The days are getting longer, St. Patrick’s Day is fast approaching and the cherry blossoms are out in force. In our annual spring ritual to prolong the daylight the clocks all turn forward one hour for Daylight Saving Time before you go to bed on Saturday night. Hopefully you aren’t too fatigued by losing an hour of sleep, though, because there’s lots going on here in the V3H this week. Read on to find out more.

School District 43’s District Parent Advisory Council is presenting a workshop for parents on Social Responsibility on Wednesday, March 10 from 7-8:30pm in the Gallery Room at Winslow Centre [map]. Find out what social and emotional learning, social responsibility and social justice are all about with respect to teaching and learning in Tri-Cities public schools. Learn about some of the initiatives and programs that are being implemented, and the “Rights Respecting School” Canadian pilot project. The workshop is free, but registration is required. For more information call 604.939.3690 or email dpac43@telus.net.

The Crossroads Coffeehouse presents Tony Prophet on Friday, March 12 at the Gathering Place in Port Coquitlam [map]. Doors open at 7pm, and open mic starts at 7:30, and the feature performer takes to the stage at 9. Tony Prophet is a seasoned entertainer, great singer and a masterful guitar player who always gets any crowd involved in the fun. From his early success in country music (with three charted hits in Canada), Tony has evolved into a superior family entertainer. Admission is $5 at the door. For more information email info@crossroadshospice.bc.ca.

Classically trained vocalists Romanza take to the stage on Fridayday, March 12 at 8pm at Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. Romanza is made up of Philip Grant, Ken Lavigne and Frederik Robert, and they have been winning hearts everywhere they perform. Rafe Mair said their passionate and sensationally enchanting sound combined with their accessible style has been exciting music lovers of all levels. They are undeniable, joining in harmonies that swell and subside masterfully, charming you along the way with their obvious love of singing. For more information, or to buy tickets, call 604.927.6555.

As we mentioned in an earlier post, ArtsConnect and Douglas College are bringing you Swap-O-Rama-Rama on Saturday, March 13. It is a fabulous FREE event, and definitely worth checking out.

The Coquitlam Heritage Society is celebrating St. Patrick’s day on Saturday, March 13 at 2pm at Mackin House Museum [map]. There will be Irish dancing, special crafts for the children, tours of the house and tea. Admission is by donation. For more information call 604.516.6151.

The Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band is holding a concert and fundraiser on Saturday, March 13 from 7pm-midnight at Inlet Theatre [map]. The world renowned Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band is the official pipe band for the 2010 Olympic Curling events. The event will also feature some surprise soloists and ensembles, as well as traditional Celtic, Highland, and Irish dancing. Enjoy a night of great music, food, drink….and wine and whiskey tasting. Tickets are $20 each. For more information or to buy tickets email mp-lahti@shaw.ca or call 604.944.2311.

Another faculty concert is taking place on Saturday, March 13 at 8pm at Place des Arts [map]. Harpists Rebecca Blair and Judy Henry will perform The Emerald Isle Harp in honour of St. Patrick’s Day. Through merry tunes, soulful songs and delightful dances Blair and Henry will take the audience into the world of harp music, both old and new. For more information, or to buy tickets, call 604.664.1636.

The St. Paddy’s Day Run to benefit the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation happens on Sunday, March 14 at 8:30am. There are 1.2km and 5km routes available in this family-friendly event, and runners will meet at the Port Moody Library [map]. For more information or to register drop by the Runners’ Den or call them at 604.461.8330.

On Sunday, March 14 at 1:30 pm the Sunday Coffee Concert Series runs at Terry Fox Theatre [map]. This concert is called “St. Paddy’s Day Salute! A Celtic Celebration with trio Ballyhooley”. Ballyhooley is a dynamic Vancouver-based group of musicians in love with the Irish musical tradition. Playing nine different instruments among them, the band members delight in creative arrangements representing the many moods of Irish music which is variously raucous, stirring and hauntingly melodic. Then, after the show stay and meet the performers over coffee courtesy of Tim Hortons. For more information call 604.927.8440 or email chuiy@portcoquitlam.ca.

