Vancouver Courier December 18 2013 by Vancouver Courier

Future prospect

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2013 Vol. 104 No. 101 • Established 1908

Superstore

350 SE Mar 3185 Grandviine Drive & ew Highway

T Supermark et 2800 East 1 st Avenue

Kingsgate M all 370 East Bro adway (Mon Sat 9 to 6, Su n

MIDWEEK EDITION

- Fri 9 to 9, 11 to 5)

THE VOICE OF VANCOUVER NEIGHBOURHOODS

NEWS: Casino’s next step 6/ ARTS: Christmas Improv 23

HopestillaliveforHollywoodTheatre HERITAGE MOTION, POTENTIAL NEW OWNER COULD SAVE THEATRE FROM WRECKING BALL CHERYL ROSSI Staff writer

evotees of the Hollywood Theatre are heading into the holidays with hope. City council unanimously passed a multi-pronged heritage conservation motion Dec. 4 that could help save the cultural space. The Save the Hollywood Coalition met with the city Dec. 10 and according to Brian Jackson, the city’s general manager of planning and development, the group plans to meet with property owner Dino Bonnis. Mel Lehan, spokesperson for the Hollywood coalition wouldn’t say Dec. 10 whether the meeting with Bonnis had been scheduled, but he said the group has found someone interested in buying and preserving the theatre, contingent on ongoing discussions. The heritage action plan allows the city to be more flexible with conditional zoning and policy when it comes to saving significant cultural resources, including the Hollywood Theatre. Jackson noted Bonnis owns 100 feet of commercial buildings next to the theatre. Present zoning allows buildings there to be four storeys. “The problem is that that would not provide enough of a financial incentive for the owner to really want to save the Hollywood Theatre,” Jackson said. Jackson said the city might have to consider allowing increased heights

for adjacent buildings or applying a façade grant. “Certainly the issue of looking at our cultural resources, first of all identifying them and then coming up with a strategy, may have had an influence on the Ridge Theatre,” Jackson conceded. Jackson noted the heritage action plan directs staff to complete the most comprehensive review and update of the city’s heritage program since it was established in 1986. Consultants will be hired to update the city’s heritage registry with the help of residents identifying the areas, buildings, trees and landscapes they value. The city will also look at ways to protect character homes that are not necessarily considered heritage. Some Craftsman or Victorian-style homes may not be old or important enough to appear on the city’s heritage registry “but they add character to the neighbourhood,” Jackson said. The city will consider potential incentives for reusing building materials, charging additional fees for applications that involve the demolition of a character home and “a Kitsilanotype of zoning” that allows people extra density and to stratify homes in exchange for preserving a character home and adding it to the city’s heritage registry. Council clarified for staff that they no longer have to consider applications for extra density if the applicant isn’t doing enough to save a character home. Jackson said, in the short

term, the city’s going to try to streamline application processes for those trying to save heritage homes, consider increasing demolition fees for pre-1940 houses, and seek senior government support for tax incentives including

grants or tax credits. The city will look at Kitsilano-type zoning for other areas of the city in the medium to long term, consider proclaiming part of Shaughnessy a heritage conservation district and extend the heritage reten-

tion program in the Downtown Eastside, which includes façade grants and property tax exemptions, until the end of 2014. The city wants to see if such incentives should be applied to other areas of the city. Council approved

$450,000 in consultant costs to cover the work. Jackson expects a consultant to be hired and work on the heritage registry to begin in the ﬁrst quarter of 2014. crossi@vancourier.com twitter.com/Cheryl_Rossi

photo Rebecca Blissett

DOGGONE IT: Kirsten Crisostomo manages to dogsit Tatiana for her vacationing parents as well as knit

a new piece at her Kamote Handmade table during Saturday’s Blim Market at the Chinese Cultural Centre. The popular independent, family-run market is held monthly. Scan page with the Layar app to see more photos. SEE STORY PAGE 9.

THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

y a d i l o H h s e r F ! s e p i c Re Sweet & Nutritious, California Grown

Yams (3lb bag)

$1.00/bag

*Reg Price $2.99/bag Valid with coupon only at all Kin’s locations

www.kinsfarmmarket.com/recipes

Valid December 18th to 22nd, 2013

Limit One Per Family - While Quantities Last - 5522

Get Your 2014 Calendar Today! Prices effective: December 18th to 22nd, 2013 *While Quantities Last Fresh & Nutritious

Sweet & Fresh

Broccoli Crowns

Red Seedless Grapes

California Grown

$1.29/lb

$1.99/lb

Fresh & Nutritious

Orange, Yellow & Red Field Peppers

$1.69/lb Mexico Grown

Sweet & juicy

Sweet & Fresh

Sweet & Juicy

Korean Mandarins

Grape Tomatoes

Large Navel Oranges

Korea Grown

for $5.00

California Grown

99¢/lb

3 boxes

69¢/lb

Mexico Grown

Davie Street

Between Bute St. & Thurlow St. 604.687.8081 OPEN 10am to 8pm everyday

Champlain Square Kerr St. & 54th Ave. 604.451.1329 OPEN 9am to 7:30pm everyday

West 10th

4516 West 10th Ave. 604.221.1330 OPEN 9am to 7pm everyday

Check our website for holiday hours!

Oakridge Centre

Beside Public Library 604.264.6800 Check website for store hours

City Square

Across from Starbucks 604.873.6491 *1 HR PARKING VALIDATION*

Check website for store hours

W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

news Theatrical renderings on theWest Coast Reduction Stage 12TH & CAMBIE with Mike Howell

ometimes, this job of mine has its moments: Seeing Christopher Gaze of Bard on the Beach fame perform a scene from Henry V at the York Theatre last week was pretty cool. Even cooler that Gaze’s performance was impromptu and done with a handful of people in the recently renovated theatre. Dressed in a suit and standing at the front of the stage, Gaze let us have it: “This day is call’d the feast of Crispian/He that outlives this day, and comes safe home/ will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam’d/and rouse him at the name of Crispian.” Nicely done. Spoke to Gaze afterwards to get his thoughts on the York. He told me it reminded him of the theatres of his youth in England. He was pleased with the renos and congratulated all involved in having another prominent theatre on the East Side. But what I didn’t know at the time of Gaze’s performance — out of the loop on this one, people — was the stage will likely be named after a company that renders inedible animal byproducts.

photo Mike Howell

Bard on the Beach artistic director Christopher Gaze takes a spin on the new West Coast Reduction Stage at the renovated York Theatre, which re-opened Dec. 6. Say what? Yep, as fans of the Bard know, all the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players. The stage at the York, however, cannot simply remain just a plain, old renovated stage. Instead: The West Coast Reduction Stage? Rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it. According to a city staff report that goes before city council this week, the Vancouver East Cultural Centre, which manages the York,

applied to the city to have the stage named in recognition of West Coast’s $2 million contribution to the cultural centre. Staff has proposed the stage name be included in the facia and canopy signs on the exterior of the building, which dates back to 1913 and recently underwent a $14.8 million renovation and opened last week. West Coast Reduction, by the way, has its rendering plant located a few blocks to the

north of the theatre at 639 Commercial Dr. This is the same plant where some residents have complained for several years about a rotting smell, particularly during warm days in the summer. So,asyoucanimagine,namingthestageafter the company hasn’t gone over well with everybody. According to the staff report, the cultural centre held an open house June 19 to explain the proposal and get community input. About 40 people showed up and city staff received more than 80 emails and comments from others. Staff said 74 per cent of respondents supported the name for the stage. “Those who did not support the signage were averse to this particular corporate sponsor [13 per cent] due to impacts on the community and the nature of the business conducted by the sponsor and/or corporate sponsorship being recognized on exterior signs [nine per cent],” the staff report said. “Others [10 per cent] were concerned about the potential impact of the sign illumination and changing text of the automatic changeable copy on nearby residents and that the signage is not attractive or consistent with the heritage character of the building.” Resident Juliet Capulet wondered what all the fuss was about and had this to say: “What’s in a name? That which we call an inedible animal byproduct by any other name would smell as sweet.” mhowell@vancourier.com twitter.com/Howellings

Grocery Wish List in the heart of Vancouver

Skills, habits and attitudes for lifelong success! Sylvan will develop a learning plan created for the way your child learns best. Our highly personalized approach builds the skills, habits and attitudes your child needs to succeed in school and in life.

• Develops independent work habits • Improves attitudes • Motivates learning • Provides feedback for parents and teachers

FREE ASSESSMENT

Call today for a FREE Sylvan Assessment (a $200 value) Offer expires Dec 31, 2013.

Choices Market 3493 Cambie St.

Safeway

555 West 12th Ave., City Square

Arbutus Village

Cambie

205-4255 Arbutus

5790 Cambie

604-738-7325 604-321-9596 cambie@sylvanvancouver.ca Champlain Mall

arbutus@sylvanvancouver.ca

7116 Kerr Street 604-434-7323

Save on Foods 2308 Cambie St.

Whole Foods

champlain@sylvanvancouver.ca

510 West 8th Ave. at Cambie

www.cambievillage.com www.

STUDY SKILLS, WRITING, READING, MATH, AND MORE!

THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

news

DECEMBER 17 - 31

SWIPE DAILY FOR INSTANT PRIZES DECEMBER 31, 2013

photo Dan Toulgoet

OVER $15,000 IN PRIZES $2,014 Hourly Draws • 8pm - 11pm

$5,000

GRAND PRIZE CASH DRAW 1am Must be present to win. Must swipe starting at 7am on December 31 to be eligible for all draws.

Edgewater Casino proudly presents

New wY Year’s ear’s E Eve

‘In our face’ house angers Crown Crescent residents CITY APPROVED HOUSE THAT TAKES UP BULK OF PROPERTY JENNIFER THUNCHER

Blues P Power Spectacular Spectacular

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 9PM COUNTDOWN TO 2014 WITH CHAMPAGNE AT MIDNIGHT! TICKETS: $35

Available at Guest Services. At stadiumclub.ticketleap.com receive $5 Free Play with printed ticket.

VISIT BLUES IN THE CITY ON FACEBOOK FOR UPCOMING EVENTS.

Across from BC Place • 750 Pacific Boulevard S., Vancouver • edgewatercasino.ca

Edgewater Casino, Vancouver

Construction of a new house at 4122 Crown Cres. extends too far out toward the sidewalk than the neighbouring houses, say residents on the street.

@CasinoEdgewater

Contributing writer

he line from the Sesame Street song, “one of these things is not like the others” could be applied to Crown Crescent in Vancouver’s Point Grey community. A house under construction at 4122 Crown Cres. doesn’t match houses surrounding it on the upscale street, and neighbours say it doesn’t belong. Unlike the majority of Georgian style homes on the crescent, which are set back from the sidewalk to allow for landscaped yards and unobstructed views, the new build is a ﬂat-roofed, square home that butts up close to the sidewalk, takes up most of the property and blocks neighbours’ views, they say. Sheila Huggins lives next door to the construction in a home she and her husband bought over 40 years ago. When she looks out her kitchen window she said she no longer gets to look out over the crescent, which has won awards for being one of Vancouver’s prettiest blocks and was featured in the 2003 movie Good Boy! All she looks at now is the new house. “I am sitting here and all I can see is wood and wood,” Huggins said. Evelyn McNeil, who lives on the other side of the build, is also upset about her new neighbour. She calls it a huge, ugly looking box of a house. “It is right in our face,” she said. Considering the house is so different from those around it, McNeil, 81, and fel-

low neighbours are angry construction was started without consultation with neighbours. They worry, with the recent sale of other older houses on the block, this new type of build will become a trend and they question how the “green” city council is allowing the tear down of old homes. Huggins claims she has complained to the city several times, but has been given the runaround. “You kind of feel like you live in a communist country. These things go on and you can’t do anything about it,” she said. The Courier contacted the city for an interview, but instead a spokesperson sent a statement that said the new construction meets all city requirements. According to the statement, a city supervisor met with neighbours to explain the development process, but community consultation is not required on this type of build. Robert Trinder, who owns a general contracting company, lives across from the contentious house. He ﬁnds it extremely unusual that this latest house could have been built so far forward from the houses around it. “On anything I have built in the past we have always had to comply and move the houses backwards and forwards. It is like they completely ignored that,” he said. He said at least six other houses have been built on the crescent in the last ﬁve years and they all matched the neighbourhood. “I have never seen anything like this before,” he said. thuncher@shaw.ca twitter.com/Thuncher

W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

news

Former fashion designer sews a new beginning KIDS, PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS WELCOME AT SEWING STUDIO CHERYL ROSSI Staff writer

aurie Franks has opened a sewing and fashion design studio in Kitsilano that she hopes will connect the young and old. “I would drop [my kids] off at a class that I would want to take and then I would drive around in my car or sit in my car for an hour… And I thought that sucked,” Franks said. “So the idea is that it’s a place to come where you can bring your kids, you can join in and it can be separate or together.” The award-winning former fashion designer opened La Movida Design Studios on West Broadway near Alma in September, hosting its ofﬁcial grand opening earlier this month. The studio’s storefront at 3625 West Broadway is small and easy to miss. But the interior of the former doctor’s ofﬁce sparkles with colour and creativity. It features a retail space where students can sell their wares, a sewing studio where stitchers face each other in sewing bee style, a studio for screenprinting and painting and a giant red sink that Franks fashioned from a wheelbarrow. Although young people tend to sign up for the after-school classes and adults the evening sessions, she and Samantha Weav-

photo Dan Toulgoet

Laurie Franks with one of her seven sewing machines she uses when teaching her classes at La Movida Design studio. er, marketing and communications ofﬁcer, have seen some of their hopes come true. One grandmother in her 70s made her own silkscreen based on her ﬁve-year-old granddaughter’s drawing. The pair visited La Movida a week later so the granddaughter could paint the image her grandmother had screened onto canvas for matching tote bags. “That’s our ultimate experience, where you can do multigenerational, you can do different things, the kids can enjoy it, adults can have some fun,” Franks said. She’s developed her classes to accommodate all kinds of learners. Projects are

Decoratee your y home

for the

deconstructed with samples students can see and feel to augment written and verbal instruction. “Your can see, touch, feel and learn,” Franks said. La Movida offers beginner to advanced sewing classes, silkscreening and printmaking workshops and teaches students how to

Holidays! y

www.kingsgatemall.com

Santa’s Schedule

Fresh greens, trees, wreaths, and decorations

SANTA

Christm Decora as tions

Celebrations!

