Back to School by North Shore News Features

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2016

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Capilano University students Robynne Shannon, Sacha Fabry, and Natasha Thom are ready to hit the books.

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SCHOOL GISTR & FALL RE

ATION

School clubs An adult student talks about returning to school

PHOTO CINDY GOODMAN

School bus safety

SQUAMISH NATION EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING Back to School – Fall Registration

SQUAMISH NATION EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING Stitsma Career Centre

We are offering programs for youth and adults. Classes run 4 days a week Monday through Thursday 9:00am – 3:00pm.

Are you First Nation Status, Non-Status, Metis or Inuit? Are you unemployed, currently on EI or have been on EI in the past 3 years? We have the following services and programs available:

Limited spaces available.

Skills Training Services:

Job Readiness Services:

• Essential Skills Training • Funding for Trades • Funding for Certificates up to 1 year at a College/University • Recruitment Services

• Career Counselling • Job Board • Job Search • Recruitment

Eslha7an Learning Centre Are you First Nation Status, Non-Status, Metis or Inuit?

1. ABE Program 2. ArrowMight Literacy Program 3. Adult Dogwood Diploma Program (Grade 12) Registration time: Now up until September 9th, 2016 Classes start: Monday, September 12th, 2016 If you are interested please come into Squamish Nation Employment & Training- Learning Centre:

We are open Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm 345 West 5 th St, North Vancouver P: 604-985-7711

If you are interested please come into Squamish Nation Employment & Training:

We are open Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm 345 West 5th St, North Vancouver P: 604-985-7711

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2016

School clubs help foster interests, friendships ROSALIND DUANE rduane@nsnews.com

Ask a bunch of people how they feel about bees and you may not get a positive response.

Perhaps someone will call to your attention the recent stories of zombie bees or “zombees” that infect honey bees with a parasite. And while “zombees” don’t turn humans into zombies, they infect honey bees with a deadly parasite and those infected bees exhibit strange behaviour and act disoriented before they die, hence the name. Perhaps the person you talk to will remind you of the “killer bee” craze in the 1990s, popularized by The X-Files franchise. The “killer bee” is actually an Africanized honey bee that is a hybrid species known for being more aggressive than regular honey bees. However, according to Wikipedia, there are 20,000 known species of bees, most of which do not involve zombies or alien substances that infect FBI agents (X-Files: Fight the Future). Ask Owen Sigurdsson about bees and he’ll probably tell you a lot of good things

about how they pollinate plants and flowers for reproduction, and also pollinate agricultural products such as broccoli, apples, and more. And, of course, they make honey. Sigurdsson is heading into his second year of studies in the Global Stewardship Program at Capilano University and has been interested in bees for some time. “I had a passion for it that really developed just in my last year of high school,” he says. So last September, as a first-year student, he started a bee club at the school. “I had no idea what I was doing really,” he admits. He had considered other clubs at the school but nothing seemed to suit his interests so he decided to start his own club. “It is a lengthy process to start a club but I really wanted to follow through with it,” he explains. Sigurdsson says not too many people showed up to the first club meeting, but that didn’t deter him. And as the school year went on, more people stopped by and the club began to evolve into a place for members to

Owen Sigurdsson started his own bee club at Capilano University in his first year as a student there. PHOTOS CINDY GOODMAN share ideas and suggestions for events, as well as a place to chat about issues and do homework. Sigurdsson describes it as an “open, friendly place.” Throughout the school year, the club participated in a variety of events, and organized a couple of their own, including a nature rehabilitation event called Bees in Trees. Over the course of a week, group members helped rehabilitate an area of the campus that had been covered in blackberry bushes and had

lost its biodiversity. They cleared invasive species, brought in soil and planted native plants and trees, as well as other plants to help encourage biodiversity. They also left some rotting wood and exposed clay for mason bees, and provided some exposed ground for them as well because they are groundnesting bees. So far the bee club has 20 registered members, but Sigurdsson says anyone can show up for events or meetings even if they’re not registered.

“Joining a club is a great way to at least meet people and hang out for a while before you get really adjusted,” says Sigurdsson. The 19-year-old Argyle secondary grad says he didn’t find it difficult to transition

from high school to university but some people do, and joining a club can help new students meet people and discover new interests. And if you don’t find a club that meets your interests, try starting your own.