Award-winning family entertainer Rick Scott is performing on Sunday, March 14 at 2pm at Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. Rick’s wacky songs and human observations have earned him a devoted following around the world. Over 30 years he has released 18 recordings, including seven children’s CDs, has been honoured with 3 Juno nominations, and received a host of other awards and accolades. For more information, or to buy tickets, call 604.927.6555.

Have a great week, and don’t forget to spring forward!

There is an empty chair at Coquitlam City Council meetings these days, and there has been a lot of debate on what to do about it.

In November, Coquitlam Councillor Fin Donnelly swam up the river to Ottawa to become the new MP for New Westminster-Coquitlam. Since the last municipal election was in November 2008, it really isn’t feasible to leave Fin’s old seat open until the next municipal election in November of 2011. Now there are an even 8 people on council including Mayor Richard Stewart, and without anyone to break the tie in close votes, getting city business done becomes a bit of a pain.

That being said, the City is not exactly keen on spending the estimated $150,000-$200,000 it would take to run a by-election for the extra seat. Voter turnout for civic elections in BC is anemic at best, and with only a single seat on council on the ballot, if 5% of eligible voters turned up it would be a victory. In 2008 there were 78,755 eligible voters. 21.5% of the electorate showed up. So with roughly the same eligible voters and a 5% turnout, spending roughly $40 per vote might not be the best of plans.

The City went to the Province and asked if there were any better alternatives. Some of the options being considered are…

The Province has now told Coquitlam Council that there may be some options in the legislation beyond forking over for a by-election. This will be discussed at the Monday, March 15th Coquitlam Council meeting before they make a final decision on what to do.

If they do go ahead, a date of April 24th has been floated.

What do you think? Should the city hold a by-election, leave the seat empty, or hold a Survivor-style tribal council? Let us know in the comments.

I’m not sure if I’ve formally introduced myself. I am Amber, and together with my husband Jon, I work on the V3H. We live here in the Tri-Cities and we have two children, 5-year-old Hannah and 18-month-old Jacob.

In addition to the writing I do here on this site, I write the blog for ArtsConnect, which is a great place to find out what’s going in the local arts and culture scene. I also have my own blog at Strocel.com, where I write about my life and parenting. While I was on my last maternity leave I ran a series called Mat Leave Mondays on Strocel.com, where I wrote all about maternity leave. Along the way I became very passionate about maternity and parental leave, and the many benefits they offer to young families. I even wrote an e-book, “The Quick Guide to Canadian Maternity Leave“.

Now I will be speaking about maternity leave at the fabulous maternity and baby boutique Tiny Fingers Tiny Toes in Maple Ridge. Which is just outside the V3H, but not too far. If you ask my husband he might tell you I never stop talking about maternity leave, so I am thrilled to have the chance to share my pearls of wisdom with others. I promise, they will be pearly.

If you are interested in maternity leave, I would love to see you. Here are all the pertinent details:

Date – Saturday, March 20, 2010
Time – 10:30am
Cost – $10 per person
Location – 11997 A 224th Street, Maple Ridge (street parking only)

To register, call the store at 604-466-8637. Space is limited, so call early to make sure you get a spot. My talk will include an overview of how maternity leave works in Canada, a rundown of its history, and some discussion of the benefits parents and babies experience when they have access to quality leave. I will also address any questions that come up as best I can and coo over babies and / or expectant moms who show up. But that’s not all! Attendees also receive $10 in store credit to Tiny Fingers Tiny Toes, so when the presentation is over they can go shopping for some truly fabulous maternity and baby gear. Is there a downside? I don’t think so!

Port Moody mom of two, Kirsten Zerbinis, is a fibre artist and knitting instructor. She’s a pretty good instructor, I must say – she taught me to knit. Kirsten also dyes fibre and spins yarn for her business, Yummy Yarn, in her house around her children’s schedules. You can find her products in local yarn stores, including Black Sheep Yarns in Port Moody.

