run smoothly. We also suggest parents book an appointment when their child is usually at their best. Mornings or after naps are often when kids are the freshest!
Laura Patrick, BHK, MScPT, Owner, Physiotherapist at Kids Physio Group www.kidsphysio.com
www.westcoastfamilies.com
By Laura Grady
Grabbing the kids and heading out to dinner isn’t always the most appetizing adventure. From fussy eaters to fidgety sitters, meals out can be daunting. Thankfully, there are lots of great restaurants in and around Vancouver that make dining out with kids easier. Here is our list of family-friendly eateries that offer good food and a good time.
This retro-themed diner whips up the basics with a few twists. For the family that loves breakfast food, this is the kidfriendly eatery for you, as breakfast is served all day. The little ones can order up a stack of classic pancakes while you dig into something unique, like pulled pork pancakes. The laid back atmosphere and no fuss décor will make you feel right at home–miss-matched plates and all. “This is a great place for families,” says Brad Miller, owner and chef. “On the weekends we give out giant chalk to the kids. They can decorate the sidewalk. It’s something unique and it’s fun.”
2296 East Hastings Street, Vancouver www.redwagoncafe.com
Dinner out with the kids doesn’t have to mean fries and chicken nuggets. Big Feast Bistro is a treat for the whole family. With a menu of fresh ingredients and a focus on local food, this Maple Ridge restaurant is a spot to be enjoyed. Little foodies will love Hawaiian Tropics–a plate of fresh pineapple, honey mustard ham, mozzarella cheese and tomato basil sauce pressed on roti, all served in a stainless steel school bus! “We serve good food. Kids are served first. They can enjoy their food and then go play in the play area while the parents relax with their meal,” says Mike Mulcahy, owner of Big Feast Bistro. 11920 227th Street, Maple Ridge www.bigfeast.ca
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company
Give pizza night a little shake up with a visit to one of three Rocky Mountain Flatbread locations. Loaded with fresh and organic ingredients, these wood-fired pies are sure to please the whole family. In between bites, little chefs can play in the toy kitchen and Rocky Mountain Flatbread offers fantastic pizza parties for your kid’s next birthday. “Nothing is more family-friendly than our pizza making nights. Kids can make their own pizzas while mom and dad sit back and enjoy their meal,” says John Keighley, manager.
Three Vancouver Locations www.rockymountainflatbread.ca
Kids will dive right into this famed White Rock fish and chip joint. Surrounded by whale memorabilia and fishnets, Moby Dick’s décor is a one-of-a-kind spot with friendly and fast service. We can’t think of a better way to wrap up at day at the beach (you can tell the tale of Captain Ahab on the drive home). “We offer an inexpensive meal for families. We cater to kids and we provide a really unique atmosphere that kids of all ages will love,” says James Morrison, owner of Moby Dick’s. 15479 Marine Drive, White Rock www.mobydickrestaurant.com
Pizza Ludica
Pizza and board games are the perfect family-friendly match. With over 500 board games to choose from, this classic pizzeria is a great spot for families with older kids. “Board games are a wonderful way for families to spend quality time together—face-to-face time, talking and laughing and interacting. That’s something we want to promote at Ludica,” says Darryl Boone, owner of Pizza Ludica. Order your pie and let the quality time happen. The food is delicious and your kids just might forget about those video games and electronic devices. Game night just got a lot tastier.
189 Keefer Place, Vancouver
www.ludica.ca
Nothing is more family-friendly than pasta. Anton’s has been famously dishing up traditional Italian food for decades. “Great food at reasonable prices–it doesn’t get more family-friendly than that,” says Frank Leone, manager of Anton’s. Line-ups can be long, so be sure to go a little early. Pick a couple of favourite dishes to share because portion sizes are huge, which makes for great leftovers. Anton’s casual atmosphere and quick service will suit the kids just fine.
4260 East Hastings Street, Burnaby www.antonspastabar.com
Some say this place offers the best burgers in the city. Portions are large, so if your kids are small, splitting an order is a good idea. Fresh cut fries and madeto-order burgers make this place the real deal. Kids will get a kick out to the 1950s era music and décor. Don’t forget to add a milkshake or float to your tab. “Moderne Burger caters to both young and old. The simplicity of the classic menu coupled with an authentic 1940s environment makes the experience tough to beat,” notes Peter Kokinis, owner at Moderne Burger.
