Sunday, December 6, 2015 - North Shore News - A15
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Hanukk ah tradit ions ! Seaso nal scam warning ! Holid s ay happ enings Y O U R
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Carol ships to cruise by MARIA SPITALE-LEISK mspitale-leisk@nsnews.com
FROSTY’S FINISHING TOUCHES Charmayne Shaw, Laura Patrick, and Angus MacKay, from Jump Gymnastics and Kids Physio, decorate their tree (using cotton to make it look like a snowman) at Parkgate Library’s community Christmas tree display. The display was part of the Parkgate Tinsel, Trees and Treasures event, with crafts, a sing-along, hot chocolate, and more. PHOTO MIKE WAKEFIELD
Christmas Standing on the shoreline watching a flotilla of brightly coloured carol ships parade past in the Panorama Park in Deep Cove is a longneighbourhood time tradition for local residents. “(It’s) unbelievable, it’s so cool,” says Roger Williams, a Deep Cove Yacht Club member, who looks forward to the carol ship festivities that take place in mid-December. A number of boaters belonging to the Deep Cove Yacht Club join in the flotilla’s formation as they trace their way through the cove and up to the Woodlands neighbourhood. “They go from largest to smallest,” explains Williams, adding some people put a lot of effort into decking their boats with holiday lights. Williams remembers one carol ship in particular from a past event that was adorned with a Santa Claus and a dolphin. The twinkling Christmas lights that stretch to the top of the sails cast a holiday glow on the water. Many Deep Cove waterfront residents enjoy a front-row view of the carol ships from their decks, while others huddle around the annual bonfire at Panorama Park and watch the boats sail by. This holiday season the carol ships are coming to the cove on Saturday, Dec. 19 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. See Santa page 16
A16 - North Shore News - Sunday, December 6, 2015
Hanukkah traditions have deep roots, meaning MARIA SPITALE-LEISK mspitale-leisk@nsnews.com
Rabbi Shmuel Birnham is a selfdescribed anomaly when it comes to his own Hanukkah history. “My parents were Jewish, but secular and somewhat anti-religious,” reveals Birnham, a rabbi at the Har El synagogue in West Vancouver. The Long Island, New York native first celebrated Hanukkah as a 27-year-old when he lived in Israel for a year. “It was lovely,” recalls Birnham. “It was beautiful. In Israel many people have a glass box outside their front door and that’s where they put the menorah, so it’s really quite moving and beautiful.” Hanukkah, while seemingly a popular holiday, is actually a minor event on the Jewish calendar. Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur have more prominence, especially the latter as it’s the holiest day of the year. “In Israel, Hanukkah is a nice holiday, but it’s a minor holiday,” says Birnham. “In the West, especially in North America with Christmas so close by, we think this is what elevated the importance and the place that Hanukkah plays.” This year Hanukkah begins on the evening of Dec. 6 and, of course, runs for eight nights as is the tradition. People who celebrate Hanukkah, for the most part, observe the holiday at home with their families. Traditional foods are prepared with a focus on fried fare such as jelly doughnuts (sufganiyot) and latkes, which are pancakes
made out of potatoes and onions. “It’s a lovely smell at this time of year, the potatoes and the onions and the oil. All these things cooking permeates the house,” says Birnham. Then comes the lighting of the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum illuminated on each of the eight nights. The menorah is then placed in a home’s window to advertise “the many miracles that happened.” “It really is inspiring because Hanukkah is in the dark, dark time of the year, and you’re bringing light,” says Birnham. “Any spiritual understanding to bring light to the dark is really powerful.” Traditional Hanukkah foods are cooked in oil to honour the miracle of the “one jar of oil,” explains Birnham. According to Jewish religious stories, after many battles destroyed the temple in Israel during the second century BCE, it was reclaimed and rededicated, but when the congregants went to light the menorah in the temple they discovered there was only one jar of oil. To get more of the sacred olive oil they needed to travel four days away. “And the miracle that happened is that one jar of oil burned for eight days until the new jar came back,” says Birnham, adding it’s a story many people are familiar with. During Hanukkah, kids also play games such as spin the dreidel, which involves a four-sided top with a Hebrew letter on each side. Older generations might remember receiving a small gift every night of Hanukkah, culminating in a large present on the eighth night “in the same way that
Rabbi Shmuel Birnham and nine-year-old Cameron Roseman display a menorah at the Har El synagogue in West Vancouver. PHOTO CINDY GOODMAN Christmas has become commercialized,” says Birnham. Instead of gifts, though, Birnham encourages his congregants to donate to a charity and to focus on equality, patience, gratitude and deepening that awareness in their lives. There will be a public lighting of the menorah in the West Vancouver Community Centre’s atrium on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 6:15 p.m., the third night of
Hanukkah. Everyone is invited to enjoy jelly donuts, hot chocolate and some singing, says Birnham, who is expecting a couple hundred people to attend including the mayor and some other local dignitaries. The Har El Hebrew school children look forward to Hanukkah, says Birnham, explaining how there is an annual celebration and plays they put on. “It’s a big thing for the kids,” says Birnham.