40 %

BUY-LOW FOODS SHOPPERS DRUG MART ARDENE JAY SET MARK’S MIRAGE PAYLESS SHOESOURCE REITMANS RUFFLES

off

Spec ial Fresh

Fresh greens add seasonal fragrance BC grown Christmas trees Christmas decorations for your tree or home

Greens Pine

A bunc h of Ced ar, Fir, o r

4 99

per b unch $6 Valid to Decem .99 per bu b nch e While Q r 16th to uantitie 2 s Last 2nd

Regula r

price

David Hunter Garden Centers 2560 West Broadway 604-733-1534 www.davidhuntergardencenters.com www.facebook.com/DavidHuntersBroadway

STORE HOURS MON-FRI 9 am - 6 pm SAT & SUN 9 am - 5:30 pm DEC 24TH 9 am to 4 pm DEC 25TH & 26TH Closed

dye fabric and make polymer clay buttons. “You can make the fabric, make the buttons, draft the pattern, make the bag, screen-print it,” Franks said. Classes are suited to beginners and those who need to prepare a portfolio for fashion design school. La Movida’s sewing machines feature stop and start buttons for those who can’t reach or are unable to use the pedals. La Movida offers workshops meant to attract boys, hosts winter and summer camps and birthday parties. Visitors can book time in the sewing studio. “Sewing can be really quite lonely,” said Franks, who noted two quilters who have machines come to La Movida. “They have a bigger space rather than their kitchen table to lay it out and stitch it up and then get some feedback and it’s a little bit more social,” she said. La Movida’s oldest visitor has been an 85year-old woman who wanted to learn how to use the surging machines. “She was so happy,” Weaver said. “She was like on a regular day I do crosswords. I came in today and I learned how to make something.” Franks and Weaver hope La Movida will become a community arts space for the West Side. They’ve posted photos of students’ projects on Flickr and plan to sell them on an Etsy site. crossi@vancourier.com twitter.com/Cheryl_Rossi

B.C. LIQUOR STORE DOLLAR LAND EASYHOME GOLDEN LEAF JEWELLERS KINGSGATE SMOKE SHOP HOME LIVING LELY’S BOOKS ETC.

SHOPPERS HOMEHEALTH CARE THE SOURCE WYNN’S PLANTS & FLOWERS

WED DEC 18 - FRI DEC 20: 12-2pm & 2:30-5pm DEC 21: 12-2pm & 2:30-5pm DEC 22: 12-2pm & 2:30-4pm DEC 23: 12-2pm & 2:30pm-5pm DEC 24: 10-12pm & 12:30pm-2pm with Photo $5.00 a t San os taken

Phot arin Photo nd y b Ma

SUGARCANE BISTRO AND JUICE BAR BC LOTTERIES EYE TO EYE OPTICIANS FIDO GVC CREDIT UNION KINGSGATE DENTAL MANDARIN PHOTO ROGERS RBC - ATM MACHINES SOFIA’S HAIR STUDIO SUSSEX INSURANCE WIND MOBILE

Help Keep our Community Kids Warm this Winter! DROP OFF NEW MITTS, SCARVES, SOCKS, TOQUES, SWEATERS, ETC... to the Box located by Ruffles and B.C. Lottery. Co-sponsored by Kimount Boys & Girls Club, Kingsgate Mall Merchants

Holiday Shopping Hours SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

9:30am 9:00pm

11:00am 5:00pm

9:30am 9:00pm

9:30am 6:00pm

9:30am 5:00pm

MALL CLOSED

9:30am 9:00pm

SAT

9:30am 9:00pm

9:30am 6:00pm

BUY-LOW: Open Daily 8am-9pm • Holidays 8am-6pm • Closed Christmas Day & New Year’s Day SHOPPERS DRUG MART: Open Daily 8am-Midnight • Holidays 9am-Midnight • Christmas Day 10am-6pm

East Broadway & Kingsway 30 Shops & Services

THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

news Paragon inches closer to building downtown casino PERMIT BOARD APPROVES PLAN WITH CONDITIONS MIKE HOWELL Staff writer

Las Vegas-based company is one step closer to building a $535-million casino complex adjacent to B.C. Place Stadium after city staff approved Monday a preliminary development application. The development permit board, which comprises four senior city staff members, approved Paragon Holdings’ plan with two main conditions related to addressing problem gambling and ensuring the complex meets high environmental design standards. “We’re going to be cooperative and do everything that we can to work with the city,” said Tamara Hicks, director of corporate affairs and strategic communications for Paragon, which operates the Edgewater Casino at the Plaza of Nations. Paragon’s plan is to relocate its 600 slot machines and 75 table games from Edgewater to a new site at 39 Smithe St., which is a vacant lot adjacent to B.C. Place Stadium. The new casino will be spread over two ﬂoors and be part of a complex that includes hotels of 15 and 25 storeys, a conference centre, ﬁve

photo Dan Toulgoet

Paragon’s John Cahill (l) speaks to the city’s development permit board as Vancouver, Not Vegas coalition members Ian Pitﬁeld (second row left) and Sandy Garossino listen. restaurants, a gym, spa and ﬁve levels of underground parking. Paragon’s application received approval after the permit board and its seven advisory panel members heard from nearly 20 speakers, many of whom urged members to return the proposal to city council for review. In April 2011, city council voted unanimously to reject Paragon’s initial proposal, which called for 1,500 slots and 150 games tables. Council, however, gave Paragon the option to relocate to 39 Smithe St. with its current complement

of slots and tables. At issue for speaker Ian Pitﬁeld, a former B.C. Supreme Court judge and member of the Vancouver Not Vegas! coalition, was the new casino will have double the ﬂoor space of Edgewater — from 37,000 sq. feet to 72,000. “I have no doubt, quite frankly, that if council had been told in April 2011 that the size of the casino with 600 slots and 75 gaming tables was going to be doubled from 37,000 sq. feet to 72,000 sq. feet, there would have been a resounding rejec-

tion to that suggestion,” Pitfield told the board. “With respect, this aspect of the developer’s application has all of the appearances of being a cleverly contrived and disguised mechanism to ensure that some day, somehow council’s prohibition against the expansion of gambling in this city will be overcome.” Though the board approved the application in principle, Paragon still has to meet final approval by the city’s director of planning and is subject to council’s approval of the final form of development. Conditions imposed on Paragon include submitting a formal response prepared by a certified professional with experience in gambling addiction to the 17 recommendations outlined in provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall’s report on problem gambling. Paragon now has to reveal the number of automatic teller machines permitted, the hours of operation, hours of liquor service, ensure there are signs and contact information on slots regarding dangers of gambling addiction and create a harm reduction strategy. Mayor Gregor Robertson issued a statement after the meeting, saying he will ask city staff to “identify further measures to prevent any expansion of gambling in the future on this site, including amendments to bylaws of the [Northeast False Creek Official Development Plan] that will restrict the allowable casino floor space to the existing proposal.” mhowell@vancourier.com twitter.com/Howellings

YOUR NEIGHBOURS NEED YOU

DONATE TODAY For over 35 years, Kits House has been a place for people to gather and connect while getting the support they need. Now we are working hard to renew our 7th & Vine location to respond to the increasing needs of our community. Our renewed site will offer 15 units of affordable housing for seniors, a 25 space daycare, a commercial kitchen and a community hall for events and gatherings. We have until Summer 2014 to raise the remaining $1.7 million to complete this $19.5 million project as your community envisioned it. To date we have raised just over $300,000 from generous individual donors and businesses. We need your help to meet this goal. All donations help, big and small. Naming opportunities are also available. You can help by donating to Kits House today at kitshouse.org. Happy Holidays from all of us at Kits House!

Catherine Leach | Executive Director I (604) 736-3588 Please note: Tax receipts are available for donations over $25. You are welcome to make a gift in someone else’s name.

W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

news

New low-cost airline gets ready for take-off SANDRA THOMAS Staff writer

hristmas doesn’t always mean a traditional tree and turkey at home. Instead, thousands of Vancouverites spend their holidays basking in the sun or visiting family and friends across the globe. Traditionally the cost to travel out of YVR during the holidays has been high, but if all goes according to plan by Christmas 2014 travellers might have a choice when it comes to Western Canada and tropical destinations. A group of aviation experts hopes to launch an “ultra, low-cost” commercial carrier out of Vancouver International Airport by next fall. Jetlines will follow the same “à la carte” model used by low-cost discount airlines such as Ryanair, which services much of Europe and the UK, and Allegiant Air, which ﬂies out of Bellingham and Seattle. Aviation veteran David Solloway said the group began work on the project more than a year ago. Canada Jetlines Ltd. is made up of Solloway, Jim Scott, president of AirCore Aviation, and Dix Lawson, who has a master’s degree in project management. The group completed a feasibility study with assistance from InterVISTAS Consulting Group and aircraft manufacturer Air Bus. “It’s a very detailed plan,” said Solloway. “And what we discovered through our research is that every year ﬁve million Canadians cross the border into the U.S. to get low airfares.” He explained the key is “unbundling” services, such as the purchase of food, beverages and carry-on and checked baggage. It’s ®

the same model used by Allegiant, founded in 1997 in Fresno, Calif. In 2000, the airline filed for bankruptcy, but shortly after was restructured as a low-cost airline. The airline has shown a profit each quarter since 2003, despite industry challenges. An Internet search Monday morning showed a last-minute Allegiant flight from Bellingham to Honolulu, Hawaii, Dec. 23 returning Jan. 8, was $763 including tax, the cost to check a bag both ways and seat selection. Beverages, including water, typically free on most carriers must also be purchased, as is food. The lowest rate for an Air Canada flight from YVR, also leaving Dec. 23 for Hawaii, returning Jan. 6, was $1,820.28 tax included. Solloway said the first goal of Jetlines Canada is to offer affordable flights to areas west of Winnipeg, which he says are underserved, expensive to travel to, or have no service. “I had to travel to Prince George once at the last minute and it cost $800,” said Solloway. “We’re proposing a one-way flight to Prince George for $72, plus between $35 to $37 in taxes and airport fees.” Vanessa Griffiths, executive director of the B.C. Aviation Council, agrees flights within the province are expensive. “So there’s room for competition,” said Griffiths. “And I’m always in support of giving customers an option.” Griffiths confirmed Canadian carriers are losing many customers to airlines south of the border. “So as long as they pay fair wages, I’m definitely in support,” said Griffiths. “I’m excited to hear about this expansion.” sthomas@vancourier.com twitter.com/sthomas10

COINS & STAMPS

BANANA GROVE 2705 E. 22nd Ave. Market & Deli

Parma

2013 COINS IN STOCK! Shop Sears Coins & Stamps! Independently operated by Western Coin & Stamp Ltd. under a Sears Canada Inc. license agreement ® Registered Trademark of Sears, licensed for use in Canada

NOTARY PUBLIC

SEARS METROTOWN

604.433.3211

DENTURES

#422-225 Newport Drive Port Moody, BC V3H 5H1

12145823

MANAGER, JIM RICHARDSON

M.A. MUSTONEN - HINDS

604.710.9931

Guaranteed Comfortable Fit!

Kerrisdale Denture Clinic

We look forward to achieving the best possible results, while providing the highest professional standards.

Cooked Seasoned

TURKEY BREAST

$ 39

Schneider’s

GARLIC ROAST BEEF

$ 19 /100g

/lb

U.S. Grown

Care home visits available

Emergency Number 778-868-6776 201-2152 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver www.kerrisdaledentureclinic.com

MEDIUM BARTLETT PEARS

69¢ /lb

Fresh

RICOTTA CHEESE

99¢ U.S. Grown

YAMS OR SWEET POTATOES

/lb

Mini

MANDARIN ORANGES

AGED 21 DAYS OR MORE

Turkey

Canada Grade “AAA”

All sizes from 10 lb – 20lb+

PRIME RIB ROAST

$ 99

$ 79 lb 6.15/kg

$ 79

/1.5 lb Box

/lb 15.41/kg

FAMILY PACK

Lean Ground Beef

Double Smoked Bone In Ham SHANK OR BUTT

FRESH - GROUND IN STORE – CANADIAN BEEF

PORTION

/100g

ZUCCHINI

Giao Le B.Sc., R.D.

