Editor – North Vancouver

Welcome to the Editor’s page for North Vancouver.

This is a general admin account which allows all of us acting behind the scenes to post information, news, blog ideas, photos and submitted items through one general account.

Several section editors are granted access to this account to allow faster processing of your stories and photos, but they are all real people. There are no robots here.

Please feel free to write us a Letter to the Editor or send your comments anytime. You can contact us through this link.

- Editor C, Editor P, Editor B and Editor L

Win a Family Prize Pack to Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

WIN – a Canyon Lights Prize Pack  valued at over $50 which includes a family pass for four admission to the Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge, a Glass Blowing Gift certificate for two and a package of Festive Holiday Fudge.

THREE WAYS TO ENTER

1. Leave a comment on this story by filling out the form below (scroll to the bottom)
2. Send us an email with your full name and phone number with the title “Canyon Lights Contest” in the subject line
3. Post the phrase below on Twitter (copy and paste into your twitter account)
   RT to enter to win a Canyon Lights Family Prize Pack to @capsuspbridge from @CatherineBarr http://bit.ly/ffcCnt

The holiday season on the North Shore means that it is time for Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge. This winter celebration of light has become a very popular family tradition.

With over 250,000 sparkling lights adorning the Bridge and Rainforest in 2010, this annual winter event ensures the holidays are merry and bright. From Friday, December 3, 2010 until Sunday, January 2, 2011, guests will be treated to the ultimate seasonal sensory celebration, including gingerbread cookie decorating, seasonal music from the Holiday band, glass ornament blowing with Malcolm McFadyen and of course, the splendor of magical twinkling lights throughout the park.

Proceeds from admission will be donated to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, with a goal of raising $20,000 for the organization to support Burn Awareness Week in BC elementary schools (www.burnfund.org).

Lonsdale Quay 3rd Annual Gingerbread House Contest

3rd Annual Gingerbread House Contest

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Mike Reno to Light Vancouver Christmas Tree at Celebration

For the fourth consecutive year, tonight Vancouverites will kick off the holiday season with the annual Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at the Vancouver Art GalleryThe 50-foot Rockefeller-style Christmas tree lighting ceremony is a free event for the public to enjoy and with more than 1,500 Vancouverites in attendance at last year’s event, it is anticipated that this year’s growing tradition will have the largest turn-out yet.

The festivities begin at 5:30pm with a 10-second countdown to light up the tree commencing at 6:44pm. Entertainment acts begin with a special performance by lead singer of Canadian rock band Loverboy, Mike Reno. More details on additional appearances, the cause and the charities that will benefit from this year’s event are detailed in a news release below.

What:               The Fourth Annual Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

Date:                Thursday, December 2, 2010

Time:               5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Location:          Vancouver Art Gallery: (Georgia Street side – 750 Hornby Street)

Parking:           No parking is available on Gallery premises. Parkades nearby: Hotel Vancouver (enter from Hornby Street), Pacific Centre Mall (enter from Howe Street), Robson Square Complex (enter from Howe Street) and on street meter parking.

Appearances:   Loverboy’s Mike Reno will be lighting the tree and also in appearance will be the BC Lions and the BC Lions Cheerleaders, Vancouver Children’s Choir, Rock 101’s Bro Jake, Vancouver Giants and Santa.

NEWS RELEASE
Vancouver, B.C. – (December 1, 2010) – For the fourth consecutive year, Vancouverites will kick off the holiday season with the annual Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at the Vancouver Art Gallery – the largest tree lighting ceremony in Western Canada. A special festive performance will be made by lead singer of Canadian rock band Loverboy, Mike Reno. With more than 1,500 Vancouverites in attendance at last year’s event, it is anticipated that this year’s growing Vancouver tradition will have the largest turn-out yet.

The Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration is a free, growing B.C. tradition that embraces the true spirit of the holiday season by bringing hope and happiness, with more than $450,000 raised to date, for several charities throughout the Lower Mainland. The lighting of the 50-foot Christmas tree will  take place on Thursday, December 2, with festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m.

“We’re very excited about the growth and popularity of the Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration,” says Teresa Sutherland, head of the Vancouver Tree Lighting Celebration.“Raising more money with each passing year is a true testament that Vancouverites care about their community and it also helps to keep this evolving tradition alive, which makes this entire experience a deeply rewarding one.”

Featuring a wide variety of local and international entertainment, the ceremony will include several special performances including Loverboy’s Mike Reno, the Vancouver Children’s Choir, the BC Lions, the BC Lions Cheerleaders, the Vancouver Giants and Santa Nic will be present to engage with the crowd, while Rock 101’s Bro Jake Edwards emcees the event. At 6:44:50 p.m. the crowd of will participate in a 10-second countdown to light up the tree.

