WestCoast Families Feb-Mar 2010 by WestCoast Families magazine

THE Local Guide for Active Urban Families February/March 2010

FREE

It’s All About

EDUCATION! • The Great Kindergarten Debate • Kids Helping Kids with Autism • Art Schools

Spring Break

Events

for the Whole Family

Great Reads, Cool Finds and Local News… Goodbye

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February / March 2010

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WestCoastFamilies.com

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Feb 12 – 28

Celebrate the Olympic Spirit at the Vancouver Aquarium!

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Feb 12–28: Open Daily from 8am* Enjoy 50% off admission before 9am!*

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READERS’ CHOICE AWARD

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February / March 2010

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THE Local Guide for Active Urban Families February/March 2010

FREE

February / March 2010 It’s All About

EDUCATION!

Top Story

• The Great Kindergarten Debate • Kids Helping Kids with Autism • Art Schools

It’s All About Education!

Spring Break

the Events for Whole Family

G t Reads, Great R d Cool Finds and Local News…

Education debates, trends in learning, listings and more!

Goodbye

Hello

Cover Details

Features

Three-year-old Kennedy knows that education—and graduation—is fun! Photographed by Bopomo Pictures www.bopomo.ca

From the Editor

Little Olympians and the Right to Play

Spring Break Fun for Everyone!

Education Features 23

Full-Day Kindergarten—The Great Debate

Editor’s Note

Kids Helping Kids with Autism

Your Thoughts

Art School Listings

Additional Resources

Contests

WestCoast News

Community Calendar

Columns

33 34

WCM Feature: Spring Looks for Fashion-Forward Moms

Money Matters

WCM Profile: Elayne Wandler of Bopomo Pictures

WCM Book Club

WCM Health: Our 1st Annual WestCoast Mom Fitness Challenge is Launched!

WCM Events

WestCoast Finds

Family Travel: Sun Peaks—The Secret is Out!

Health: No More Excuses!

Neighbourhood Watch: Steveston Village

Parenting: Birds, Bees and Toddlers—Are You Ready?

Last Look

Sign Up for Our Email Blast And get Exclusive Access to: Online Contests Latest Finds & Deals Special Offers Event Listings …and much more!

In Our Next Issue

April

• Our Annual GREEN Issue • Family Travel & Adventure Guide • Annual Camp Guide, Part 1: Sleepover & Family Camps

WestCoastFamilies.com

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VanDusen Botanical Garden

THE GREAT

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Oak St. at West 37th Ave., Vancouver, BC www.vandusengarden.org

Event Sponsor

every child deserves inspiration Every year, thousands of children participate in the magic of Arts Umbrella, through tuition-based programs, and free-of-charge outreach programs delivered to communities across the province.

Classes available in visual, digital and performing arts, for children ages 2-19. Spring Break March 8 – 12 Spring Session March 15 – June 6 Register today! Program Sponsors: Canucks for Kids Fund, Human Solutions Canada, InTransitBC, Ledcor Industries Ltd.

WWW.ARTSUMBRELLA.COM February / March 2010

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editor’s note

sephotography.ca

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. Yeah, well, I’m no Aristotle. “Puh-puh-puh-poker face, poker face, poker face,” my daughter started chanting on the way home from daycare one day. Not being completely up on the latest pop sensations, I was momentarily confused. “What’s that, sweetie?” I asked in all innocence. Rolling eyes. “Mommy, that’s from Lady Gaga.” More eye rolling. Did I mention that my daughter is not yet four years of age? Ignore the loud roaring you are hearing, dear readers, that’s just the sky falling on my head, crushing me under a heavy blanket of guilt. My thoughts began to whirl. What kind of mother am I? How could I let this happen? My child is now forever corrupted and will soon be seen on local street corners, smoking cotton candy and dealing in illicit Dora cards. Deep breath. Okay, maybe not. Granted, this was not the music education I had planned for her early years, but when we got home, my daughter showed she had at least mastered the basics of rhythm and tempo (not to mention hand-eye coordination) by performing a spirited version of the song, all while executing super-primo-good robot moves à la Gaga. I later found out the song (and dance moves) had come from a little friend who apparently gets to watch MTV fairly regularly. That’s the funny thing about kids and learning. Despite all of your best efforts, it is inevitable that your children will pick up a multitude of things you would never dream of exposing them to, whether from billboards, television or each other. Occasionally it can be tragic-comic, as with my recent Gaga encounter/reac-

Photographed by eclip

~ Aristotle

tion, but often, it can be unexpectedly rewarding, as when my daughter came home one day and yelled, “O-N-E spells ONE!” It seems nothing gets parents going more than education these days. Witness the great debate going on right now in B.C. over the launch of FDK—aka, FullDay Kindergarten. We decided to take a look at the many points of view surrounding this issue, and why the Ministry of Education is sticking to their guns on this one. We’re also looking at how new peer-to-peer programs benefit both those children with autism— and those without. And yes, this is also the month in which that really major sporting event—you know, the big international shindig—is happening, so it seemed like a great time to look at how local groups are helping our kids reach their own Olympic dreams. This month also marks our farewell to Yummy Mummy Magazine, and our hello to its re-incarnation, WestCoast Mom. We hope that you like the new feel and look to this section (turn to page 33) and are looking forward to your feedback. Check out new columns like our WestCoast Mom Book Club and Money Matters. And don’t forget to take a peek at the stats on the fitness challenge finalists as they start on their three-month journey healthier urney to a healthi ier e life. I hope you enjoy this issue. I’m m off fff ttoo learn some new lyrics—Bad Romance, anyone? ance, e anyo one n ?

13988 Maycrest Way, Suite 140, 2nd Floor Richmond, BC V6V 3C3 Tel: 604.249.2866 Fax: 604.247.1331 westcoastfamilies.com info@westcoastfamilies.com Publisher Andrea Vance publisher@westcoastfamilies.com Managing Editor Anya Levykh editor@westcoastfamilies.com Art Director & Layout Rommel Ramirez studio@westcoastfamilies.com Accounts Receivable & Bookkeeping Jennifer Brulé ﬁnance@westcoastfamilies.com Administration / Editorial Assistant Jennifer Bruyns admin@westcoastfamilies.com Advertising Inquiries sales@westcoastfamilies.com 604-249-2866 For distribution inquiries, please contact: Jennifer Bruyns Contributors: Bopomo Pictures, Debbie Bowman, Jennifer Bruyns, Amanda Collett, Angela Davidson, Nicola Enright-Moran, Amy Fardell, Sarah Gordon, Wendy Helfenbaum, Michele Kambolis, Karin Mizgala, Ian Redd Photography. WestCoast Families (WCF) is an independent, regional parenting publication. As the Lower Mainland’s prime resource for happy, healthy & active families, WCF provides informative and relevant content.

your thoughts

Thanks for the great gift guide! [Holiday Gift Guide, November 2009] We ended up buying our daughter the mini piano and she completely loved it. Keep up the good work! ~ Adrienne Dalby Just picked up your latest copy and had to laugh when I read your article about multi-faith celebrations. [December/January, What Are YOU Celebrating?] Our family all has the same background, but the idea of celebrating in different ways has inspired me to spice up our traditional routines. Thanks! ~ Helen Field

I believe that I read a series of articles written in your publication by a mother whose daughter had cancer. I have not seen any reference to her in some time and was wondering if she continues to write? Also wondering about her daughter’s status. Thank you, ~ Nicole B. EDITOR’S NOTE: The articles you are referring to were written by Jennifer Montgomery, mother of Logan. You can keep up with Jennifer, Logan and their family by visiting their blog at www.caringbridge.org/visit/loganisourangel, where Jennifer regularly posts updates.

All contents copyrighted ©. Written permission from the publisher is required to reproduce, quote, reprint or copy any material from WestCoast Families. PUBLICATIONS MAIL 40027247 Published nine times per year in British Columbia, Canada. Total circulation: 50,000 For queries about editorial submissions, please view the contributor guidelines on our website. To submit a community calendar event or share your feedback, please email info@westcoastfamilies.com.

We want to hear from you! Send your feedback to editor@westcoastfamilies.com and be entered to win great prizes!

WestCoastFamilies.com

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Child Care Resource & Referral Serving Parents & Child Care Providers Your community’s best source of child care information & resources

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contests

Where to pick up your copy of

WIN this Olympic Family Prize Pack from McDonald’s! Prize pack includes backpack, outdoor blanket, two toques, two toques with ear flaps, two pairs adult mittens, two pairs children’s mittens, Olympic pins, Olympic Happy Meal toy set, and a $50 McDonald’s gift card. Total retail value: $175. Deadline to Enter: February 10, 2010.

Vancouver – East Beansprouts Belly & Beyond Britannia Library Dandelion Kids It’s All Fun & Games Killarney Community Centre Renfrew Public Library Sunrise Family Drop in Vancouver – West Belly & Beyond Granville Island Kids Market Marpole Community Centre Kerrisdale Public Library Sylvan Learning Centre

WIN One of 25 Family Passes to a Special Advanced Screening of How to Train Your Dragon in 3D!

From the studio that brought you Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda, comes How to Train Your Dragon. Set in the magical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, and based on the book by Cressida Cowell, this action comedy tells the story of Hiccup, a Viking teenager who doesn’t exactly fit in with his tribe’s tradition of heroic dragon slayers. His world is turned upside-down when he encounters a dragon that challenges everyone to see the world from an entirely different point of view. Film not yet rated. Screening will be on Wednesday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m. Location TBD. www.hottotrainyourdragon.com Deadline to Enter: March 5, 2010.

WIN this Toddler Travel Bed and Character Pillow from The Shrunks! The Tuck-Me-In Toddler Travel Bed by The Shrunks is BPA, Phthalate and lead-free. Its patented “Tuckaire” system allows standard-size crib sheets to be tucked snugly in and around the inner mattress, keeping them off the floor—clean! Includes the Jetaire Electric Pump to make inflation/deflation fast. The Shrunks’ Pillowman character is a soft and cuddly plush pillow afraid of every noise in the bedroom. Pillowman is perfect for bedtime at home or on long trips. Compact, durable and can be machine-washed and -dried after lots of hugs. Total retail value: $100. www.theshrunks.com Deadline to Enter: March 31, 2010.

Enter to win any of these great prizes online at www.westcoastfamilies.com! 10

Vancouver – Downtown London Drugs Royal Centre Medical Sinclair Centre Strathcona Library Tourism Vancouver Vancouver Art Gallery North Shore Collingwood School Delbrook Recreation Centre Gleneagles Community Centre Kiddie Kobbler Shoes West Vancouver Community Centre Richmond Arts Connection Baby on Board Gateway Theatre Richmond Family Place South Arm Community Centre Burnaby/New Westminster Burnaby Lake Sports Complex Hanna Court Children’s Centre Just Kid’n Children’s Wear KinderMusik New West Kids Corner New West Library Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam/Port Moody Baby’s World Big Foot 8 Kids Dandelion Kids Evergreen Cultural Centre Koko’s Activity Centre Precious Minds Preschool Tri-City Family Place

…and many, many more! Please visit us online for the full listing.

WestCoastFamilies.com

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Introducing our

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westcoast ﬁnds

1. Baby b Sh Sherpa S Safe2Go f G B Backpack k kH Harness

4. Get Saucy! 4 Saucy

This cute character backpack conceals that it is actually a safety harness. The backpack/safety harness is equipped with adjustable padded shoulder and waist straps. It comes with a retractable 38” tether which can hold children up to 50 lbs and can be retracted into the pack when not needed. There is room in the backpack for a small toy or snack. PVC/Lead/Phthalate free. SRP US$27. Visit www.babysherpa.com for local retailers.

Local company Happy Planet has introduced a line of gourmet, allnatural sauces which are gluten- and preservative-free, made from fresh, premium, natural and certified organic ingredients, and are kettle-cooked and handmade in small batches. The sauces are vegetarian, but feel free to add meat! Varieties include Japanese Ginger Miso, Thai Yellow Curry, Spanish Red Pepper and more. Each pouch serves two to three people. Available in the refrigerated section at Whole Foods, Capers, Choices and other community grocery stores. $3.99 each. www.happyplanetfreshfoods.com

2. Good Nite Lite Designed for children between the ages of two and six, the Good Nite Lite teaches children to stay in bed when it is night (moon face) and wake up when it is day (sun face), thus developing healthy sleep patterns. Simply program in your desired wake and sleep times, and the Good Nite Lite does the rest. The moon feature automatically dims after a set period of time to provide a non-invasive night light, and automatically shuts off during the day to conserve energy. Plug it into your wall or use batteries. Helpful for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. $34.95 from www.goodnitelite.com.

5. Design Schooled Kids In the age of emails and text messaging, has letter writing become a lost art? Perhaps. Yet it is both an art and a skill that Tracy Sullivan hopes to recapture for children of the modern age. Tracy has created Design Schooled Kids Note Cards to help young children learn printing and etiquette through the joy of old-fashioned letter writing. $4.95 for single cards, $19.95 for box set of six, $23.95 for personalized set of six. designschooledkids.com

3. Kuki Kids Brady Bunch Dress This dress says “spring” with a vengeance—and retro flair! Made from 100% durable, pre-faded cotton canvas. Available in sizes 12-18 months, 2T and 4T. $46.99. Exclusively at www.raspberrykids.com.

WestCoastFamilies.com

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Have you checked your Child?

Learning at home? Make Summit Learning Centre your home base! We provide Distributed Learning for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students from across BC – with proven programs, leading technology and excellent support for both learners and parents – including ArtSmarts activities, Second Languages, Library and Learning Resources, and more!

READERS’ CHOICE AWARD

2009

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Your choice for home and virtual education in BC. www.SummitLearningCentre.ca 1-866-881-1984

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5/5/09 10:43:57 AM

Give them a summer that lasts forever! READERS’ CHOICE AWARD

2009

Summer Camps For All Ages!

Jump into the adventure and let friendship fill each day! Awesome counselors, pure fun, a world of discovery...all in an amazing setting! Enjoy the best of a Canadian westcoast summer! Qwanoes is a Christian camp celebrating 44 years of fun-filled adventure! For a free summer brochure:

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LIFE LIKE NO OTHER!