BPS dentures are precision dentures that use high standard materials to restore form and function while providing exceptional ﬁt and a beautiful, natural smile. Our BPS dentures also come with a 5 year warranty.

604.263.7478

/100g

U.S. Grown

Over 5 years old? Loose, cracked or stained? Making your mouth sore? Keeping you from enjoying food? If you’ve answered YES to any of these Please ask us about our Geneva 2000 dentures. questions... WE CAN HELP!!! Payment Plans + All Insurance Coverage Call now for your Complimentary Consultation Now accepting new patients

$ 59

FOR PRE-BOOK ION BEST SELECT

PRODUCE

11077330

Are your dentures...

ITALIAN PROSCIUTTO

/100g

Our team of Denturists are BPS Denture certiﬁed to provide you with the latest technology available. Our clinic’s associates have experience ranging from new graduates to 30 years, so you will beneﬁt from our knowledge and our fresh outlook.

MEATS

Fresh Grade “A”

DELI

Come in and see our great selection

www.bananagrovemarket.com

MANY MORE IN STORE SPECIALS Prices Valid Dec. 18 - 24, 2013

WE BUY AND SELL

• COINS • STAMPS • POSTCARDS • MILITARIA • OLD ENVELOPES

(at Slocan)

604.435.0646

$ 29

$ 99

/lb 5.05/kg

/lb 4.39/kg

BONELESS

FRESH PORK LOIN ROAST

Fresh Vegetable Fed

$ 49

$ 99

ROASTING CHICKENS

CENTER CUT OR RIB END

lb 4.39/kg

lb 5.49/kg

GROCERIES

La Molisana

Krino’s

ESPRESSO COFFEE

KALAMATA OLIVES

$ 99

$ 19

250ml

Emma

BRIE CHEESE

$ 59 /100g

THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

news

Bitcoin is gaining currency inVancouver GAVIN FISHER Contributing writer

Bitcoin startups are popping up around Vancouver as lo-

cal enthusiasts and traders tap into the growing interest and acceptance of the digital currency. Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency — a digital, decen-

tralized currency that can be traded over the Internet. While there are plenty of online resources for people to learn about and trade bitcoin, trad-

ers in Vancouver are opening ofﬁces and forming groups to help make personal exchanges possible. Euwyn Poon, a former

lawyer, founded the startup Coinwaves with a few friends. Coinwaves opened an ofﬁce in Gastown at the end of November. “Despite

Living here just got more appetizing Independent retirement living is nothing short of tasteful at Cedar Springs. :* '8 )39 >3982;79;C79< <'?'?5 3979 '*?,) '?>9?)'#9 9?=&53+ "9,#9 $&*) '?)7=<&>9< )39 B=*) '779*'*)'@!9 =%97 of its kind on the North Shore. Now for as little as $2,995 per month+ A=& >C? 9?$=A C!! )39*9 @9?9.)*1 ( spacious private suite + kitchenette ( exceptional views ( personalized transportation ( recreational, social & wellness programs Live at one of the most enviable locales on the North Shore. Simply make your NO-OBLIGATION deposit by December 31st to secure your rate. Then sit back and savour the anticipation.

Book your free personalized tour. Call 604.986.3633. $%!& "%!%*&' +)&(#

1 BDR SUITES from $2,995 per month*

3633 Mt. Seymour Parkway, North Vancouver, BC cedarspringsresidence.ca | 604.986.3633 -6%97 C#C'!C@!9 =? *9!9>) *&')9* "39? C <9;=*') '* ;7=#'<9< @98=79 49>9B@97 /0st. Move-in must occur by March 1, 2014.

all the online resources it was helpful for people to put an actual location and an actual person to this whole pretty complicated piece of technology,” Poon said. Poon said Coinwaves operates as a “genius bar” for bitcoin — people can stop by to learn about bitcoin, and can also buy and sell the currency. The Bitcoin Co-op is another self-started bitcoin group that consists of a number of traders who met at Vancouver bitcoin meet-up events. They began working together in May and recently submitted their incorporation papers to the province. Those who want to trade bitcoin can call the Bitcoin Coop and will be contacted by one of its members, who are located all around the Lower Mainland, to set up a meeting in a coffee shop or other public space. The trader will then help the buyer set up a bitcoin address if they don’t have one and exchange the person’s cash for bitcoins. The Bitcoin Co-op members trade bitcoins that they have previously bought on other exchanges, and take a five per cent commission for completing the inperson trade. “We’re providing a convenience for people who don’t want to learn how to register on the exchange and send their money to some company … that they’re not familiar with,” said Adam Soltys, a web developer who quit his job to trade bitcoin fulltime. Poon and Soltys said the bitcoin ATM at the Waves coffee shop at Howe and Smithe Streets has also led to an increased awareness of the virtual currency. The ATM — the first of its kind in the world — went online on Oct. 29. The ATM was installed by Bitcoiniacs,whichopenedVancouver’s first physical bitcoin exchange in Vancouver in June. Mitchell Demeter, one of the founders of Bitcoiniacs, began trading bitcoin in January without charging any fees. But as demand rose he started a company. “We realized there was a lot of opportunity and decided to form the business and give people a reputable company to deal with, because meeting people off local bitcoin [localbitcoins.com] or Craigslist … isn’t very comfortable or professional,” he said. The rising value of bitcoin has also attracted attention. The value of the currency rose from $200 in the beginning of November to just over $1,000.

W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

city living

Fur flies as Blim Market overrun by cats and crafts REBECCA BLISSETT Contributing writer

t is a rare imaginary world that isn’t home to imaginary creatures. So it was fitting there was no shortage of creations designed for animals at the holiday edition of the Blim Market this past Saturday afternoon at the Chinese Cultural Centre. It’s a world where pets send one another Christmas cards. Just ask Kristy Stefanucci, who picked up a homemade card on behalf of Mr. Kitty to send to Maggie, her parent’s dog. It’s a world where cats — or at least their owners — completely fall in love with “donut cats,” a plush doughnut-shaped feline filled with catnip. Donut cats came about a couple of years ago when Thomas Marnin saw his girlfriend Skye Saylor’s donut cat drawings and thought it would be a great business idea. It floated around in their heads as they went on a 68-day walk from Seattle to San Francisco last summer. They already had the business cards, albeit the size of two-postage stamps, which combined their last names MarninSaylor, and a brand was born. “The reason we made the brand was so we’d look more legitimate when asking people to camp in their yards,” said Marnin, a cheerylooking fellow who was dressed like he should be slinging ice cream sodas in the 1950s. “When we got back, well, I bet we could make a business out of donut cats. We’re doing well. A bit too well. We’ve been scrambling the last few days, up all night sewing.” Marnin and Saylor were the first Americans to rent a table at Blim, all because friend and employee Jessica Hurst went into the store in Chinatown on a recent trip to Vancouver from Seattle. “[Blim] had such cute, weird stuff that I knew our people would like theirs,” said Hurst, who came into the MarninSaylor world

by way of animals. She was walking her dog when she saw Marnin and Saylor hand-sewing cat donuts on their front lawn while their two guinea pigs scampered about. While Blim includes the polished workmanship of MarninSaylor and the like, the market is less about finely finished crafts than it is about creating, and the process thereof. The market is an extension of Blim, which defies easy description as it serves as a store, performance venue, studio, gallery and workshop space “People always talk about the Blim vibe,” said Yuriko Iga, Blim founder and director. “It’s a balance between indie culture and not being too commercial. It’s not about everything being finished. Sometimes things that are over-finished aren’t as attractive to me. Blim’s always been about experimental. Always been a place to try stuff out.” Iga, who was involved in Calgary’s indie arts scene before moving to Vancouver in 2002, started Blim in fertile territory as small venues were scarce in the city at that time, especially with the closure of the Blinding Light! Cinema and the Sugar Refinery. She took the name from a world she invented for herself when she was four years old, Blim Blim, which was populated by her stuffed animals. “Animals have always been a part of Blim. We’ve always done cat stuff and, as of recently, cats have become really trendy. We still do it, just more of it. “Animals are very attractive as far as marketing goes… look at Telus and Fido commercials,” Iga added. “It’s not the way I look at it because I love animals. Animals, for me, are almost more significant in my life than humans to some degree.” For more information on the monthly Blim Market, go to blim.ca.

photo Rebecca Blissett

Garﬁeld takes a break from his cat Santa photo booth duties to frighten a dog at the holiday edition of the Blim Market at the Chinese Cultural Centre. To see more photos, scan this page with your smartphone or tablet using the Layar app.

HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING PRICES IN EFFECT ‘TIL DEC. 23RD

TRUEFORM DRESSFORMS REG. 400.00

Go to vancourier.com to see a City Living photo gallery

MICROPLUSH ROBES

SEWING MACHINE

NOW 175.00

60%

2 SIZES

CADDIES - All stock OFF

reg. price

OLFA CUTTING MATS & CUTTERS all stock

50%

OFF REG. PRICE

-ONE SIZE FITS ALL

NOW 31.50/ea DECOR ACCESSORIES

50% -70%

OFF REGULAR PRICE

FLANNEL BODY BUDDY PILLOW 20” X 48”

NOW 19.00/ea

GIFT CERTIFICATES any denomination SAVE 10% off face value (purchase 100.00 you pay 90.00) Valid for use after Jan. 3, 14

Exclusive to Fabricland Sewing Club Members First in Fabric Selection, Quality & Value

VANCOUVER

1678 S.E. Marine Dr. at Argyle (604)321-1848 Hours: Mon.-Wed. 10am-6pm Thurs.-Fri. 10am-9pm / Sat. 10am-6pm Sun. 11am-5pm / Holidays 12pm-5pm

Plus 6 more locations in the Lower Mainland to serve you! Join us on the Internet! webs www.fabriclandwest.com

A10

THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

THE VANCOUVER COURIER

1574 West Sixth Ave., Vancouver, BC V6J 1R2 604-738-1411 Twitter: @vancouriernews vancourier.com

B.C. mine policy has awkward moments

f the B.C. Chamber of Commerce is so ardently supportive of the New Prosperity mine, why don’t they go to the Cariboo to support it? The chamber recently came out in favour of the mine by staging a news conference — in downtown Vancouver. It looked a bit patronizing for the chamber to extend its blessing, but require the people who need that blessing to make the trip all the way to Vancouver in order to get it. The reason, of course, is that it was a straight media play, aimed at influencing the course of events in Ottawa where the eventual call on the mine will be made. So supporters of the project from Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House trooped down to Vancouver to receive the backing that was offered. It’s the second time through the hoops for the project, and the first one went very awkwardly. In fact, there have been a few awkward moments when it comes to mining policy in B.C., and it’s taking some time to smooth them out. Prosperity’s first trip through the approval process a few years ago resulted in an absurdity. B.C. approved the proposed mine southwest of Williams Lake but Ottawa rejected it because the original plan involved destroying a small lake. That left the province exposed to criticism of its laissez-faire approach. B.C. Liberals ignored that and concentrated on lobbying Ottawa to change its mind. Eventually, Taseko, the proponent, redesigned the application to preserve the lake and refiled it as New Prosperity. It’s the upcoming decision on that application that the chamber of commerce was rallying about this week. If little Fish Lake was the only stopper, then New Prosperity looks like a go. But First Nations politics could be a factor as well. Nearby bands oppose the mine, so part of the press conference was designed to show that opposition is not unanimous. Former Alexis Creek First Nation chief Ervin Charleyboy unabashedly supports the mine. He served 20 years as chief and started out totally opposed to the proposal. But he said he took a closer look and decided the future of native young people in the region would be much better with the mine. With a major falldown in the forest industry due to the beetle kill looming, the Cariboo is looking for alternatives. “What do we have after forestry?” asked Charleyboy. “We have nothing.” Mining could fill some of the gap, but First Nations leaders are balking at the mine for what Charleyboy said are unsound reasons. They aren’t consulting with people because they are afraid they’d find many natives support the idea. Those who do are too intimidated to speak out. Charleyboy said he’s unpopular among the chiefs for his support, but it doesn’t bother him. “The other chiefs are mad, but what the hell. Stay mad. I don’t care.” The other awkwardness on the mining front grew even more pronounced last week after the B.C. Supreme Court ordered a redo of last year’s startling decision against another mine, the Morrison copper-gold project near Smithers. B.C.’s environmental assessment office did an exhaustive review of that Pacific Booker Minerals project and wrote a 200-page conclusion that all concerns had been addressed and the mine proposal did not have the potential for significant adverse effects. But when the then-executive director submitted that report to cabinet for a decision, he included a number of additional environmental worries and recommended against approval. The two cabinet ministers required to make the call — Rich Coleman and Terry Lake — endorsed his view and turned thumbs down, prompting the company to go to court. This week, the judge ruled the process didn’t meet the test of procedural fairness. He ordered the government to back up and do it over, and this time provide Pacific Booker a chance to respond to the additional concerns from the executive director. Energy Minister Bill Bennett was scheduled to spend today lobbying federal cabinet ministers to support the New Prosperity mine. He’d have an easier day if ministers don’t check that judgment out and ask him how his own government is doing when it comes to dealing with mine ventures. lleyne@timescolonist.com

LES LEYNE

ADVERTISING

604.738.1412 CLASSIFIED

604.630.3300 DELIVERY

604.942.3081 EDITORIAL NEWSROOM

604.738.1411 FLYER SALES

604.738.1412

Dee Dhaliwal

Barry Link

ddhaliwal@vancourier.com

blink@vancourier.com

PUBLISHER

EDITOR

Tara Lalanne

DIRECTOR SALES & MARKETING

tlalanne@vancourier.com

TheVancouverCourierisadivisionofLMPPublicationLimitedPartnership. Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40025215. All material in the Vancouver Courier is copyrighted and cannot be reproduced without permission of the publisher. This newspaper reserves the right to reject any advertising which it considers to contain false or misleading information or involves unfair or unethical practices. The advertiser agrees the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of error in any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. We collect, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Statement which is available at vancourier.com.

letters

W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

WE WANT YOUR OPINION

Hate it or love it? We want to know... really, we do!