2507 W Broadway, Vancouver www.moderneburger.com
4412 Main St, Vancouver
Need the perfect accessory for a new outfit? Stumped for gift ideas, or just feeling creative? Nestled in the heart of the Main St. corridor, this amazing bead shop will have you snooping for hours. With an impressive collection of beads from all over the globe, Bead Freaks is your one-stop shop for beading supplies and endless inspiration. The shop is brimming with vintage, antique, and one of a kind pieces as well as gems, jewels, carvings and amulets. Shop owner, Kayla is a well of bead knowledge and she’s always eager to offer advice for that special piece or project. 604-872-2210 | www.beadfreaks.ca
Krysta Furioso, Art Director
3598 W 4th Ave, Vancouver
I love walking down to Aphrodite’s for some healthy and flavourful lunch or brunch. They’re big on sourcing local fruits and veggies and providing the best in organic meals that will have your taste buds clapping with joy! Salads, soups, sandwiches and eggs are all served with fresh, specialty sausages that I dream about for weeks afterwards! Of course, no visit is complete without a slice of pie (or two) that I usually enjoy once I’m home because my belly is too full from the tastiness earlier. They have a huge selection of pies, focusing on seasonal sweets that will have you coming back again and again.
www.organiccafe.ca
Kelly S. Thompson, Assistant Editor
612 Kingsway, Vancouver
My go-to back to school shopping spot has to be Wee Ones Reruns! This consignment store in the charming Kingsway & Fraser area of Mt Pleasant always meets my needs. They have the best selection of gently used and wellcurated items for kids, newborn through size 10. I recently scored with two pairs of EUC (that’s excellent used condition to those of you who don’t shop thrifty!) Bloch dance shoes that will have my daughter dancing in class and me dancing all the way to the bank.
www.weeonesvancouver.com
Jodi Iverson, Contributing Editor
These days, the options are endless when it comes to sourcing medical information to educate and inform your family. But the Internet doesn’t always provide the most reliable sources, and you could be making health decisions based on faulty facts. Thankfully, reliable information abounds on the website Health Choices First, a website full of medical videos that provide loads of juicy tips and information about our bodies, medical breakthroughs, and more. There are over 1600 videos to watch and you can even pick ones relevant to your specific location. Want to know more about that upcoming surgery? There’s a video for that. Need further information on a medical diagnosis you’ve been given? You can find it here! Facts on this site are sourced directly from doctors, so you can be sure you aren’t being led down the garden path of misinformation. www.healthchoicesfirst.com
This fantastic, one-stop site offers access to information on a variety of local programs for adults, kids and families, offering easy enrollment and registration with the click of a mouse. You can learn about nature programming for kids, dance classes for adults, and all the websites and contact information required to get the ball rolling. It’s also a fun place to discover fun things to do in your area that you might not have thought about, like watershed tours and volunteer opportunities. You can also book and view local facilities for weddings, events and family gatherings. Best of all, this site gives an opportunity to connect with like-minded locals and build friendships as you explore the city together. Sign up today! www.onlineca.activecommunities.com/MetroVancouver
Hop on your motorcycle to take part in the Musical Therapy Ride on Saturday, September 13 from the Hard Rock Vancouver up the winding route to Whistler with a police escort from the Vancouver Motorcycle Police Drill Team! Funds raised on the ride go to helping those who are healing through music, giving the tools needed to musical therapists in their quest to use this unique method to assist in a patient’s healing. The ride was the concept of several members of the Vancouver music scene and together, with various agencies, radio stations and labels and other members from the industry, Music Therapy Ride has raised over $650,000 in the last 13 years. The money raised helps to build and use Bandwagons, mobile recording studios for musical therapists containing instruments and sound equipment, allowing them to visit a wide range of patients. This year, Canadian country music group, the Road Hammers will play in support of Musical Therapy Ride. Don’t miss this chance to support a great cause and explore the Sea-To-Sky. www.musictherapyride.org
Roots of Empathy is an alternative elementary classroom program that strives to reduce aggression and boost empathy in children, inherently lessening issues of bullying. It doesn’t just have an effect on the students but also the adults who teach the program. Ultimately, the goal is to create positive, peaceful and caring societies and the way to achieve that goal is by teaching children to understand the plights and feelings of others. As of 2014, 600,000 children across three continents have benefitted from the program and honed their empathetic skills in the classroom and beyond. Roots of Empathy is currently seeking instructors for the 2014-2015 school year, with training to take place in the later summer and early fall. Training is not long or onerous but can be of significant benefit to children! Contact Christine Shepherd at cshepherd@rootsofempathy.org or 604713-5230 if you’re interested! www.rootsofempathy.org
Now more than ever, obesity rates in children have increased to an all time high, with one in four children currently overweight.