Located on Vancouver Island BC, Canada

February / March 2010

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travel

Sun Peaks Resort —The Secret Is Out!

By Debbie Bowman Photos courtesy of Sun Peaks Resort. Photographed by Adam Stein.

histler and Cypress will be out of bounds during the Olympics, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fantastic time skiing with your family this winter. That’s because British Columbians are blessed with many places to ski throughout the province. Sun Peaks Resort, however, stands high above the others in what it has to offer. In fact, Condé Nast readers voted Sun Peaks the second best ski hill in all of Canada. Here are ten reasons why you should make Sun Peaks your first pick when choosing a ski destination this year. 1. Sun Peaks is a unique place where the mountains embrace the village. Sun Peaks Resort is really three mountains, and the thoughtfully designed village—it’s a ski-in/ski-out haven and the main street is pedestrian only—is its centerpiece. From the colourful buildings designed to look like they’re straight out of old Germany, to the winding main street flanked by shops and cafés, you’ll know you’re someplace special when you explore the village. 2. Sun Peaks Village offers plenty of choice and variety. Not only are there nine hotels to choose from in the village proper but there are other sleeping options available—options for every budget—like hostels, B&B’s, or rental chalets. Sun Peaks Resort also boasts twentyfour restaurants, from high-end gourmet fare, to tapas and pizza, and wonderful galleries, gift shops, and clothing stores. 3. Powder and sun, and in large amounts. Sun Peaks offers world class skiing in fluffy powder with over 3,600 acres of skiable, wellgroomed terrain—which makes Sun Peaks British Columbia’s second largest ski area and Canada’s third largest. And with eleven lifts sporting a capacity of over 12,000 people an hour, skiers will find minimal to no line-ups. Instead, you’ll find 122 exciting ski-runs to explore, including one run which is eight kilometres long. And Sun Peaks lives up to its name because the slopes enjoy over 2,000 hours of sunshine, on average, each year—in other words, don’t forget your sunscreen. 4. Fun and exciting skiing for the entire family. Sun Peaks is known for its powdery snow but it’s also known for its well designed skiruns that accommodate all levels of skiing. From each and every lift you can find beginner, intermediate and advanced ski-runs, so family members can ride up together, ski down separately, meet at the bottom...and then do it all over again. 5. Sun Peaks has been designed around the unique needs of the family. Some children are just too young to ski—or they don’t want to spend the entire day on the slopes. For those littlest ones, the re-

sort offers childminding services in a wonderful facility right next to the main chair-lifts. And Sun Peaks has taken the needs of the family even further because they realize that sometimes older kids need a little time on their own. For teenagers, there is the Mascon Hangout, a place where they can play games on the Xbox or Wii, watch ski videos, or just chill together. 6. Sun Peaks isn’t only about skiing, it’s about family fun in the snow. Sun Peaks offers numerous activities—from the tube park and bungee trampoline to snowmobiling and dog sledding, there are thrilling activities available for those seeking more excitement. And

Fast Facts: The showcase hotel at the center of the Sun Peaks Village is the Delta Resort. For more info on the hotel and their “Law of One” package, visit deltahotels.com. Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge, the first condominium hotel built at Sun Peaks, is another popular choice. cahiltylodge.com To find how you can ski with Nancy Greene visit sunpeaksresort.com/winter/guidedtours/nancygreene.aspx. For many more accommodation options visit the Tourism Sun Peaks website. sunpeaksresort.com To book some of the adventures listed in this article visit the Sun Peaks Adventures website. discoversunpeaks.com If you need rental gear, check out Jardine’s for great service and the best gear. jardinesworld.com. For a listing of other package deals, airport shuttle info, and a calendar of events, visit the Sun Peaks website. sunpeaksresort.com Visit WestJet’s website for a listing of flights between Kamloops and Vancouver. westjet.com For information on trains between Vancouver and Kamloops visit www.viarail.ca.

WestCoastFamilies.com

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WCF feature

Little Olympians and the

Right to Play By Angela Davidson

f those for h who h want to experience i more quiet i pursuits, Sun Peaks offers sleigh rides, snowshoeing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. 7. Festivals and festivities galore. From once-a-year gatherings like the Winter Wine Festival in January to weekly parties like Family Fun Night every Tuesday, there’s always something brewing at Sun Peaks. Be sure to check out Sun Peaks’ monthly calendar before you visit—you don’t want to miss out on anything exciting. 8. Nancy Greene skis here. Do you fancy skiing along side an Olympic champion? You can at Sun Peaks, because skiers can arrange to ski with Nancy Greene and even get some pointers along the way. Nancy has skied the slopes of Sun Peaks for the past fifteen years and she loves to share her passion for skiing with others. 9. Sun Peaks is easy to reach by car, plane or train. Driving east from Vancouver, Sun Peaks is the first ski resort you’ll find. In fact, you can get to Sun Peaks in four to five hours. And WestJet has recently started direct flights between Vancouver and Kamloops, including some super saver fares as low as $40/pp. Alternatively, you can even take the train, because Via Rail offers service between Vancouver and Kamloops. 10. Sun Peaks offers an assortment of interesting package deals. To make life easier they’ll bundle together things like lift tickets and accommodation as well as some adventures like snowshoeing or sleigh rides. And Delta Resorts offers a truly unique offer called the “Law Of One” deal, where you can get an up-front price not only for your accommodation and lift tickets, but for your meals as well. Sun Peaks is a special place that used to be a secret, but word of its charm has now spread. In fact, people come from all over the world to ski—and they return again and again. You already have ten reasons to visit Sun Peaks. What are you waiting for? Debbie Bowman is a freelance writer based out of Vancouver whose favourite part of Sun Peaks was enjoying a glass of Shiraz, in the hot tub at the Delta Resort, after a fantastic day of skiing.

There has been a lot of excitement, wonder, and speculation surrounding the arrival of the Olympics in Vancouver this month. Will it help our city? Will it cause more problems? Will it inspire people? Will it help community groups, arts groups and sports organizations to thrive in the long run? Some say yes, some say no, but only time will be able to show the real answer. In the meanwhile, parents, schools and community organizations are using the opportunity to foster a love of sports and fitness in children. How important is that, you may wonder? Well, according to the Childhood Obesity Foundation, a Canadian registered charity and leading authority on issues related to childhood obesity, obesity rates in children have almost tripled over the last 25 years and currently, over 26 percent of children and youth in Canada—for a total of 1.6 million individuals—are overweight or obese. The complications resulting from childhood obesity are grave, and can include Type 2 diabetes, liver disease, high blood pressure, respiratory problems such as asthma, sleep and eating disorders, and early onset of puberty/menstruation. What is worse is that most obese children and youth do not outgrow their weight problem; rather, they continue to gain weight as they enter adulthood, and thus face higher risks for strokes, cancer and dementia, among other illnesses. This problem seems to affect children from lower-income families in higher percentages, due in part to those families’ inability to pay for sports programs and activities for their children. Thankfully, we have several programs in B.C. that help these families provide those opportunities for their kids—because everyone has the right to play. KidSport BC, a registered non-profit, community-based sports-funding organization, provides support to financially disadvantaged children in order to help them participate in organized sports, learn healthy habits, acquire valuable life lessons and skills (including positive self-image, a strong work ethic and accountability), and give kids access to mentorship and guidance from coaches and the sports community. With over 37 chapters throughout the province, and over 260 volunteers, KidSport supports over 60 sports through individual grants to families, ranging from $100 to $300 (as little as $200 can provide a child with a season of sport), as well as community grants to organizations such as the Hastings Community Little League, which represented Canada at the 2009 Little League World series. Most recently, KidSport teamed up with Wonder+ for the Dreams Begin with Play initiative. Until the end of February, Wonder+ will donate 10 cents from every product sold to KidSport, with the ultimate goal of reaching $70,000 by the end of the 2010 Olympics. In addition, KidSport will be randomly selecting children from seven local community chapters to attend the February 18 Olympic Men’s Hockey Game, along with former Olympic Gold Medallists Kyle Shewfelt (Artistic Gymnastics) and Carol Huynh (Wrestling) in a private suite Wonder+ has donated. The YMCA of Greater Vancouver is another organization that consistently provides subsidies for children and youth to participate in swimming classes, organized sports, day and summer camps, and group exchanges with other Canadian cities. With four locations in Vancouver, Surrey and Chilliwack, the YMCA helps hundreds of families in each area, each year. For more information on KidSport, please visit www.kidsport.ca. For more information on the YMCA, please visit www.vanymca.org. February / March 2010

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westcoast news

Photographed by Erica Miller.

Cool Site!

Cool Find! Lilli’Q Café and Playhouse

Cooll C C Cause!! R Raising i i the Roof

Located in the heart of Yaletown at 1268 Pacific Street, this stylin’ café was designed with parents, kids, babies—and even strollers!—in mind. Enjoy fair trade coffee and fresh-baked goods while the kids burn some energy in the play area, complete with pirate ship. The café also hosts pre- and post-natal fitness, yoga and Pilates classes with guest instructors, mommy massage workshops, and special Kids Time events with stories, music and poetry. lilliq.com

Youth homelessness in Canada is at national crisis levels. On any day, as many as 65,000 youth across Canada are without a home. February 2, 2010 marks the 13th anniversary of the annual Toque Tuesday campaign. By purchasing a toque, you can help provide bus fare, shelter and clothes for homeless youth, help them get ready for job interviews, and assist with access to much-needed medical and social support systems. Visit www.raisingtheroof.org for more information.

Help your kids study and learn with KidsKonnect.com With more kids turning to the internet for school research and homework, the task of keeping them safe becomes even greater. KidsKonnect.com offers one way to help kids get the info they need, without the dangers of full exposure. With over 425 pages, this site covers most topics that kids study in school today, including animals, art, countries, geography, history, holidays, seasons, language arts, math, museums, music and much more! www.kidskonnect.com

FREE

THE Local Guide for Active Urban Families December/January 2010

From Our Kids to Yours

Happy Holidays!

ATTENTION All WCF

Readers!

Sign up for our bi-weekly e-newsletter and be entered to win a $100 gift card from Bopomo Pictures! Already signed up? Pass this along to your friends and family, and get more chances to win! One gift card worth $100 will be given away each month! Go to www.westcoastfamilies.com and register today.

WCF Dec Jan 10.indd 1

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health

No More

Excuses! By Amanda Collett

eing a Mom generally means life can be pretty hectic—to put it lightly. Between all the responsibilities that come with taking care of the kids, laundry, cleaning the house, dinner and work, there isn’t always time left over for you, let alone a work out. Well here’s the thing; it’s statistically proven that taking a little “you time” to fit in some exercise will not only help you fit in to your skinny jeans again, it will give you more energy throughout the day, help you sleep, improve confidence, plus you’ll be happier and be able to give more back to your family. As a bonus, you’ll still be spending time with your little one. There are no more excuses why you can’t fit in a work out anymore. Here are a couple great exercises you can do in your own living room to help strengthen and tone up. Babies, kids and mommy time included. Kids love to copy whatever we as moms do, so while they’re thinking you’re playing a game, you’ll be getting some exercises in and staying fit. If you have a toddler, you can actually incorporate them in to the exercise. You’ll be using them as a weight to help strengthen and tone those muscles and they’ll be giggling at how fun it is to see mom make funny faces.

Endurance & Cardio

• Play the “Fit” version of Simon Says with the whole gang to get that heart rate up. • Use jumping jacks, run on the spot, touch toes then jump and reach for the sky, and come up with your own. Be creative; get your kids involved with ideas. • Play this game for 5-10 minutes.

Baby Chair Abs

Muscles Targeted: Abdominals and Quads • Lie on your back, place your knees directly over your hips with them bent at a 90-degree angle. Your shins should be parallel to the floor. Place baby/tot on your shins and hold underneath the arms. Make faces at your little one as you continue breathing and squeeze your lower abs, navel to spine. • As you inhale, slightly extend your legs away from the centre of your body, exhale and bring knees and baby back. Repeat movement slowly 10-12 times, twice, completing two sets. Amanda Collett is a Certified Personal Trainer who works with new Moms, the everyday Mom or the “Young at Heart” Mom to help them get back or stay in shape. Contact Amanda at amanda@mommyfit.ca or visit her website www.mommyfit.ca for more info.

Infant

circumcision Last year alone, hundreds of BC doctors referred over 2000 patients for circumcision to Dr. Neil Pollock. Here’s why:

Baby Bridges

• Dr. Pollock is recognized as a pioneer in North America in developing a virtually painless and bloodless, 30 second procedure for infant circumcision.

Muscles Targeted: Abdominals, Glutes, and Hamstrings • Lie on the floor looking at the ceiling with your knees bent, feet facing forward and legs hip-width apart. Place your little one on top of your pelvis facing you. You may need to hold your child around the waist or under arms, depending on child’s body control. • While holding your child, slowly lift your stomach up towards the ceiling by tightening your abs and lifting one vertebrae off the floor at a time. You should feel it in your abs, bum and hamstrings. Hold position for 5-10 seconds. Remember to keep breathing, exhale on effort. • Slowly lower and repeat. Perform this exercise 10-12 times, twice, completing two sets.

• Safely performed over 29,000 circumcisions (from newborn to six months) with an extremely low complication rate. • Procedures are carried out at our two private clinics, providing patients with fast and convenient access, without having to pay hospital administrative fees.