Martial Arts will help your child have a better school year! Less stress, more confidence Improved health/immune system Increased focus & concentration Improved relationships with teachers and peers

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Back to Class

Back-to-school toys and MAGNA-TILES supplies: BC Playthings has something special for everyone innovative, magnetic building tiles that are designed to hold a child’s interest and attention, build critical developmental skills and promote imaginative play and creativity.

.com Edgemont Village 604-986-4111

3255 Edgemont Blvd. North Vancouver t. 604.980.1740 www.highlandspreschool.ca • Highly qualified ECE Teachers

What’s it like to own a toy store?

“It’s a blast. It’s just such a happy place to be,” admits Donna Grocott, who took over BC Playthings in Edgemont Village two years ago.

Grocott, a longtime area resident, regularly visited the shop with her kids. So when the store’s original owner, Pat Gallaher, graciously sold the small business because of health issues, she was determined to make sure that the iconic store remained open in Edgemont.

“I shopped there when I was a kid. It’s such a big part of the community,” said Grocott.

The store itself is only 313 square feet, but it’s a playful environment that’s brimming with 500-plus unique items, many that you won’t find anywhere else. “Bringing unique, quality and educational things has worked out really well,” she said.

That’s how BC Playthings differentiates itself from big-box toy sections. Whether you’re a teacher looking for educational games for the classroom, a grandparent looking for a special doll for your grandchild or you’re an

eight-year-old obsessed with Kendamas (a Japanese toy that’s great for developing hand-eye coordination) — BC Playthings has something unique and wonderful for everyone. Grocott’s predecessor was known for filling the small shop with wooden, no-batteries-needed Waldorf-inspired educational toys. She’s kept that tradition going – plus adding even more unique specialized toys, educational items and more. “I knew I wanted it to have different toys & tools here (than other stores),” she said. One of the store’s new specialties: “manipulative toys” – small items that kids can hold in their hands – like a colourful bead-ring grasping toy, for instance – and manipulate when they are feeling nervous, allowing them to focus on the sensory feeling rather than negative thoughts. “It helps to calm them down,” explained Grocott, who noted that the store’s large selection of manipulative toys has made it a go-to place for therapists, parents and educators on the North Shore for use both in the classroom and at home.

• Unique, play-based curriculum focused on active learning

BC Playthings also carries a wide range of “fidgets” – squishy balls, toys for pulling, pencil tops for chewing, to name some – that allow “wiggly” children the freedom to move without distracting their siblings, classmates or teachers. BC Playthings offers a 10 percent discount to all childcare professionals and therapists. “It’s sort of my way of giving back,” said Grocott, who says she really appreciates the hard work that they do for children. The cost of quality toys can make it difficult for them & we want to help out! Puppets, puzzles and art supplies, doll houses, quality furniture and balance bikes? BC Playthings has them too. And many more whimsical items you’ve probably never seen before. BC Playthings is located at 3070 Edgemont Blvd. You can also browse items online at www.bcplaythings.com. For more info, call 604-986-4111 or email info@bcplaythings.com.

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BACK to SCHOOL

SCHOOL BUS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2016

Nurse’s return to school the right fit ROSALIND DUANE rduane@nsnews.com

To Sentinel & West Van Secondary Schools Pick-up & drop off in North Van Maplewood • Lynn Valley • Lonsdale Save Time • Save Gas Reduce Stress & CO2 Emissions

For more info schoolbus@telus.net 604.833.9171

AWARD WINNING Children’s Programs ograms

STER REGIOW N

Beth McCloy is a storyteller.