The Childhood Obesity Foundation, in partnership with the BC Recreation and Parks, BC Ministry of Health, and YMCA, offers the MEND program, which educates in steps towards a healthier life. MEND, a ten-week program for kids between 7-13 and have a BMI 85% or higher, encourages a healthier lifestyle by attending two sessions per week. Parents join their kids to learn about small lifestyle changes and how they can make a large impact in health and wellness. Part of the education involves choosing healthy snacks and getting active as a family. Families will also learn about nutrition and food labels followed by a physical activity that is free of judgement for everyone involved. Best of all, the entire program is free and offered at a variety of locations.
www.childhoodobesityfoundation.ca/MEND
no one questions the vital role that moms play both inside and outside the home, but WestCoast Mom Lisa Currier of Port Coquitlam goes above and beyond. Mother to Massimo, 10, and Enzo, 6, Lisa gives her time, effort, and energy to any event and committee she can support along with Garth, her high school sweetheart and husband of 14 years.
As a stay-at-home mom, Lisa takes pride in her role both as a mother and as a mainstay in her community, a position she doesn’t take lightly. “It is important to me that I am positive role model in my children’s lives and by volunteering as much as I do and have, I am leading by example,” she notes. Lisa works tirelessly to give to others, in school, within her neighbourhood and on the Parent Advisory Committee, all with a smile and energy that seems tireless. But she is quick to note that she doesn’t do it all alone, garnering support from her husband and a thriving and supportive network of family and friends, including the family she has knitted together within her community.
To say that Lisa is passionate about volunteering would be a large understatement. Lisa is an active member of the Parent Advisory Committee at her sons’ school and gives her time to various pet projects that she holds near and dear, one of them being the Father Daughter Dance, where girls are invited to take to the dance floor with the father figure in their lives. Lisa takes pride in setting up the school gym with a new theme each year, then dressing up and taking part in all the action, recollecting her favourite moments with her own father. “It always gives me goose bumps, and some good tears, to see these defining moments in these girls’ lives,” says Lisa. Preparations are already underway for next year’s dance and Lisa is excited to transform the gymnasium into a new experience for the children.
Another cherished aspect of Lisa’s volunteer work is the launch of Kindness Shirts, an idea she generated with her sons’ school principal. In keeping with the theme of Pink Shirt Day, aimed at eliminating bullying, Lisa approached the principal with the idea of shirts exclusive to their school. With the principal’s go-ahead, Lisa generated a mock up of the “Keep Calm” shirts, with her own “Keep Calm and Be Kind” tee. “My belief is to not draw attention to the ‘bully behaviours’ but rather, draw attention to the kindness that kids, and adults, exude on a daily basis,” says Lisa. “I am not naive in seeing that there are problems with bullying, but I would rather focus on the positive…,” says Lisa. On the last Wednesday of every month, Enzo and Massimo’s school wears their Keep Calm and Be Kind t-shirts in support of this positive movement. One of her prized volunteer capabilities is in arranging and chairing Staff Appreciation Week with another mom, making crafts and other special items to make teachers feel appreciated and valued. “I make it a mission to try to have staff smile every morning for one week with little handmade gifts,” says Lisa. Whether it’s by helping students create one-of-a-kind art for their teacher or coordinating assistance with other moms, Lisa gives her all to the kids and their classrooms. “Seeing these kids every day, walking down the hallways, and regardless if it is my boys, or their friends, or other classmates or students, my heart is filled to the brim and overflows with so much love!” Lisa says.