Ofﬁces Ofﬁ ces in Vancouver and New Westminister

604-717-6200

For more information on our technique, including a video of the surgery www.circumcisionvancouver.com or call us at 604-717-6200

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WCF feature

Spring Break Fun Forensics Drop-In Vancouver Police Museum March 8-12, noon-4pm Bring your family and get a real handson forensic science experience. Discover how police investigators collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes by doing it yourself! Two different scenarios are offered with different types of evidence. Depending on the scenario, you might take fingerprints, examine bullets recovered from the crime scene, measure blood spatter or examine a questioned document. Drop in and explore the science of contemporary police work. Suitable for children (and adults) of all ages. There is a $1/ person charge for this program in addition to the regular museum admission. 604.665.3346 vancouverpolicemuseum.ca

Vintage Escapes Burnaby Village Museum March 8-14, 9am-3pm In a 1925 setting, children play heritage games and sports, do baking at the farmhouse, take in activities at the tram, try their hand at blacksmithing, visit the site of old Oakalla Prison site, go on nature walks and enjoy daily carousel rides! Ages 8 to 12. Cost: $150. 604.297.4565 burnabyvillagemuseum.ca

Snap! Splash! Grow! Camp Biodiversity VanDusen Botanical Garden March 9-11, 9:30am-3:30pm

Get Creative Place des Arts March 26-April 1, 8:45am-3:45pm

How is biodiversity made exciting for kids? Through scientific experiments, games, crafts and more! Campers will become botanists and ecologists, exploring the interconnectedness of life on earth in a way that is as fun as it is educational. Ages 7 to 10. Cost: Non-members $140, Members $120. Pre-registration with full payment required. 604-718-5898 | vandusengarden.org

Students in grades K to 5 choose a block containing six unique classes in visual art, movement, drama and music. Classes allow both beginners and experienced students to try new activities. Our small class sizes ensure that students receive lots of individualized attention. Kindergarteners can attend either a half-day or a full day of programs. After-hours care may be arranged for an additional fee. 604.664.1636 | placedesarts.ca

Spring Break Activity Camp Tong Louie/Langara YMCA March 8-12, 8am-5pm

Drama for Preschoolers Kids Only Acting Various dates & times

Schools out-let the springtime fun begin! Join Tong Louie or Langara YMCA for all or part of your Spring Break. Activities will include games, arts and crafts, swimming, rock climbing and much more! Extended hours are available. Ages 5 to 12. Members: $30; Non-members: $35. Tong Louie: 604.575.9622 | surreyymca.org Langara: 604.324.9622 | vanymca.org

This popular 3-day/45 minute per day beginner acting class is lots of fun for your little performer! On-camera drama skills plus commercial auditioning techniques. See if your young performer can take direction and be creative when needed on camera. Ages 3 to 5. Costs $63.00. 604.831.5324 | kidsonlyacting.com

Zox of the Forest

UBC Sports Camps Student Recreation Centre Gymnasium March 8-12, 9am-5pm This week-long day camp gives participants the opportunity to play a variety of sports. Participants will even get the opportunity to spend three full afternoons at the UBC Aquatic Centre. The goal of this program is to teach young children some specialized sport skills but a major focus will be placed on increasing fundamental motor skills, teamwork, fair play, and how to have fun through physical activity. 604.822.3688 | ubccamps.ca

Want to become a Jr. Zoologist? Greater Vancouver Zoo Various dates & times Ever wonder what rhinoceroses, lions and bears eat at the Greater Vancouver Zoo? What role do the plants or vegetation have in an animal’s environment? Come discover the answers to these questions and more. Have fun making crafts, playing games and getting to know some new animal friends at the Zoo! 1 and 2 day camps available for 4 to 12 year olds. Please check the website for times and prices. 604.856.6825 | gvzoo.com

Learn about animal poo…what?

Why hire a clown when you can hire a ZOX? Playful skits, theatrical storytelling, animal puppet characters

& interactive guitar sing-along songs. Zox is perfect for children’s birthday & Christmas parties too!

David Cooper (604) 710-4234 | zoxoftheforest.com

We bring FUN science to you! Hands On and Minds On, Mad Science is the h he Leading Fun Science Provider for Kids. Ask About our Exciting: • Birthday Parties • Events • School Programs • Pre-School Programs • Camps • In-Class field trips and more… m re Looking to spark your Children’s Imagination? ion? Give Mad Science a Call! 604-591-9115 9115 91 15 e-mail: Vancouver@madsciencebc.com • www.madscience.org/vancouver /vancouver /vanc ver

“Composting”…what we can do with poo? Jr. Zoologist Spring Break Camps March 8 – 12 To register or more info http://gvzoo.com/special-events#March

Or call Barbara at 604.856.6825 ext 26

5048 – 264th Street, Aldergrove, BC V4W 1N7. Exit #73 off Highway #1 Open 365 days of the year - – rain or shine!

WestCoastFamilies.com

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WCF feature

for Everyone! See ad in this issue

Kids on Stage Evergreen Cultural Centre March 29-April 1

Spring Break Art Camps Port Moody Arts Centre March 30-April 2, various times

Calling all Gymnasts Phoenix Gymnastics March 8-12, various times

Circus Chaos! The ACT Maple Ridge March 8-12, 9am-3pm

“Kids on Stage” is new and improved, including longer days! Kids will be completely engrossed in the creation of a play and will learn a few tricks of the trade. Plus, they will get to see two performances by the “nearly world-famous” Duffle Bag Theatre and participate in a private meet-the-actors session. At week’s end (Thursday) they will put on their play for family and friends. The camp includes a one-hour supervised lunch break with activities. Ages 7 to 12. Cost: $195. 604.927.6550 evergreenculturalcentre.ca

Register for the whole day, just for the morning or just for the afternoon—you pick and choose! There will be supervision between noon and 1pm for those registered for the day! From pottery to clay and drawing, printing and painting, there is something for every artistic child. Ages 5 to 14. 604.931.2008 | pomoartscentre.ca

Get in the gym for a fun and actionpacked week of activity! Full and half-day camps include gymnastics skills, arts & crafts with games and fun activities in the gym! Camps run for 5 days. Sessions start at $110 and are for children ages 3 to 12 years. Before and after camp care available. Please check website for different camps offered. 604.737.7693 phoenixgymnastics.com

The circus is coming to town and you can be part of it! This exciting hands-on circus camp will introduce participants to a multitude of circus skills including juggling, balancing, comic character development and stagecraft. For those older campers who have always wanted to try a unicycle or walk on stilts, here is your chance. Activities are catered to each age group and skill level. Experience what it takes to put on a show including decorating props and backdrops. On the final day, the Studio Theatre will be transformed into the ‘Big Top’ when campers present their routines and props they have created throughout the week. Ages 7 and up. Cost: $210. 604.465.2470 theactmapleridge.org

4Cats Arts Studio Various locations March 8-11 From painting to clay, sculpting and paper mâché, you can keep your young one busy creating masterpieces in a variety of exciting mediums! Ages 3 to 5 can choose from 9am-11am or 11am-1pm and ages 6 to 10 go from 9am-noon. $145 + GST. 4catsart.com

Discover a new skill...boat building! Help us construct an 18‘ Fraser River skiff. Saturdays until May 8. Suitable for children 8+. Adults welcome too! Cost: included with admission. Call to reserve your spot!

788 Quayside Drive New Westminster 604.521.8401/info@fraserriverdiscovery.org

www.fraserriverdiscovery.org

village scavenger hunt February 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 & March 6-14

Spring Break LIVE THEATRE! With DuffleBag

SPRING BREAK DAY CAMP

Peter Pan & Beauty and the Beast March 30, 31 and April 1, 2010 Shows: 11am • 2pm • 7pm Tickets: $15/$12 • Daycares: $10 Family of 4: $45

Kids on Stage (Ages 7 - 12) March 29 - April 1, 2010 9am - 5pm • Cost: $195

DufﬂeBag is famous for high energy, interactive theatre that kids love! Seven sensational performances. Ages 3 and up.

ADD ON MORE FUN! Fairy Tale Adventure March 30 & 31 • 9:30 & 12:30 April 1 • 12:30 Drop-in: $3

We’ve brought back our popular“Kids on Stage” for the spring break and it’s new and improved, including longer days, as well as two performances by the DufﬂeBag Theatre and a private meet-the-actors session. At week’s end (Thursday) they will put on their play for family and friends.

INFO AND REGISTRATION Call Box Ofﬁce at 604.927.6552 visit us at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca

75-min workshop packed with creative fun.

burnabyvillagemuseum.ca | 604.297.4565 b TThanks to our partners:

cultural centre EVERGREEN www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca • 604.927.6555 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC February / March 2010

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neighbourhood watch

Steveston: A Renaissance Village

Photos and text by Sarah Gordon

Clockwise from bottom left: Hepworth Block, Fisherman’s Wharf, Steveston Park Playground, Steveston Water Park, Splash Toy Shop interior, Clothes Encounters, Heringers

t doesn’t get more picturesque than Steveston Village. The smell of the salt air and the cry of the seagulls make you feel like you are on a seaside holiday. Postcard-perfect views of tug boats chugging along the Fraser River, with Mount Baker and the Gulf Islands as magnificent back drops on a clear sunny day (the average rainfall is 30% less than Vancouver!) remind Stevestonites how fortunate they are to live in this coastal setting. Today Steveston is on the fast track to becoming the place to live as families are discovering the magic of small town living while being within hopping (on the Canada Line that is) distance of the Big Smoke, which is now a mere 24 minutes from downtown Richmond to Vancouver. The first thing you notice when you enter Steveston is an authentic charm. Friendly locals greet each other on the street. They utilize the services and feel extremely proud to call the village home. The community continues to be an active working-fishing village and is home to Canada’s largest commercial fishing fleet. Although fish and chips are synonymous with Steveston, there are over forty diverse restaurants to tempt your taste buds. Kid-friendly restaurants are plentiful and include Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant, Sockeye City Grill, Kisamos Greek Taverna, Dave’s Fish & Chips and the award-winning Pajo’s Fish & Chips, which was just named “Best in Province” on the Green Man blog. For a special adult’s night out, try Papi’s Ristorante Italiano or Tapenade Bistro. One of the hippest spots in Steveston is Gudrun Tasting Room. This little gem opened in 2008, is tucked away in a little courtyard and is drawing rave reviews for its delectable tasting plates featuring local and organic products and a superb wine list. Coffee is always close by if a cuppa joe is calling your name. Visit the Steveston Coffee Co. where they hand-roast organic beans. Other outstanding spots include Bean and Beyond Café and Timothy’s Frozen Yogurt. New to the village is Waves Coffee House, which offers a spacious location (great for parking strollers!) in a beautiful new building located close to the waterfront. A favourite destination for both tourists and locals is Fisherman’s Wharf where you can buy salmon, tuna, cod, halibut, shrimp, prawns and crab direct from the fishers. Nearby farms offer organic eggs, organic beef from Steveston Stock and Seed Farm, and an abundance of vegetables and fruits. Families gravitate to Steveston for its natural beauty and a wealth of outdoor opportunities. Walking, running and cycling along the boardwalk and dyke trails are favourite local pastimes. Yummy mummies running with strollers along the dyke is a common sight, with the added bonus of great flatland running! Not far from the village is Garry Point Park, which provides spectacular views of the Gulf Islands, a lovely walking trail, as well as being a terrific spot to fly a kite.

Heritage sites are plentiful. At the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, you will learn that Steveston was once the salmon capital of the world. Britannia Heritage Shipyard, the Steveston Museum and London Heritage Farm are other family-friendly locations well worth visiting to learn about Steveston’s rich history. Kid friendly events abound in Steveston. Local businesses support an annual Easter Egg Hunt and the Steveston Trick or Treat event. The Steveston Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market, held every other Sunday from late May to October, is a popular place to buy produce and crafts. The annual Canada Day Steveston Salmon Festival attracts a crowd of approximately 100,000

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neighbourhood watch

people! Another unique tradition is Christmas in Steveston Village: Spectacle of Lights, where Santa arrives by a whale watching boat at Fisherman’s Wharf, and the village is beautifully lit up. If you are seeking information about Steveston, Stevestonkids.com is an excellent family oriented website with daily updates. The crème de la crème of local playgrounds is located at Steveston Park, next to the Steveston Community Centre. Always a favourite with its large range of playground equipment, the park took a leap in popularity when the nautical themed Steveston Water Park opened in 2007. This is one of only two water parks in the Lower Mainland able to meet the needs of those with mobility challenges. To develop your child’s creativity, The Arts Connection offer a wide range of music, drama, dance and visual arts programs. They also offer three preschools, childcare facilities and a full-day kindergarten program. Looking for a place to dress up your little darling? Buttons and Soles features fabulous designer brand clothing and shoes. Kid Supply Clothing Co. sells high end new & consignment clothing. Clothes Encounters Baby & Child Boutique offers everything you need including locally made bamboo

pyjamas, and organic bath & body products. A series of four fabulous shops to weave your way in and out of are located in the Hepworth Block. Serenity Lifestyle Boutique, sells unique accessories and gifts. Located next door is Nikaido, a lovely store with an array of quality tea, gifts, pens and stationery. Splash Toy Shop is a little bit of heaven where your kids will want to spend the day! On the corner is Pieces, a gift shop that features everything from Sid Dickens memory blocks, to a huge selection of jewellery, home decor, and fabulous, handcrafted, cottagestyle furniture by Langley artist Jill Hall. Also worth checking out is The Prickly Pear Garden Centre with a great selection of perennials, annuals, ornamental grasses and colourful containers. Searching for something fabulous to put on the dinner table? Heringer’s Olde Fashioned Quality Meats and The Market at Papi’s (part of Papi’s triumvirate—which also includes Papi’s Ristorante Italiano and Mondo Burger) both offer gourmet delights. Clearly, Steveston is experiencing a renaissance. Following a visit to Steveston, Toronto Star journalist Richard Ouzounian concluded “the only thing more fascinating than its past is its present—and its future.”

All Mortgage and Real Estate Services Our services include: • new purchase/ ﬁrst time buyer • reﬁnance, renewal, transfers • pre-approvals • pension income purchase

• rental properties • self employed programs • single income purchase • employment income purchase

• bad credit, no credit • multiple properties • disability income purchase

Creative Movement & Crafts Boys & Girls 21/2 to 10 years old Ballet Classes Boys & Girls 3 to 10 years old

Bank pays your fees. You do not pay any broker fees. We pay your legal fees on completed ﬁles.

604-272-0607

If you have questions or inquiries, consultations are free.

4217 Craigﬂower Drive Richmond BC www.movementstudio.ca • gabriela@movementstudio.ca

Phone: 604.727.6050 or 778.862.4950 Email: info@aﬁnancials.com

Famous F amo mous for f our Fish,, Burgers and Fresh Cut Fries. Excellent customer service and exceptional locations.