She’s also a retired nurse, a mother of three grown children, and a student. McCloy is heading into her second/third year of studies at Capilano University (she had a January start), and plans to graduate with a bachelor of arts with a major in Liberal Studies. She is exploring a variety of subjects, including English, psychology, anthropology, child development, and more. Her goal is to become a children’s book author and illustrator. She has always had an interest in storytelling, even as a career, but says nursing was a better option to pay the bills and feed her kids when she was younger. While her kids were growing up, though, she wrote stories for them and they later encouraged her to pursue the course when she retired. “I’m at the age (when) I’m not looking for a career I’m looking for self-expression,” explains McCloy. In her last couple of years at work McCloy took a couple

Beth McCloy poses with a statue of Don Quixote during a visit to Spain this summer. PHOTO SUPPLIED of university courses part time before deciding to take the plunge and return to school full time She retired from nursing three years ago at the age of 55. While she was working, she did try to become a parttime student but said it was too much to take on. She says being a student is like having a full-time job. “I put as many hours into studying as I would working,” she notes. Many of her classmates are younger than her, but

McCloy says she didn’t have any trouble fitting in. “I don’t feel as old as I am. I kind of feel like I’m with my peer group,” she says. Besides the fact that she has already been to school when she completed her nursing diploma, McCloy also has a 23-year-old son who is going into his last year at UBC, so that also helps her understand what her classmates are going through. In fact, her son, an opera singer, was

not particularly academically inclined, and struggled a bit in his first years of university, but when McCloy returned to school full time, the competition was on and the two enjoyed challenging each other to get the best grades. This summer, McCloy spent three weeks in Spain practicing Spanish, for which she took an introductory class at school, and is now excited to return to campus in September. She is particularly looking forward to a research methodology course coming up, and is just glad to be heading back to academia. Her advice for other adults considering returning to school is to go slow. Try a course or two first then add on or decide if it’s time to go full time. She also recommends taking an academic English 100 class to help refresh writing skills, especially university essay writing. Although it’s a lot of work and a big time commitment, McCloy doesn’t regret her choice. “The timing was right and I’m glad I’m doing it. I really, really, like it. It’s so interesting all the courses I’ve taken.”

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2016

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Back to Class

Well Fed: Providing healthy meal solutions for time-starved families

Back to school is a crazy-busy time for families. But you don’t have to settle for fast food at the dinner table even if you had to work late and still need to get the kids to soccer practise in an hour.

Eat Clean, Eat Whole, Eat Well Ready-to-cook meals for the time starved that want to eat well. Stop by our studio to pick up meals or have them delivered.

Ann Marie Rideout is serving up nutritious, delicious food solutions for time-starved families and busy professionals.

Well Fed is a North Van-based food studio that prepares readyto-go-meals for those who don’t always have time to cook healthy dinners or lunches.

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“I think a lot of people these days need meal solutions,” she said. “We make ready-tocook dinners using high-quality, preservative-free ingredients for busy people who want to eat well.”

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That means natural, antibiotic and hormone-free chicken and pork, wild salmon and freerange eggs, all sourced locally. “Everyday meals prepared like you would make at home if you had more time,” she said.

It works like this: you order meals from a rotating, seasonal menu and choose to have it delivered or pick it up from Well Fed’s new Lower Lonsdale storefront.

The meals are ready to cook: Greek shrimp orzo ready for the oven; Mediterranean turkey burgers ready to grill; or one-pot wonders like Kang Pha Nang, a Thai chicken curry, to name a few.

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“I think a lot of people these days need meal solutions ... We make ready-to-cook dinners using highquality, preservative-free ingredients for busy people who want to eat well.” wholesome meals rather than fast food. Good things that are good for you.”

meal assembly classes that allow friends to get together to make meals.

“There’s a lot of menu variety based on the season,” said Rideout, who has a background in nutritional science and worked in the food industry for years before opening Well Fed.

Rideout understands the timecrunch many young families face. She has two young children and both she and her husband work.

Well Fed also serves lunches to schools and daycares on the North Shore.

Some customer favourites remain on the menu year-round, including oven-ready beef burritos and meat lasagna – “a real lasagna full of meat, with lots of cheese,” she explained.

“We use the menu a lot,” she said, noting that the meals are an easy dinner option for her husband and the kids when she’s not around.

For kids, chicken tenders and baked pasta are perennial faves.

“We have happy customers,” she said. “They want good,

That means they often rely on Well Fed’s meals.

Along with ready-to-cook meals, Well Fed also offers meal assembly classes that allow you to stock your freezer with eight entrees at a time and private

Rideout revels in the fact that she’s fuelling families with nourishing meals made from healthy ingredients – and giving them some extra time to at the dinner table together. “I like feeding people and have a passion for healthy eating.” Well Fed is located at 260 1st Street East. Visit them online at wellfedstudio.com or call 604-971-4756.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2016

BACK to SCHOOL

Slow down and drive with caution in school zones With a new school year quickly approaching, the Canada Safety Council reminds drivers to be extra cautious as school buses return to the roads.