Her volunteer work goes above and beyond, with countless hours spent on small details like invitations for a Mother and Son Survivor event, staining over 100 invites with tea and burning the edges for an aged effect. And although her work can be defined by this unique attention to caring details, where Lisa truly shines is in her ability to appreciate the work of others. Rarely does she comment about her own efforts within her community without noting the exceptional abilities of someone else in the process. “I do have to give credit to the fabulous parents, students, and teachers in my community because if it wasn’t for them, I would not volunteer as much as I do. They give me the energy, confidence, and fulfillment to do what I do,” Lisa says. For Lisa, her volunteer work gives her more than personal satisfaction. It also offers a chance to connect with other moms and dads, especially in her role as Classroom Liaison in her son’s classroom. “As Massimo has grown up, I have always been actively volunteering in his classrooms with simple take-home projects to help the teachers, to being in the classroom and helping other students, to supervising on field trips!” And her efforts extend to other classrooms as well, even when her own children aren’t present, simply because she loves to see the light in the eyes of children as they learn something new. And in the wake of the recent teacher’s strike, Lisa and several other parents arranged for 50 students to take part in a special camp where they made endless memories in their three action-packed days. Lisa doesn’t just extend her caring services to her local schools, but also gives her time to Girl Guides in her community as a way to spend time with her niece. Lisa excels is in her passion for giving to others, a quality that makes her exuberance infectious. Of course, despite the joy she finds volunteering in her community, nothing gives back quite like her role as mother to her two boys. “Motherhood is an incredible journey, a wild adventure and it fills my heart beyond filling,” Lisa notes. When she isn’t busy in the classroom, the kitchen, or at a event she’s helped to coordinate, Lisa and her family spend time checking things off their “bucket list,” which of course, includes some elements of giving back to the community. The Currier family also revels in family time, steeped in educating their children about their heritage. “One special thing we do is definitely teach the kids about their culture; Italian… We are so proud of our Italian heritage and want our boys to grow up feeling the same,” Lisa says. Lisa also feels that her mode of giving back rubs off on her children and teaches them the value of kindness, care, and thoughtfulness towards others. “The biggest reflection in my children is seeing how confident they are and how they have embraced the community, and how they definitely see it as a foundation and see the parents, their friends, and teachers as extended family,” says Lisa of the impact her volunteer work has made on her children.
At the end of the day, Lisa insists that giving back is a matter of performing “random acts of kindness” as a means of contributing to a sense of community. Humble to a fault, Lisa is quick to point out, “It is definitely not about me; it is all about how we all come together and make this community thrive!” If more of us cultivated the same attitude as Lisa Currier, the world would be a significantly happier and kinder place.
by Kelly S. Thompson
eating disorders affect countless North Americans. Thankfully, the Jessie’s Legacy program at Family Services of the North Shore leads the Provincial Eating Disorders Awareness program, also known as PEDAW, which seeks to provide education and awareness about prevention of eating disorders. “We want to encourage people to love their bodies,” says Amy Pezzente, coordinator of the PEDAW program and a previous eating disorder sufferer.
PEDAW staff travel to schools, clinics and community centres to provide lectures and information about prevention and early treatment of eating disorders. PEDAW also discusses self-esteem, body image education and healing, employing experts and those who struggle with the disorder to educate and inform. “A lot of parents think, it won’t happen to my daughter or son…My mom didn’t think anything would happen with me,” says Amy. “When I was struggling, I was always frustrated because I was tired of people talking about eating disorders through a textbook. I wanted to talk to someone who had recovered.” PEDAW also coordinates events and contests that keep eating disorder awareness on the forefront of the community. They started the Purple for PEDAW campaign, which runs in the month of February, encouraging the community to sport purple clothing and wristbands that raise awareness. “Our theme is, Love our bodies, love ourselves,” says Amy. Amy also seeks assistance from sufferers in recovery, encouraging them to be active participants in the healing of others. She also coordinates the participation of other organizations and companies
by providing free materials, books, and support, so that the message of awareness spreads as far as possible.
