May Events

May 1–7

Celebrate Youth Week
Youth Week is an international celebration of youth held annually during the first week of May. It is a week of fun, interaction and celebration intending to build a strong connection between young people and their communities and to profile the issues, accomplishments and diversity of youth across the province.

www.bcyouthweek.com

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Saturday, May 1

Fingerling Festival
Port Moody Ecological Society
11 am–3 pm (admission: free)
Noons Creek Hatchery and Port Moody Rec. Centre, 300 Ioco Road, Port Moody

• Help us release about 35,000 young chum salmon into Noons Creek so they can begin their journey to the ocean
• Lively family music by Bobs and Lolo—back again by popular demand!
• Raffles for signed Robert Bateman print and other great items
• Crafts, food, and games—fun for all ages
• Informative and interactive displays showcasing streamkeeper groups, naturalists and other community organizations that are working towards preserving and protecting our natural heritage
• Walk, run, bike, carpool or take transit—parking is limited

For more info, call hatchery at 604-469-9106
www.noonscreek.org

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May 1 & 2

Artists In Our Midst
Artists In Our Midst presents Art Walk on May 1 & 2, Vancouver Westside. Artists In Our Midst is celebrating it’s 18th annual with new works from 52 artists in a variety of medium such as oil, clay, photography and more. Maps are available on the AIOM website and in Westside libraries.

www.artistsinourmidst.com

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Sunday, May 2

The Walk for Kids Help Phone
Get outdoors with your friends and family, participate in fun activities, and help support Kids Help Phone - CanadaÕs only free, 24-hour, bilingual and anonymous phone and online counselling, referral and information service for children and youth. Every dollar raised goes directly to Kids Help Phone to ensure that professional counsellors can be there, 24/7, to provide the support and hope kids need and deserve.

To register go to www.walkforkidshelpphone.ca/

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Wednesday, May 5

3rd Annual Youth Week Gala
Join Westside Youth to celebrate BC Youth Week with Food, Photos, Music, Prizes, friends & neighbours. Check out what’s happening with youth in your community.

6:00–8:00 pm
Kits House Hall, 2305 West 7th Ave.

www.bcyouthweek.com

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May 5–11

Goldfish & Joe Fortes Maternity Clothing Drive
The clothing drive partners with Vancouver Native Health Society’s Sheway Program and hopes to aid moms and help some of Vancouver’s most underprivileged and in-need women such as moms and moms-to-be who need maternity clothing but simply cannot afford it.

Donations of gently used or new maternity clothes can be dropped off at Goldfish Pacific Kitchen, 1118 Mainland Street in Yaletown or Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House, 777 Thurlow Street.

Vancouver Native Health Society’s Sheway Program provides comprehensive health and social services to women who are either pregnant or parenting children less than 18 months old and who are experiencing current or previous issues with substance use. The program consists of prenatal, postnatal and infant health care, education and counseling for nutrition, child development, addictions, HIV and Hepatitis C, housing and parenting.

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Saturday, May 8

Tacos for Trey
‘Tacos for Trey’ is a family friendly Mexican Fiesta that raises money for Hunter Syndrome (also known as MPS II), a rare and degenerative disease that can significantly decrease quality of life and life span.

Balloon Twisting. Face Painting. Crafts. Live Entertainment. The most fun your kids will have with philanthropy this year. Plus a raffle and silent auction for the grown ups. And great food for all.

Lynn Valley Elementary School, North Vancouver from 3:00-6:00pm.
By donation.
www.treypurcell.com

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Wednesday, May 12

Craft It with Wool
Craft It with Wool at the Surrey Museum today from 1:30-3:00pm. Preschoolers enjoy hands-on fun as they learn about how cloth was made in the old days. Activities include weaving, spool knitting and felting.

Must pre-register by calling 604-592-6956.

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Thursday, May 13

May Concert @ the Library
The Ambleside Orchestra Brings Music for Spring to the Library
The Lynn Valley Main Library invites the public to join nine members of the Ambleside Orchestra—the North Shore's community orchestra—for a chamber music concert on Thursday, May 13, at 7:15 pm.

Enjoy uplifting selections written by two of the best-loved classical masters, Beethoven and Mozart; as well as lyrical melodies composed by Fritz Kreisler, an Austrian-born violin virtuoso and composer.

The Ambleside Orchestra has served the North Shore for 18 years. The orchestra offers talented local musicians an opportunity to explore the orchestral repertoire and the public an opportunity to hear orchestral music close to home at no cost, or by donation.