Kirsten has been an avid crafter since the age of 7, when her grandmother taught her to knit. Over the years she has belonged to a variety of knitting groups, but found it hard to attend once her first child arrived 5 years ago. And so, she has harboured a dream of starting a child-friendly crafting group, where moms can bring their kids, create handcrafts, pick up new skills and ideas, and socialize. Finally, that group became a reality when Clever Hands was born.

Clever Hands meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month in the SHARE building at 2615 Clarke Street in Port Moody [map]. The meeting runs from approximately 9-11:30am, and crafters of all ages and ability levels are welcome. Attendance is not limited to mothers of small children, so long as everyone understands that it is a child-friendly space and there may be toddler chaos. Because when you bring toddlers, like my own darling 18-month-old, chaos does seem to follow.

Membership in the group is free, and members are encouraged to share their interests and projects with each other. Each meeting has a loose theme, with room for individual interests and interpretation. The next meeting will happen on Thursday, March 18. If you plan to attend, or would like more information, contact Kirsten at yummy.yarn@gmail.com.

I am sure that I am not the only one who is still recovering from the Olympics in Vancouver. In fact, I’m certain that I’m not, because this weekend is shaping up to be a quiet one here in the V3H. However, there are still several fabulous events to choose from, so read on!

The powerful drama Jake’s Gift began playing on Tuesday, March 2 and it continues until Saturday, March 6 at Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. Jake’s Gift tells the story of 80-year-old Jake, a Canadian World War II veteran who reluctantly returns to Normandy, France, for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day to find the grave of his eldest brother who was killed in 1944. In June 2004, Julia Mackey traveled to Normandy, France, for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day. During her journey she interviewed dozens of veterans who had returned for the ceremonies. The stories they shared with Julia and her own life-long interest in World War II and remembrance were the inspiration to create Jake’s Gift. For more information, or to buy tickets, call 604.927.6555.

If you are an actor, or have acting aspirations, you might be interested in the Open Auditions for the SHIFT 1-Act Theatre Festival. The auditions take place on Friday, March 5 from 6-9pm and Saturday, March 6 from 12-5pm in the Parkview Room, which is just above Inlet Theatre in Port Moody [map]. You should arrive with a prepared monologue around 1 minute long, and be ready to cold-read a short piece that will be provided when you arrive. You can sign up for an audition online. For more information call 604.910.1199 or email nick.sartore@shiftarts.ca.

As we shared a little over a week ago, the Coast Meridian Overpass is opening. To celebrate, there will be some opening ceremonies on Saturday, March 6 from 10am-noon. It sounds like a fabulous time!

The Terry Fox Library in Port Coquitlam [map] is running three great programs this week. On Saturday March 6 from 2:30-3:30pm they present Family Pet Series – Bite Free Program: Dog Bite Safety. SPCA Educator Nina Hobbis returns to deliver this dog bite safety presentation to children that will equip your family with the skills to interact comfortably with dogs. On Monday, March 8 from 7-8:30 pm they present Writing Your Will. The People’s Law School outlines the steps to writing a will and how to avoid common pitfalls. Finally, on Tuesday, March 9 from 7-8pm they present CSI Myths: What’s Really Involved When You Work in Forensics for teens. Dr. Mark Skinner, Forensic Anthropologist and co-director of SFU’s groundbreaking Centre for Forensic Research, will discuss and demo what really happens in the field of forensics in this interactive presentation. For more information on any of these programs, or to register, call 604.927.7999.

Have a great week!

For the second year, Coastal Sound Music Academy and Evergreen Cultural Centre have partnered with Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad to present the world-class Water’s Edge festival, which runs March 19 – 21 at Evergreen Cultural Centre.

Three main stage concerts headline this year’s festival, including the internationally renowned Elektra Women’s Choir, elite vocal ensemble musica intima, and Juno-award winning musician/composer Brad Turner with a new work for jazz septet and children’s voices commissioned specifically for Water’s Edge. The main stage concerts will also include guest performances by the a cappella group, Night Street, the 65-voice Coastal Sound Youth Choir and over 75 children from Coastal Sound Music Academy.