OPEN for the season! (weather permitting)

Highest quality ingredients • Paciﬁc coast halibut, salmon and cod in a light crispy batter Ideal for a family outing

Steveston

Port Moody

Port Coquitlam

Pajo’s at the Wharf Steveston

Pajo’s at Garry Point Park Steveston

Pajo’s at Rocky Point Park Port Moody

Pajo’s at Gates Park Port Coquitlam

604.272.1588 Floating on the water at Bayview and 3rd Ave. Bring the kids, visit the wharf and check out the ﬁshing boats.

604.204.0767 Excellent family venue at Chatham & 7th Ave with a beach, picnic area and plenty of space for the kids.

604.469.2289 Excellent family venue, full service park with playground, water park and outdoor pool.

604.461.5527 Excellent family venue with a playground, soccer and baseball ﬁelds.

* MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE A FREE GIFT *

February / March 2010

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Vancouver’s only Professional Dance and Creative Movement School Dedicated to Teeny Tiny Dancers! Putting smiles on children’s faces!

LLet et Y OU R YOUR Child SShine Child hine Let your Child Shine!

Brightstars.ca

Phone 604.662.8554 or email info@brightstars.ca

YORK

HOUSE

W HER E

SCHOOL

Est. 1932

NEW Junior Kindergarten at our

she exc els

early childhood learning centre The York House experience is now available to younger girls! For 2010/2011, we are accepting 32 new students into our half-day Junior Kindergarten program for 4-year-old girls. Our Reggio-Emilia inspired approach focuses on child-centred inquiry, exploration, discovery and critical thinking. For more information, or a tour of the school, please contact our Director of Admissions, Mabel Lim at 604.730.2419 or mabel_lim@yorkhouse.ca

High School Courses: anytime, anywhere, anyone. Upgrade your marks Prep for post-secondary Adapt your schedule Study part-time Still in high school? Already graduated? Need to graduate? You can take FREE, part-time virtual high school courses with Summit. For high school, post-secondary and mature students – anywhere in BC!

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WestCoastFamilies.com

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WCF feature

Full-Day Kindergarten

—The Great Debate By Nicola Enright-Morin

o you remember your first day of school? It’s a milestone forever etched in many of our memories, but for parents of kids due to start school this fall, it’s for a whole different reason. Since the Ministry of Education announced last year that students across B.C. would be eligible for full-day kindergarten (FDK), the reaction has been varied— ranging from the wildly excited to the staunchly opposed. But love it or hate it, starting this fall there will be around 21,000 places for FDK students in public schools, and since registration is already well underway in many districts, parents need to decide quickly what’s right for their child. If all goes to plan, this will be the final year that parents have the option of half-day kindergarten. Many parents, particularly those from the “stay-at-home brigade,” feel trapped in a catch-22 situation. Some parents feel that they are being forced into FDK, whilst others say the government is only offering it in order to remedy the need for affordable childcare. Not so, says Margaret MacDiarmid, Minister for Education. In an e-mail to West Coast Families she explained FDK is an opportunity to give B.C. kids the best start possible: “Full-day learning is associated with improved literacy and numeracy and smoother transitions to Grade 1. There are also long-term benefits for children’s academic and social skills. In short, it’s one more way to help them succeed in school and in life.” Another Lower Mainland cheerleader for FDK is Shelley Parks, principal of Morley Elementary. This is one of two schools in Burnaby taking part in a FDK pilot scheme. Parks says the program has already been a resounding success. “We call full day kindergarten ‘a gift of time.’ We can teach the Kindergarten curriculum in a half-day program, but with a full day we can go deeper. We can give the children more time to explore, practice new skills, socialize, and develop relationships with peers.” Parks feels that there are multiple benefits for children attending full-day kindergarten, including the chance to experience the wider

school community. For example, when children attend for a full day, they take part in recess and other activities, which introduces them to school life beyond the realm of their classroom. Parks said that while initially many parents were concerned that children would become too tired, she felt the kids had quickly adapted. She also said teachers planned their days to account for this, particularly in the afternoons. But not everyone sees it that way. Angela Opper from Burnaby says she is having a hard time deciding what the best choice is for her four-year-old son. “A full day is a long time for a little kid. My son’s preschool is two hours, twice a week, that’s nothing compared to six hours a day.”

Helpful Links Full Day Kindergarten in Canada A parent- and educator-run website that offers information, resources and discussion about full-day kindergarten programs. www.fulldaykindergarten.ca B.C. Ministry of Education www.bced.gov.bc.ca/early_learning/full_day_kindergarten.htm

In fact Angela and her husband feel so strongly that a full day is too long that they are considering sending their son to another school, much further away, simply because it offers half-day kindergarten. Jane Bouey, vice-chair on the Vancouver School Board, said that in Vancouver, where currently just over one hundred schools offer FDK, they have a transition policy, so “if a parent or teacher feels that a child isn’t ready to be in kindergarten full time, they’re transitioned into it slowly.” Continued on page 24…

February / March 2010

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Full-Day Kindergarten

—The Great Debate …continued from page 23

Coming in September 2010 . . .

JK PLUS!

All day, your way Our Junior Kindergarten program is designed to fit your child’s individual needs and now can extend to a full day with our new JK PLUS option. Complement Junior Kindergarten with an additional half day of play-based activities that reinforce your child’s daily learning. Designed to be completely flexible to work with your schedule, you can choose as many days of JK PLUS per week as you like! For more information about Junior Kindergarten or JK PLUS please contact Judy Wilson-Neil at 604-925-3016 or visit www.collingwood.org

COLLINGWOOD SCHOOL

Preparing young people to thrive in meaningful lives 2605 Wentworth Avenue, West Vancouver BC V7S 3H4 604-925-8375 70 Morven Drive, West Vancouver BC V7S 1B2 604-925-3331

While many parents are concerned about their child’s readiness for FDK, many others are excited their kids have the opportunity to be involved. Mitra Samiei of Coquitlam says her daughter has been eager to go for a long time, “I definitely want her to go to full-day kindergarten because she’s ready to learn more. I don’t feel it will be a long day for her, as I can see the signs of readiness in her to go to school.” Because of this Samiei takes her daughter to a local Strong Start B.C. program, which she says gives her daughter the opportunity to socialize with other children and be mentally stimulated while she waits for kindergarten to begin. For parents worried about their child’s readiness, programs like Strong Start (a free program for children from birth to age five that is offered in most Lower Mainland school districts) are a great step in the right direction towards preparing kids for kindergarten. Parks says there are other things parents can do to get their children ready. “Take your child to your local library,” she suggests. “They may have sessions for pre-school children. Read books together, play and exercise together with friends. Help them to practice taking turns. Teach them to take their coats and shoes on and off. Buy a small backpack. It’s fun for the child to carry the backpack with a snack or a book inside to prepare for school.” The good news is that for a parent with worries and concerns, there are plenty of open doors waiting to provide you with all the information you need to make the best choice for your child. “Visit the school and talk to the kindergarten teachers and get a first hand experience of seeing the programs and how they run,” suggests Bouey, “which gives you a better sense of how your child would fair in the program.” School district websites generally have up-to-date information, and local newspapers are also advertising information sessions to answer parents’ questions. The Ministry of Education has a special page on its website devoted to this topic. Whatever people’s views are on this issue, the one thing that is reassuring is that everybody involved has one common interest at heart— the children. Connie Denesiuk, president of the B.C. School Trustees Association says, “it really does come down to serving the best interests of each child as an individual. There’s no one like a parent to really understand a child, so given that, it really is a parent’s choice.” So, whether you chose full-day or half-day kindergarten, making sure it’s the best fit for your child is really the only decision you need to make.

WestCoastFamilies.com

WCF Feb Mar 2010.indd 24

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THE 11TH ANNUAL BABY GUIDE ARRIVES APRIL 2010!

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THE ESSENTIAL LOCAL TOOL FOR BUSY NEW PARENTS!

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The 2010 Baby Guide features new articles, valuable local information, handy resource listings, and special offers for new & expecting parents. E-mail sales@westcoastfamilies.com to advertise!

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Vancouver Montessori School (Est. 1972)

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our task, regarding creativity, is to help children climb their own mountains, as high as possible. No one can do more.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Loris Malaguzzi, Italian early childhood education specialist

Charleson Park Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centre

Parent Meetings 2010 (RSVP):

Extended Day & Elementary Orientation Feb. 9 at 7:00pm Preschool Orientation & Registration Feb. 9 at 7:00pm Preschool Orientation & Registration Mar. 30 at 7:00 pm

The Montessori Classroom A Child-Centred Community

Licensed care and education for children from infancy to twelve years of age.

â&#x20AC;˘ The Prepared Environment - Materials Which Invite Activity â&#x20AC;˘ Practical Life - Skills of Daily Living â&#x20AC;˘ Sensorial - Exploring The World â&#x20AC;˘ Mathematics - From Concrete to Abstract â&#x20AC;˘ Language - From Spoken to Reading and Writing

Reggio Emiliainspired teaching methods.

â&#x20AC;˘ Art, Music & Cultural Subjects - Integrated â&#x20AC;˘ P.E. + Working Outdoors - The Natural Environment â&#x20AC;˘ Frenchâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Fundamentals of Expression and Comprehension A Montessori education provides your child with an integrated, individualized and academically challenging program that meets his/her changing developmental needs from year to year. Childhood happens once. A Montessori education ensures that your child will make the best of hers/his.

Please call us.

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February / March 2010

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WCF feature

Kids Helping Kids

with

Autism By Michele Kambolis

utism rates have exploded in number worldwide, exceeding paediatric AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. Most concerning is just how rapid the rates have accelerated—from four in 10,000 in 1989 to a staggering one in 93, according to this year’s statistics. This leads us to the obvious question of “why”? The answer seems consistent—there is no single cause and no cure. No one seems to have an explanation for it. What we do know is that with early, intensive therapy, many of these children show great promise. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological disorder that causes a malfunctioning of the brain. Considered a developmental disability, it usually strikes children under four years of age, and causes delays or difficulties in many different skills that arise from infancy to adulthood. It is characterized by problems in social interaction, which significantly affect verbal and non-verbal communication and cause restricted, repetitive behaviours, interests and activities. Many children with autism suffer from extreme sensitivity to the senses. This translates into all kinds of problems. People with autism might have a hard time communicating with you, or they may look away when talking to you, uncomfortable making eye contact. They may line up their pencils over and over before they can pay attention to you, or they may repeat the same sentence or phrase over and over to calm themselves down. If they are happy they may flap their arms or rock back and forth, or if they are unhappy or uncomfortable they might hurt themselves to tell you. Almost 25% of all people with autism will never learn how to talk, relying on pictures and sign language to communicate. Others have normal or even high levels of intellectual ability, but deal with ongoing difficulties socially and, in particular, the subtle nuances of relationships. At first glance you may not notice anything unique about a child with autism. The symptoms and characteristics can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. Two children, both with the same diagnosis, can act very differently from one another and have varying skills and abilities. Children on the autistic spectrum do have one thing most certainly in common though, they appear to think that what is in their mind is identical to what is in everyone else’s mind and that how they feel is how everyone else feels. Imagine the consequences this has on their relationships and ability to understand those around them. Parents and family members, along with caregivers and teachers who spend a lot of time with children, can look for certain “red flags” or behaviours that are typical of ASD. For example, if your child does

not respond to his name or cannot explain to you what he wants; if your child is slow to develop language skills or has difficulty following simple instructions; if they seem to hear sometimes, but at other times do not; or if they don’t point or wave “bye-bye.” They may prefer to play alone, be uninterested in other children or they don’t know how to play with toys appropriately. As terrifying as the idea is for most

We CAN Make a Difference Finding out that your child has autism is deeply overwhelming. And while there are some services available, many focus on special needs children in general and are not specific to autism. Thankfully, there are many committed people and programs determined to make a difference in the lives of the children and families autism affects. In their urgent quest for answers, parents like Paolo and Clara Aquilini, owners of the Vancouver Canucks, have founded the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) to help provide what promises to be a much needed support line to families. Having struggled with the challenge of raising a son with autism along with their 3 neurotypical children, they have experienced first-hand what parents are faced with. The Canucks Autism Network and others like it understand that early intervention and support is critical to how well children with autism fare. Through the delivery of sport, recreation, social and vocational programs they help children with autism gain confidence and skills in an environment that recognizes their unique characteristics and welcomes them regardless of their level of ability. This year, the program featured evenings at the Festival of Lights and the Ghost Train in Stanley Park, weekend camping getaways and even a family skate at GM Place. Quite simply, CAN supports what every parent wants for their child: to be celebrated and given every opportunity for growth. 604.685.4049 | canucksautism.ca For more information on Integrated Play Groups research and Dr. Wolfberg, please visit www.autisminstitute.com. For more information on autism, and local resources, visit the Autism Society of B.C. at www.autismbc.ca.