Current media images routinely flood the screens and magazine pages of young women and men, and Amy has recognized this as a potential benefit. She uses social media to promote PEDAW and create awareness by sourcing images of healthy bodies and happy quotes related to health and wellness. “I try to make these images go viral in the eating disorder community,” says Amy. In this way, social media has provided the ability for those suffering with the illness to interact with one another and offered new opportunities for connecting with young people.
PEDAW seeks to dispel eating disorder myths and show that the disease can affect anyone at any time and both loved ones and sufferers should be aware so that early intervention and treatment can be sought out. “A misconception I hear a lot is that it’s a girl’s disorder. But it’s not. It’s a mental disorder,” Amy insists. If you recognize that you might be suffering with an eating disorder, Amy has this advice; “We recommend you talk to a loved one first for support, because it’s scary and it takes a lot of courage.” From there, those with eating disorders can seek treatment from a doctor with an ally at their side.
For more information and resources, visit the PEDAW website. www.familyservices.bc.ca/professionals-a-educators/jessies-legacy/ provincial-eating-disorders-awareness
Gin & Tonic Fridays
Long Table Distillery, Vancouver
Fridays in September, 4-8pm
Yes, every Friday, Long Table Distillery hosts Gin & Tonic Fridays complete with a weekly rotating food truck. A great way to end your week & start your weekend!
604.266.0177 | www.longtabledistillery.com
The Richmond Night Market No. 3 Road & River Road, Richmond Weekends until October 13, 7pm
This outdoor event offers 88 food booths, over 200 merchant booths, free admission, games, contests & hundreds of giveaway prizes, as well as free, live entertainment nightly on a topnotch performing stage.
604.244.8448
www.richmondnightmarket.com
Langley Good Times Cruise-in
Fraser Highway 206th to 208, Douglas Crescent & Cascades Parking lot, Langley
September 6
Local classic car enthusiasts are invited to visit downtown Langley to view numerous cars in one place and help raise money for local charities.
www.langleycruise-in.com
Salsa Cruise Series
501 Denman St, Vancouver
September 13
3 levels. 3 DJs. A complimentary salsa lesson and a dance show taught by some of Vancouver’s top instructors. Take part in the excitement or sit back and watch the view. Either way, this will be a night to remember. Tickets are $28 in advance. 604.312.6772 | www.salsacruises.com
Car Boot Sale
Boundary Bay, Tsawwassen
September 13
With hopes of maintaining South Delta’s reputation for a great summer, the sails are only cancelled due to inclement weather. Many locals enjoy a morning stroll along the dyke and visit the Car Boot sale, seeking a treasure or two.
604.940.9296
www.boundarybayparkassociation.wordpress.com
Music Therapy Ride
Hard Rock Casino, Coquitlam to Garibaldi Lift Co., Whistler
September 13
This year the ride will once again be rolling down the Sea-To-Sky highway, with the Vancouver Motorcycle Police Drill Team providing a presidential escort for the entire journey. Money raised is used to support building, maintaining and use of Bandwagons, mobile recording studios designed specifically for music therapists.
Family Toy and Clothes Sale
Kitsilano Community Centre, Vancouver September 14, 10am-1pm
A perfect chance for families to buy and sell used children’s clothing and toys. Great bargains for parents with growing children. Free Admission. www.pbregister.vancouver.ca
Open House & 105th Anniversary
Mackin House, Coquitlam
September 14, 12 Noon-3pm
Celebrate with community partners, Société francophone de Maillardville, Place des Arts, Place Maillardville, and Club Bel Âge and enjoy music, a market, and more! It will be fun for the whole family.
604.516.6151
Il Mercato
Italian Cultural Centre, Vancouver September 19, 3-7pm
This market is the first of its kind in Vancouver, bringing together the tastes of Italy with the produce grown at local farms. Come shop for a vibrant assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables, handmade products from local artisans and delicious food prepared by Il Centro’s chef. www.italianculturalcentre.ca
Mad Decent Block Party
WestJet Concert Stage at the PNE Amphitheatre
September 21, 3:30pm
Mad Decent aims to bring new genres and cultures to light in the ever diversifying music community. Aside from the music released, Mad Decent is also known for its annual Block Parties, a series of outdoor dance party/concerts in select cities across the United States and Canada.
