Thursday, March 19, 2009 - B.C. edition

Around town . . .

Vancouver Island | Okanagan | Spring Break | Upcoming | Ongoing | Sales |

GREATER VANCOUVER . . .

Munsch Alley

Carousel Theatre in Vancouver presents Munsch Alley, the stories of Robert Munsch, now until March 28. For show times and ticket information, visit www.carouseltheatre.ca or call 604-685-6217.

Kids club fun at Whole Foods

Drop by Park Royal Whole Foods in West Vancouver, Thursday, March 19, 1 to 3 p.m., for Kids Club Silly Face Sandwiches. On Friday, March 20, Kids Club kids get a chance to make their own sundae, 1 to 3 p.m. Free for kids club members.

Dora and Diego

Meet Dora the Explorer and Diego, Friday, March 20, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 p.m., at Capilano Mall in North Vancouver. Meet and greet tickets will be available at the lotto centre starting March 12 by donation.

Great Outdoors Show

Head out to Abbotsford for the Great Outdoors Show, Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22, at the Tradex.

Mindful eating for babies, and toddlers too

Learn about what foods to introduce to baby and how to introduce them so that you grow a good eater in a informative seminar in Vancouver presented by nutritionist and family counselor Victoria Pawlowski, Friday, March 20, 10 a.m., Cambie Capers Whole Foods, and Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m., Robson Capers Whole Foods. Seminar/tour offers parents practical, progressive, holistic food, nutrition and parenting information about both how and what to feed babies in order to develop a positive feeding relationship, conscious parenting and healthier families. Seminar is free, but registration is required. E-mail Victoria to register.

Orchid festival

The Vancouver Orchid Festival and Sale will bloom at the VanDusen Botanical Garden Floral Hall, 5251 Oak St., Vancouver, on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22. This is your chance to buy an orchid for a loved one or for yourself and add beauty to your home while giving a little TLC to A Loving Spoonful, which is a volunteer-driven, non-partisan society that provides free, nutritious meals to people living with HIV/AIDS in Greater Vancouver. Visit online for more details.

Go green

Surrey Nature Centre at Green Timbers in Surrey is offering a bunch of fun activities to help bring you out of winter, Saturday, March 21, 1 to 3 p.m. All ages and event is free. Call 604-588-6825 for more info.

New mom, baby and tot classes

Moms and best friends and joined forces to offer mom, baby and tot classes in New Westminster at the Thank You Mommy Wellness Centre, 428 Columbia St. Lisa and Caroline will be opening the doors of the new centre on Sunday, March 22, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will be holding free classes, prize giveaways each hour, offering discounted baby clothes and toys for purchase, and a grand prize draw at the end of the day. In addition, free Bikram’s Yoga classes will be offered throughout the day. For the open house schedule, visit online.

Coal Harbour swap meet

It’s the Kids’ Stuff Swap meet, Sunday, March 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Coal Harbour Community Centre, 480 Broughton St, Vancouver. All proceeds go directly to fund children programs at Coal Harbour Community Centre and help provide program subsidies for families in need.

Spirit fish project

Renfrew Park Community Centre, 2929 East 22nd Ave., Vancouver, is hosting the Spirit Fish Project, a watershed awareness and art project, where you can create your own Spirit Fish floating boat lantern, Sunday, March 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event is free.

Family fun night

Help your child get ready for kindergarten with a fun family night, Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., March 24, April 21 and May 12, in the ParkLane Room at Port Moody Library, 100 Newport Dr., Port Moody. Build important pre-reading skills with stories, alphabet crafts, and take home activities. For children three to six with parent/caregiver. Drop-in, no registration required.

Baby and me snowshoe time

Mount Seymour in North Vancouver is currently holding a baby and me snowshoe drop-in Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., until March 24. Cost per drop-in is $35 and give you a chance to enjoy a 90-minute guided snowshoe tour followed by a tea and social.

Free music classes

Music Together Phoenix Song is offering the following free music classes: Tuesday, March 24, 6:30 p.m. at Broadmoor Baptist Church, Richmond; Thursday, March 26, 10:30 or 11:30 a.m. at Panther Cheer Athletics, Richmond; Friday, March 27, 10:30 or 11:30 a.m. at St. Anselm's Anglican Church, Vancouver. RSVP to Anna King by phone 604-327-5165 or e-mail as space is limited. For more information please visit www.mtphoenixsong.com.

Baby Carriers Galore

MamaMaven presents a great workshop on everything you need to know about baby carriers. See, touch, and try the range of BabyWearing options available. Learn how to wear them and how they compare, and the benefits of wearing your baby. Workshop is scheduled for Thursday March 26, 7 p.m., Dunbar Community Centre, Vancouver. Visit www.mamamaven.ca for more details and registration info.

VANCOUVER ISLAND . . .