26 WestCoastFamilies.com WCF Feb Mar 2010.indd 26

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Do You Have a Child Who... parents, any of the above symptoms may be cause for concern and a trip to the paediatrician is justified. We do know with great certainty that the earlier autism is assessed, the more opportunity for treatment and the better the outcome will be. Scientists are gaining intriguing new insights into this baffling spectrum of disorders and are beginning to answer why people affected by it develop minds that seem so different from our own, and yet, in some important respects, are unarguably similar. Today, dozens of scientists are racing to identify the genes linked to autism. It is no longer considered merely possible, but likely that scientists will discover multiple causesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;some genetic, some notâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that lead to the result of autism. And when they do, it is hoped that new ideas for how to prevent or correct autism may quickly materialize, revolutionizing treatment options. The more scientists ponder such questions, the closer families come to finding the answers to unlock the mystery of autism. While scientists attempt to solve the unknowns of autism altogether, parents and teachers are left asking how they can best make a difference in the here and now. It turns out that bringing the power of play into the lives of children with autism and their neurotypical peers is a benefit to them both. According to the research of San Francisco State University professor Pamela Wolfberg, with the help of other children, the autistic child can learn reciprocal social interaction, communication, play and imagination. Not only thatâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;neurotypical children are given the gift of understanding, a culture of inclusion, and the rewards of sensitivity and tolerance. Wolfberg has done much to advance international efforts to create inclusive peer socialization programs using Integrated Play Groups and the trend is certainly catching on. It may be that Wolfberg is leading the way to inclusion, but there is a great deal happening locally to benefit our own children. Canucks Autism Network has created the We CAN Be Friends program, designed to teach neurotypical children strategies for empathy, inclusion and peer-to-peer engagement in the classroom, the playground and the community. CAN Ambassadors bring interactive lessons, activities and sensory labs into the classroom to increase consciousness and understanding about the challenges children with autism face. Teens also havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been ignored when it comes to opportunities for peer mentoring and promoting strong bonds. The high school component, Understanding Minds, unites neurotypical teens with those on the Autism Spectrum. Together, they focus on friendship and developing the skills necessary to experience full potential, including meaningful connections in the community. Currently operating in 35 cities throughout the province, the We CAN Be Friends/Understanding Minds program is being delivered to over 14,000 B.C. children this year alone. Feedback from teachers and students alike has been promising, with evidence that children involved are gaining greater empathy and respect for one another. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hoped that, by fostering awareness in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children, a whole new generation of adults will understand how to connect with and embrace people with autism in all aspects of life. Michele Kambolis is a mental health therapist and writer who lends her knowledge to parenting publications and radio shows in Vancouver. Michele is the Vice Chair of BC Mental Health Association and is passionate about actively pursuing the plight to eliminate mental illness. For more information on Autism or any other mental health concern she can be reached at www.childinfo.ca.

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BOUNDARY BAY MONTESSORI HOUSE Proven Education Creating Exceptional Individuals in Delta, BC.

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√ Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 √ Little Readers Ages 3 to 6

Tour School & Book Your Child’s Spot for September 2010

It is never too late to intervene. It is always too soon to give up. An independent school specifically for children with learning disabilities, grades 2 to 7. Small classes in a supportive, success-oriented environment. Daily one-on-one therapeutic tutoring for every student. Open House April 16, 2010 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Now accepting applications for September 2010.

Visit our website and contact us for enrollment information.

James Cameron School

20245 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge, BC

604.465.8444 • www.jcs.bc.ca

Call Today! Coquitlam 604.494.3090 South Surrey 604.575.1494 Langley 604.534.4089 Richmond 604.233.5566 North Vancouver 604.990.8850

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OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP strives to provide its students with a positive learning environment in the light of the Catholic Faith. We are a K – 7 double streamed co-ed school that offers full day Kindergarten, a primary and intermediate enrichment program, a band program and a myriad of extracurricular and co-curricular activities for our students.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

We warmly invite you to our Open House to view our school. This will be the first opportunity to pick up a registration package.

Come experience the Spirit of Our Lady’s.

WEDNESDAY

FEBRUARY 3, 2010 2550 CAMOSUN STREET, VANCOUVER

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7:00 – 8:30 PM For more information call 604-228-8811 or visit www.olphbc.ca (Application forms online or from the School Office)

Full day Kindergarten I tthe In he heart of downtown Vancouver 788 Beatty Street. WWW.CSF.BC.CA

AFFIRMEZ VOTRE FRANCOPHONIE : INSCRIVEZ VOTRE ENFANT DANS UNE ÉCOLE DU CSF ! VOUS CHERCHEZ UNE ÉCOLE FRANCOPHONE ? Le Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (SD No 93) accepte les inscriptions dans l’ensemble de son réseau de 38 écoles publiques à l’étendue de la province.

LOOKING FOR A FRENCH PUBLIC SCHOOL? The Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (BC’s Francophone School District No. 93) is accepting registrations in its 38 public schools across BC.

LE CONSEIL SCOLAIRE FRANCOPHONE DE LA COLOMBIE-BRITANNIQUE (SD No 93) 180-10200 Shellbridge Way, Richmond, (C.-B.) V6X 2W7 | (604) 214-2600 or/ou 1-888-715-2200 | info@csf.bc.ca

604 - 687 - 8021 604 - 762 - 6174

info@westsidehs.com Westside Preparatory School Grades K - 12 We are an independent school with the accent on academics in a warm loving environment. Your child will grow with us to meet the challenges of elementary and high school with ease as well as being prepared for post-secondary education and success in all aspects of life.

28 WestCoastFamilies.com WCF Feb Mar 2010.indd 28

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Let’s Get

Artsy!

www.westcoastfamilies.com Mountainview Group Daycare • ages 2.5-12 yrs • hrs 7am-6pm • preschool & daycare, & before & after school

• music& movements • theme based art activities • math & alphabet • full or part time

Outdoor & Indoor Gym activities See ad in this issue

Art education has proven highly effective at developing imagination, cognitive function, spatial coordination and empathy. It is also extensively used in therapeutic treatments for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pervasive Development Disorder and various other developmental disorders. Not to mention, it’s just plain fun! Here are some of the best places for your kids to get artsy! Abbotsford Creative Edge School of Arts

Through the Garden Gate

604.855.3343 | creativeedgebc.com

866.311.2266

Burnaby Shadbolt Centre For The Arts

North Shore Artists for Kids

604.291.6864 | shadboltcentre.com

604.903.3797 | artists4kids.com

Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam/ Port Moody Evergreen Cultural Centre

Green Apple Art Centre

604.927.6550 evergreenculturalcentre.ca

Gymboree 604-945-4967 gymboreeclasses.com

Port Moody Arts Centre

Mountainview Group Daycare @ Mountainview Elementary School 740 Smith ave, Coquitlam • Phone # 604-937-3020 • www.mountainviewgroupdaycare.com

604.261.6368 greenappleartcenter.ca

North Vancouver Community Arts Council 604.988.6844 | nvartscouncil.ca

Vancouver Arts Umbrella 604.681.5268 | artsumbrella.com

604.931.2008 | pomoartscentre.ca

Place Des Arts

Charleston ParkChildren’s Centre

604.664.1636 | placedesarts.ca

604.737.8173 | charlesonkids.com

Maple Ridge The ACT: Arts Centre and Theatre

Christianne’s Lyceum of Literature & Art

604.465.2470 theactmapleridge.org

www.christiannehayward.com

Green Apple Art Centre Langley The Young at Arts

604.261.6368 | greenappleartcenter.ca

604.533.2787 | youngatarts.ca

Rainbow Art School

Richmond Little Sun Children’s Art Studio 604.278.3498 | littlesunstudio.com

604.733.9524 vancouver.rainbowartschool.com

Collage Collage 604.569.1929 | collagecollage.ca

Arts Connection 604.241.0141 | theartsconnection.ca

Gymboree

Vancouver Academy of Dance

604.739.1190 gymboreeclasses.com

604.231.8293 vancouverdance.com

Pacific Dance Arts 604.738.8575 | pacificdancearts.ca

Surrey/Delta/White Rock 4Cats Arts Studio

4Cats Arts Studio

778.294.1002 | 4catsart.com

Various Locations | 4catsart.com

February / March 2010

WCF Feb Mar 2010.indd 29

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For more education opportunities, please visit these Education advertisers: MONTESSORI ACADEMY

Boundary Bay Montessori House www.bbmh.com

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Charleson Park Children’s Centre charlesonkids.com

Smilestones Junior Kindergarten www.smilestones.ca

Children of Integrity www.childrenofintegrity.com

Summit Learning Centre www.summitlearningcentre.ca

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Children’s Kingdom Montessori www.precious-minds.com

York House School for Girls www.yorkhouse.ca

Curriculum includes French Language Studies, Swimming, Skating and Annual Camp (Team Building & Leadership Skills)

Collingwood School www.collingwood.org

Vancouver Bilingual Preschool www.vancouverbilingual.com

OPEN HOUSE Sat., Jan. 30, 2010, 10am - Noon

Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique www.csf.bc.ca

Vancouver Montessori School www.vancouvermontessorischool.com

Fully accredited learning institution funded both privately and through the Ministry of Independent Schools. Our programs include Daycare, 5 day Preschool (AM/PM), Full Day Junior Kindergarten for 4 year olds, Extended Day Kindergarten and an Elementary program for Grades 1-7.

Vancouver Waldorf School www.vancouverwaldorf.ca

James Cameron School www.jcs.bc.ca

Westside Montessori www.westsidemontessori.ca

Kenneth Gordon School www.kennethgordon.bc.ca Millennium Learning Advantage www.millenniumlearningadvantage.com Monarch Autism House monarchhouse.cbi.ca

Westside Preparatory School www.westsidehs.com Wondertree Homerlearners’ Network www.wondertree.org

2541 Quay Place, Coquitlam 604.461.1223

Our Lady of Perpetual Help www.olphbc.ca

Located just off Dewdney Trunk Road between Mariner and St. Johns’ Street

For more information on specialized programs at public elementary and secondary schools, please visit the Ministry of Education’s Achieve BC website. www.achievebc.ca/choices/search_about.aspx

1871 1

10/13/09 1:35:47 PM

We’ve Hooked the Best!

abc Fish & Chips

Haddock fillets in a home made batter, with cole slaw & wedge fries. We use Canadian Canola oil…zero trans fat.

your country… your restaurant Locations throughout BC and Alberta • www.abcCountry.ca

30 WestCoastFamilies.com WCF Feb Mar 2010.indd 30

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WCF feature

Birds, Bees and Toddlers

—Are YOU Ready? By Wendy Helfenbaum

Are you ready, parents? Because here they come, the non-stop questions you’ve just been dying to answer: “Mommy, when will I have fluff on my butterfly?” “Dad, why does my penis stick out sometimes?” “I know you grew me in your tummy, Mama, but how EXACTLY did I get there, and how did I get out?” This last one sprang from the lips of my 4½-year-old son, who had heard at preschool that babies grew up from the ground. “You know, Daddy plants a seed in Mommy’s garden. So can we go plant a seed outside and grow a little brother?” he wondered. My first instinct was to offer him some chocolate (it was 8:30 AM). Let’s face it: sex talks are difficult, even excruciating, for many parents. But when your child broaches the subject, it’s time to suck up your discomfort and forge ahead, says Sara Dimerman, child and family therapist, and author of two parenting books. “When they ask that kind of question, they’re ready to hear a proper answer,” she says. “It’s really important to answer at an age-appropriate level, but also accurately. If you say you’ll tell them later, they’re going to try and get that information somewhere else, and often, that information is going to be inaccurate.” Five- and six-year-olds are very curious about themselves and others, “but not really in the form of sex per se, more in the form of interest in genitals, and a little bit about where do babies come from,” Dimerman says. So how should I have answered my son’s question? “Inside Daddy’s penis is sperm, and inside Mommy’s body is an egg. When Daddy puts his penis into Mommy’s vagina, the sperm travels inside to the egg and the baby is formed,” suggests Dimerman, who advises parents to use the proper names for penis and vagina. “We don’t want children to be ashamed of these body parts any more than they would be about a hand or a leg,” she explains. “The child could get the message that the parent isn’t using the proper word because it’s dirty or inappropriate.” If you don’t know what to say, let someone else say it for you: pick up a couple of books or DVDs and use them as springboards for further discussion, says Dimerman. “Then you know you can rely on the expert, who has done the research for the appropriate words and messages.” By age seven and eight, notes Dimerman, children are exposed to scenes of intimacy between their role models on TV and in movies. “Watching series like Hannah Montana, where there’s innuendo, if not blatant stuff, they’re going to be more aware of intimate relationships between boys and girls.” Dimerman adds that most kids think sex means kissing and cuddling. “They don’t understand the procreation part or the penis-in-the-vagina part, and most seven- and eight-year-olds would get kind of grossed out by that information. But it’s important for them to know, so that they can use the word sex appropriately.”

Julie Pound*, a mom of three daughters aged four, seven and 10, grew up in a very open household. “My mother was always very candid about sex and that was the way I wanted to be with my children,” she recalls. When Pound’s oldest daughter was three, “she asked how she came out of my tummy and we told her exactly how,” she recalls. “As long as the answers satisfied her curiosity and were truthful, we didn’t offer more. As she grew older, she required more detail, which we were happy to provide.” A few years later, Pound read Peter Mayle’s book Where Did I Come From to her child, which provoked many questions. “Kids talk to each other: at school, at camp, at recess. I had friends who skirted the issue when the kids asked, but I wanted my kids to hear [the information] from me first,” she recalls. “Sex is everywhere, and they are going to find out whether we like it or not.” Pound and her husband share “sex talk” duties. “It’s important that [our kids] feel comfortable talking about sex with either one of us. I don’t think it should be a scary talk. It should scare you more to think about what their friends are going to tell them.” Since school boards across B.C. vary wildly on when schools begin teaching sex education to children, it’s probably best not to wait for your child’s teacher to introduce the topic. Dimerman says the most important thing is to keep talking. “It’s been shown that in homes where there is open discussion about sex and sexuality, there’s actually less chance of your children being promiscuous,” notes Dimerman. “In homes where it’s inhibited and kept under wraps, it becomes like forbidden fruit, where children need to unlock that somewhere else.” Pound adds, “We owe it to our kids to be honest; they’ll appreciate it and come to us in the future when there are bigger issues to discuss.” *Name changed upon request. Wendy Helfenbaum is a writer and television producer at www.taketwoproductions.ca. Her 4½-year-old son will ask the same question over and over again until it’s answered to his satisfaction.

Don’t know where to start? Try these helpful resources: • Download Healthy Chats’ free e-book, The Birds and the Bees with Ease by Dr. Chrystal de Freitas. www.healthychats.com • Boys, Girls & Body Science: A First Book about Facts of Life by Meg Hickling and Kim LaFave • It’s NOT the Stork: A Book About Girls, Boys, Babies, Bodies, Families and Friends by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley • Where Do Babies Come From? by Ruth S. Hummel and Janice Skivington • What’s the Big Secret? Talking About Sex with Girls and Boys by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown February / March 2010

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is now

Our 1st Annual WestCoast Mom Fitness Challenge Has Launched!

WCM Profile: Elayne Wandler of Bopomo Pictures Spring Looks for Fashion-Forward Moms

PLUS: WCM Book Club, Events and Moreâ&#x20AC;Ś! Photographed by Ian Redd Photography www.ianreddphotography.com

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WCM feature

Spring Looks

for the Fashion-Forward Mom!