Reach us by email: letters@vancourier.com

When nimbyism and lack of communication collide

here is the best place to locate social housing in the City of Vancouver? Nowhere, apparently, unless it’s in the Downtown Eastside. But since that area is overly concentrated with such facilities and observers routinely complain about the poverty pimps and the ever expanding poverty industry in that neighbourhood, let’s move all social housing to industrial areas where families and children never ever have to look at or come into contact with the residents of any form of social housing. Shield your eyes, children. There’s a homeless person moving into a shelter. Better yet, let’s send all those people who desperately need social housing to get back on their feet into huts in the deep dark forests beyond the horizon and forget they ever existed. Out of sight, out of mind. They should pull themselves up by their own bootstraps already. Jonathan Swift, where are you to solve our social ills? This may all sound ridiculous, but is it given the outrage the city faced at an open house last week for temporary social housing in a former Ramada Hotel on East Hastings near Skeena? Not just that open house, but almost any that involves social housing around the city. Unless a social housing project is destined for the Downtown Eastside, the proposal meets with opposition. This problem isn’t unique to Vancouver. A proposal for a 20-unit housing project for homeless men in downtown Abbotsford faced stiff opposition earlier this summer. Let’s review the Ramada proposal: temporary social housing located on a busy traffic and transit corridor to house select seniors and the working poor. Quote from area resident: “We don’t want this shelter,” one woman bellowed as reported in Cheryl Rossi’s Dec. 13 story. A parent chimed in with “My concern is really related to the safety and welfare of the kids, full stop.” If locating social housing on one of the busiest thoroughfares in the city where transit is readily available isn’t a good spot, I’d like to know where is. Not everyone at the meeting was against the proposal of course — because it’s a good idea, which they came to realize once they were able to speak to the people who will be operating the building. They’d only wished the city had properly informed them of the proposal instead of creating fear from a dearth of details. Déjà vu anyone? This proposal would have been a no-brainer if the city understood that once the term “social housing” or “shelter” is used in areas where people own homes (renters don’t get as upset), people prick up their ears. The city does grasp this of course, but why did it not anticipate a large number of people to attend the open house to find out more? And why did they hold the open house in what was essentially a tiny hallway at the former hotel? Can the entire blame be laid at the feet of Vision Vancouver and its chronic inability to effectively communicate with residents on its grand plans, sometimes throwing in last-minute changes? Partially. Perhaps there is also another reason. That would be the revolving door of staffers at city hall who have left — including at least 50 senior staffers — since Gregor Robertson became mayor and hired Penny Ballem as city manager. Could these departures be having a negative impact on morale that’s resulting in staffers unable to properly do their jobs? The loss of corporate memory and expertise, not to mention disruption in continuity, when long-term staffers leave can’t help but have harmful repercussions on workflow and morale. When is the last time you spoke to a city employee who said without any hint of sarcasm, “I love my job. Morale? Why, it couldn’t be better.” ••• On a happier note, kudos to council for choosing to send Coun. Tim Stevenson, who is gay, to gay-unfriendly Russia as Vancouver’s representative at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. While in Sochi, Stevenson hopes to address the International Olympic Committee on safeguarding gay rights in its charter. I hope he wears a rainbow-coloured scarf, jacket and hat and carries around Masha Gessen’s controversial 2012 book The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin. I suggest anyone heading to Sochi read and openly carry this book around as a form of protest for everything Putin has done while in office (anti-gay legislation and destroying most democratic reforms made under Yeltsin for instance). fhughes@vancourier.com twitter.com/HughesFiona

FIONA HUGHES

FORMER COPE TRUSTEE BACKS WONG’S MOVE TO VISION

To the editor: Re: “Veteran COPE trustee joins Vision,” Dec. 11 I ﬁrst met Allan Wong when we both ran for school board under the banner of COPE. We were both elected and sat together for 12 years on the Board in Vancouver. We started as colleagues and became good friends as well. His commitment to kids and the right of all kids to an education that would enable them too reach their full potential in school and in life has been unsurpassed. This involved working with a wide diversity of parents, teachers, trustees and other members of the public without using a litmus test about their politics. What beneﬁtted students has always been his litmus test. These are his values. And they have not changed. I believe Mr. Louis’ comments say more about himself than about Allan. I would rather Allan not join Vision. I would not do so. But I believe Allan Wong sees it as

the only way he can continue to work for the kids in Vancouver schools and I respect his honesty and integrity in doing so. Cope and Vision trustees have worked together well in the interests of the students in Vancouver schools. While not always agreeing, they have cooperated on the school board. Neither has given up their values and both have made a valuable contribution to the educational offerings of Vancouver schools. Allan will continue to do what he and other COPE trustees have done while on the school board with Vision: work for the beneﬁt of the students with anyone who will join him. Mr. Louis, when he has commented in the past, has been supportive. Till now. I believe that the rude personal reception by Mr. Louis’ supporters when Allan delivered his school board report at the last COPE annual general meeting was an invitation to leave. I think they left Allan before he left them. And there are others, such as myself, who no longer ﬁnd COPE a welcoming political home and reject Vision, who are examining their options, while Mr. Louis engages in another

factional ﬁght within COPE. I look forward to casting my ballot for my good friend Allan Wong in the next civic election.

Allen Blakey, Vancouver

NEIGHBOUR CONFIDENT SOCIAL HOUSING AT FORMER HOTEL WILL WORK To the editor: Re: “Neighbours rage at Ramada open house,” Dec. 13. I was at the open house Thursday night. I spoke with the new operator, representatives of the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, City of Vancouver, and other community members. I’m conﬁdent that they heard concerns from neighbours and businesses, and will work to make this housing successful for the 40 individuals who have the opportunity for stability, and for the rest of us who live in the area. I for one am a neighbour who is committed to making this work, and using it as a chance for our community to get to know one another better.

Anita Zaenker, Vancouver

ON YOUR MIND ONLINE COURIER STORY: “Musqueam in contention for 2013 Newsmaker,” Dec. 3 Kat Norris: Whether or not they win this vote, given that this publication doesn’t reach everywhere, they still have my vote! Such a huge victory by such a dedicated crew and their supporters. Much love to them all! They still are the big winners to me. COURIER STORY: “Vancouver Courier Christmas Drive enters 9th year,” Nov. 19 Bea Westlake: Reminds me of my dear generous Mother who did this every year! Also served meals at the Salvation Army on the holidays. Gone but she will never be forgotten! COURIER STORY: “Newsmaker of the Year,” Dec. 11 Trevor Boudreau @tb_comms: Common theme in @VanCourierNews 2013 newsmaker stories: myopic #vision leads to community backlash. COURIER STORY: “Gastown: Smilin’ Buddha reincarnated,” Dec. 5 Hugh Man: This is what Vancouver needs! Can’t wait to see my first show here, multi-functional venues create culture like nothing else! COURIER LETTER TO THE EDITOR: “Lowe off the mark on DTES jaywalking,” Dec. 13 Occupy Medic: I get it. Safety. However: Ticketing in the DTES is disproportionately high. The most jaywalking in the city occurs on Commercial Drive. Yet the DTES has ticketing ratio that is 1,000 times higher than on The Drive. Why do you suppose that is? COURIER COLUMN: “COPE heading toward oblivion,” Dec. 13 Christopher Porter: When I first moved to Vancouver, I attended an event where then Councillor David Cadman spoke about environmental issues. I’ve been a COPE fan and supporter ever since. I voted for COPE and volunteered my time. But most of the people I’ve respected in the party are gone — Cadman, RJ Aquino (the most promising city council candidate last election IMHO), David Chudnovsky, and Brent Granby. If Ellen Woodsworth runs next election I’d vote for her, but she’s the only COPE candidate I would support at this point. Follow us on Facebook: The VancouverCourierNewspaper and Twitter: @VanCourierNews

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters may be edited by the Courier for reasons of legality, taste, brevity and clarity. To be considered for publication, they must be less than 300 words, signed and include the writer’s full name (no

A11

initials), home address, and telephone number (neither of which will be published), so authorship may be veriﬁed. Send to: 1574 West Sixth Ave., Vancouver BC V6J 1R2 or email letters@vancourier.com

A12

THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

news

photo Dan Toulgoet

Sue Hughson, vice-president of the B.C. Humanist Association, organizes an annual celebratory solstice dinner attended by atheists, secularists, free thinkers and rationalists.

Introducing SECURE FUTURE®

Atheists celebrate season with solstice dinner

Thinking about moving to an independent retirement community? That’s a big decision W53 G5M= )6# G5M3 WMOM3! ?6)6%!Q* +S)O/Q JSG )O 0)%<?% R3'5M3 .!O<3!7!6O N577M6<O<!Q= J!/L! <6O35#M%!# -KND.K ID+D.K® – your built-in 435O!%O<56 )U)<6QO 3<Q<6U 3!6O)8 3)O!Q*

DEC. 21 HUMANIST DINNER CELEBRATES COMMUNITY AND HAPPINESS

SECURE FUTURE® GIVES YOU: , HM)3)6O!!# 2R@F2D2 3!6O <6%3!)Q! 5W 568G &*VB 4!3 G!)3> , Peace of mind and certainty for easy budgeting

+5 ?6# 5MO 753!= L<Q<O MQ 568<6!9 !,.$%.,/*"(/'.,&#)+OR, call or visit any of our four residences today! THE MULBERRY E PM36)'G E T(X*V$T*$$X; THE SUMMERHILL E 153OS C)6%5ML!3 E T(X*:;(*TV$V CEDAR SPRINGS E 153OS C)6%5ML!3 E T(X*:;T*"T"" THE WESTERLEIGH E A!QO C)6%5ML!3 E T(X*:$$*:;;; '*17$;! /;$1 #% ;33!#6;8!1 05/ ) 91;/%, +5/ 0"/$-1/ 41$;#!%& 6;!! 5/ 1:;#! ;79 .;6#(6 2/85"/ *1%#41761,

JENNIFER THUNCHER Contributing writer

‘

Tis the season to be an atheist? While Christian Vancouverites are gearing up for Christmas, a tiny group of non-believers is embracing the season in its own way. Members of the Vancouver arm of the B. C. Humanist Association — about 30 atheists, secularists, “free-thinkers” and rationalists — gather every Dec. 21 for a formal dinner to celebrate winter solstice. When it began in 1983 the dinner was a potluck held at a member’s house, but for the last few years it has been a more ofﬁcial event held at Brock House Restaurant, according to vice-president Sue Hughson. For Hughson, a lifelong atheist, the dinner is a great way to recreate the sense of togetherness religious organizations offer. “That is the thing that religion does well, religion does do community. Unfortunately though, that community is run by money and power and an elite and things that look like equality and compassion are trickled down, rather than being a broad mandate,” said Hughson. The dinner is also just a fun way to gather with like-minded people to celebrate each other, she said. “Prior to the evening they have what is called a moment of bedlam before dinner to replace when other people might be saying a grace or a prayer,” said Hughson. In that moment people can do whatever strikes them such as sing or cheer. After dinner there are games and music. According to the 2011 National Household Survey, 41.5 per cent of Vancouverites have no religious afﬁliation and 41.7 per

cent identify as Christian. Hughson said during the holiday season her family adapts and embraces much of what a traditional Christmas has to offer. She puts out strings of decorative lights as a nod to solstice, and puts up a tree with a peace dove on the top. The Christmas tree comes from German culture, not from Christianity anyway, she said. She said she responds to “Merry Christmas” with a warm smile and a “Happy axial tilt,” referring to the change in seasons from autumn to winter. “So much of it is so cultural too, so many people are just saying it out of a cultural sense of happiness of being around family and friends. I have no desire to say bahhumbug and blaspheme against their God,” said Hughson, a veterinarian and mother of two teenagers. While she believes her children will grow up to be atheists, she will leave that decision to them. They have decided not to attend the upcoming solstice dinner and she is ﬁne with that. B.C. Humanist director Darwin Toivo, who legally changed his name to Darwin after being near the Pentagon when it was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, is looking forward to the dinner. Like Hughson, he said he enjoys much of what the Christmas season has to offer. “There is all kinds of wonderful jazz and classical music to listen to, but Christmas itself is just piggybacked onto an old Roman celebration, Saturnalia. It was a pagan celebration prior to that,” he said. “It is a good time to be had by all.” thuncher@shaw.ca twitter.com/Thuncher

community

W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

A13

EVENT OR COMMUNITY NEWS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT? 604-738-1411 | sthomas@vancourier.com

‘DespicableMe’treeaYulewinner COMMUNITY CALENDAR

with Sandra Thomas

DOWNTOWN The votes are in and the winners have been named in the 27th Annual Festival of Trees at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver and upper level of Paciﬁc Centre Mall, an event that beneﬁts B.C. Children’s Hospital. Besides offering a colourful and festive respite in the heart of the city’s hustle, the festival is a friendly fundraising competition between Christmas-loving individuals and companies. This year’s winners, chosen by a panel of judges, include “Despicable Tree,” for most child-like, “Alimony Tree” for most creative, and Kids For Kids for “Most Green Tree.” The trees are on display until Jan. 2.