www.ticketleader.ca
Xpocity 2014
September 25
Four Seasons Ballroom, Vancouver
The ultimate shopping experience for the Vancouver Woman! From fashion forward brands to the latest high technology for beauty and fitness, don’t miss this great opportunity to shop, socialize, discover and experience. Socialettes Social from 2:30-4pm, followed by the Shopping Social from 4-9pm. Tickets start at $15.
www.xpocity.ca
Leading Moms 2014 Science Theatre, Science World
September 26, 8am-12:30pm
Now in its third year, Leading Moms promises a day for you to connect with like-minded moms on thought-provoking talks, presentations and performances. Stay for optional lunch from 12:30-1:30.
www.vancouvermom.ca
Miniature Train Rides
Confederation Park, Burnaby
Ongoing until October 15, 11am-5pm, Weekends and Holidays
Come ride the rails with over 2kms of track and see 1/8” scale Live Steam, diesel & electric trains in action! The BC Society of Model Engineers (BCSME) is a charitable non-profit society that is member & volunteer operated. www.bcsme.org www.fvhrs.org www.wcra.org
Steveston Museum Summer Walking Tours
Steveston Museum, Richmond
September 27, 11am & 2pm Murder, Mayhem & Morality in Old Steveston: Explore the seedier side of Steveston’s past as we captivate you with stories of notorious murders, shady bordellos & a darker history steeped in sly grog.
Community Bike Fair
Edmonds Community School, Burnaby September 5, 6-9pm
Fun activities including an exciting mountain bike show! See bikers take on big jumps, teeter totters, rollercoasters and perform many more stunts! Bring your bike and helmet to take part in the obstacle course, “Challenge Your Friend” races, decorate your bike, or use the minor repair station. Win prizes, including a bike!
White Rock’s Moon Festival
14970 Marine Dr
September 5-7
This festival is a celebration of Chinese and Canadian culture that will feature over 500 Chinese lanterns lighting the White Rock Pier and Museum. Enjoy the variety of free entertainment, food vendors and art displays. www.inwhiterock.com/event/moon-festivalwhite-rock/
A Day at the Farm
Westham Island Herb Farm, Delta
September 6, 10am-4pm
This is one of the most exciting agricultural fairs in the Lower Mainland because it provides visitors the opportunity to connect with real farms, real farmers, and real food. Enjoy live music, miniauction, contests, White Spot’s “On the Go” food truck, antique tractors and farm equipment and much more! Admission is free. www.deltafarmland.ca
Luminary Festival
Sunstone Park, North Delta
September 6, 6-10pm
This festival is fun for all ages and features a Parade of Lights, Concert in the Park, children’s activities, entertainment and food vendors. Create your own lantern at home to help light up the night.
604.952.3000 | www.delta.ca
Fleetwood Festival
Fleetwood Community Centre
September 6, 11am-3pm
Enjoy this day of celebration and experience a sense of community with us.
604.501.5026 | www.surrey.ca
Ladner Village Market
Ladner Village
September 7
This market maintains a unique “make it, bake it or grow it” policy, making the experience distinct and memorable. Visitors will have a variety of fresh produce, homemade jellies and spices, meats, plants, garden art, handmade jewellery, pottery, soaps, furniture and crafts. One can sample an array of food and beverages from restaurants and market vendors. Live entertainment on the street adds to the market’s family-friendly atmosphere. www.ladnervillagemarket.com
We can deliver WestCoast Families magazine free to your event! Email us at admin@westcoastfamilies.com or call 604-249-2866
Coho Festival
Ambleside Park, West Vancouver
September 7
Kick off this festival with a 14km Coho Run, then attend a Squamish Nation blessing of the salmon followed by live entertainment, kids activities and the famous salmon barbecue. www.cohosociety.com
Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House
Scotiabank Dance Centre
September 13
From contemporary and flamenco to ballet and bhangra, the annual Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House offers the chance to sample a host of dance styles in a day of free open classes, studio showings and events. Free admission.
604.606.6400 | www.thedancecentre.ca
Southlands Country Fair
Southlands Riding Club, Vancouver
September 14, 10am-4pm
The fair features pony rides, petting farm, old fashioned games, spectacular equestrian entertainment by Southlands Riding Club members, a silent auction, a local arts and crafts market, farmers market, music, book sale, face painting, hay piles, bouncy horses, delicious food enjoyed outdoors, and much more! Entry is by donation, some activities cost $1-$5, while many others are free.