In 2007, Amacon decided to organize the family-oriented, public celebration in lieu of its annual company Christmas party. Since its conception, Amacon has been encouraging other companies to participate in replacing lavish corporate Christmas parties with a more charitable event over the holiday season.

“Our original goal was to make this celebration a charitable one; Vancouver’s version of the world-famous Christmas-tree lighting that kicks off the holidays at Rockefeller Center in New York City each year,” says Sutherland. “We wanted to create an event that would bring the city together as a whole and give Vancouver an opportunity to do something festive – I believe we have succeeded.”

Charities that will benefit from this event include: BC Lions’ Courage for Kids, Lasting M.A.G.I.C., Empty Stocking Fund, Rock 101.1 Cares, BC Children’s Hospital, VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation, Amateur Sports in BC and Canada Company.

More information on becoming a sponsor or attending the 2010 Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration can be found at www.amacon.com/christmas2010.

Stars Step Out Variety Show & Auction

The Zajac Ranch for Children is proud to be a part of The Stars Step Out Variety Show & Auction on December 5th, 2010 . Join us for a sparkling evening of entertainment, featuring acts ranging from an Afro drum ensemble and tap dance group to Jane Mortifee and the Legendary Mr. Rock ‘n Roll himself, Red Robinson as emcee.

*** CLICK HERE TO WIN TWO TICKETS TO SUNDAY’S SHOW

Purchase tickets for yourself, invite your friends and family, or gift tickets to your employees and contacts!

Tickets are $55 (including HST) and available at http://www.vancouvertix.com, or through the The Zajac Office at 604-739-0444.

With your contribution, we can help give 500 children a life-changing camp experience. With your ticket, you will see dozens of incredible acts… all in one night!

Late Addition: Leon Bibb Performance and Tribute!

Afro Jazz Drum & Dance Ensemble: Candus Churchill, Andrea Curtis, Thelma Gibson, Maree Ferguson , Beverley Munro & Shirley Ras. Thelma Gibson, recipient of The Woman of Distinction Award, presents a vibrating Drum performance with her talented group of musicians.

Ali Milner: The 19-year-old from Canada is making her mark on the indie/jazz charts delivering pure sound and amazing vocal depth, with a modern edge for a classic genre that has beendescribed as shades of Sam Cooke and Nora Jones rolled into one.

Andy Thoma: Andy Thoma’s career as a singer spans many years and it has taken him to Europe, The Middle East and the United States, as well as Vancouver and throughout B.C. He says he is very happy to be here, singing on behalf of the children.

Blu Mankuma: Well-known singer, actor, composer, and producer Blu Mankuma will surely have your feet moving to the soulful beat of his original music.

Brian Newcombe: One of Canada’s top session bassists who has won several awards and has played with such artists as Ray Charles, Boz Scaggs, Brian Adams, Paul Anka, Oleta Adams, and more. http://www.myspace.com/briannewcombe

Candus Churchill: Candus arrived in Vancouver in 1980 with rock funk group Dragon Fly. She has performed across Canada , the U.S. and parts of Japan with groups as opening act for The Temptations, B.B. King, Lou Rawls, Michael Bolton, Bobby Bland, Candi Staton, Graham Central Station, and more. She is also a founding member of The Gospel Experience which she has helped maintain for 20 years.“Churchill can belt with the best!”

Chris “The Wrist” Nordquist: This accomplished international drummer who is regarded by his peers as one of the best around has performed with countless blues legends from Big Mama Thornton to Pine Top Perkins, and was featured on Colin Jame’s juno award winning album “Naitonal Steel”.

Crystal Cote: Crystal ‘s powerful and soulful voice (think Alicia Keys and Joss Stone, but totally unique) has won her accolades, including recognition as the Best of BC artist by Virgin Radio Vancouver 95.3 for October, 2010. http://www.crystalcote.ca/

Dave Say: One of Vancouver ‘s finest sax and flute players who John Doheny said “plays so many different kinds of gigs: funk, blues, pop, etc. I think his playing acquires more depth and nuance from those influences, in the manner of the classic “old school” tenors, and it just knocks me out”.