Santa might stop by annual event From page 15
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At Panorama Park people can enjoy a festive evening filled with musical entertainment, roving performers, free craft workshops, the blazing bonfire and, of course, the beautiful lights. Santa himself might even stop by. “It’s a great little community event,” said Williams.
Boats light up for the annual Carol Ships event, which comes to Deep Cove on Dec. 19 this year. PHOTO SUPPLIED
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Sunday, December 6, 2015 - North Shore News - A17
‘THEN THE GRINCH THOUGHT OF SOMETHING HE HADN’T BEFORE . . . WHAT IF CHRISTMAS, PERHAPS, MEANS A LITTLE BIT MORE . . .’
Holiday happenings PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA at Korna Natural Pet Supplies on Sunday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 1174 Marine Dr., North Vancouver. Minimum $10 donation. Proceeds will support local rescue groups.
Montroyal elementary Grade 4 students Evan Tsisserev (as The Grinch), with Joe Kanuka (as Max) and Anika Hemmes (as Cindy Lou) rehearse for the school’s upcoming production of the popular holiday kids book by Dr. Suess: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, on Tuesday, Dec. 8 and 10, with matinee performances by the Grade 4 class at 1:15 p.m. and evening performances at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation. The school is located at 5310 Sonora Dr., North Vancouver. PHOTO MIKE WAKEFIELD
HOLIDAY CRAFT & BAKE SALE Bring the whole family for a fun visit to the SPCA and shop for unique crafts and baked goods created by volunteers, at the West Vancouver BC SPCA shelter on Sunday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. WEST VANCOUVER YOUTH BAND is hosting its annual Christmas concert at Mulgrave School theatre on Dec. 6, 3 p.m. Admission is by donation. The concert will feature the beginner, junior, concert, and symphonic bands. CHRISTMAS TENNIS SOCIAL The annual STANS (Seniors Tennis Association of North Shore) Christmas Social and Round-Robin will take place at the North Vancouver Tennis Centre (280 Lloyd Ave.) on Sunday, Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. registration; 7-9 p.m. play; 9 p.m. social. Everyone welcome. Cost: $10 for players, $4 for party only. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP: Ron: ronranq@hot mail.com, or 604980-2911. facebook.com/stanstennis CHRISTMAS IN DUNDARAVE: World Christmas: Saturday, Dec. 12, noon-dusk, a free music jamboree with local artists presenting a song and dance. Christmas Wassail and bonfire: Saturday, Dec. 19, noon-dusk, at Dundarave Beach, with music and carolling. LYNN VALLEY CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING: Sunday, Dec. 6, 4:30-6 p.m., at Lynn Valley Village. This free event is open to all ages, and will feature music, carols, crafts, face painting, and more. Visitors are encouraged to bring a toy for the Lynn Valley Legion toy drive.