Program
Serenade (Opus 25) for Flute, Violin and Viola - Ludwig von Beethoven
David Carter - violin, Penny Long - viola, Dorothy Fairholm - flute

Two Melodies - Fritz Kreisler
Aryo Nazaredeh - violin, Pat Muldowney - piano

Flute Duets from The Magic Flute, K. 620 - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Dorothy Fairholm and Nancy Pow - flute

Quintet for Clarinet and Strings, K. 581 - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Doug Arnold - clarinet, David Carter and Betty Prentice - violin,
Penny Long - viola, Marc Kaiser - cello

WHEN: Thursday May 13th; 7:15 pm–8:30 pm
WHERE: Lynn Valley Main Library, Community Meeting Room, 1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver
Everyone welcome; Free.

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Saturday, May 15

Stringing Zithers 
The Vancouver Chinese Instrumental Music Society and Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Classical Garden would like to invite you to our exciting new concert Stringing Zithers. Come out and witness a display of technical mastery on traditional instruments and experience the new sounds of contemporary music on zithers.

A concert for all audiences, The Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble will showcase an innovative collection of Asian zither instruments. 

Representing the Zither family from China, the guzheng will lead the Koto from Japan and Kayagum from Korea, in displaying a stimulating multicultural collaboration of traditional and contemporary music. The night’s program will include solos that demonstrate technical skills developed from lifelong training as well as exhibiting the musical brilliance created when the instruments play together.

This concert will feature our very own guzheng player from the Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble, Wei Li. He is the first Chinese instrumentalist to be nominated for a 2009 Grammy in performance. Wei Li will be bringing the stringed zithers to life with Guest performers Kozue Matsumoto on koto and Grace Jong Eun Lee on Kayagum and accompanied by our talented ensemble on erhu and ruan.

Musicians:
Ji Rong Huang on Erhu (Chinese Violin)
Qing Chang on Ruan (Chinese Lute) & San Xian (Chinese Chordophone)

Featuring:
Wei Li on Gu Zheng (Chinese Zither)
Grace Jong Eun Lee on Kayagum (Korean Zither)
Kozue Matsumoto on Koto (Japanese Zither)
Dr. Jan Walls as Master of Ceremony

Saturday, May 15, 2010, 7:30 pm 
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
578 Carrall Street (at Pender)
Tickets at the door $15 general/ $10 student and senior
Order tickets online at ticketstonight.ca
or at Kamsing Arts at 1570 - 4380 No.3 Road, Richmond, (604) 279 9728
or call our office at 604 683-8240

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Sunday, May 16

Explore Sundays at the Vancouver Maritime Museum – noon to 4 pm
Explore Sundays are an opportunity to take part in a special guided visit of a unique part of the Museum not normally open to the public. The Museum offers two different Explore Sunday tours – a guided tour of the engine room and main hold of RCMP Arctic Schooner St Roch and an opportunity to peek inside the submersible Ben Franklin and learn about its important mission to study the Gulf Stream and its connection to manned space flight. Tours are offered from noon to 4 pm and are included with admission to the Museum.

• St Roch engine room tours will be offered on June 20, July 25 and August 22
• Submersible Ben Franklin program will be offered on May 16, July 18, August 15

Visitor information, 604-257-8300 or
www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com

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Monday, May 17—Monday, May 24

The Vancouver International Children’s Festival
The Vancouver International Children’s Festival is on until May 24. Jam-packed with music, theatre, dance, storytelling, puppetry, circus arts and much more, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival embodies the buoyant spirit and endless curiosity of children all over the world.

Visit www.childrensfestival.ca for the full line-up and schedule.
Tickets available at ticketmaster.ca

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Saturday, May 22

Adoption 101 Workshop
This full day workshop is chock full of info about all your adoption options in BC. Come learn the basics and some key issues as you grow your family through adoption.

9 am–3 pm
AFABC Office, Burnaby
Cost: $70 per person, non-members $60 per person, AFABC members.
Register online at www.afabc.eventbrite.com
For More Information: www.bcadopt.com

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May 25 and every day!

The Greenheart Canopy Walkway
The Greenheart Canopy Walkway is located within the UBC Botanical Garden, this aerial walkway spans over 300m allowing guests a rare and unique adventure. Visitors walk from platform to platform along a suspended boardwalk, rising to heights of up to 17.5m to view the forest. Tours are on the hour and knowledgeable guides discuss the importance of the forest, tree species, native uses of plants and lots of interesting facts for kids.

www.greenheartcanopywalkway.com

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May 27th to May 30th

CIRCUSWEST PRESENTS
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
This year the world came to Vancouver. In May, CircusWest brings you to the world in a unique circus adaptation of Jules Verne’s  Around the World in 80 Days. Join CircusWest performers as they embark on a magical journey flipping, flying and flirting with gravity across the globe to London, Paris, Barcelona, the Taj Mahal in India, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Japan and Canada.  This original show was created by CircusWest's Artistic Director Jay Nunns.
 