Deborah Williams: Deborah is an insightful writer/performer/director and hilarious star of the international comedy hit “Mum’s the Word”. http://www.mumsthewordtour.co.uk

Doug Cameron: is one of the true innovators of the contemporary and electric violin and a virtuoso of the musical saw who often plays in utterly fantastic costumes. www.dougcameron.com

Ed Henderson: a music director, producer , performer, and expert guitarist who has played with some of the best bands in the business including (Chilliwack, Tangissimo, The Vancouver Chamber Choir, Ann Mortifee, The Vancouver Symphony) and composes choral music, documentary film scores, theatrical scores and much more… http://www.edhendersonmusic.com

Jane Mortifee: A well-known star of stage, screen, and television who has a successful solo career and extensive studio work as a background singer on the Tom Jones, Paul Anka, and Rolf Harris TV Series along with many others. http://www.janemortifee.com

Joani Bye: As one of Vancouver’s top studio singers, Joani’s powerful voice has been heard on albums by some of the music industry’s most popular artists such as Cher, David Bowie, INXS, and Jon Bon Jovi — to name a few — as well as on countless commercial jingles.

Kenny “BLUES BOSS” Wayne: International blues & boogie woogie Hall of Fame piano player and 2006 Juno winner. http://www.kennybluesboss.com

Leora Cashe: this world-class inspirational jazz entertainer, singer, and songwriter penetrates the audience with her velvet and loveable voice. www.leoracashe.com

Linda Kidder: Linda’s passion for for singing and song writing are evident and her credits include Rita MacNeil, Gary Fjellgaard, Bon Jovi, Susan Crowe, Connie Kaldor and Norman Foote to name a few. http://www.lindakidder.com

Nadine States: A strong singer of soul, jazz and gospel music that is entertaining for all ears.

Olaf de Shield: An internationally recognized guitarist, vocalist, and arranger who does it all from soul to jazz to pop. http://www.olafdeshield.biz

The Gospel Experience: Vancouver ‘s finest gospel singers light the room in a passionate blend of incredible songs and divine inspiration. http://www.thegospelxperience.com

Tom Arnitzen: A multi-talented, well-known Vancouver musical director, pianist, and bandleader. http://www.tomarntzen.com

Sibel Thrasher: Internationally known as a singer, actress, and honoree by B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame and Vancouver ‘s “Starwalk” Theatre Row for her contribution to community and music. http://www.myspace.com/sibelthrasher

Symone: One of Vancouver’s premier gender illusionists. A past Entertainer of the Year who’s dinner show “Dressing on the Side” sold out for five years!

The Hot Mamas: Georgina Arntzen, Julie Brown, Melanie Paul, and Mary Ella Young blend tight harmonies to create a musical mood reminiscent of the Boswell Sisters (20s), The Andrew Sisters (40s), The McGuire Sisters (50s), and more!

Voni Grindler: Director of The Stars Step Out Variety Show & Auction, who has a long list of productions to her credit as a director & producer, continues to do what she loves – directing shows that bring the worlds of music and theatre together – this time, very proudly, for Zajac Ranch for Children.

Vancouver Adaptive Music Society

About Music Saves – VAMS

The Music Saves Project was developed to create awareness of Music Therapy programs such as VAMS (Vancouver Adapted Music Society) & The Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund and the wonderful work they do to help create a level playing field for the disabled. This video is an example of how we believe that music can have an incredible positive influence in peoples lives therapeutically and creatively. Programs such as this are important to recognize and support. We believe that music makes a difference and can heal, enrich and inspire positivity and creativity.

This year, the Shore 104.3 FM team has partnered with the Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS) and The Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund for a second installment of Music Saves.

Music Saves is a music video meant to inspire musicians with disabilities by highlighting local and provincial disabled and able artists performing a new version of a well-recognized song.

In 2009, Music Saves was accredited with a number of awards including the Community Service Award by the British Columbia Association of Broadcasters and the Best Charity or Cause Related Event Award by the BC Events Award Group.

Performing Dave Mason’s “Feelin’ Alright”, Music Saves II features: Jim Byrnes (VAMS), Dan Mangan, John Mann (Spirit of the West), Odds, Kuba Oms, Adaline, Dustin and Barney Bentall, Dan Moxon (Bend Sinister), Terry Townson, Steve Hilliam, C.R. Avery, Kristina Shelden (VAMS), Wendy Bird, and Rolf Kempf (VAMS).

Please help us Spread The Word about these videos & about Musical Therapy…

To make a donation to VAMS – The Vancouver Adapted Music Society, please click HERE.

In 2009, Music Saves was accredited with several awards including, the Community Service Award by the British Columbia Association of Broadcasters, the Best Charity or Cause Related Event Award by the BC Events Award group and was nominated nationally for the same event category as well.