MOUNT PLEASANT

Haven Studio and the Babz Chula Lifeline for Artist’s Society are hosting a fundraising party in support of actor Violet Cameron on Dec. 19 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the ANZA Club. The party includes a concert by MOO, which apparently includes members of the Odds, and an appearance by singer/songwriter Kevin House. DJ Zak Santiago will spin tunes while partygoers drink wine, beer and the special Violet Martini. All proceeds will go towards Cameron’s homeopathic treatments used in her ﬁght against Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Tickets are at the door or at bownpapertickets.com. Direct donations to Cameron can be made at violetcameron.com.

CITYWIDE

A group that ensures homeless men and women receive a Christmas gift is short in its quest for 2013. Homeless Partners works with shelters in cities across Metro Vancouver to identify people in need. In Vancouver, Homeless Partners supports clients of Yukon Housing Centre, the Living Room Drop-in centre, the Walton Hotel and the Downtown Housing Centre. Staff

and volunteers have compiled a personal wish list for the men and women who frequent these facilities and from the looks of it, their requests are pretty basic. Practical gifts such as gloves, socks, steeltoed boots, bus tickets and warm coats make up the majority of the requests, but pre-paid cellphones and gift cards are much-needed items. The more unusual requests include “Duck Dynasty Stuff,” cigarettes and a leopard-print duvet. The group’s website includes a request from each individual and offers their ﬁrst name and a brief story about how they came to be homeless. Donors can go to the website, read through the stories, chose a recipient and purchase a gift, which they can then deliver to the shelter accompanied with a personal note. Visit homelesspartners.com for more information.

KENSINGTON CEDAR COTTAGE

You’ve got to love an event dubbed “Post Chanukah on Ice.” On Dec. 26, hundreds of kids and adults will converge on Trout Lake Ice Rink for Chabad of East Vancouver’s annual celebration for an open skate offering contemporary Jewish music, kosher food and fun. “Chanukah is a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition,” Rabbi Schneur Wineberg, director of Chabad of East Vancouver, said in a press release. “We want to make the spirit of the Chanukah holiday alive for the kids.” For more information and reservations visit goo.gl/CmyqDr or call 604-266-9841. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. The rink is located at 3350 Victoria Dr.

DOWNTOWN Free ice skating continues at Robson Square now through Feb. 28, with entertainment offered most evenings of December. Skating is free if you bring your own skates and rentals are $4 if you don’t. Helmets are mandatory for children 12 years and under and they can also be rented at the rink. Rentals are cash only. Just some of the performers bringing holiday cheer to the rink include JC and the Wailin’ Wassailers (Dec. 15), the Dal Richards Band (Dec. 19), Santa’s Brass (Dec. 22) and Rumba Calzada (Dec. 23). The rink is open Christmas Day from 3 to 5 p.m. For a complete schedule visit robsonsquare.com. sthomas@vancourier.com twitter.com/sthomas10

photos Dan Toulgoet

Tree tops: Winning trees at the annual Festival of Trees included (top) Despicable Me for most child-like and Tracey Jackson’s “Alimony Tree” for most creative. The trees are on display at the Four Seasons Hotel until Jan. 2.

A14

THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

Special Advertising Feature

A vintage Christmas begins with decor

SAMPLE SALE EUROPEAN COATS & JACKETS

compiled by Helen Peterson

eel like reminiscing over the holidays, keeping it whimsical and old-style? Try these quick and easy tricks:

100% Wool, Puffers, Furs, and a lot more! Sizes 4 – 10

Keep a special holiday album: A wonderful tradition to start – you can preserve special cards and letters, save scraps of favourite wrapping paper and ribbons, and make note of treasured gifts and meaningful activities.

50% OFF

WHOLESALE PRICES

Reﬂections of a simpler time: For a country-style mantel arrangement, decorate with hand-knit mittens (prop up over spice jars), vintage toys, strings of popcorn and cranberries, hand-dipped candles and boughs of evergreens.

Armadillo Boutique 7912 Granville St.

604-261-0840

SAVE UP TO $20 ON A PLAYLAND SEASON

PLAYPASS

Second-hand shops abound: They will often stock collections of vintage Christmas cards. String them around for a touch of the olden days. Or head over to your local Michael’s Crafts where you’ll ﬁnd craft kits to create your own classic items, for décor or gifts. Get back to basics: Toys made in a woodshop brings you back to the days of Pinocchio and his maker, Giuseppe. Simple, colourful toys like spinning tops, painted wagons or retro bicycles remind children that there was life before X-Box and Justin Bieber! Any way you do it, for a vintage holiday season – simply harken back to the good old days. It’s more than worth it.

SEASON PLAYPASS

SA$7V1.7E5 inc$l. tax20 (reg. $91.75)

JR. SEASON PLAYPA SS

SAVE $15 $41.7 5 incl. tax (reg. $56.75)

Includes unlimited access to over 30 rides and attractions for LESS than the cost of three visits to Playland. Offer expires midnight, December 24!

SAVE NOW AT

See website for details. Pricing includes applicable taxes

W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

KERRISDALE’S

Gifts that keep on giving any happy memories are made during this time of year, and often we are tasked with the challenge of gift-giving, or rather, buying for the co-worker, relative or friend who seems impossible to find the right present for. After spending hours searching online and in stores, frustration can begin to take over. Don’t fret, there is a solution: personalized gifts. Creating a calendar or photo book are great ideas that are customized to fit them perfectly. Many retailers have the services available to help you create that perfect gift. “We’ve all experienced the hardships associated with attempting to buy a gift for someone, only to find it’s an impossible task,” said Joann Peet, category manager at Staples. “A personalized gift always satisfies. All of our stores have copy and print services, and our associates can easily help you choose the perfect gift for that someone special.”

Another alternative is a customized photo book. They are affordable and can be adjusted based on budget. They also make great coffee table books and truly spark conversation with guests. For those who have the holiday plan and gift guide ﬁgured out, a nice personal touch over the winter season is to create customized greeting cards or labels. It’s as simple as choosing a template and entering your image and text. Just be sure to tag a few days on to your order to ensure your items are printed and ready in time. There is a Staples location at 1322 West Broadway. Ideas courtesy newscanada.com.

GLIDING

ON ICE FREE SKATE

Sunday, December 22

3:45 to 5:30 p.m. Located at the Kerrisdale Arena, 5670 East Boulevard, Vancouver

FREE

One of the best options for your special giftee is a custom calendar. Choose photos that are meaningful or funny and create a memory-ﬁlled calendar that will be enjoyed for 365 days.

SKATING SKATE RENTALS REFRESHMENTS SPONSORED BY THE KERRISDALE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

TSTAN “AN OUELIGHTDFIONG PRODUCTION.. RPRISE . SU LLOW ON AND D E AFTER ANOTHER” * "')$(%"!& #%)

GOHNUTCRACKER.COM

December 11, 2013 – January 4, 2014

4:30 to 9:00 p.m. (closed Christmas Day)

Information Line 604-257-8335

SWEET SEATS

$28! FROM

STU DEN T AND IOR DIS COU NTS AVASEN ILA BLE

CLASSICAL, MAGICAL, A MUST-SEE HOLIDAY TRADITION

DEC 14 – 22 MATINEES & EVENINGS Oak St. at West 37th Ave. vandusengarden.org

PRINCIPAL DANCERS FROM

THE ROYAL DANISH BALLET LIVE MUSIC PERFORMED BY

THE VANCOUVER OPERA ORCHESTRA

TICKETMASTER.CA 1.855.985.2787 THE CENTRE IN VANCOUVER, 777 HOMER STREET PRODUCTION TITLE SPONSORS

View with

A15

A16

THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

Small businesses ﬂourish during the holidays by Colleen Dunbar, contributor

hen the zany atmosphere of the big box stores and malls ﬁnally gets to you, it’s time to get back to nature and support entrepreneurial spirit this season.

22nd

The Vancouver Flower Company is a mobile business with seven ﬂower carts dotted throughout the city. It sells bouquets made up of vibrant, seasonal ﬂowers and delicate foliage – 95 per cent of which comes from the Lower Mainland, and all of which is arranged by the Flower Company staff. During the winter season, VFC sells traditional Christmas holly (Canadian mistletoe,) gorgeous and fresh Christmas wreaths, apartment-sized Christmas trees, and endearing “Grinch trees.” The Christmas trees are potted, so they can be watered throughout the season, which means no more dead trees in the living room!

at St. Anselm’s St. Anselm’s invites you to celebrate with us. Inclusive, handicapped accessible, friendly. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22

10:30 AM LESSONS & CAROLS –Traditional service of scripture reading, prayers and music.

CHRISTMAS EVE, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24

4:00 PM PAGEANT & FAMILY SERVICE –All ages are welcome to watch or participate in the Christmas story. Simple costumes available before the service.

CHRISTMAS DAY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25

10:30 AM Joyful celebration of Christ’s birth.

St. Anselm’s Anglican Church | 604.224.1410 | www.stanselms.ca

5210 University Blvd, Vancouver (across from UBC Golf Course)

For youth living on the streets, there is no home for the

holidays...

Vancouver’s problem with homelessness is at an all time high, with many of those with no home of their own being under the age of 24. At the Courier, we decided to provide an opportunity to our readers to give a little cheer and kindness to the youth on our streets this holiday season.

Please note that we ask that all items be NEW! (please, no used goods at this time)

Here’s how you can help:

When out shopping for those stocking stuffers this holiday season, see what’s on special and grab an extra something on top of your usual purchase.

SUGGESTED GIFTS INCLUDE: Socks, underwear, mittens, gloves, scarfs, toques, boots, jackets, blankets or sleeping bags, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental ﬂoss, deodorant, soap etc... Transit tickets, grocery vouchers or restaurant/fast-food/coffee shop gift certiﬁcates. Directions to Youth Services centre, operated by Family Services of Greater Vancouver is our partner in this endeavour, and will distribute the goods to youth who are homeless or living in at risk situations. Anything you can give will help make the holidays a little easier for the youth on our streets.

Thank you for your support!

Happy Holidays!

Simply drop your items off in the big box situated in the Courier lobby at 1574 West 6th Ave., near Fir St. between November 13th and December 18th. Hours are Mon-Fri, 8:30 am to 4:30pm.

These beauties can actually be replanted at the end of the holidays if they’ve been properly cared for. The Grinch trees and Christmas wreaths are beautiful, festive decorations that will spruce up a home of any size. The Vancouver Flower Company is selling all of their holiday products at the 2013

Vancouver Christmas Market, located at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre plaza (vancouverchristmasmarket.com). Running to Dec. 24 from 11 am to 9 pm every day, it’s one of the ﬁrst booths you’ll see when you walk in. You will be able to buy Christmas trees, Christmas wreaths, holly, swags, Christmas bouquets, regular bouquets and much more. It’s a nice way to spend some green – on greenery!

W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

A17

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Sense & sensibility

FOUR TIPS TO KEEP YOUR SHAPE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Find winter activities to stay active: Squeeze in workouts at home, or plan active social outings such as skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing or walking BC’s beautiful trails.

by Aeryon Ashlie, contributor

Every year around the holidays, we tend to neglect our health and fitness regimens. Many factors such as stress from organizing social gatherings, over-indulging in sweets and lacking motivation to stay active, can pack on those holiday pounds. Keeping active and maintaining your diet will ensure 2014 doesn’t have to start out with regret… and detox! So if you’ve suffered from any of these winter woes, it’s about time this New Year starts regret-free. Here are a few tips to stay on-track this holiday season:

Meal plan and stay accountable: Bring healthy dishes to Christmas potlucks and focus on portion control.

Set fitness goals now: Don’t wait until January 1st to start your resolution! Continue setting goals and keep up with your exercise routine.

Break away from tradition: The holiday season doesn’t have to be about carbs, alcohol and sugar. Drink more water, keep packing those salads and limit your alcohol consumption.