Watch Phileas Fogg’s adventures as he traverses the globe and meets unique cultures along the way.  See lands where exotic performers dazzle their audiences with awe inspiring feats and heart pounding circus skills.  Don’t miss the adventure!
 
Tickets are $18 adult, $15 students and seniors, $12 youth (18 and under) and $8 school group rate.  Tickets and information: www.circuswest.com or (604) 737-7408.
 
CircusWest is fresh from performing at the Olympics, where two of our coaching staff, Lindsay Hamilton and Karl Pazdernik, were part of the aerial team that performed at the Opening Ceremonies.  CirKids students also entertained huge crowds twice a day at Robson Square, and Granville Island.

May 27–30, at 12:45 and 7 pm
Matinee only on May 30 at 12:45 pm
PNE Gardens (East Hastings at Renfrew Street)

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May 28—May 30

EAT! Vancouver
EAT! Vancouver is on until May 30 at the Convention Centre and features over 250 exhibit booths and numerous exciting pavilions, stages and cooking competitions including: BITE of Vancouver Restaurant Pavilion; Wine, Beer and Spirits Tasting Pavilion; Dairy Farmer’s of Canada Cheese Seminars and more.
www.eat-vancouver.com

BOOK SALE
Come one, come all to this amazing book sale at Lynn Valley Main Library! Books and AV materials ranging in price from 50 cents to $2. Don't miss the Sunday special―everything 1/2 price. You can get a bag of books for $5 and a box of books for $10 on Sunday, too. Bargains galore for all bookworms!

This book sale is hosted by the Friends of the North Vancouver District Public Library, a dedicated group of volunteers who work to support and enhance our public library services and programs within the community. For more information on becoming a Friend, please go to www.nvdpl.ca/about/friends

DATES:
Friday, May 28–10:00am to 7:00pm
Saturday, May 29–10:00am to 4:00pm
Sunday, May 30–12:00pm to 4:00pm

Proceeds from the sale will to go to the ever-popular children's Summer Reading Program. Please bring your own bag to carry your purchases.

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Saturday, May 29–August 28

Pirates! Blocks & Buccaneers
Pirates! Blocks & Buccaneers on until August 28. Ahoy, pirateology fans! Set sail on the high seas of the Surrey Museum for a swashbuckling adventure of villainy, plunder, buried treasure and swabbing the deck.

LEGO™ creations built by the Vancouver LEGO™ Club showcase the world of pirates, from their ships, treasures, famous battles and weapons to their dress, possessions, grub and legends. Grab your hook and eye patch and join our pirate crew.

604-592-6956
www.heritage.surrey.ca

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May 30

International Dance Arts Spring Recital
The Academy of International Dance Arts Spring Recital with guest artist, Arassay Reyes of So You Think You Can Dance Canada ― offers a diverse performance of classical ballet and international dance genres and music.

7:00 pm
The Norman Rothstein Theatre, 950 W. 41st Avene, Vancouver
Info/Draw for free tickets: 604-327-9313  
www.academyofinternationaldancearts.com

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Ongoing Events

Feature Exhibits at the Vancouver Maritime Museum

We Stand on Guard for Thee: Canadian Naval Centennial – March to September 2010
A new exhibit at the Museum recognizes and honours the Royal Canadian Navy’s centennial in 2010. The exhibit draws on the personal collection of war artist, John Horton. The exhibit also includes pieces from the Everett Family Maritime Art Collection including large oils by British artist L. Wilcox and group of seven painter, Arthur Lismer. The exhibit is supplemented with some rare vintage artifacts including the rare and unusual Mark IX torpedo. This WWII piece of technology weighs in at half ton and measures over 25 feet long and was the weapon that defined the battle at sea, responsible for over 70% of the ship losses during WWII. It was also the weapon that defined Canada's role in the war, namely the Battle of the Atlantic. Among the numerous ship models on display will be a large scale replica of a German U-boat 203.