604.263.4817
Campbell Valley Country Celebration
Campbell Valley Regional Park, Langley September 13 & 14, 10am-4pm
Experience the charm of an old-fashioned fall fair. There will be plenty to see and do: meet all kinds of hoofed, woolly, furry and fuzzy creatures; stroll and shop for crafts, preserves, and home baking; tap your toes to live musical entertainment; win great prizes donated by vendors and exhibitors! Cost: $3 –adults, $2 children (7-12), free for children under 6 yrs.
604.432.6359
www.metrovancouver.org/countrycelebration
Discover Dance! Series: Jacky Essombe
Scotiabank Dance Centre
September 18, 12noon
This interactive presentation features Essombe and her team of dancers and musicians in a program of high-energy dances, live drumming and singing that is steeped in the poetic imagery and wisdom of her ancestors, creating an experience to excite the eyes, engage the spirit and refresh the soul. Tickets $14/$12 students, seniors and children.
604.606.6400 | www.thedancecentre.ca
Discover BC’s True Stories
Surrey Museum
September 20, 1-4pm
Join costumed re-enactors, including Surrey’s own Re-enactors troupe, as they bring to life stories of early settlement in British Columbia. Make a pioneer craft and do a scavenger hunt in the museum’s exhibit gallery. All ages, drop in, entrance by donation.
604.592.6956 | wwwesurrey.ca
Olde Harvest Fair
Historic Stewart Farm
September 20, 12noon-3pm
Tour the farm’s heritage orchard to learn about historic apples. Enjoy live music and take part in traditional harvest festival games and activities. Try harvest-themed crafts, like vegetable stamping, and have your face painted. Entrance by donation.
604.592.6956 | www.surrey.ca
RiverFest: Inspired by the Fraser Fraser River Discovery Centre
September 21-27
Inspired by the river, RiverFest will kick off with the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup and wrap up with a free, family-friendly festival consisting of art exhibits, interactive activities and crafts, live music and dramatic performances, river tours, Salmon chowder cook-off, and the famous Lucille Johnstone Work Boat Parade.
604.521.8401 | www.fraserriverdiscovery.org
Belly Baby & Kid Show
Cloverdale Fairgrounds
September 27, 10am-4pm
Lots of fun and information at this show! Make sure to enter the kid’s photo contest where the winner will be featured on the cover of WESTCOAST FAMILIES MAGAZINE! There will also a kid fashion show, live entertainment and many workshops. www.bellybabykidsshow.com
Cultural Day at the Carousel
Burnaby Village Museum
September 27, 11am-4:30pm
The Carousel Pavilion will be open for paid carousel rides ($2.50/ride). Visitors can also do a craft, enjoy the antics of an entertainer and explore the hands-on carousel activities in the newly opened Carousel Gallery. www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
MetamorFest
Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House
September 27
This annual community festival brings three stages, numerous musical performances, art installations, interactive games and attractions, a silent auction with some amazing offers and goodies, as well as great food. Come out and celebrate the Mount Pleasant community in a fun, family friendly festival.
604.879.8208
National Tree Planting Party
Panorama Park, Surrey
September 27, 10am-2pm
Plant a tree or shrub, listen to live music, get your face painted, play nature games and most of all, have fun!
604.502.6065 | www.surrey.ca
Word Vancouver Festival Day
Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch
September 28, 11am-5pm
At this literary festival, attendees will find readings for adults and children, panel discussions, workshops, musical performances, a vibrant marketplace, demonstrations, and more! www.wordvancouver.ca
Walk Now for Autism Speaks
Science World/Olympic Village
September 28
Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada is a funfilled, family-friendly event and is our single most powerful force to fund vital research, raise money to support family services programs and initiatives, and heighten awareness about autism and the issues facing the local and national autism communities.
www.autismspeaks.ca
Visit www.westcoastfamilies.com/events_calendar for more family friendly events this month! To have your event included in the WestCoast Families community calendar, please email your details to admin@westcoastfamilies.com.
Go to www.westcoastfamilies.com to see more local and community family events in your area.