Founded in 1988, the Vancouver Adapted Music Society has helped hundreds of adults and children with disabilities experience the joys of creating and performing music. Former Mayor of Vancouver Sam Sullivan, a Member of the Order of Canada, was an accomplished pianist before a skiing accident left him quadriplegic. He helped start VAMS to find a way for he and others with significant disabilities to surmount the physical barriers and enjoy composing, playing and performing music.

In addition to providing the programs and equipment necessary for people with disabilities to enhance their quality of life through music, VAMS encourages the development of positive self-image and goal setting. For VAMS, accessibility means more than access to the physical environment; it means access to facets of life like cultural and creative opportunities that make life fulfilling.

North Vancouver THEN & NOW Digital Photo Contest

North Vancouver THEN & NOW Digital Photo Contest

The North Vancouver Museum and Archives is pleased to announce the North Vancouver THEN & NOW Digital Photo Contest. Create your own ‘North Vancouver: Then and Now’ photo(s) by matching a family photograph or one from the archives with one that you take yourself. Post your results on flickr. There are three ways you can participate; you may submit up to ten images.

To 
get 
ideas, 
visit 
the 
exhibit 
North 
Vancouver 
THEN
&
NOW: 
From
 Lonsdale
 Avenue
 to 
Deep 
Cove 
can
 be 
viewed
 (until 
30
 December
 2010)
 at 

Presentation
 House
 –
 Museum
 at 
209 
West
 4th
 Street,
 North
 Vancouver. 
It 
is
 open 
Tuesday 
to 


Sunday 
from
 noon 
to 
5pm.

For more information about the Digital Photo Contest, please contact Stephen Irving, Contest Administrator at nvma.thenandnow@gmail.com

Star of the Month

‘Zuza’ Earrings

This star will add brilliance to any outfit!

Hammered sterling silver earrings with square bezel-set crystals in stunning air blue opal are sure to delight. They look great with a dress, or with your favorite pair of jeans… And they make a great gift!

Visit our website to see the other “wow” colors ‘zuza’ comes in, as well as the perfect matching necklace! Price: CAD $98.

- – -

‘alchemy’ earrings

Words cannot describe the flowing elegance of the ‘alchemy’ line.

Swarovski crystal mesh (in provence lavender) moves and sways with you, and the sparkle is simply out of this world! Available in necklace, earrings, or bracelet; this set will complete your holiday look and add incredible bling to any outfit.

Make sure to watch the video above to see Susie wearing ‘alchemy’, ’cause you just have to see this one on. Visit our website to enlarge pictures! Price: CAD $72!

- – -

‘twist’ necklace

mirror, mirror on the wall…

The infinite sparkle contained in this sterling silver ‘twist’ necklace is sure to turn heads.

This wonderfully reflective, mirror-like crystal pendant is centered in a double silver chain, and will add glamour and shine to any look this up-coming holiday season.

Visit our website to see its perfect accomplice: the ‘twist’ bracelet.
Price: CAD $89

West Vancouver Live Web Cams

It’s hard to believe that it’s been ten years since we installed our first web cam here in West Vancouver. Back in 1999, networks were slow, computers were old and support services were practically non-existent. Still, it was a new and exciting era and one that we’ll never forget as we plugged them in and watched them come to life with images of traffic and cruise ships to share with the world.

Today, we celebrate a milestone as we launch the newest version of our websites and continue to bring you live images from some of Vancouver’s best locations. Please feel free to stay a while and browse the following web cam images courtesy of our local sponsors who help make it all happen.

Click here for complete list of live West Vancouver webcams.

Cypress Bowl Home to 2010 Olympics

It’s become normal for locals in West Vancouver to take their surroundings for granted because frankly, we really are spoiled rotten. Where else in the world can you go snow skiing in the morning and then hit the beach in the afternoon? Not only are both locations a mere 10 minutes away from our front doors, but with spectacular city views from up top, and magnificent waterfront sunsets at night – it’s hard not to feel like you live in the best place on earth.

So when we all heard that the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics would be hosted at our local ski hill, the excitement was hard to contain. Many of us grew up on this mountain learning to ski and snowboard and now the world is coming to our door. Planning is well underway and many improvements have been made as the good folks at Cypress Mountain get ready to welcome athletes and visitors to the 2010 Winter Olympics. 

Here’s a quick update from the Cypress Moutain website that will help fill you in on all that’s been happening. I guess the only thing to worry about now is how we’re going to keep all this good stuff a secret in the future. 

Click here for more Cypress Mountain, ski, snowboard information for Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

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