â&#x20AC;˘ Local designer Allison Wonderlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beach Avenue dress (named after the Vancouver street) was inspired by patio parties, lying in the grass, and backyard barbecues. Available in three different coloursâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;yellow, silver (pictured), or teal. $184. See website for retailers. www.allisonwonderland.ca

â&#x20AC;˘ Local jewellery designer Dotted Loopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Forget Me Not Necklaceâ&#x20AC;? is made entirely from vintage and antique materials, including mixed vintage chains, pearls, Lucite baubles, sterling silver filigree flower and gold-plated meshnecklace with rhinestone bars. $498. www.dottedloop.com

â&#x20AC;˘ Vancouver designer Ashley Watson crafts one-of-a-kind leather products using exclusively recycled material. This fabric and leather Linnet Bag is a perfect spring bagâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;light, breezy, and big enough for that juice box and container of wipes! $385. www.ashleywatson.net

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WestCoastFamilies.com

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money matters

Saving for Your Children’s Education Q: What’s the best way to save for my children’s education? I’ve seen brochures on Group Education Savings plans in my doctor’s office—are these a good idea? Education is one of the biggest expenses that families face, so it’s important to make your education savings decisions within the context of your values, beliefs and an understanding of the numbers. Before setting up a savings plan, ask yourself: • How do I want to assist my child with post-secondary education? Moral support? Some financial assistance? Pay for everything? • Do I expect my child to contribute a portion to their education costs or living expenses? • Will my child attend a local school and live at home? Or do I want the option to send my child to a school in another province, or country? • How much money will I need to cover the portion of schooling costs that I expect to pay for? The Costs

To give you an idea of the numbers, a four-year English degree at Carleton University in Ottawa will run about $16,100 per year, including doubleoccupancy campus housing and a meal plan. The total, no-frills estimate for four years at Carleton: about $64,400. If your child lives at home, expect to pay between $6,000-$8,000 a year for tuition and books alone for a similar degree. And don’t forget about costs like computers, software, supplies, cell phones, special health or medical needs and travel.

By Karin Mizgala

companies like Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation and Heritage Education Funds. Both plans offer the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG), which can add as much as $600 per child per year to your savings. If you qualify for the Canada Child Tax Benefit, you may also be eligible for the $500 Canada Learning Bond. Group RESP plans work if you’re sure you will continue to contribute to the plan long term and you don’t want to make investment decisions yourself. But I’m not a fan of them. These plans can be complicated, difficult to get out of and the fees are confusing. A better option is to open an RESP available through most financial institutions and advisors. There is no annual contribution limit, you choose how you want to invest and you can contribute up to $50,000 per child. Unsure of how to get started?

If your child is under six, invest the $100 per month you get from the Universal Child Care benefit in an RESP. Thankfully, parents aren’t the only ones who can contribute to RESPs. Encourage grandparents, aunts, friends to get in on the act too! For more information on saving for your child’s education, visit www.canlearn.ca, the Government of Canada’s online resource to post-secondary education and costs. They also have an education cost calculator that calculates your child’s potential education costs based on things like the year they will start, the school they will attend, the program, length of study, residency requirements and more.

Saving for Education

There are two main options when it comes to education savings plans— Registered Educational Savings Plans (RESPs) and Group RESPs offered by

Karin Mizgala MBA, CFP, is a fee-only financial planner and co-founder of the Women’s Financial Learning Centre. www.womensfinanciallearning.ca

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February / March 2010

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WCM proﬁle

Elayne Wandler of Bopomo Pictures talks to WCM about life, work and finding balance. Photographed by Ian Redd Photography www.ianreddphotography.com

What’s the lowdown on you? I am married to a wonderful, supportive husband and have two boys—Sam and Jack, ages nine and seven, respectively. My passions include dance, photography, tennis, golf, travel and spending time with my family. How did your business come about? I had always wanted to build my own business and was particularly interested in the retail sector. Having worked as an executive in the health sciences sector for many years really helped me establish a solid understanding of the principles of business and management—marketing, planning, communications, budgeting, etc. Photography has always been a passion of mine and once I’d left a local biotech company where I was a vice-president, I decided to combine my business knowledge with my passion. I enrolled in photography classes and began to evaluate the viability of a photo business for the Vancouver market. As a parent, I discovered there wasn’t a convenient, affordable and modern offering for studio photography in the lower mainland. The choices were either department stores, where the quality was usually hit-or-miss, or independent photographers, which often cost an arm and a leg before any prints were even purchased. So, with a love for photography and a desire to fill a niche, the concept of Bopomo was born. The underlying idea was to create a fun and inviting atmosphere where we could produce portraits that capture the true personality of our subjects with creative and artistic flair—and still be affordable. We’ve done well and are opening up a second location in April in South Surrey’s Morgan Creek neighbourhood.

What are some of your biggest challenges in work? For me, the biggest challenge in starting my own business is that I am inherently risk-averse, so leaving a secure and stable income was difficult. I’ve dealt with it by really staying focused on executing the concept, which I whole-heartedly believe in. The other area that always presents a challenge, especially in a technology-based business, is equipment malfunction. I have learned to have a back-up for literally everything! In life? No question, balance is an ongoing struggle. In fact I’m not sure it exists—at least I’ve yet to find it. It’s not that you don’t take time for yourself once in a while but in your head you are always thinking about what else you should be doing; whether it’s spending more time with your family or spending more time at work. There is never a shortage of things to be done—

36 WestCoastFamilies.com WCF Feb Mar 2010.indd 36

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only limited time. Lately I’ve tried to stick to a schedule and focus on a couple of big projects a month instead of trying to get to the bottom of a never-ending to-do list. I still keep the list for ideas, but have a more realistic to-do list to be accomplished within a given timeframe. What would you describe as some of the biggest rewards of your work/ family? With respect to my career, there is a huge sense of pride that comes with knowing you have created and executed on your vision and that customers appreciate and are excited about the result. I’m also very proud when I see my staff succeed—both inside and outside the studio. It is a wonderful side benefit I didn’t really consider when starting the business in that I would be providing a great training ground for those interested in pursuing a career in photography. As for family life, everyday is a reward and a blessing. I have enjoyed every stage of my children’s lives more than the last one—but then I haven’t hit the teen years yet! It’s an incredible process to see their individuality and personality come out. Nothing puts life more in perspective than spending time with children. Do you manage to take time-out for yourself? If so, what does that entail? Taking time for myself includes spending time with my family as I find it very fulfilling and I know how precious that time is when you have a demanding career and don’t always get to be with them as much as you like. As for relaxing, nothing beats just letting go of work and cuddling up with my husband to watch a good video or going out to dinner. I also find exercise provides a huge benefit—not only by making you feel better about yourself but a great source of energy. Some of my favourite things include a game of tennis or golf, a power walk with a friend, or a day shopping across the border. Any must-haves? Hugs from my kids and laughter. It’s so important to live life with a sense of humour. I believe most problems we face on a daily basis can be overcome and in the scheme of things no matter how important we think our lives are and the issues we are dealing with, it pales in comparison to the suffering that is happening around the world. I also find a big bowl of Baskin Robbins mint chocolate-chip ice cream on a regular basis a must-have! Tell us one or two of the most important life lessons you have learned through being a mom/business owner. I have learned the importance of trusting life to take you in the right direction even if it doesn’t always seem like it in the short term. I think it’s important to not shy away from opportunities and go after your passion or whatever it is in your life that makes you happy. Having switched careers a number of times, I truly believe you can learn and achieve anything you set your mind to especially if you are willing to work hard and keep the faith. Anything else you’d like us to know about you? Life is about the relationships we have with our friends and family. I’ve been impressed and humbled by the wonderful and supportive network of business owners that I have met since opening my business—and the second location we are opening in April in South Surrey—many of whom have become good friends. By the same token I think it’s important to give back to the community, which is an integral part of the vision for Bopomo. Since our inception, we’ve raised money by donating our time and services to a number of causes and I’m hoping we’ll be able to do even more in the coming year.

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WCM book club

Just for

Mom! Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage by Elizabeth Gilbert At the end of her bestselling memoir Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert fell in love with Felipe, a Brazilian-born man of Australian citizenship who’d been living in Indonesia when they met. Resettling in America, the couple swore eternal fidelity to each other, but also swore to never, ever, under any circumstances get legally married. (Both were survivors of previous horrific divorces. Enough said.) But providence intervened one day in the form of the United States government, which—after unexpectedly detaining Felipe at an American border crossing—gave the couple a choice: they could either get married, or Felipe would never be allowed to enter the country again. Having been effectively sentenced to wed, Gilbert tackled her fears of marriage by delving into this topic completely, trying with all her might to discover through historical research, interviews, and much personal reflection what this stubbornly enduring old institution actually is. $16.75 at amazon.ca.

From Woe to Wow by Patricia Morgan

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Recession-era studies show that more than 35 percent of workers say their jobs are detrimental to their health and 42 percent claim job pressures interfere with their personal relationships. Morgan is not surprised by these figures and says female workers routinely question their strength and abilities both at work and at home, especially in a recession when those doubts are magnified. She wrote From Woe to WOW: How Resilient Women Succeed at Work to help women better manage work with home responsibilities. The book provides 35 easy-to-implement strategies and dozens of tips to deal with workplace challenges like perfectionism, workaholism, self-doubt, unnecessary criticism, verbal abuse, moral dilemmas, micro-management and single parent worry. For the book, Morgan conducted in-depth interviews with 27 women identified as “resilient”—and collected hundreds of responses from others—to discover how they cope and succeed. $23.95 at chapters.ca.

WestCoastFamilies.com

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WCM health

are pleased to announce the launch of our 1st Annual

The 2010

FITN ESTCOAST MOM G E ESS CHALLEN

Our contestants have been chosen, and the challenge has begun! Eight women, all of different ages, occupations and backgrounds, have committed to seeing this challenge through to the end. Over the next three issues, we will follow their progress, their highs and lows, as they strive to conquer the challenge of becoming fit. The final results and announcement as to who is the grand prize winner will be published in our June issue. The winner will be the person who has lost the largest percentage of their own body weight.

Name: Lynnette Penner Age: 41 Occupation: Physician # of Children: Two model for my girls and the Why did you apply? Being a good rolefit are my main motivators. challenge of becoming more physically habits and I would like to be Goal: I want to improve my eating ths. mon 6 next able to do a 10k run in the Starting Weight: 163 lbs Starting Measurements: Shoulders: 45” Neck: 13.5” Chest: 39” Bicep: 12.5” Stomach: 36” Waist: 35.5” Thighs: 24” Hips: 41.5”

Contestants are able to work out at any and all locations where CardioCore Bootcamp is offered, and have committed to attending a minimum of three classes each week. They will also receive nutritional information and planning with online access. So, without further ado, let us introduce our eight contestants. Check out the story on each mom, and make sure to check back each month to see their progress and hear their thoughts about the experience. Let the games begin!

Name: Amanda Asaad Age: 36 Occupation: Technical writer # of Children: Two Why did you apply? I want to get back into a healthy routine and be an example for my kids. Goal: I want to improve my energy levels, feel fit and be emotionally healthy. Starting Weight: 156.4 lbs Starting Measurements: Neck: 13.5” Shoulders: 45.5” Bicep: 13.5” Chest: 43.5” Waist: 35” Stomach: 37.5” Hips: 41.25” Thighs: 25.5”

February / March 2010

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WCM health

Name: Helena Tse Age: 34 Occupation: Stay-at-home-mom # of Children: Two try and lose a this challenge as an opportunity to Why did you apply? I would like to take t myself and abou two babies and also to feel better lot of my excess weight gained from have the confidence I did pre-kids. body and learn lose 20 lbs or more, overall tone up my Goal: From this challenge, I hope to d’s wedding frien a in also am I n. agai once yle e lifest how to lead a healthier and more activ os! phot the in good at a better time. I want to look in May so this could not have come Starting Weight: 183.2 lbs Starting Measurements: Shoulders: 45” Neck: 14” Chest: 39.5” Bicep: 13.5” Stomach: 38” Waist: 36” Thighs: 26.5” Hips: 44.25”

Name: Arlene Bradley Age: 49 Occupation: Elementary school counsellor # of Children: Two Why did you apply? Health con cerns, fatigue, turning 50 in five months, plus a desire to actually do something, instead of making excuses for my weight/health, are some of the reasons that I ente red this contest. Goal: I want to become healthie r, with more energy to be active with my family, and to become more active as a family. And of course, lose som e weight. Starting Weight: 180.2 lbs Starting Measurements: Neck: 13” Shoulders: 44” Bicep: 13.75” Chest: 41” Waist: 37” Stomach: 40” Hips: 45.5” Thighs: 27”

Name: Anita Sahota Age: 32 Occupation: Elementary school teacher # of Children: One Why did you apply? I want to get my body back to the way it was before I had my baby, and have the energy and stamina to keep up with my little girl. s Goal: I would love to be able to lose at least 20 pound . clothes gnancy pre-pre my into so that I can fit back Starting Weight: 139.2 lbs Starting Measurements: Shoulders: 39” Neck: 12.75” Chest: 35.5” Bicep: 13” Stomach: 36.5” Waist: 31” Thighs: 24.5” Hips: 41.5”

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WCM health

Name: Gillian Armstrong Age: 40 Occupation: Office manager # of Children: One Why did you apply? After having the baby, I was highly unmoti vated to start exercising and eating right. After just turning 40, and seeing what kinds of changes having a baby has had on my body, I realise it is increasingly important to keep in shape, both for my health, and for my son. Goal: I would love to be able to lose 30 pounds or so in this contest , but more importantly, I want to feel mobile again, and be able to have a pain free, functio ning body that feels healthy and strong. The older I get, the more I realise that it is not about the weight. The main thing that matters is being able to be the best you can be for your children. Starting Weight: 198.2 lbs Starting Measurements: Neck: 13.25” Shoulders: 44.25” Bicep: 15” Chest: 43.5” Waist: 37.5” Stomach: 41” Hips: 46” Thighs: 26.5”