The return of school buses often brings about episodes of impatience, confusion regarding some of the rules of the road, and a spike in fatalities and injuries among young pedestrians from September to November, according to a press release from the organization. Here are some of the tips they offer: ! Leave yourself a bit of extra time to get wherever you’re going. Being in a rush is no excuse for disobeying the rules of the road and endangering the lives of others ! Stop when a bus has its arm extended and lights flashing. It’s the law. Do not proceed until the lights are turned off, as there may still be children coming or attempting to cross the street. In most cases, traffic in both directions must stop unless separated by a median. ! Slow down in school zones. Be vigilant and careful in residential areas where children

FILE PHOTO CINDY GOODMAN

are present. Moving slowly and predictably can help children feel more at ease and make them less likely to try to rush. ! Avoid doing manoeuvres like three-point turns and U-turns in school zones. Children are often unfamiliar with these moves or simply not expecting these, which can cause them to be in the wrong place at the wrong time as a result. ! Always obey crossing guards and signs, especially as they relates to pedestrians and school zones. ! Give cyclists a wide berth.

Many jurisdictions require a minimum distance of one metre. Additionally, shoulder check before opening your door to ensure you don’t accidentally open it in a cyclist’s path. ! For parents driving their children to school, be sure to never let your child out of the car when they’ll be getting off into traffic. Make sure they’re stepping out onto a sidewalk or away from the flow of traffic. Also, consider driving a block or so away from the school and walking with your child in order to reduce congestion.

AMBLESIDE PARK

WEST VANCOUVER Sunday, September 11, 2016 11AM-6PM

Famous salmon BBQ, Save on Foods garden, live entertainment, Coho Run, Coho Swim, Coho Walk, Kids’ Park, Squamish Nation village, Stewardship Zone, tug-of-war competition and so much more! This is a Zero Waste Event. A secure bike valet will be available. Limited parking on site, so we encourage you to ride, walk or take transit.

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Journey into a world of salmon, forests, rivers and human communities. Sustaining healthy rivers in urban settings requires commitment. The Coho Festival is a celebration of community effort and support to keep this ecosystem ﬂourishing.

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BACK to SCHOOL

School snack recipe This is a no-bake granola bar suitable for a lunchbox or afterschool. And they can be made gluten-free. CHEWY COCONUT CRANBERRY GRANOLA BARS Ingredients 2 cups rolled oats*, pulsed in a food processor a few times 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes ½ cup sunflower seeds ½ cup pumpkin seeds 1 Tbsp. ground flax ½ cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped ½ cup fancy molasses ½ cup creamy natural peanut butter or almond butter 2 tsp. coconut oil 1 tsp. vanilla ½ cup chocolate chips (optional) Instructions 1. Line a nine-inch square pan with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax and dried cranberries. 3. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the molasses and peanut butter (or almond butter). Bring just to a simmer and remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and coconut oil. Stir well. 4. Pour molasses mixture over oat-seed mixture and stir until well combined. 5. Scrape mixture into prepared pan, spread it evenly and press into pan as firmly as possible. 6. Melt chocolate and spread on top. Refrigerate until firm. 7. Cut into 16 bars. Store in a cool place.

BUILDING BUDDIES Evgeniya Kadoshnikova and her five-year-old daughter Maya construct a Lego building at the City of North Vancouver Library Lego Club Aug. 27. The free extra-curricular club is held every other Saturday and features plenty of Lego on hand for kids who want to build and create. PHOTO PAUL MCGRATH

*Choose gluten-free rolled oats for the gluten-free version of this recipe. Provided by the cookbook Simple Fare: 30 Everyday Recipes.

A UNIQUELY SCIENCE-FOCUSED MIDDLE SCHOOL

Open House In September, October and November, you’re invited to visit the school, and see our students in action! .

Check our website for Dates and Times There is limited space in selected grades, call now to reserve your child’s place. Visit our website for open house information, tuition assistance and scholarships are available.

Call now p 604-281-0090 e info@styork.ca

w styork.ca