Pacific Rim Whale Festival

It’s the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival Various Venues - Tofino, Saturday, March 14 to Sunday, March 22, in Tofino, Ucluelet and Pacific Rim National Park. An estimated 22,000 grey whales will make the journey along the West Coast as the head to their summer feeding grounds in the Bering and Chuckchi Seas near the Arctic.

Safari Jeff and Shannon

Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21, check out Safari Jeff and Shannon’s Great Green Adventure at Nanaimo North Town Centre. Event is free.

Taiwanese puppet theatre

The Board of Directors of the Victoria Children's Museum invites you to join in for a week of performances for the first time in Canada, by The Taiwanese Puppet Theatre Company, Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad St., Victoria. For more information please call 250-886-6113.

Hobby and toy fair

Attention hobby and toy lovers! Ever wonder what happened to the GI Joe you buried in the back yard? Feel guilty about cutting off Barbie’s hair? Come delight your inner child and discover a fun day with a blast from-the-past atmosphere at the Hobby and Toy Fair, Sunday, March 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pearkes Arena, 3100 Tillicum Rd., Victoria. Check out action figures, vintage toys, LEGO, Star Wars, Hot Wheels, win prizes and more. E-mail cbtoys@telus.net for more info or phone 250-385-8697.

OKANAGAN . . .

Family fun night

Bring the family out for some free activities at Parkinson Recreation Centre in Kelowna, Saturday, March 14, 6 p.m.

Little Munsch on the Prairie

Bumbershoot Children's Theatre presents Little Munsch on the Prairie, Saturday, March 14, 11:30 a.m. to noon, Kelowna Actor’s Studio, 1379 Ellis St., Kelowna. Call 250-862-2867 for more info.

Spring break fun

Rotary Centre for the Arts in Kelowna is hosting some fun art camps during spring break. For all the details, visit online.

A magical library

Ali K. Zam! Will be working his magic with his spring break magic shows for children five to 12, at the Kelowna Library, 10:30 a.m., March 24. For more details, and to register, contact the library before Friday, March 20.

SPRING BREAK . . . *NEW*

Spring Break at Fort Langley

Let your kids enjoy spring break exploring Fort Langley’s fur trading post, March 14 to 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Play games, take a tour, pan for gold and more.

Forensic science for kids

Learn more about how the police use fingerprints, bullets, bugs, impressions or blood to solve crimes, during a spring break event, Forensic Science for Kids, March 14 to 21, at the Vancouver Police Museum, 240 E. Cordova, Vancouver.

All aboard spring break fun

Children's Farmyard and Miniature Railway at Stanley Park in Vancouver will be open for spring break everyday from March 14 to 22, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Spring break story time

Come in every morning from March 16 to 20 at 11:30 am as staff at Once upon a huckleberry bush in Vancouver will be reading through the novel Finn Family Moomintroll by Tove Jansson.

Musical fun at the aquarium

It’s Spring Splash, March 14 to 22 at the Vancouver Aquarium. Bobs and Lolo will be performing daily along with some other great shows. For the full schedule, visit the aquarium online.

Rogers Play Dome

March 14 to 21, head out to the Rogers Play Dome, where you’ll find dozens of rides and attractions at BC Place in Vancouver. Tickets available at the door.

Scavenger hunt

Burnaby Village Museum presents Scavenger Hunt: The History Myth-tery Trail, March 16 to 22, noon to 4 p.m. Admission includes carousel rides - for all ages.

Outdoor spring break fun

Metro Vancouver has fun outdoor events planned during spring break. Check out their events calendar online to find out what is happening in your neighbourhood.

Theatre festival

Head over to Granville Island March 14 to 20, for the Spring Break Theatre Festival, where you’ll find a range of entertainment for children four and up. For show times and ticket information, visit www.artsclub.com or call 604-687-1644.

Theatre day camp

There’s a Spring Break Theatre Day Camp, March 16 to 20, at the Surrey Arts Centre for children over the age of eight. Check out all the details online.

Spring break blast off

Surrey Arts Centre presents spring break blast-off Saturday, family fun with show, games and art making, Saturday, March 21. Visit online for more.

Run off to the circus

Check out the Avatar Circus Project's latest production TRYANGLE, March 12 - 15, at 1 and 7 p.m., PNE Gardens Auditorium in Vancouver. To find out more about the event visit the Avatar website.

Science World fun

Enjoy spring break at Science World in Vancouver March 14 to 22 with a range of programs planned. Check it all out online.

Kids Market spring break fun

Kids Market at Granville Island is offering a range of fun events for the kids during spring break, March 14 to 28. Fun includes ceramics, sand art, and a recycled craft workshop. For times and dates, visit Kids Market.

Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre

Celebrate spring break at the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre in North Vancouver. Great outdoor events planned March 15 to 21. Visit online for more.