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CANDLE LIGHTING TO HONOUR DECEASED CHILDREN: On Wednesday, Dec. 9, bereaved parents and adult siblings are invited to a candle lighting ceremony to honour children who have died, no matter at what age or how long ago. Hosted by the North Shore Chapter of The Compassionate Friends of Canada, upstairs at the North Lonsdale United Church, 3380 Lonsdale Ave. Starts at 7:30 p.m. Bring a framed photo of your beloved child. Info: Cathy at 604-770-4570. MINGLE OF THE JINGLES A holiday variety show and silent auction featuring musical and dance talent, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m., at Kay Meek Centre. Special guest this year: Valdy. All proceeds to North Shore Connexions Society, which works to create opportunities for people with special needs. Tickets: $20, general admission, at the box office, online, or 604981-6335.
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A18 - North Shore News - Sunday, December 6, 2015
LOCAL GIFT IDEA
A book fit for foodies ! The North Shore Foodie by Brad Hill, $45 BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com
As any local foodies can tell you, the North Shore punches above its weight when it comes our restaurants, bakeries, breweries and bars. The book North Shore Foodie captures a swath of our local overachievers and presents, quite beautifully, their histories and, more importantly, the recipes that have helped give their businesses staying power. It’s evident that author Brad Hill has aimed for diversity in both geography and cooking styles while curating who would be featured in the book. Think of a neighbourhood from Deep Cove to Dundarave and your favourite dish to get there, and there’s a pretty good chance it made the list. At the decadent end of the spectrum there are more than a couple of confits to attempt from Cafe Ca Va and Sebastian & Co.
For those who enjoy meals more when they know the ingredients are healthy, there are raw, vegan and organic options from Cafe Tao and Ethical Kitchen. For more utilitarian crowdpleasers, there’s Palki’s famous butter chicken or the Soup Meister’s cream of chicken soup. There’s also an amusing tutorial on beer making delivered in cartoons and pictures from Hearthstone Brewery, North Vancouver’s latest entry to the craft beer scene. Accompanying each recipe and story are beautiful photos, not just of the meals, but also of their chef lovingly crafting them. Beyond that, the book is loaded with images depicting the North Shore’s most idyllic sites and history, making the book as appropriate for the coffee table as the kitchen. Not just entrees, the book features breakfasts, drinks, desserts and snacks that will result in serious bragging rights if pulled off at home. The book is available at local bookstores, restaurants, cafes, and online.
Holiday happenings TOY DRIVE Royal Canadian Legion #114 is holding its annual toy drive Dec. 9 and 15, 7:3010:30 p.m., at the Royal Canadian Legion #114,1630 Lynn Valley Rd., North Vancouver. Cash donations are also welcome. Enjoy coffee and a muffin on the Dec. 9 drop-off day. KIDS ACTIVITIES AT THE QUAY Christmas crafts 12:50-5 p.m., and visits with Santa 1-5 p.m. on Dec. 12. Photos with Santa are done for a suggested minimum donation of $2 with all proceeds collected donated to Aunt Leah’s Place; cookie decorating on Dec. 6 and 13, 2-3 p.m.; Dec. 12: Christmas Dance Show by Perform Art Studios on the retail level bridge. COOKIE DOUGH MAKING FOR KIDS Learn how to make cookie dough to take home and bake during the holidays from chef Ann Marie Rideout from Well Fed Food Studio, Saturday, Dec. 12, 10:30 a.m.-noon at Caulfeild Cove Hall. Event fee: $20 per child.
TEEN TEAM Grace Bradshaw, Gabby Wagner, Dominic Wagner, and Keira Norman help pack gifts for the third annual Bridge Church Christmas hamper donation. The Deep Cove church will donate the hampers to the North Shore Christmas Bureau to be delivered to 24 families. More than 150 volunteers participated in packing the hampers on Nov. 28 at the St. Pius X school gymnasium. Each hamper contained an individual gift for each family member, a $50 grocery gift card per family member, and other holiday treats. PHOTO PAUL MCGRATH CHRISTMAS WITH VIVALDI featuring Laudate Singers and instrumentalists, including an 11-piece Baroque orchestra, on Sunday, Dec. 13, 3-5 p.m., at St. Andrews United Church,
1044 St. Georges Ave., North Vancouver. Cost: $35/$30/$15, free for kids under 12. LYNN VALLEY BLACK BEAR BAND WINTER CONCERT on Sunday,
Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m., at Kay Meek Centre. Refreshments in the lobby after the show. Tickets: $12/$6/ free for children under 13. Tickets available at the box office or online at kaymeekcentre.com.