In addition to outstanding music, Water’s Edge will also offer hands-on activities for all ages. Bring your guitar and your enthusiasm for the All Canadian Guitar Jam, join a drumming circle or participate in workshops such as lantern making, artist trading cards and pottery. In honour of the Cultural Olympiad, little ones 6 and under will be able to tumble, sing and dance at Music & Song Play or try their hand at some weird and worldly instruments at the Instrument Petting Zoo.

Water’s Edge Artist Director, Diana Clark can’t contain her excitement. “The patriotic excitement and buzz all around us is truly remarkable, inspiring and energizing. Water’s Edge Festival will bring all of this Olympic spirit to our ‘home ice’ right here at Evergreen Cultural Centre! We are thrilled.”

The free Singer/Songwriter Cafe sponsored by the School Alliance for Student Songwriters (SASS) will run both days and will be a hotbed for emerging and established artists. Musical hosts David Anthony and Jeff Huggins will move things along and a guest appearance by Port Coquitlam native David Blair (fresh from his gig at the Olympic Village) is scheduled for Sunday March 21.

In the Art Gallery, the Fraser Valley Pottery Guild’s showcase exhibition CLAY 2010, will offer the best in ceramic works by its members. Admission to the gallery is free. And as if all this isn’t enough, come down to meet Quatchi, Miga and Sumi at one of their final appearances.

Festival tickets are now on sale. Main stage tickets are $20/$18, $25/$20 at the door. A festival gate pass for all other activities is $10 and children under 10 accompanied with a paying adult are free. A limited number of EdgePasses are available for $50 (provides entry into all 3 main stage concerts and weekend events – a savings of $20!)

Celebrate spring and the final weekend of the Winter Paralympics, right here in the Tri-Cities. For a full schedule of events, event times and details call the Box Office at 604.927.6555.

Port Moody Mayor Joe Trasolini announced a $50,000 grant from the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) on February 17. The EDF is used in support of environmental legislation, helping to ensure that polluters take responsibility for their actions. Port Moody’s grant will be used for the City’s “What Swims Beneath” project.

The grant will allow the City to work with community partners to conduct fish inventories within the Port Moody Arm of Burrard Inlet. The fish inventory sites are located mainly within Tidal Park and include sub-tidal sites near Old Orchard Park and the tidal channels near Pigeon Cove.

In his announcement from Pigeon Cove Trasolini said, “Burrard Inlet is part of one of Canada’s most productive marine ecosystem and has 190 kilometres of marine foreshore. Port Moody Arm includes Tidal Park, and is recognized for its regional role in maintaining ecological health.” The area is home to numerous species of fish and waterfowl, and is an ideal rearing habitat for juvenile salmon.

In the late 1800s a fish inventory revealed that Burrard Inlet was home to many interesting fish species. Some were the first of their kind to be seen in British Columbia. However, fish inventories have not been updated, resulting in a significant gap in local knowledge of fish species in Port Moody Arm. Port Moody Council is committed to working with the community on inventory projects to better understand local marine ecology. In applying for the grant, the City partnered with Fisheries and Oceans, Port of Metro Vancouver, Pacific Wildlife Foundation, Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society, Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program, Port Moody Ecological Society, Burke Mountain Naturalists and Vancouver Aquarium.

Grant activities will include collecting and analyzing DNA samples, developing a comprehensive public education program, holding a public outreach event at Rocky Point Park and completing and distributing the inventory report.

While the Olympics wind down in Vancouver, there is still plenty to do right here in the V3H. Read on for my weekly round-up of local events to check out.

Another Family Fun Night at the Mall is happening on Wednesday, February 24 from 6-8pm at Coquitlam Centre [map]. Children aged 3 to 10 and their parents are invited to meet on the lower level in front of London Drugs and the Toy Jungle. Imagine, play and learn about construction through stories, songs, arts and more! No registration is required, and the event is free. For more information, please call 604.464.1414.

On Thursday, February 25th from 7-8pm the Coquitlam Public Library is holding a Chinese New Year Concert at their Poirier branch [map]. The library welcomes the Year of the Tiger with a concert. Members from the Arts Musical Studio will perform traditional Chinese music to welcome the arrival of spring and the Lunar New Year. Seats are limited and registration is required. For more information, or to register, please call 604.937.3221.