FREE Training e is LiActive vingChoices Coach ing Atocbetiavvolunteer

Liv

Every –

Well

Beneﬁts regular physical activity Letofthe Active Choices Promote brain health Manage Stress Physical Activity Telephone Program Manage hypertension Manage Glucose levels SupportIncreased you in achieving your physical activity and health Energy Better,goals deeper sleepbenefits Better Digestion Manage medication Body needs to move and move at least 3 times per week

New year’s resolution and beyond

You will receive: facilitation skills, exercise and the body, problem solving, coaching skills and the opportunity to be part of a larger Active Choices Coaching Community (skills for lifelong learning)

Choose a date and that is convenient for you: Tolocation get started today, call 604-522-1492 November 2, 2013 November 23, 2013 October 19, 2013 or angela.activechoices@shaw.ca Main Library – Board Room Firehall Library ING Direct Board Room West Georgia 1455 West 10th 466 Howe to Street You! We offer350 opportunity for accountability, Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver encouragement and fun! All locations accessible by public transit According to Berkeley University here are 7 reasons why we should have Feedback: Sarah, a Coach found out that inspiration and support can work both ways on the physical activity a regular exercise program: journey. She said, “when I decided to become an Active Choices Coach, I thought I’d be spending my time • Bettersomeone brain health motivating else to get more active. I didn’t realize that being a Coach would motivate me to reach More protection against dementia my• activity/ﬁtness goals too. The price of physical inactivity is very high, and is estimated to • Reduced breast cancer risk cost BC $573 million every year (Colman and Walker, 2004). • Less cancer related fatigue Couch potatoes are now being grouped with cigarette smokers Call Angela today to register. as taking their lives into their own hands (Rowe and Kahn, • Longevity – quality of life at 604-522-1492 or emailing 1998) • Sense of well-being According to the recent research report these ﬁgures have not angela.activechoices@shaw.ca • Arthritis relief changed much over the years.

FREE

Livin Consistency Is the Key Well Active Togphysical activity ving is Lisuccess

PleaseIntake bring material will be supplied is lunch, on-goingall butother don’t delay, get started today!

A18

THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

Give a Park Board Gift Card Great experiences for everyone!

Free

COUPON

Get active and have fun at 21 ďŹ tness centres, 13 swimming pools, 8 ice rinks, 3 golf courses, 3 pitch & putt courses, 2 gardens and much more!

Buy a $50 Gift Card and receive a FREE $10 coupon. Offer available from November 25 to December 31. vancouver.ca | phone 3-1-1 Terms and conditions apply and are subject to change without notice.

W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

A19

health report

MS Public Education Forum highlights emerging therapies Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an unpredictable, often debilitating disease of the central nervous system that attacks the protective covering, or myelin, of the brain and spinal cord, causing inflammation and damage. Canada is known for having one of the highest prevalences of MS in the world with up to 100,000 Canadians living with the disease. It is also the most common neurological disease that affects young adults, with symptoms including mobility impairment, double vision, eye discomfort, vision loss, numbness, tingling or muscle pain, cognitive impairment, and nerve pain, among others. Vancouver resident, Jennifer Sweeney shared her personal experience about living with the disease, the impact MS has had on her life and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Her story provided a glimpse into the benefits of treatment and the importance of becoming an active participant in one’s treatment journey.

2"9$!(+84 A+)$ $- ("'%$/ <+::")+( CB++:+.4 ;>:9-!D+( (+&"8+:$ B%- %>& 7C4 3(0 <>9*!+A":+ #!>:8$4 )-(!= %-&$ >:8 >&&"&$>:$ ,(-)+&&-( >$ ?654 >:8 3(0 ;"('":"> 3+D-:&%"(+4 :+!1 (-A-'"&$ >$ 7C 9A":"9 >$ ?65 %-&,"$>A4 &%>(+8 $%+"( +@,+("+:9+ >$ $%+ 7C )-(!=0

It’s an exciting time for people living with MS: therapies are evolving rapidly, offering more treatment options than ever to help manage the condition. The Lower Mainland Chapter of the MS Society of Canada hosted a public education forum to raise awareness of the disease and address how effective treatment options and lifestyle decisions can make a difference for people with MS.

MISSING TEETH? Free Dental Consultations

If you are missing one tooth and Implant is not an option; please discover how easy without damaging your tooth, we create composite “MK Pontic” for the price of $500.

Dr. Virginia Devonshire, neurologist at the MS clinic at UBC hospital, presented key information about MS in Canada, the impact of the disease and ways to manage symptoms. Dr. Devonshire shared an overview of all treatment options, including first-line oral therapies, infusions and injectable treatments options. She recommends that people work with their doctors to determine which option works best for them.

BEFORE

For more information about MS, visit the MS Society of Canada website at mssociety.ca, or contact the Lower Mainland Chapter at 604-689-3144. Article submitted by Anya Kravets on behalf of the MS Society of Canada.

AFTER

Unconditional 10 years warranty! We offer family and cosmetic dentistry, braces, dentures, implants and wisdom teeth extractions.

Dr. Marianna Klimek & Associate Dentists www.mkpontic.com

Janusz Budzynski Denturist aworldofsmile.com

202-2929 Commercial Dr @ 13th Ave. • (604)876-5678

DENTURISTS ARE DENTURE SPECIALISTS Need Dentures? Denture Problems? We can help you! Certified BPS Denture Centre OPEN MON-FRI 10-5 SAT: By appointment ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS EMERGENCY REPAIRS AVAILABLE

CALL TODAY! Hastings Denture Clinic (604)255-9433 Free Consultation

View my video with

2609 E. Hastings St. Vancouver (at Penticton St.)

“Quality work you can count on”

Ken Wong, Denturist

Dr. Y. Vincent Yoshida Family Dentistry

Accepting New Patients Are you overdue for a dental check-up? ~ Highly trained dental hygienists to clean teeth and prevent gingivitis. ~ Have your old Mercury-Silver fillings replaced with white composite. ~ Wisdom teeth extractions with oral conscious sedation.

26yrs 25yrs exp “You’ll love your BPS Dentures that feature the latest tech-nology available today — a product of highest quality, superior ﬁt and a most natural appearance.”

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

“Being of service to denture wearers over the last 26 years, I have learned to bring care and compassion to my work in order to make a difference in the quality of their lives.” Friedrich H.G. Brumm, B.A., Denturist

NO REFERRAL NEEDED.

All our Dentures and Services are TAX FREE!

Come see us for a free consultation 207-1750 East 10th Avenue, Vancouver Phone: 604-874-1221 or www.dryoshida.com

…get caught in our web

vancourier.com

www.mydentures.ca

A20

THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

Three simple things to energize your new w year Put some sun on your plate

Go outside for a walk during lunchtime. This seems simplistic. However, if you think about it, we often eat too fast (sometimes in front of our computers). Take time to walk outside for a few minutes after eating. This daily dose of sunlight can make all the difference and you won’t feel like you haven’t seen the light of day. However, in the winter, our exposure to daylight is often far from sufficient. A study reported one third of Canadians are deficient in vitamin D during the winter. To make up for this lack of sun you can take supplements or eat certain types of food. Did you know that a portion of salmon is enough to reach 90 per cent of your daily requirement of vitamin D?

Visit the Experts: Walk-in clinic

Feeling good... naturally

Essential oils are frequently referred to as the “life force” of plants. Unlike fatty oils, these “essential” oils are volatile, highly concentrated, steam distilled substances extracted from flowers, leaves, stems, roots, seeds, bark, resin or fruit rinds. Local business, Escents Aromatherapy, with several Vancouver retail locations, uses essential oils and other natural ingredients to create a wide range of bath, body, wellness products. Founded on the idea that nature has the power to provide for all our needs, Escents is committed to helping people fully realize, utilize and experience their inherent gifts. For more information, including a Dr. Oz on-air feature of Escents Stress Relief Aromatherapy inhaler and roll-on, visit EscentsAromatherapy.com.

Shop healthy; stay healthy – it’s easier when they are together! Open every day of the year except December 25th, the South Vancouver Medical Clinic operates as a walk in clinic and a family practice. The clinic is located inside the Real Canadian Superstore on SE Marine Dr. (at Main St.). There is an onsite pharmacy and free parking.

feeling

Vancouver’s healthy living guide

good

The South Vancouver Medical Clinic is committed to providing high quality, medical care in a clean and friendly environment with added convenience. This clinic provides both family practice and walk-in style medical service where patients can be treated by a qualified health care team. You can get more information by contacting the clinic at 604323-0077; address: 350 SE Marine Drive.

Inquire today to learn about our

“My“Home parents me that fortaught the Holidays” events andcomes incentives!first.” family always Perry Como had it right . . . there really is no place like home for the holidays. But when home starts to become more of a burden than a sanctuary, creating new holiday memories can be a challenge. At Tapestry Retirement Communities, we offer all the benefits of home without the headaches. Allowing for that same sense of belonging, security and freedom but with access to Tapestry’s extensive services, amenities and support network. Not to mention the companionship and comfort that come from living in a community of like-minded individuals. Call us today to discover how Tapestry can help make you at home for the holidays. Wayne Andrews third generation Santa

www.DiscoverTapestry.com

Tapestry at Wesbrook Village 3338 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver BC 604.225.5000

W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

A21

GOT ARTS? 604-738-1411 | events@vancourier.com

OURPICKS DEC. 18 - 20, 2013

1 2 3

The ever-charming HANNAH HART, star and creator of the web series MY DRUNK KITCHEN, headlines an eclectic live comedy show Dec. 19, 7 p.m at the Rio Theatre. #NOFILTER also features comedian, actress and video blogger Grace Helbig, and Brooklyn-based comedic writer and performer Mamrie Hart, who to the best of our knowledge is not related to Hannah, or Bret the Hitman Hart, for that matter. For tickets and info, go to unionevents.com and ticketﬂy.com.

Vancity Theatre screens Bill Siegel’s documentary, THE TRIALS OF MUHAMMAD ALI, Dec. 18 and 19. According to Entertainment Weekly, “No film has probed this deeply into the fallout from [Ali’s] name change or his complex bond with Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam. And the saga of Ali’s refusal to be drafted during Vietnam becomes a profile in courage — a tale of shocking vilification and faith lost and found.” More details at viff.org. Expect an evening of eggnog, ugly sweaters and catchy tunes when local singer-songwriter HANNAH GEORGAS hits the Commodore Ballroom stage Dec. 19. Fellow Vancouverites Brasstronaut open. Tickets at Redcat, Highlife Records and all Ticketmaster outlets.

For video and web content, scan page with your smartphone or tablet using the free Layar app.

A22

THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

arts&entertainment

Tis the Season! Transit service changes begin Monday, December 16 photo Dan Toulgoet

Thanks to corporate sponsorship, the recently re-opened York Theatre on Commercial Drive could have its stage named the West Coast Reduction Stage.

HOHO North Pole

604-953-3333

www.translink.ca

Get there in the Nick of time – go to translink.ca/servicechanges for information 604.953.3333

The smell of money SADLY, NAMING RIGHTS TO YORK THEATRE WON’T GO TO WOMYNS’ WARE RABBIT HUTCH KUDOS& KVETCHES

t’s no secret that times are tough in the arts sector. Cuts to government funding, an over-stimulated public with vast arrays of entertainment options accessible from the comfort and seclusion of their own homes, the skyrocketing cost of berets and hand-knit shawls — it’s any wonder that theatres, concert halls and other arts venues survive at all. Which is why many of them turn to corporate sponsorship. By allowing companies to attach their name to a venue, theatres get a muchneeded cash infusion, and for those holding the purse strings it’s an easy way to humanize a big faceless corporation and say “See, we’re not so bad,” while at the same time expand the brand of that big faceless corporation by integrating it into the name of a public space frequented by thousands of people every year. In the 1990s, cigarette company du Maurier chipped in some dough to help with the renovation of the Stanley Theatre, and for a time it was called the Stanley Theatre du Maurier stage. You many recall, du Maurier was also a sponsor of this city’s jazz festival before tobacco regulations and society’s increasing hate-on for ciggies snuffed out the company’s sponsorship abilities. In 2005, Industrial Alliance Paciﬁc Life Insurance Company coughed up $1.5 million to ﬁll the gap left by du Maurier and was rewarded with the naming rights to the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage over the next 20 years. All of which is a long, rambling way of explaining an unusual application going before city council this week. According to K&K’s Shakespeare-quoting colleague Mike Howell, who writes about city hall “shemanigans” in his 12th & Cambie column, the Vancouver East Cultural Centre, which manages the recently re-opened York Theatre, has applied to the city to have the stage

named. In this case, the West Coast Reduction Stage, which contributed $2 million to the cultural centre. “Staff has proposed the stage name be included in the facia and canopy signs on the exterior of the building, which dates back to 1913 and recently underwent a $14.8 million renovation and opened last week,” Howell writes. Incidentally, “facia” is not some type of Italian bread as we first thought, but the façade of the building. What makes the notion of a West Coast Reduction Stage particularly interesting is that the company has more than a few detractors in the neighbourhood. That’s because West Coast Reduction is an “inedible animal byproduct rendering plant,” and over the years some residents have complained about a funky odour they say comes from the plant located at 105 North Commercial Dr. A preview blurb on the York’s current show from Theatre Replacement, Jack & the Beanstalk: An East Van Panto, even acknowledges the fragrant reputation with the following quip: “Fee-fi-fo-fum! I smell... a chicken rendering plant?” Still, it pays to play, and West Coast Reduction has definitely ponied up. (In no way are we implying that West Coast Reduction renders cute and cuddly ponies.) But it would have been nice to see the theatre named after a more resident-approved business or group. Although we’ve long challenged the validity of any sport that awards “spirit points,” we would have begrudgingly given the thumbs up to The Ultimate Frisbee Even More Awesome Stage. We’d also be willing to bet several bags of Doritos that The Puff Headshop Vapour Dome would be a hit in the neighbourhood. Same goes for The Womyns’ Ware Vibrating Rabbit Hutch (those things don’t come cheap… or so we’ve heard). That said, we’re guessing the West Coast Reduction Stage is pretty much a done deal. We’re even more certain that a few theatre reviewers won’t be able resist making jokes about seeing “a real stinker at the York Theatre and it wasn’t the play.” twitter.com/KudosKvetches