The end of the summer often lends to snuggly nights indoors as the temperature drops. What better time to encourage literacy in your home and read some of the WestCoast Families picks for the best books for children? Cozy up with one of these great reads.
Many students lose more than 2 months of knowledge over the summer
by Tom Pow
Living in the city can make it easy to get lost in our urban realities, and this inspiring book makes us and our kids take a moment to remember our place in the world. Each page of this beautifully illustrated book reminds us that each night, as we and our children fall asleep in our beds, there are mother bears, whales, lions and owls putting their babies to sleep in their own cozy homes as well. Seeing animal families as co-residents of this small planet might make you and your kids rethink how you answer the question, “Who is the World For?”
Krysta Furioso, Art Director
by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Confession: I am a Little House on the Prairie fan girl. When I was little, I would race home from school every day to watch Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books come to life on TV. I read the books eagerly and dreamed of receiving sage advice from Pa and a chance to put Mrs. Olsen in her place! The iconic Little House Collection is a series of nine books chronicling the life of a young girl and her adventures into adulthood in late 19th century American Midwest. I have recently introduced the series to my nine-year-old daughter and am looking forward to sharing the adventure with her.
Jodi Iverson, Contributing Editor
by Jed Henry
Mouse is feeling down one day, and his friends don’t know why. One by one they try lots of ways to cheer him up but nothing works. In the end, one of his friends gives him a hug and Mouse smiles. That’s all he needed! The book showed our kids that sometimes a simple hug can go a long way to heal and help.
Andrea Vance, Publisher
by Maurice Sendak
Research shows that teachers typically spend between 4 to 6 weeks re-teaching material that students have forgotten over the summer.
All students experience learning losses when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer.
Initially published in 1963, this classic lives on and it is truly a cherished item in my house. I first read this book when I was six years old and I remember being scared of the illustrations! Years later, as a writer myself, I still have a copy of this book and cherish it as one of my childhood faves. I love Max and his search for adventure and magic (he reminds me of myself!) and I value the many morals of the story, one of them being looking beyond initial first impressions of what we might find scary. I also love the idea that home is always a place of comfort. I’ve read this story to my nephews and love watching them experience the magic all over again, just as I did once.
Kelly S. Thompson, Assistant Editor
by Julie Kraulis
This is a sweet story about Whimsy, who has many heavy things she has to drag around with her every day. She tries different ways to bury, sink, cover, and hide the heavy things all at once, without success. Ultimately, she realizes that the best way to get rid of the heavy things is one at a time. After a few reads, my daughter came to me one morning telling me she was feeling heavy–the book gave her a way to express herself!
Andrea Vance, Publisher
For a limited time only. At participating McDonald’s® restaurants in Canada.
The B strain has become the most common invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) strain to affect Canadians. In 2007, the B strain was responsible for 80% of the 25 reported IMD cases in infants <1 year of age and 60% of the 29 reported IMD cases in adolescents aged 15-19 years. One form of IMD is meningitis. While vaccines have been available in Canada for the A, C, Y and W-135 strains, No vaccine has protected against the B strain – until now.
The first and only vaccine to protect against meningococcal meningitis caused by the B strain. Get your child vaccinated. Talk to your doctor today about BEXSERO® . The cost of the BEXSERO ® vaccine may be covered by your private insurance. Contact your insurance provider and give the DIN (drug identification number) below to find out: BEXSERO® DIN: 02417030
BEXSERO ® is a vaccine for the prevention of meningococcal disease caused by the Neisseria meningitidis group B bacteria (germs) in individuals from 2 months through 17 years of age.
BEXSERO ® is not expected to provide protection against all circulating meningococcal serogroup B strains and doesn’t protect against strains A, C, Y and W-135.
BEXSERO ® does not treat or reduce the consequences of meningococcal meningitis, including death. Like all vaccines, BEXSERO ® can cause side effects. When BEXSERO ® is given, the very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) include pain/ tenderness at the injection site, redness of the skin at the injection site, swelling of the skin at the injection site and hardness of the skin at the injection site.
Allergic reactions can occur. As with any vaccine, BEXSERO ® may not fully protect all of those who are vaccinated. People are advised to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of BEXSERO ® with their healthcare professional to ensure it is suitable for them.