The always fabulous Jelly Bean Dance is happening again on Friday, February 26 from 6:15-9:15pm at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre [map]. Students in grades 4 through 6 can enjoy a night of fun-filled activities including door prizes, carnival games, a professional DJ and supervision. Tickets are available at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre or the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex the Sunday prior to the dance for $5, or for $7 at the door. For more information call 604.927.7946 or email kulhanekj@portcoquitlam.ca.

The Tri-Cities Film Challenge Screening will take place on Friday, February 26 from 7-10pm at Inlet Theatre [map]. The night will include a viewing of short films submitted to the Tri-Cities Film Challenge as well as awards for the top three entries. For more information call 778.230.0335 or email brad@cachurch.ca.

The Crossroads Coffeehouse presents the Don Kellett Review on Friday, February 26 at the Gathering Place in Port Coquitlam [map]. Doors open at 7pm, and open mic starts at 7:30, and the feature performer takes to the stage at 9. Don plays a wide variety of musical styles and over the years he has added mandolin and steel guitar to his arsenal. Don will perform some of his favourites, including some originals. Admission is $5 at the door. For more information email info@crossroadshospice.bc.ca.

On Sunday, February 28 at 1:30 pm the Sunday Coffee Concert Series runs at Terry Fox Theatre [map]. This concert is called “From Spain to Vietnam for the Young and Young at Heart”. JouTou and the Khac Chi Ensemble team up for a creative, dynamic and entertaining performance. Traveling from France to Hanoi, Vietnam and from strings and drums to rare bamboo instruments, experience abundant opportunities for musical discovery! Then, after the show stay and meet the performers over coffee courtesy of Tim Hortons. For more information call 604.927.8440 or email chuiy@portcoquitlam.ca.

Have a great week!

Having a new baby is a big adjustment. I have two little darlings of my own, and welcoming them into our family threw me for a loop – temporarily, anyway. It also left me wanting to find other new parents, who could relate to what was going on in my life. Like most moms I had a full year of maternity leave, and I wanted to get out with my babies and enjoy it. I found some baby groups and activities that helped me to do that.

Today I’m just sharing a few of the options for new parents here in the V3H. If you know of any great activities, playgroups or drop-ins that I haven’t listed, please mention them in the comments. Other new parents craving social interaction can benefit from your experience.

Library Babytimes
These free drop-in programs offer songs, rhymes and stories, as well as discussion of early literacy skills and a chance to meet other parents. The age range is from 0-17 months in Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, and 0-24 months in Coquitlam. Here are current dates at times:

Port Moody Public Library
Mondays, 11-11:30am
Thursdays, 2-2:30pm
Classes take place in the Storytelling Circle, and are cancelled on statutory holidays. For more information call 604.469.4577.

Coquitlam Public Library
Mondays, 11-11:30am at the City Centre Branch
Thursdays, 11-11:30am at the City Centre Branch
Thursdays, 10-10:30am at the Poirier Branch
Thursdays, 11-11:30am at the Poirier Branch
The Winter sessions of babytime end the first week of March. For more information call the Poirier Children’s Department at 604.937.4142, or the City Centre Children’s Department at 604.927.3561.

Terry Fox Library
Babytime (0-17 months)
Tuesdays, 10:15-10:40am, ending March 2
Thursdays, 10:15-10:40am, beginning on March 18
Free registration required. For more information, or to register, call 604.927.7999.

Runners and Booties Fitness
Local mom Lara started Runners and Booties when her own son was a baby himself. Now she offers her extremely popular Shop ‘n Stroll classes free through local malls. She also offers Salsa Babies, a Latin dance class for moms with babies in a sling or a carrier. I personally enjoyed Salsa Babies so much that I took it 3 times in a row, you should see my cha-cha-cha now. For more info on any Runners and Booties classes call 778.285.6265.

Jungle Gym Time
Seven days a week, at various times of day, the Port Moody Recreation Centre offers drop-in Jungle Gym Time for babies and toddlers aged 0-5 years. This open gym allows older babies and toddlers to play and explore on various jungle gym apparatus. Parent participation is mandatory, and fees are $2.50 per child. For more information check out Port Moody’s Happening recreation guide, or call the Rec Centre at 604.469.4556.