W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

A23

arts&entertainment

Improv die hards save Christmas BRUCE WILLIS MEETS SCROOGE IN INSTANT THEATRE’S HOLIDAY ACTION ADVENTURE BLOCKBUSTER

STATE OF THE ARTS with Cheryl Rossi

listair Cook and other improvisers reminisced about their favourite Christmas movies when Instant Theatre was dreaming up a holiday improv show. “A Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story,” said Cook, the soon to be 20-year-old company’s artistic director. “But then we found that everybody loved Die Hard.” That’s how the company’s Christmas baby, The 12 Days of Kickin’ Ass: A Blockbuster Improvised Holiday Action Adventure, was born. The show, which runs Dec. 19 to 21 at the Havana Theatre, mashes cherished Christmas flicks with classic action films. Improviser Warren Bates, who every Christmas watches the Bruce Willis movie with his dad, will take on the John McClane lone wolf-type character while another player takes on Ebenezer Scrooge. “And by the end of our hour-and-a-half of improvising scenes and following the classic Die Hard formula, but with suggestions from the audience, we will find ourselves beating the terrorists and saving Christmas,” Cook said. For those hazy on what the “pentology” is about, Cook reminds that McClane is a man who’s always in the wrong place at the wrong time and must overcome insurmountable

odds to save the day. In the first Die Hard, McClane visits his estranged wife in L.A. on Christmas Eve when German terrorists take her office tower hostage. In the second Die Hard, he drives his wife to the airport, which is taken over by rogue military officials. The third sees terrorists take over New York City. “The fourth and fifth I’m not talking about because they’re sort of the ugly cousins of the series,” Cook said. Instant Theatre’s improvisers have rehearsed a skeleton of a show that will twist and bend based on audience suggestions. “With any genre, we expect a certain thing,” Cook said. “When we see an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie, we expect him to kick down a door, shoot a person and say something hilarious... It’s just this time, he’s on a boat or whatever the suggestion is from the audience.” They’ve rehearsed versions where the Scrooge character heads a salmon hatchery empire, a slew of bong stores, a ski hill and a cruise ship. “It’s an antidote to all of the other Christmas [fare] out there,” Cook said. Post Kickin’ Ass, Cook is looking forward to producing the Vancouver Sketch Comedy Festival, Jan. 23 to 25, which will bring about 20 local and international sketch groups to Granville Island. In February, Instant Theatre is mounting an improvised dystopian rock musical. “In a dystopian wasteland, people will find love and probably battle off cannibals, all in song,” Cook said. March brings a remount of a show award-winning actor and comedian Ryan Beil performed in 2006, Professor Mendelson and His Mind. One act chal-

lenges the cast to complete a play with only the first five pages written. Bates stars as Mendelson, who must piece together the fragments of his life while writing his memoirs, with chapter headings from the audience, in the other act. Instant Theatre also stages improv battles every Sunday night at the Havana Theatre. crossi@vancourier.com twitter.com/Cheryl_Rossi

THE 12 DAYS OF KICKIN’ ASS

Dec. 19 to 21, 8 p.m. at Havana Theatre 1212 Commercial Dr. instanttheatre.com

Inspired by favourite Christmas movies, including A Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life and Die Hard, Instant Theatre improvises its way through The 12 Days of Kickin’ Ass: A Blockbuster Improvised Holiday Action Adventure Dec. 19 to 21 at the Havana Theatre.

! They’re back

holiday daily deals!

es. No rain checks. While quantities last. No other discounts apply. No price adjustments on previous purchas

18 Wednesday only!

December

Save $100

Save $50

129

Sodastream FIZZ Titanium

Home Studio bonded leather club chair

Reg.149.99

Reg. 229.99

Like us to WIN! this item

See Facebook for details

19 Thursday only!

December

Save 75%

4999

Platinum collection 1000TC 6 pce sheet set

Reg. 199.99 Queen & king Available in 4 colours

Save 50%

6999

Bissell Opticlean Rewind upright vacuum Reg.139.99

Canada’s largest kitchen, bed and bath superstore!

Like us to WIN!

Save 50%

See Facebook for details

Bissell Cleanalong bagged canister vacuum

this item

9999 Reg.199.99

homeoutﬁtters.com

IMPORTANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION: No other discounts apply. No price adjustments on previous purchases. No rain checks. While quantities last. SELECTION & BRANDS WILL VARY BY STORE: All colours, patterns and styles may not be available in all stores. Home Outfitters reserves the right to limit quantities. ■ 11.2 H13 All references to regular price are to Home Outfitters’ regular price product and does not include already reduced, clearance, smart buys, signature deals and items with .97 & .98 price endings unless otherwise specified.

A24

THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

arts&entertainment

Joy-filled Odysseo brings on the dancing horses CAVALIA: ODYSSEO

Under the White Big Top in the Village on False Creek until Jan. 12 Tickets: 1-866-999-8111 cavalia.net

t this time of year we wish comfort and joy to everyone. For comfort, you can dive under your duvet. But for joy there’s no better place than under the White Big Top where 67 horses gambol with 48 two-legged performers. This is Odysseo, Cavalia’s new show that brings men, women and horses together in such an atmosphere of mutual respect that your heart will almost burst with delight. Created by Normand Latourelle (co-founder of Cirque du Soleil), the show combines tightly choreographed acts with periods of complete liberty when the horses wander and play in the 1,626 square metre, sand-filled stage. They nudge each other and kick up their heels. What is it about horses rolling side to side with their legs in the air that makes you go all happy inside? Such moments of complete animal pleasure just radiate off the stage. The show is full of bigger, better “firsts” — the world’s largest touring big top, the biggest stage and the greatest number of horses at liberty. Ten thousand tons of rock, earth and sand form the vast stage that includes two, three-storey high hills. Like Odysseus, you will travel to exotic lands through high-definition computer

Cavalia’s latest horse-powered show, Odysseo, is elegant, thrilling and spectacular. graphics projected on an immense cyclorama the size of three IMAX screens: the steppes of Mongolia to Arizona’s Monument Valley, from the African savannah to Nordic glaciers and from the Sahara Desert to Easter Island. Ten Guinean acrobats (with washboard abs and dazzling smiles) perform almost continually: dancing, spinning, back-ﬂipping like a spilled bag of Mexican jumping beans. They combine a sense of child-like play with the rigors of performance excellence; the fun they have is infectious. A full-size carousel is lowered for breath-

taking feats of balance and strength performed by another dozen performers. And there are “silks” — moth-like acrobats trailing meters of white silk — ﬂying high above the stage in an almost meditative act accompanied by live musicians. But in the end, it’s all about the horses ridden at high speed around the set, trailing blood-red banners; horses moving slowly shoulder to shoulder in measured step; horses galloping in pairs with a single rider standing astride them; horses all lying down as if asleep at sunrise and slowly rising to greet

the day; horses wandering freely until petite Elise Verdoncq begins to move amongst them, whispering to them, stroking them, encouraging them to come together, move together, perform together and finally, to rest their heads against the adjacent horse in an image that is both tender and fragile. No show with horses would be complete without trick riders. They are the daredevils who ride sideways, backwards, upside down, underneath — even running alongside. Up one side of the horse and down the other. It’s all done at high speed with manes and tails streaming out behind and sand flying off pounding hooves. And then comes the capper: the finale. Three hundred thousand litres of water flood the stage forming a vast but shallow pool. It begins with one horse, one rider in an exercise of impeccably focused dressage. And just as everything in you cries out for all the horses and riders to be let loose in that lake — it happens! Water splashing, horses running, riders drenched. The two-hour show is larger than life but, at the heart of it, it’s simple and heartwarming in its exploration of the age-old bond between horses and humans. Elegant, epic, thrilling and spectacular — these are words that only just begin to describe the Odysseo experience. See it if you can. —reviewed by Jo Ledingham For more reviews, go to joledingham.ca.

These Won’t Fit Down the Chimney!!! On Sale Now

18 Cu. Ft. Stainless Top Freezer Refrigerator • Independent Temperature Controls • Built with American Pride • Full-Width Freezer Shelf • Ready-Select® Controls • Clear Dairy Door • Reversible Door

While Stock Lasts

Stainless Tall Tub Dishwasher White Dishwasher $

• 50 dBA • Aqua Stop® Leak Protection • 4 Washes Cycles and 1 Option • Ascenta

398

30” Freestanding Stainless Ceran Top Electric Range

598

• Large Capacity • One-Touch Self Clean • Store-More™ Storage Drawer • Delay Clean • Timed Cook Option • Electronic Kitchen Timer

Stainless Steel Dishwasher

598

499

• 50 dBA • Aqua Stop® Leak Protection • 4 Washes Cycles and 1 Option • Ascenta

499

2751 Kingsway @ Earles, Vancouver 604-434-3151 HOURS: Monday - Saturday 9-5:30 • Sunday 11-5

90 days same as cash

Serving Vancouver since 1926

www.harveystores.ca

W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

MotoMaster 12V Multifunction Digital Compressor

E25

PLEASE ASK ABOUT TIRE STORAGE

12 MONTHS*

NO FEE • NO INTEREST WHEN YOU SPEND $200 OR MORE. *Set below for details. select products available or equal payments

09-5098-0 Regular $39.99

SALE

17.99

Save 25%

on Selected Tires And Alloy Wheels* *Excludes Michelin (other than primacy MXV4), Hankook, MotoMaster AW, Toyo, Steel wheels, alloy wheels (other than items shown) & special order items. While supplies last. Quantities may vary by store, see store for details. Sorry, no rainchecks. Balancing and taxes extra.

Telescopic 3-in-1 Snow Brush, 61-in

TIRE STORAGE AVAILABLE • APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE 30-4434-0 Regular $19.99

SALE

9.99

MotoMaster Eliminator Intelligent Battery Charger 12/8/2A

11-1518-8 Regular $89.99

44.99

$ OFFERS EFFECTIVE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 TO THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013 AT PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS. SALE Grandview Highway Cambie & 7th Marine Drive 2830 Bentall Street / 604-431-3570

26 SW Marine Drive / 604-336-1086

2290 Cambie Street / 604-707-2290

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-10pm Sat 9am-10pm • Sun 9am-8pm

Store Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-9pm Sun 9am-7pm

Store Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-10pm

Auto Parts: 604-431-3571 Auto Service: 604-431-3572 Tires: 604-431-3537 Auto Centre Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat & Sun 8am-6pm

Auto Parts: 604-336-1086 Auto Centre Hours:

Auto Parts: 604-707-2294 Auto Service: 604-707-2291 Auto Centre Hours

Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat & Sun 8am-6pm

Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat 8am-7pm, Sun 9am-7pm

WWW.CANADIANTIRE.CA

THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

SPEND $200, EARN

100 BONUS

300 BONUS

AIR MILES® reward miles*

*With coupon and a minimum $100 Safeway grocery purchase made in single transaction.

9 ®

00000 51133

Limit one Bonus Offer per transaction. Purchase must be made in a single transaction. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. AIR MILES® coupons cannot be combined with any other discount offer or AIR MILES® coupon offer including Customer Appreciation Day & Senior’s Day. Not valid at Safeway Liquor Stores. Coupon excludes prescriptions, diabetes merchandise, insulin pumps, insulin pump supplies, blood pressure monitors, tobacco, transit passes, gift cards, enviro levies, bottle deposits and sales tax. Other exclusions apply. Please see Customer Service for complete list of exclusions. Cashiers: Scan the coupon only once to activate the Bonus Offer. Do not scan more than once.

7DAYSONLY!DEC.20-26,2013!

Coupon valid from December 20 - 26, 2013

*With coupon and a minimum $200 Safeway grocery purchase made in single transaction.

Coupon valid from December 20 - 26, 2013 Limit one Bonus Offer per transaction. Purchase must be made in a single transaction. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. AIR MILES® coupons cannot be combined with any other discount offer or AIR MILES® coupon offer including Customer Appreciation Day & Senior’s Day. Not valid at Safeway Liquor Stores. Coupon excludes prescriptions, diabetes merchandise, insulin pumps, insulin pump supplies, blood pressure monitors, tobacco, transit passes, gift cards, enviro levies, bottle deposits and sales tax. Other exclusions apply. Please see Customer Service for complete list of exclusions. Cashiers: Scan the coupon only once to activate the Bonus Offer. Do not scan more than once.

BonusAIRMILES® rewardmiles*

00000 51133

earn up to

SPEND $100, EARN

®TM Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and Safeway.

300 ®

®TM Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and Safeway.

A26

TUGRRKADEEYA S

Under 7 kg . Fr WEEKLY H ozen. OUSEHOLD LIMIT ONE . With minim um purchase of Dec. 20 thru $50.00 Dec. 26

/lb. 2.18/kg

DAY

SALE

.-SUN. FRI.-SAT

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

DECEMBER

SUNDAY

DECEMBER

2 Litre!

Coca-Cola or Pepsi Soft Drinks

Assorted varieties. 2 Litre. Plus deposit and/or enviro levy where applicable. HOUSEHOLD LIMIT TEN - Combined varieties.