Studies in Sea Ice by Roberta Holden – April to August 2010
Focusing her camera on the extraordinarily complex and dynamic qualities of the frozen ocean, Studies in Sea Ice by Roberta Holden is a work of colour archival prints taken by helicopter between the communities of Ummanaq and Nuussuaq on the northwest coast of Greenland – a region that has undergone a dramatic warming trend over the past ten years – as part of her Artist in Residency at the Upernavik Museum in Upernavik, Greenland in March 2009. This exhibit opens in the J Torben Karlshoej (Teekay) Gallery at the Vancouver Maritime Museum on April 10, 2010.
www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com

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Movies for Mommies
Movies for Mommies runs at The Rio Theatre every second Wednesday.
Doors open at noon. Movies starts at 12:30.
www.moviesformommies.com

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The Young Naturalists Club of Stanley Park
This monthly activity is a chance for children (with their parents) to enjoy two hours of nature exploration and hands-on fun. Activities include hiking, games, wildlife observation, outdoor art, and more! We meet on the first Saturday of every month, from 10 am to noon. Call (604) 718-6522 to register, or email ync@stanleyparkecology.ca Cost: $15.00 per family per year. Pre-registration is required.

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Science World
Engage your mind and uncover the mysteries of everyday science through interactive displays, hands-on experiments and live demonstrations at Science World.
Visit www.scienceworld.ca

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Vancouver Aquarium
70,000 amazing creatures await you at the Vancouver Aquarium, including sea lions, beluga whales, sharks, and dolphins. Check out the new Exploration Gallery at the Vancouver Aquarium.
Visit www.vanaqua.org
or call 604/659-FIS

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Vancouver Public Library
Delve into a mystery or go on a swashbuckling adventure. Wonderful lands and interesting characters await you in a book. Head down to the Vancouver Public Library and check something out.
www.vpl.ca

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Kid’s Market at Granville Island
Head down to Granville Island and check out the Kids’ Market.
604-689-8447
www.kidsmarket.ca

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H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
Visit the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and soar to adventure in the Virtual Voyage Simulator ride, experience the Planetarium GroundStation Canada and the Cosmic Courtyard.
604-738-7827
www.spacecentre.ca

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Burnaby Family Place

Located in North Burnaby @410 Clare Ave. (One Block East of Sperling and Hastings) Offers drop in playtime for parents and caregivers and their children from 0 to 6 years. The hours are 10am to 2pm Monday thru Thursday. Call ahead for summer schedule. The coffee is on, so come and meet some new friends in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Small drop in fee, but exceptions always made. Everyone welcome. Call Kelly at 604-299-5112 for more info.

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Telly TV

Check out Telly TV every day from 7 – 11 am and Kid Zone Live weekdays from 3pm - 6pm, both on Knowledge Network television. Visit www.knowledgenetwork.ca for more information, interactive games, activities and more

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Sunset Community Centre

Sunset Community Centre is offering a variety of programs for all age groups.

Children's programs include: Kinderplay, ABC's & 123's, Tunes for Toddlers, Rhymes & Rhythms, Creative Movement, Playgym, Start with Art, Cartooning, Jazz Dance, Piano and Voice lessons, Gymnastics, Taekwondo, Wushu, Badminton, Soccer, and Skating. Summer Daycamp information is now available! Adults: We have Playcare: let us entertain your preschooler at our Playgym M/W/F 10-11:30 am while you visit our Fitness Centre or take part in a step class.

Adult programs include Fitness, Body Ball, Pilates, Yoga, Sports, Martial Arts, Dance, Drumming, Piano and Voice lessons. Adult workshops include Garden Art, Gardening & Scrapbooking. Sunset Community Centre is located on East 51st Ave between Fraser & Main St. in Vancouver. Free parking behind the centre.

To register call 718-6505. www.mysunset.net

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Single Mothers’ Support Group

A free of charge group which provides single mothers with an opportunity to network, learn parenting skills and access community resources. Come and share your thoughts about being a single mother. The group takes place on Mondays from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the New Westminster Family Place. Call Monica at 604-525-9144.

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Alcan Children’s Maritime Discovery Centre

Offers hands on displays where kids and the young at heart discover the maritime world – all designed for fun. At the Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden Avenue In Vanier Park. Visitor information: 257-8300 www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com

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Getting Ready to Read

This program is offered at Thompson, Steveston and East Richmond (Cambie) community centres in Richmond. The program includes many reading readiness activities together with picture books, poetry, felt stories, songs and puppets. Each session features an interesting theme and literacy activities appropriate for four and five year olds. Presented by a B.C. certified teacher. For more information call: 604-276-4300.

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Just Dance: Dance Globally, Connect Locally

Popular Just Dance offers an innovative “positive party” community event for all ages (including many children and teens), and is free from alcohol and smoking. Its unconventional focus is on clean and healthy fun with the profits donated to local charities. Part of Just Dance’s 14-year success is due to the eclectic selection of world music including African, Drumming, Latin, Celtic, Pop, Global Fusion and many more.

When:  on most 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month
Cost: $10 at the door- Children are FREE!
Location: 2114-West 4th Avenue (at Arbutus)
Just Dance: 9:00pm till 12:30am.
Information and Multimedia: www.justdance.ca

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