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CHRISTMAS BUREAU BY DEC. 14TH 129 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, Monday thru Friday 10:00 am–4:00 pm; or leave your donation with Park Royal Guest Services, or Capilano Mall near Santa’s House For more information go to www.familyservices.bc.ca or call 604-984-9627 #FSNSCB
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Sunday, December 6, 2015 - North Shore News - A19
Beware of scams during this season
Canadians typically spend in the range of $30 billion dollars over the holiday season, according to a press release by the Better Business Bureau. Scammers know more spending is likely to happen at this time of year. BBB warns that as people tend to be more giving and free with their cash at this time of year, it can lead to being more impulsive and less cautious with how money is spent and who it’s given to. BBB offers the following tips: Charity scams ! Do your research. ! Give to organizations you’ve given to in the past. ! Be the instigator. ! Be wary of new crowdfunding links. ! Check with the Canada Revenue Agency for a charity’s legitimacy and financials. Christmas E-card scams ! If you don’t know who it’s from, don’t open it. ! Make sure there is a real family name instead of a generic message such as: “From your Son!” ! Contact the person who sent it to see if the actually did. ! Don’t click on any links if you are uncertain. Gift card scams ! Make sure in-store cards have not been tampered with. ! Make sure you are on a secure and reputable website if buying them online. ! Buy gift cards directly from the source. Fake package tracking information ! Beware of phishing emails that claim to be from wellknown shipping companies, such as UPS or FedEx. These companies usually leave a card at your home indicating where you can pick up your parcel, and would not send you an email. ! Don’t click on any suspicious links. ! Confirm with friends or relatives if anyone has sent anything that requires picking up.
SOS Children’s Gingerbread Village www.sosbc.org
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grousemountain.com/Christmas
In Support of Foster Children
Visit During the Peak of Christmas, November 27 - January 4 Platinum Level Sponsors:
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Gold Level Sponsors: • Craftsman Collision • Heming, Wyborn & Grewal • Kal Tire • Mogo Finance Technology • North Van Host Lions Club • North Vancouver Rotary Club • Warnett Hallen LLP
BRITISH COLUMBIA
CHRISTMAS TRAIN RIDES December 1 - December 13 Monday to Wednesdays Thursdays and Fridays Saturdays Sundays
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11am - 5pm Closed for lunch: 2pm - 2:30pm 11am - 7pm Closed for lunch: 2pm - 3:00pm 11am - 5pm Closed for lunch: 2pm - 2:30pm 12:30pm - 4:30pm
December 14 - December 23 Monday to Fridays Saturdays Sundays
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11am - 7pm Closed for lunch: 2pm - 3:00pm 11am - 5pm Closed for lunch: 2pm - 2:30pm 11:30pm - 5pm Closed for lunch: 2pm - 2:30pm
December 24
10am - 4pm Closed for lunch: 2pm - 2:30pm Last train leaves the station at 3:45pm
Ages 2 - 10 years
$
2
per ride All proceeds benefit The Food Bank
SEASON’S GREETINGS Librarians Linda Fletcher and Layla Naquin are ready with cookies and some books for upcoming seasonal events at Parkgate Library, including the Holiday Open House, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 3:30-4:30 p.m. The event will include hot cider, baked goods, and music from pianist Ruth Townsend. No registration required. PHOTO MIKE WAKEFIELD
www.shoplynnvalley.com LYNN VALLEY ROAD & MOUNTAIN HWY winners • shoppers drug mart • save-on-Foods • black bear pub • plus over 40 stores