10for

New York Strip Loin Steaks

Boneless. Cut from 100% Canadian beef. Sold in a twin package of 4 for only $20.00.

NLY! 3 DAPYRSICEO CLUB

3 DAYS O

each steak

Pantry Essentials Sliced Side Bacon

500 g. LIMIT FOUR.

ea.

NLY 3 DAPYRSICEO

NLY!

CLUB

Deli! From the

Primo Taglio Brie

200 g. Or Camembert 170 g.

S ONLY!

Y 3 DAPR ICE CLUB

ea.

Gold Pineapple

Product of Costa Rica. HOUSEHOLD LIMIT FOUR.

2for

S ONLY!

Y 3 DAPR ICE CLUB

Safeway Kitchens Raisin Bread

White or Whole Wheat. 570 g.

2for

LY!! S ONNLY 33DDAAYYSICEOE PRIC UBPR CLCLUB

Bakery Counter Mini Croissants

Package of 15.

Prices effective at all British Columbia Safeway stores Friday, December 20 through Sunday, December 22, 2013 only. We reserve the right to limit sales to retail quantities. Some items may not be available at all stores. All items while stocks last. Actual items may vary slightly from illustrations. Some illustrations are serving suggestions only. Advertised prices do not include GST. ®™ Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and Safeway. Extreme Specials are prices that are so low they are limited to a one time purchase to Safeway Club Card Members within a household. Each household can purchase the limited items one time during the effective dates. A household is deﬁned by all Safeway Club Cards that are linked by the same address and phone number. Each household can purchase the EXTREME SPECIALS during the speciﬁed advertisement dates. For purchases over the household limits, regular pricing applies to overlimit purchases. On BUY ONE GET ONE FREE items, both items must be purchased. Lowest priced item is then free. Online and in-store prices, discounts, and offers may differ.

! YS ONLY 3 DAPR ICE

Dove Hair Care

355 mL. Or Styling Products. Select varieties and sizes. LIMIT SIX FREE Combined varieties.

CLUB

Gift Cards for the Holidays

ET BUY 1 G

1FREE EQUAL OR

LESSER

VALUE

! YS ONLY 3 DAPR ICE CLUB

DECEMBER 20 21 22 FRI

SAT SUN

Prices in this ad good until Dec. 22nd.

W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3 THE VANCOUVER COURIER

A27

GOT SPORTS? 604-738-1411 | mstewart@vancourier.com

Runnerchartsachangingcourse YGGY KING IS RUNNING THROUGH 22 DIFFERENT NEIGHBOURHOODS MEGAN STEWART Staff writer

MARK YOUR TERRITORY

n his ongoing running tour of Vancouver’s neighbourhoods, Yggy King has dipped his fingers in the Fraser River and the Burrard Inlet. He’s jogged 111-year-old train tracks, discovered a vertical playground near an industrial thoroughfare and scuttled across a rocky shore to reach the water. The 44-year-old father of two lives in Riley Park and has run the perimetre of nine distinct neighbourhoods, logging 111.8 kilometres in his self-directed circuit that has so far taken him around Oakridge, Kensington and Mount Pleasant. When he’s circled them all, King will have run around at least 22 neighbourhoods. “Running the neighbourhood gives you a good sense of the topography, so you learn where the valleys and hills are that you don’t appreciate in a bike or car,” said King, who, in July, started running 30 minute three times a week and on Dec. 7 completed his first crosscountry race at Jericho Beach Park. His first destination was Sunset, which he decided to run around Oct. 26 after he’d read the Courier’s neighbourhood profile in the ongoing Vancouver Special series. “The first one was spur of the moment,” he said. “It was morning. I was flipping through the newspaper and saw the map, saw the boundary and thought that looked about the right distance.” He made his way south along Inverness Street, avoiding the traffic on Knight, and then crossing South East Marine Drive toward industrial lots and warehouses. He jutted even farther south off Crompton Street to cross the rocky shore and reach the Fraser River. His entire route — including the outand-back path along the beach — is mapped because King traced his route using Strava, a geolocating app on his smartphone Once he returned home, he’d covered 12.9 km and nearly 100 meters elevation down and then back up. He posted the details on Facebook.

Powered with GPS and smartphones, artistic adventurers are using their movements to trace their specific route so it appears as an image on the map. Their route is never accidental. The most prolific among them is a Baltimore teacher and cyclist who has already created roughly 150 of what he calls “virtual geoglyphic imagery” through “digi-glyphing.” He says his images are “akin to a giant Etch-aSketch” and they have clearly gotten more refined each year since he started in 2010. The images include animals (like a kangaroo, owl, jelly fish and a threeheaded dragon) and objects (a plane, gun, spider’s web and an overflowing beer stein) as well as a lunar landing, a golfer in mid-swing, an athlete kicking a field goal through the uprights, the Manhattan skyline and a map of the world.

photo Rebecca Blissett

King of the road: Inspired by the Vancouver Courier’s neighbourhood series, Yggy King decided to strap on his runners and run through all the city neighbourhoods this year. “Having done one, I started thinking I could do all of them,” said King, a software engineer who moved to Vancouver in 1990. The map itself is a sign of his accomplishments and a symbol that motivates him. After his neighbourhood tour, King said he might run routes that, when seen in Strava or Google, appear to draw pictures on city maps. He calls this “cartografﬁti” and the image is also known as a 21st century “geoglyph.” “It’s energizing to see the progression this way and also to challenge myself to get out a bit further,” he said. “If I just run the same route every week, it’s not the same and is a little too routine that way and means it’s more likely I’ll get bored.” His longest run totalled 17.1 km because he didn’t just circle Arbutus Ridge but ran

there from his home near Queen Elizabeth Park. (And he took along a hand-sketched map to keep his bearings.) He’s checked off all the neighbourhoods in the centre of the city — Sunset to Strathcona — because they’re accessible. When he heads to Dunbar or Hastings Sunrise, he may not get there on foot. “As I get further afield, I may have to start cycling to get to the beginning of my run.” He finds corners of the city he didn’t know existed and other places he vows to return to, like the abandoned train tracks in the Arbutus Corridor, and posts his finds from the Courier and his own runs online. For example, he asked his followers, “Did you know only one third of the people in Kensington speak English as their first language?”

Covering new terrain is a powerful incentive, said King. “It keeps me going.” It’s also an exercise in imagination. “The city was opened by street car lines and real estate moguls trying to get trains in and buy up lots,” said King, envisioning the wooded, swampy landscape before infrastructure delivered developers and wouldbe homeowners to Vancouver. “So many [neighbourhoods] started in the 1880s and 1890s, when there was a huge boom of people. It’s interesting to think back and imagine what it looked like and what those people were thinking as they headed off into the woods,” he said. A century ago the expansion pushed outward whereas today it pushes skyward. “There’s lots of cranes out there,” said King. Follow King on Facebook on his page Running Around Vancouver. mstewart@vancourier.com

Gyms, pools and rinks to stay open for holidays MEGAN STEWART Staff Writer

our exercise routine doesn’t have to be stuffed and basted this holiday season. Leave the fattening for the turkey and

take advantage of the public gyms, pools, ice rinks and golf courses open Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. On Dec. 25 the ﬁtness centres are open at Hillcrest, Kitsilano and Trout Lake community centres. On the same day, Hillcrest,

Kerrisdale and West End ice rinks are open as well as the Vancouver Aquatic Centre. Golf courses are open through the winter, including the holidays this season, at Fraserview, Langara and McCLeery. On Jan. 1 the ﬁtness centres at

Britannia, Dunbar, Hillcrest, Kerrisdale, Killarney, Kitsilano, Marpole, Mount Pleasant, Templeton and Trout Lake community centres are open. Also New Year’s Day, the ice rinks at Trout Lake, West End, Hillcrest, Kitsilano, Killarney and Sunset com-

munity centres are open as well as the pools at the Vancouver Aquatic Centre and Britannia, Kerrisdale, KillarneyandTempletoncommunity centres. For schedules and costs, call the city at 311 or visit vancouver.ca. mstewart@vancourier.com twitter.com/MHStewart

A28

THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

FUTURE SHOP - CORRECTION NOTICE

NEWSPAPER RETRACTION FOR THE FUTURE SHOP DECEMBER 13 CORPORATE FLYER In the December 13 flyer, page 28, the “Buy Any 2 Save $200, Buy Any 3 Save $300 on Major Kitchen Appliances” Promotion was incorrectly advertised. Please be advised that this promotion is ONLY applicable on stainless steel major appliances. Also, on page 30 the Breville Juice Fountain Plus (Web Code: 10148933) was shown with an incorrect image. Please see a store associate for details. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our valued customers.

sports&recreation

Girls run on a North Shore trail during a training session with Sole Girls, a running club for tweens.

submitted photo

Running club good for a girl’s soul SOLE GIRLS TRAINING SESSION BEGINS JAN. 9 AT MEC STEPHANIE FLORIAN Contributing writer

On Now at The Brick! For more details go instore or online @thebrick.com.

othing beats the blues like going for a run: it clears the mind, tones the body and allows you to set your own goals. For Vancouver girls aged eight to 12, there’s a new program to get them running — walking, hopping or skipping — to build self-esteem and address self-doubts that arise from peers and media. Sole Girls is a running club for tweens that celebrates being active, committing to healthy friendships and building conﬁdence to develop a lifetime of healthy habits long after adolescence. The next eight-week session begins Jan. 9 at Mountain Equipment Co-op on West Broadway. The cost is $295 plus material and a $40 race fee for an event March 15. Sole Girls founder Ashley Wiles was a life coach when she noticed a theme among some clients: women who at-

tributed their negative body image to a lack of physical activity in childhood. As this theme persisted, Wiles began teaching clients to run in order to beneﬁt both weight management and conﬁdence. Her results with adults were so successful, she started training girls when are especially vulnerable to the adolescent pressure that can bring adult repercussions. Sole Girls aims to empower tweens to have fun running with their friends. Wiles wants girls to learn to trust and believe in themselves. Girls in Grades 4 and 5 are living through one of life’s most confusing developmental stages, she said. “In a girl’s world, things like body changes, ‘frenemies’ and support systems are [paramount]. Girls are perceptive and the choices they make at this age will shape their future relationships,” Wiles said. “‘Frenemies’ a.k.a., mean girls, are friends that pretend to be your friends but then backstab and say things behind your back.” Running is an ideal sport. Outside of a club, it’s free and non-competitive. It can be done socially or independently and the exercise also releases serotonin, a natural stress-buster. Wiles launched Sole Girls to help tweens establish a strong physical and mental foundation. By mentoring them to make healthy choices and meaning-

ful friendships while also starting a running routine, Sole Girls tries to ﬁll in the gaps so girls keep their new habits and motivate each other. Her best advice to parents is that actions speak louder than words and they should lead by example because children are perceptive. “Love yourself,” she said. “Kids are so smart.” Wiles collaborated with MEC because it already offers regular running clinics and hosts a race series. The fee for a Sole Girls training series includes three months instruction and mentorship leading up to an organized event, essentially a race but competition is not the ultimate goal. Families unable to afford the cost can apply for a bursary, which is enabled through MEC. One bursary is awarded each session. Parents, siblings and anyone who enjoys working with children through physical activity are invited to volunteer. Giving girls today the tools they need for tomorrow is a sure way to build a healthy, happy tween. Expect to see groups of beaming girls running through your community in the New Year. If you’ve got daughters, why not get the whole family involved. Stephanie Florian is always chasing her next adventure and plays with her family in the mountains and on the water. Get in touch at twitter.com/PlayoutdoorsVan.

E32

THE VANCOUVER COURIER W E DN E SDAY, DE C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

Your our Original

Food Store Fo Certified Organic

A Canadian Triple

California Grown Non-Medicated Turkeys Lemons

Prime Rib Roasts $

Non-Medicated

Roasting Chickens

/lb $13.21/kg

Non-Medicated

Boneless Pork Loin Roasts

each 2 lb Bag

Non-Medicated

From The Deli

Latin Sweet

Mexican Grown

Honey Ham

Pineapples

Large Ready To Eat

/lb $10.98/kg

$ 48

Certified Organic California Grown

Commercial Drive

Local

Coffee

Celery

$ 39 /lb $3.06/kg

Assorted

99 300g

$ 99

/lb $13.21/kg

Celery Stalks

each

Eat It Up Cranberry Condiment

California Grown

Avacadoes

$ 98 each

Boneless Legs Of Lamb

/lb $10.98/kg

$ 29 /100g

Australian Grown

Boneless Hams

$ 99

/lb $7.69/kg

$ 99

Fresh

Â˘

/lb $1.50/kg

Bragg

All-Purpose

Liquid Soy Seasoning

250ml

$ 99 946ml

/lb $8.80/kg

Triple A

Top Sirloin Roasts

99 /lb $8.80/kg

Certified Organic

Butternut Squash

$ 69 /lb $3.73/kg

Organic

Wild Tusker Coconut Oil

$ 49 500ml

Staff of Famous Foods wishes everyone a wonderful holiday

CLOSED DEC. 25, DEC 26 & JAN 1, 2014 OPEN DEC. 24 & 31 8AM - 5PM

1595 Kingsway 604-872-3019 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 8 am-9 pm

Sale Dates: Wednesday, Dec. 18 - Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013

CHECK US OUT WITH