Spring break at Chapters

Chapters and Indigo bookstores are offering fun free spring break events, including story time and activities. Visit Chapters online to see the schedule.

VanDusen fun

It’s Spring Break Adventures at VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, March 17 to 20. For the scheduled and registration info, visit online.

Take a break at the Maritime Museum

March 14 to 22, the Vancouver Maritime Museum will offer family crafts from 1 to 4 p.m. each day. Activities include pirate hats, flags, treasure chest maps and pirate ships. These activities are free with admission. Also during this week, the Museum has educational, fun and hands on workshops planned for kids ages three to 12.

UPCOMING EVENTS . . . (10 NEW EVENTS)

Moms and money *NEW*

Raising a family requires financial know-how and commitment, and in the current economic environment, families are being faced with new challenges to balance their lives and chequebooks. Three financial experts will provide money tips and advice on how to survive a recession and manage the evolving financial needs of raising a family at the next momcafé event on Friday, March 27, 9:15 to 11:15 a.m., at the Watermark Restaurant on Kits Beach in Vancouver. Cost is $36.75 non-members and $30.45 members (including GST). Babyvibe readers receive the member rate by simply entering code “babyvibemoney”. Onsite childcare is available for an additional fee. To register and for more details, visit www.momcafe.net.

ArtStarts Bhangra dance *NEW*

Drop by for ArtStarts on Saturdays at the ArtStarts gallery, 808 Richards St. (at Robson) in Vancouver, for a free workshop for families and children, Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Learn the dance form that has energized audiences across the world with its hard-hitting beats with South Asian Arts. This dynamic duo will get young people and their parents dancing in a fun and interactive atmosphere. No registration required. Ideal for five to 12-year-olds but all ages welcome. For more information, call 604-878-7144.

Introduction to infant care *NEW*

Nannies on Call is offering Introduction to Infant Care, an eight-hour crash course for all interested in learning more information about infants and their needs, Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nannies on Call office, 302-788 Beatty St., Vancouver. Cost is $20 for clients or $30 for non-clients. To register please e-mail Leanne Hume at Nannies on Call leanne@nanniesoncall.com or phone Leanne at 604-765-4863.

Kids’ stuff swapmeet

Help raise money for Gleneagle secondary’s aftergrad event by dropping by the kids’ stuff swapmeet, March 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gleneagle secondary, 1195 Lansdowne Dr., Coquitlam.

Douglas Park swap meet

Douglas Park Community Centre, 801 West 22nd Ave., Vancouver, is having a Children's Toy & Clothes Market (Swap Meet) on Sunday, March 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free. Call 604-257-8130 for more info.

Moms and little ones at Hycroft *NEW*

Enjoy free coffee and playtime the first Thursday of every month during the Moms and Little Ones at Hycroft. Next date is Thursday, April 2, 9:30 a.m., at the University Women's Club of Vancouver, Hycroft Mansion, Vancouver.

L’IL Rascals Kids Swap Meet

Once again it’s the L’IL Rascals Kids Swap Meet, April 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Chilliwack Heritage Park, 44140 Luckakuck Way, Chilliwack. Early bird admission is $5, and admission after 10 a.m. is $3. Children’s admission is free. To book a table (200 are available at $25 each), call Tammy at 604-858-4034 or e-mail lilrascalsswap@telus.net.

Preschool yard sale

Village Parent Participation Preschool is holding a fundraising yard sale on Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m. to noon. Lots of kids' clothes, toys, and household goods. Sale is scheduled take place at 3840 Edgemont Blvd., North Vancouver, corner of Edgemont Blvd and Capilano Rd. All proceeds will fund programs at Village Parent Participation Preschool.

Spring Kids' Stuff Swap Sale

The North Shore Mothers of Multiples is having its Spring Kids' Stuff Swap Sale, Saturday, April 4, 9:30 a.m. to noon, St. David's United Church, West Vancouver (Taylor Way at Highway 1). Admission is $2 (children free). Partial proceeds to a local charity.

Yaletown Baby and Toddler Fair *NEW*

Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., head down to the Roundhouse Community Centre in Vancouver for the Yaletown Baby and Toddler Fair.

Nanny Salon

Nannies on Call is hosting a Nanny Salon, Saturday, April 4, 2:30 p.m., Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews (at Davie and Pacific streets), Vancouver. The Nanny Salon offers families a chance to interview several part time and full time nannies in one sitting. Visit www.nanniesoncall.com for more details.

Diapering Alternatives 101 *NEW*

MamaMaven presents a workshop covering all you need to know about diapering options, looking at environmental, health, cost and convenience perspectives. Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m., at Dunbar Community Centre in Vancouver. Visit www.mamamaven.ca for more details and registration info.