Name: Jennifer Wright Age: 39 Occupation: Registered nurse (currently stay-at-home-mom) # of Children: One Why did you apply? I am doing this for a number of reasons but mostly for ME, my son and my husb and. My mom has many age/weight related illnesses (diab etes, high blood pressure, etc) and I know that if I don’t get it together, that will be me as I get older. Goal: My husband and I are running a marathon in our 40th year (2011). My husband is an inspiratio n to me as he has always been fit and active. I really need this program/contest to get me on track, in shape and motivated for our marathon training. Starting Weight: 145.8 lbs Starting Measurements: Neck: 13” Shoulders: 40.75” Bicep: 12” Chest: 38.5” Waist: 33” Stomach: 34” Hips: 43” Thighs: 24”

WCF Feb Mar 2010.indd 41

Name: Leanne Hall Age: 37 Occupation: Human resources assistant # of Children: One was born I Why did you apply? The first six months after my son mps, stroller was out almost every day doing mom and baby bootca stroller the in sit to g wantin d fit, hiking, etc. but once he stoppe just piled weight the and ended all that out worked y while momm rly I regula g feedin breast d back on! It didn’t help that once I stoppe well. as y stopped eating health and would Goal: I used to run half-marathons regularly pre-baby I’m 40 I’d before fact, In again. those g runnin into back get to like ite favour my into fit , course of love to run a full-marathon! And, too! te celebra to reason be would skinny jeans - that Starting Weight: 203 lbs Starting Measurements: Shoulders: 45.5” Neck: 14” Chest: 43.5” Bicep: 14.5” Stomach: 41.5” Waist: 40” Thighs: 27.5” Hips: 41.5”

February / March 2010

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WCM events

Adult Events for the Hip Mom Around Town! Ladies Day at Hemlock Valley Resort Hemlock Valley Resort Every Thursday until March 18 Ladies of all ages ski free all day long every Thursday until March 18. Take advantage of a 2-hour lesson for $29 and 50% off all rentals. Free appies at 5pm in Molly’s and tons of great prizes to be won! Enter your name every week for a chance to win an all-exclusive weekend getaway at the Executive Hotel in Harrison Hot Springs. 604.797.4411 | hemlockvalleyresort.com Mom’s The Word: Remixed Evergreen Cultural Centre February 2-6, 8pm They’re back! The shockingly funny Moms reunite to bring you highlights from the smash hits Mom’s the Word and Mom’s the Word 2: Unhinged. In this premiere production, they’ll share their true, intimate tales of the heartache and joy of parenthood, from the bun in the oven to the terrible twos to the terrifying teens. Tickets start at $27. 604.927.6550 | evergreenculturalcentre.ca Children: The Heart of the Matter— Bullying Workshop Earl Marriott High School, Surrey February 5, 7pm-9pm Bullying behaviours can be identified in very young children, but it is often difficult to determine the difference between bad play and bullying. It’s also difficult to know how to act and react to each of those situations. In this keynote address, Cindi Seddon, author of Take Action Against Bullying, will provide participants with tips and ideas to use when determining bullying behaviours. She will also provide action plans targeted to address bullying and to build safe and caring environments for preschool and early school-age children. Cindi will also discuss communicating with parents about bullying behaviours. 604.572.8032 | childcareoptions.ca Chocolate Fest 2010 Whole Foods, Robson Street February 11, 4:30pm-8pm Passport event with the store decked out with love. Vendor demos throughout the store and treats galore. 604.687.5288 wholefoodsmarket.com

North Vancouver’s ValleyFest Lynn Valley Village Plaza February 12-28 Starting Feb 12th, and lasting 17 days, Lynn Valley Village will turn into a vibrant hub of activity and festivities. This center will be a gathering place for friends, family and neighbours to visit, watch the games and be entertained. At ValleyFest, there will be something for everyone: armchair hockey players, budding artists and music lovers. Join a 3-on-3 ball hockey game, try “kurling” or participate in the outdoor playground and cafe. Explore the history of sport and heritage at the Discovery Zone interpretive centre. Top featured will be a giant LED TV Screen perched outside and high up for all to view. Friends and visitors can watch live feed of sports. There will also be live entertainment for all to enjoy. valleyfest.ca Bistro des Arts Place des Arts February 13, 4pm-7pm Hungry patrons of Le Village International de la Francophonie Special Edition of Festival du Bois looking for a relaxing break are invited to dine at Place des Arts’ Bistro des Arts. Offering music, food and wine, the Bistro is the perfect place to while away the hours between Festival du Bois’ daytime and evening performances. Reservations are recommended. Menu highlights include: Oignon gratiné, Beouf Bourguignon, Coq au vin and lush desserts. 604.664.1636 | placedesarts.ca Love Bus Tours Greater Vancouver Zoo February 14 So you think you know everything about love, well....we think you might learn a few fun light-hearted facts about our animals and some of their various mating habits! Bring your sweetie and come join the fun! Please keep in mind that this tour does come with a PG rating as some of the information and vocabulary may not be appropriate for children. Please call for details. 604.856.6825 | gvzoo.com

Eco Fashion Forward Fundraising Night Vancouver Public Library Main Branch February 19, 8pm With all eyes on Vancouver during the Olympics, Eco Fashion Forward Fundraising Night is the perfect way to showcase Vancouver’s long-established commitment to sustainable style. So join the party on February 19 at the Vancouver Public Library and enjoy an evening filled with live music by international performers Jill Barber, Vince Vaccaro, Adam Thomas and the Mike Allen Quartet, live painting by Caroline Weave, and DJ Phoenix Olivia. Opening speeches will be given by Lindsay Coulter from the David Suzuki Foundation and Our Social Fabric’s Kim Cathers. A portion of the proceeds raised will benefit the David Suzuki Foundation. For more info on Vancouver Eco Fashion Week (premieres April 20-22), visit www.vefw.com. Tickets $45 and available online only at ecofashionforward.eventbrite.com. Fraser Valley Wedding Festival The Coast Hotel & Convention Centre, Langley March 7, 11am-3pm First comes love and then comes marriage and now it’s time to fall in love with your dream wedding at the Fraser Valley Wedding Festival. Bring your friends and family along to enjoy the elegant décor showcase, live music, and complimentary bridal tearoom featuring a chocolate fountain. Stroll through the mini storefronts to find vendors who specialize in wedding wear, floral arrangements, cake decorating, and more! Ask for advice from wedding experts, try a mini makeover, or eat a cupcake. New to the show this year will be a new twist on the wedding fashion show, complimentary gift bags, and “Nuptial Nuggets” –ongoing interactive seminars by wedding experts on everything from planning to picking elegant décor or finding the dress. Admission is free. 778.997.1944 fraservalleyweddingfestival.com

Paradise Garden Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage March 11–-April 11, various times Local boy Day, a free spirit, lives next door to worldly Layla, a career-driven intellectual. The two have nothing in common. Or do they? Over time these divergent souls come to understand each other in a way neither thought possible. A contemporary tale of romance and cultural divides so engaging it will change the way you see the girl (or boy) next door! A true modern romance against all odds. 604.687.1644 | artsclub.com Climb the Wall: The Stairclimb for Clean Air Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel March 21 Featuring over 500 participants on a marathon stair climb up 48 storeys of the hotel in support of clean air and lung health. This event is an opportunity for participants to challenge themselves while supporting the BC Lung Association in the fight against lung disease throughout British Columbia. Please register online. 604.731.5864 | stairclimb.ca Australia: Catching the Wave Buschlen Mowatt Gallery 1445 West Georgia St March 26, 7pm-10pm Go beyond the mainstream offerings and catch a glimpse of off-the-beaten-track gems. We will introduce you to new wine styles like sparkling and rosé, explore unusual grape varieties such as Verdelho, Marsanne and Touriga Nacional and visit lesserknown regions including Heathcote, Margaret River and the Yarra Valley. This is a rare opportunity to get to know Australia more intimately and learn about her impressive commitment to sustainability. Tickets $39. housewine.ca

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Marketplace

Bear Creek Park Train

Open Daily 10am to 5pm

Open Spring Break April 6th to 21st See “SPRINGTIME IN THE FOREST” and receive a FREE train whistle

A magical comedic fun-filled show, with one of 30 costumed characters. Performing: Singing, Dancing, Magic, Animaloons, Joking Puppets & Face Painting. For: Parties, Holiday Celebrations & Promotional Events.

13750-88 Ave, Surrey • (604) 501-1232

736★0876 / 729★4987 www.castletopcharacters.com

www.bctrains.com All Wrapped Up Party Supplies

Children’s Kingdom Montessori Centre

Birthday Party Supplies & Favours

Preschool & Kindergarten

Everything you need to create a memorable birthday party for your child, conveniently delivered right to your door.

Featuring eco friendly maternity and baby wear in bamboo and organic cotton for the Greater Vancouver Area. 1 888-760-1095 • 604-760-1095 sales@bloomincouture-maternity.com www.bloomin.ca

Over 40 popular licensed themes including: Spiderman, Strawberry Shortcake, Dora the Explorer and many more.

Register Now! September and January Enrollment Mandarin, Art & Music classes are included 4720 Elgin St. Vancouver (near Knight & 31st Ave.)

(604)574-6127 www.allwrappedup.ca

Tel : (604) 872-8898

The Children’s Party Specialists Face painting, balloon animals, arts and crafts, and more.

604-318-1261 www.partyarts.org

Girls Just Wanna Pose Paparazzi 3/6/08 Parties

Party Arts.indd 1

By Tanya Soderlund

www.tanyaspicks.com tanyaspicks@gmail.com

Is your child in Grade 3 or 4? The GECKO Project is studying how children’s experiences influence their health and development. We are recruiting families in Vancouver and surrounding areas for our fun study. We will bring our mobile lab to your home! Families will be compensated for their time. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT 604.827.3426 or Gecko.Project@ubc.ca

Preschool & Elementary

8:08:25 AM

Our Unique Curriculum offers:

• Language • Yoga • Math • Science • Practical Life • Sensorial For more information: 604-434-9611 • Italian Language 3075, Slocan Street, Vancouver, BC and Culture Email: wesmonacademy@gmail.com • Theatre arts & Music www.westsidemontessoriacademy.ca MONTESSORI ACADEMY

at the I T A L I A N C U LT U R A L C E N T R E

Westside Montessori MP.indd 1

E-mail sales@westcoastfamilies.com to reach over 50,00 families in the Lower Mainland each issue.

1/20/09 2:33 PM

Join the WestCoast Families BLAST email for an easy way to keep in touch with fun, active, local family life! We‘ll tell you about cool new stores, local events, and great products and services just for families. Go to westcoastfamilies.com today to sign up! February / March 2010

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February/March 2010 LunarFest 700 block of Granville Street Ongoing until February 28 This free public exhibit features a Lantern Forest rooted down the middle of Granville, illuminated with lanterns designed by schoolchildren, five totem lanterns composed of indigenous designs from Canada and Taiwan, and public art from collaboration between international professional artists. 604.263.9311 | lunarfest.org Ravishing Beasts Museum of Vancouver Ongoing until February 28, various times Displaying the Museum’s extensive collection of taxidermy for the first time in decades, Ravishing Beasts investigates this provocative and strangely alluring practice. Whether a hoarding of exotic curiosities, a scientific archive, a hunting trophy, or a stuffed pet, taxidermy always exposes longings to capture animals and tell stories about their significance within human lives. Please check the website for times. 604.736.4431 | museumofvancouver.ca Public Ice Skating at Robson Square 800 Block of Robson St., Vancouver Until March 21, noon-9pm daily Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Robson Square is British Columbia’s home for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. GE Plaza will be open for free public skating from noon to 9pm every day until March 21. Rentals are $3 and include helmets for those 12 and under. 604.646.3568 Monkey King The Centre for Performing Arts February 2-27, various times A whirlwind of acrobatic dance, martial arts action and rock music touches down in Vancouver with the North American premiere of Monkey King. Inspired by the legendary Chinese tale Journey to the West, Monkey King is a raucous, highenergy musical that tells the story of a monk and his quest across China to recover a book of sacred teachings. The show’s epic narrative is told through a series of breathtaking kung fu battles, spellbinding dance sequences and thrilling flights scenes, all set to an original and driving Chinese rock score (with English subtitles). Combine this with the show’s massive set pieces, opulent array of costumes, and lush, intricate backdrops, and Monkey King is a show that will thrill, amaze, and delight audiences of all ages. Visit www.monkeykingthemusical.com for full performance schedule. 604.280.4444 | ticketmaster.ca

Parent Education Night Armstrong Elementary, Burnaby February 2, 7:30pm Child self-esteem is a topic of growing importance in our society as we see our young people struggling to develop a positive self-image. There are definite steps parents can take to help children develop a healthy attitude towards themselves and their capabilities. We love our children but love is not enough. Kathy Lynn, a best selling author and parent educator will be speaking about building self-esteem in children. This presentation is appropriate for parents of children of all ages. 604.524.0833 The Winter Reading Games North Vancouver District Public Library NVDPL is offering young readers a chance to flex their imagination muscles by reading new and exciting books. Kids will be able to win sportrelated stickers and cool book prizes. To play, children need to go to the Children’s Desk at any location and get a Scorecard. By following the steps on the Scorecard, which challenges kids to read for a minimum of 15 minutes in different subject areas, kids build up stickers to become “gold medal readers.” nvdpl.ca Dance Around The World Surrey Arts Centre February 5, 8pm Enjoy a flavourful fusion of authentic dance, music and drums. Mimbre Flamenco, Diva Drum, Tropak Ukrainian Dance Theatre, Rupa Gopinath’s classical Indian Dancers, and tabla virtuoso Hari Pal share their passion for dance in a joyous evening of music and rhythm. Adults, $25; Student/Senior, $20. 604.501.5566 | arts.surrey.ca Jan Ken Pon! Family Games Day National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Centre February 6, 11am-2pm Experience over twenty traditional Japanese heritage games and toys at the 6th annual Jan Ken Pon! Family Games Day. This year’s event is centered on Setsubun (the eve of the first day of spring); where kids scatter beans to chase away the ogre and bring in happiness. Events include: playing with colourful tops and Japanese style cup & ball, make your own sumo wrestlers and otedamas (beanbags), to learning how to make origami pieces. The highlight of the day will be a rock-paperscissors tournament with prizes to be won. The event is suitable for families with children ages 4 to 12 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Tickets $5 at the door. 604.777.7000 ext 109 | www.jcnm.ca