Gym Bugs
Babies and toddlers aged 9 months – 3 years can join in the fun at Coquitlam’s Poirier Community Centre, with gymnastics equipment, toys and other things to keep everyone busy. An instructor will be on hand to suggest skills your child can learn, and parent participation is required. Classes run on Sundays from 10am-12pm, and the drop in fee is $2.50 per session for one child or $4.00 for 2 children (with the same parent). For more information call 604.927.6046.

Playmates
Children ages 0-6 years are invited to play and enjoy the large space in the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex’s Mabbett Room. There are paper crafts, puzzles, ride-on toys and much more. There’s coffee on for the adults, too. Parent participation is required. Sessions run from 9:30-11:30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and fees are $4.25 for 2 children, and $2.25 for each extra child. For more information call 604.927.7529.

La Leche League
New moms who have breastfeeding questions find that La Leche League is a valuable resource. Volunteer leaders are available to answer questions and provide support over the telephone 7 days a week. For help anywhere in the Lower Mainland call 604.520.4623. Local moms who need one-on-one support, or who like to meet other breastfeeding moms, are invited to La Leche League Coquitlam’s free monthly meetings at the SHARE Society office at 2615 Clarke Street in Port Moody. Meetings happen the 2nd Thursday of every month, from 9:30-11:30am. Toddlers and older children are welcome, and so are expectant moms who want to get some support before their baby arrives.

For the past two years, the City of Port Coquitlam has been working on the Coast Meridian Overpass (CMO). Finally, the project that will link North and South Port Coquitlam is nearing completion, and the overpass is slated to open to traffic on Sunday, March 7. But in advance of the opening a big party is planned for Saturday, March 6. The CMO Opening Ceremonies will take place on the overpass from 10am-noon.

“We invite everyone to come out and experience the CMO for the first time on March 6,” said Port Coquitlam Mayor Greg Moore. “It’s been a long journey, but we’re finally here. Soon we’re going to start to realize the benefits of connecting North and South – getting home sooner, getting to swimming lessons or hockey games faster, better access for emergency services, and no more traffic jams on Shaughnessy Street, which will help our businesses.”

The celebration begins at 10am with a parade to mid-span from both ends of the bridge, for a symbolic linking of North and South Port Coquitlam. Other festivities include a street hockey game between Kilmer Elementary and James Park Elementary, pick-up street hockey for adults and kids who bring their own sticks, and pizza for street hockey participants from San Remo Pizza. There will also be vintage vehicles plus old and new buses and fire trucks, displays, prizes, swag, and speeches. The Tim Hortons Community Cruiser and ICBC Crash Car and Safety Bear will be on hand, and Port Coquitlam band Another Round will provide live music.

Due to limited parking and environmental concerns, event-goers are encouraged to walk, bike, use public transit or carpool. Free shuttles will be available from PoCo’s West Coast Express parking lot, and the Northside Foursquare Church (1477 Lougheed Highway) will make its parking lot available for the event. A free bicycle valet service will also be provided at the south approach by BEST, in addition to bike racks at the north approach.

Discussions about an overpass crossing the CPR yards date back to 1913, and the alignment along Coast Meridian Road was identified in regional plans in 1980. Planning for the current structure began in 2000 when Council adopted the Port Coquitlam Master Transportation Plan. TransLink announced funding in 2004, and an agreement with CPR for the overpass right-of-way was signed in 2006. Construction started in early 2008.

In addition to the four-lane bridge with sidewalks and bicycle lanes, the project also includes extensive road and intersection improvements along Lougheed Highway, Coast Meridian Road, Kingsway Avenue, Broadway Street and McLean Avenue. A new road, the Lougheed Meridian Connector, was also constructed.

This is a big project, and it is exciting to see it reach completion. Hopefully, it will live up to its promise and make getting around Port Coquitlam just a little bit easier. For more information on the opening ceremonies, call 604.927.5335 or email vincentk@portcoquitlam.ca.