Build-a-Boat Exhibit Opening Fraser River Discovery Centre February 6, 10am-4pm Help build a boat inside the Fraser River Discovery Centre as our newest exhibit Build-a-Boat: Wooden Boat Building on the Fraser opens up. Produced in partnership with the Vancouver Wooden Boat Society, this exhibit looks at hundreds of years of boat building on the river. Every Saturday until May 8, visitors will be able to help work on the boat. 604.521.8401 ext. 101 fraserriverdiscovery.org Masters of Persian Music Massey Theatre, New Westminster February 7, 8pm An evening of Sufi-inspired Persian music and song, featuring Kayhan Kalhor and Hossein Alizadeh, two of Iran’s most important figures in Persian classical music, touring with the next generation of musical masters, including the remarkable young vocalist Hamid Reza Nourbakhsh. Tickets start at $35 and are available online at masseytheatre.com. 604.521.5050 | caravanbc.com Village International de la francophone Place des Arts February 11-28 This two-week festival, deemed one of the most significant peripheral events of the 2010 Olympic Games, is aimed at French lovers and lovers of all that is French. Le Village will honour French talent from many corners of the world, and visitors from Canada and abroad will have a unique opportunity to discover the impressive diversity of French Canadian culture. As part of this event, Place des Arts will expand their gift shop, doubling its size, and re-launch the popular French Bistro that took place at Place des Arts during the 2009 Festival du Bois. This new venture will be called Café des Arts and will feature daily lunch specials and, on specific days, musical guests performing in the Leonore Peyton Salon and Atrium. 604.664.1636 | placedesarts.ca

Button Bonanza Dunbar Community Centre February 12, please check website Button Bonanza is a free community art project focused on building excitement and community for the 2010 Winter Games. Create your button design inspired by the 2010 Games at the workshop, then come to the Community Living Room starting February 12 in the Dunbar Lobby to collect, trade, wear and display unique 2010 buttons made by the community. Register for a free workshop. Visit the Button Bonanza blog for information, photos and schedules. 604-222-6060 | dunbarcentre.ca The Surrey 2010 Celebration Site Holland Park February 12-28 This is a 13-day free winter festival featuring live entertainment, arts performances and on-site activities, while offering the opportunity to share the Olympic spirit with the community while watching live Games coverage on four massive video screens. Also enjoy an array of international food vendors and global entertainment that will celebrate Surrey’s cultural diversity. The Celebration Site will also host world-renowned talent on two stages, including Sam Roberts, 54-40, Randy Bachman, Hot Hot Heat, Doc Walker, Irish Descendants, and many more. The RCMP Musical Ride will also be there for two daily-choreographed equestrian performances. Mingle with the 2010 mascots, zip down one of the runs at the Sliding Zone, glide around the outdoor Skating Rink or toss a few rocks at the Curling Zone. Check the website for times. 604.591.4834 | surrey2010.com The 9th Annual Chicken and Egg Dance Capri Hall, 3925 Fraser St February 13, 6pm-11pm A perennial-favourite family event that benefits local food organizations returns this year on February 13. This time around, a trio of nonprofits bring an evening of good old-fashioned country fun to the city for the 9th Annual Chicken and Egg Dance held at the Capri Hall. The BC Association for Regenerative Agriculture, FarmFolk/CityFolk and Vancouver Farmers Markets join forces to raise money to further their work promoting and supporting local food production. Family fun (no alcohol). Dance to the Sybaritic String Band. Farm-friendly snacks for sale. Kids activities too! Adults, $12; Kids (6-12 yrs), $6; Kids 5 and under, Free. Tickets will be available at the door, or in advance online. eatlocal.org

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community calendar The Village Scavenger Hunt Burnaby Village Museum February 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, March 6-14, noon-4pm The Trek to Mont Blanc, will focus on the fascinating trivia of the first Winter Olympics, held in 1924 in Chamonix, France, at the base of the famous Mont Blanc. What sport did Canada win a gold medal for? What were the organizers afraid might trigger an avalanche of Mont Blanc? Which young woman made her hesitant debut in competitive figure skating? Which strange sports were part of the Winter Games at that time? Come find the answers hidden all over the village site. The Ice Cream Parlour is open with light menu options available. Experience the delight of unlimited rides on the restored 1912 carousel. $5.50/person, ages 2+. Members free. 604.297.4565 burnabyvillagemuseum.ca Family Valentine’s Dance Tong Louie YMCA February 13, 6-9pm Join us on this 2nd Annual special night for some fun with the family. Bring your dancing shoes and have some fun in our gym. It’ll be a night to remember. All ages welcome. Cost is free for members, $10/family for non-members. Please register at the Membership Services Desk. 604.575.9622 | surreyymca.org Red & White Weekend Metropolis at Metrotown February 13 & 14, 10am-9pm Throughout the shopping centre you’ll find entertainment, giveaways & the KidSport Funzone, with interactive sports & games for kids. Random gift cards will be given away to customers wearing red. Come and join the fun! 604.438.4700 metropolisatmetrotown.com Mom and Baby Fitness Lilli’Q Café and Playhouse, 1268 Pacific Blvd. February 22, 10am This baby-friendly class allows mom to get a great workout and attend to baby’s needs at any time. Each class provides a full body workout: cardio, muscular endurance, core work and flexibility. Benefit from increased energy, improved posture, less aches and pains and a stronger core. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with other new moms in your community. Women should be 4+ weeks postpartum (6 weeks for caesareans). All fitness levels are welcome. This class is designed for pre-mobile babies. Cost is $69. 604.602.1546 | fit4two.ca

Heritage Week Open House Historic Stewart Farm February 20 & 21, noon-4pm Drop into the 1894 farmhouse and discover more about Victorian social etiquette. Recreate traditional Victorian sachets, bookmarks and cards using scented potpourri, ribbons and lace. Admission is by donation. 604.592.6956 | heritage.surrey.ca Talking Stick Festival Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre February 21-28 Full Circle First Nations Performance is very excited to present this vibrant weeklong festival providing a stage for extraordinary Aboriginal artists; established and emerging, national and international, performing live music, dance, theatre, multi-media, storytelling and performance art. The festival, co-presented by the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, is thrilled to be able to introduce Aboriginal culture and arts to the many visitors here during the Olympics. Please check the website for tickets and show times. 604.683.0497 | fullcircle.ca Historic Half Marathon 23433 Mavis Ave, Fort Langley February 21, 9am-1pm Be among the thousands of participants in the Historic Half Marathon who will cross the most prestigious finish line in British Columbia: the gates of Fort Langley National Historic Site. Participants will be greeted by well-wishers in historic costumes, great food, music & children’s activities. A Kids Walk & Run 8.5 km event will also take place. Adults $7.80 and children $6.55. 604.513.4777 | pc.gc.ca/fortlangley Family Day at PdA Place des Arts February 21, 1:30pm-3:30pm Does the thought of touring an art gallery leave you cold? Do you think you have to be an “artist” to create art? Gather up the family and blow the dust off those notions at Family Day at PdA! Tour the exhibitions with our guest artists, and then participate in fun, interactive art activities. Don’t be intimidated by art, get engaged in it! $5/person. 604.664.1636 | placedesarts.ca Kidstuff Swapmeet Willingdon Community Centre February 27, 9am-1pm Clean out your child’s cluttered closet or pick up a bargain. If you’re thinking of selling, only maternity clothes and used items for children age 12 and younger is accepted. Admission is free. 604.299.1446

Gotta Be Kiddin Show Ag-Rec Building, Abbotsford March 6, 10am-7pm March 7, 10am-5pm Gotta Be Kiddin will be one of the Lower Mainland’s largest consumer shows for the expectant to families with children graduating. Reaching thousands of consumers, Gotta be Kiddin is an exciting marketplace of family-oriented products, services, activities and entertainment, celebrating every stage of life from pregnancy to graduation. Admission is $5. 604.850.0636 | gottabekiddin.com Kids Spring Fling Surrey Nature Centre March 12, 10am-2pm Join us for a day filled with outdoor games, eco crafts, nature activities and discoveries—just for kids! Hunt for bugs, search for birds, play in the forest, and explore the special places at the Surrey Nature Centre. Bring your friends and family to this free event! Rain or shine. 604.588.6825 | surrey.ca Vancouver International Dance Festival Multiple Venues March 12-21, various times The Vancouver International Dance Festival (VIDF) celebrates its 10th Anniversary with a stellar line-up of dance artists from B.C., Ontario, the USA, Denmark, Taiwan and New Zealand. Presented with Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, the 2010 VIDF will feature main stage shows, free performances and workshops. Early Bird passes will give patrons 50% off regular ticket prices. 604.662.4966 | vidf.ca 21st Century Flea Market Croatian Cultural Centre March 14, 10am-3pm Boho Chic to 50’s kitsch, collectibles and memorabilia to vintage kitchenalia, 175 tables of bargains on deluxe 20th century junque! Drop-in appraisals will be available all day. $4 admission and kids are free. 604.980.3159 | 21cpromotions.com Six Censational Sundays presents At Nightfall—Sursaut Dance Centennial Theatre March 21, 2pm A magical story of discovery. Auguste the shoemaker comes upon the little people who live in the forest somewhere between the shadow and the light. Beautiful imagery and engaging characters create another world on stage. Sursaut’s joyful and touching dance performances have inspired and delighted audiences of all ages on the international stage. 604.984.4484 | centennialtheatre.com

Cirque de Classic Vancouver Playhouse Theatre & Terry Fox Theatre March 26 & 27, please check website Let’s all go to the 3-ring musical circus! Filled with magic, movement and classic miniatures from the Tiny Tots Series. Let Your Music Shine with Linda and Lisa, children’s entertainers. Be sure to check the website for times and venue. Adults $15 and children $7. 604.876.3434 vancouversymphony.ca What’s That Bird? VanDusen Botanical Garden March 28, 10am-noon or 1pm-3pm Take a walk around the Garden and learn about the birds that make VanDusen their home. Build your own recycled bird feeder to attract your own feathered friends this spring! Price: Member Family $10, Non-Member Family $15 (includes admission to the Garden). One-time bursaries are available for families with limited resources. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Appropriate for families with children ages 5 to 11 years. Pre-registration required. 604.718.5898 | vandusengarden.org The Great A-Mazing Egg Hunt VanDusen Botanical Garden April 3, 10am-noon Sponsored by Purdy’s Chocolates. For families with children ages 3 to 11. Meet Mr. Bunny and Purdy’s Philbert the Hedgehog. Participate in crafts and hunt for eggs in and around VanDusen’s Maze. Pre-registration required. Registrations accepted March 1–19 only. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For details, prices and to register check the Events Calendar on VanDusen’s web site or contact melissa.hume@ vancouver.ca . Sorry no phone calls please. www.vandusengarden.org

Want WestCoast Families at YOUR event? Call 604.249.2866 or email admin@westcoastfamilies.com us to receive free delivery of our magazines to your family event!

February / March 2010

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last look

Learn a Little Here,

Learn a Little There…

A Paddling of Ducks: Animals in Groups from A to Z written by Marjorie Blain

E is for Ethics

Parker, illustrated by Joseph Kelly

by Ian James Corlett

Featuring groups of animals from an army of ants to a herd of zebras, this book takes young children on a wildly imaginative tour through a zany animal kingdom. Each group of animals is described using a collective noun (for example, a skulk of foxes, a nest of vipers, a labour of moles). Joseph Kelly’s richly detailed illustrations show animals engaged in gently surreal play on a summer day in various park-like settings. Young readers will revel in the visual jokes and puns on every page. For ages 4 to 7. SRP $18.95.

It’s fairly easy to find a book that teaches the ABC’s or 123’s, but teaching children ethics, values, and morals has always been more challenging for parents. Corlett, an award-winning children’s TV writer from Vancouver, was inspired to write this book as he and his wife grappled with how to instil core morals and ethics in their two young children. Armed with years of children’s television experience, a seasoned knowledge of how children and parents interact, and a knack for lively storytelling, Corlett offers an inventive, whimsical book to help parents navigate important issues of ethics and morality that all kids are sure to enjoy as they learn. SRP $24.99.

Sunday in Kyoto

The Mischievous Mom at the Art Gallery

by Gilles Vigneault, illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch

by Rebecca Eckler and Erica Ehm, illustrated by Carrie Hartman

This book/CD combination from award-winning Montreal publisher The Secret Mountain features the songs and story of Gilles Vigneault. The 14 new songs by Vigneault, who is one of Canada’s central music figures, are performed by artists including Patrick Watson, Coral Egan, Ndidi O, Thomas Hellman and Gilles’ daughter Jessica Vigneault. Deeply rooted in Canada’s history, Vigneault’s songs evoke his love of nature, culture and travel and are imbued with natural imagery as well as multinational characters and settings. The title track tells the story of a Cajun musician who lives with his Japanese partner in Kyoto, enjoying Sunday afternoon jam sessions with friends from far away places, while other songs are educational, with counting and spelling in several languages, including English, French and Japanese. SRP $22.95.

Finally, a picture book for the Starbucks-armed, BlackBerrychecking, gym-going urban mother—who makes a point of including her two children in her always hectic life. At five o’clock, when Mom gets home, everything changes for Jessie and Josh. Their mother is mischievous, curious, adventurous, and freespirited. In The Mischievous Mom at the Art Gallery, Mom takes her children to a swanky art gallery party. Although Jessie and Josh think standing around looking at art on a wall is B-O-R-I-N-G, they quickly learn otherwise. Nothing is ever really boring when Mom is around–especially when a “Do Not Enter–VIPs only!” sign beckons. Behind that door is a world of adventure just waiting to be discovered. SRP $19.95.

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s p m a C r e m m u S YMCA Spring &

Langara Family YMCA 604-324-9622

YMCA Camps 604-939-9622

YMCA Child Care 604-294-9622

Registration is now open!

www.myymca.ca

All Spring Break Camps will operate March 8 – 12th, Child Care Spring Camps in Richmond will run on March 22 – 26th.

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