Family Musik

Music in the Morning presents Rob Kapilow's Family Musik, "Casey at the Bat - Play Ball to Music!", Sunday, May 3, 3 to 4 p.m., Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC in Vancouver. Tickets available at Music in the Morning's Box Office 604-873-4612, Chan Centre Ticket Office (in person sales only), or online through Ticketmaster / 604-280-3311. For more information, visit www.musicinthemorning.org.

Move for Health Day *NEW*

Friday May 8, 10 to 11 a.m., Downtown, East Van and Westside
Fit 4 Two® Vancouver is promoting Move for Health Day 2009 by running a special Stroller Fitness Class at three different locations: David Lam Park in Yaletown, Trout Lake in East Van and Kits Beach on the Westside. Stroll over to your nearest location and join in for a full body workout on the go. Please dress for the weather and bring a yoga mat. More details at www.fit4two.ca. This event is also a fundraiser for the Pacific Postpartum Support Society so please make a minimum donation of $10. RSVP David Lam Park: melanie@fit4two.ca; Trout Lake callie@fit4two.ca and Kits Beach dee@fit4two.ca.

Friendly Forest swap meet *NEW*

Come out to Anmore for the first annual Friendly Forest Preschool Kids’ Swap Meet, Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for a day of bargains and fun. Spring Cleaning? Rent a table! This is a great way to find a new home for your gently used clothes, toys and baby/child gear. Table rentals are $20. Prefer to shop? Come shop the bargains and find some unique, quality items for your child or baby. Admission is $2/person (kids get in free). Call or e-mail Ann-Marie at 604.949.1488 or amthiele@hotmail.com for table rentals or more info. Swap meet is scheduled to be held at the Anmore Elementary School Gymnasium, 30 Elementary Rd.

Children’s fest *NEW*

Vanier Park in Vancouver comes alive May 11 to 18 with captivating performances, hands-on arts activities, roving entertainers and much more at the Vancouver International Children’s Festival. Treat the whole family to the best in music, theatre, dance, circus arts, puppetry and storytelling from Canada and around the world at BC’s number one cultural event for children and families. Visit www.childrensfestival.ca for details.

Crazy Carnivale *NEW*

Science World presents Crazy Carnivale, a family fundraiser to raise money for Science World’s Tower of Bauble, Saturday, June 6, 6 to 10 p.m. It’s a 20th birthday party for Science World. Join Science World in celebrating 20 years of igniting minds at Crazy Carnivale! and help raise money for the Tower of Bauble outside TELUS World of Science. Live music by XLR8, street entertainment, delicious food, family photos, take-home art projects, face painting, birthday games, the famous Crazy Carnivale! goody bag and more. Tickets $250/family before April 30. $300/family after April 30. Call 604-443-7500.

ONGOING EVENTS ONLINE . . .

Click here to find out the scoop on ongoing events in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

SALES . . . (3 NEW LISTINGS)

Spice up your room with great art at a great price *NEW*

We love the super sweet leather Mally Bibs that never stain. Even more, we’re big fans of their art cards. Here’s your chance to spruce up your child’s nursery at a reasonable cost. Now until the end of March, if you spend $98 at mallybibs.com, you get three FREE leather appliqué art cards! The Mally Bibs art cards are so adorable and when framed, they make for a wonderful accent to any nursery.

Billabong sample sale *NEW*

Head over to the GX Building where you’ll find the Billabong and Von Zipper sample sale, Friday, March 20, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in showroom 226 at GX Building, 1868 Glen Dr., Vancouver (across from Home Depot off Terminal Avenue). Clothing for big and little kids. Cash sales only.

Popos Ponchos sale

Popos Ponchos are offering the tutti fruity poncho for a stellar deal at $28 (regular price $46). The tutti fruity poncho is currently not available in stores. All three sizes available. Available while quantities last. Coupons not valid on this offer. Visit www.poposponchos.com.

Cool sale at Milkshaxs

Currently for the month of March just before the new spring range is released Milkshaxs is offering a $20 sale for their remaining last pieces of current stock. Visit Milkshaxs online.

HomeWorks Etc. spring sale

Save up to 50 per cent off selected scratch and dent samples at the HomeWorks Etc. spring sale, Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 6642 193A St., Surrey. Homeworks will be introducing new spring furniture and wall accessories and clearing out their 'just like new' samples and discontinued inventory including kids table and chair sets, shelves, toy boxes, wall decor and more.

Sleep consultant deal

Helen Sands, Vancouver's premier baby sleep consultant, is offering a March special discount to all new clients. Special offer is applicable for Package #1 on Helen Sands’ Services page. Please put "March discount" in the subject line and e-mail Helen at: helensands@shaw.ca or visit www.hushababy.com (not applicable with any other offers). Only 20 spaces available on a "first come, first served" basis.

Gollygeez baby clearance sale

Online baby store gollygeez baby is holding a mega sale. Save 40 per cent off all items now until March 31, 2009. Enter coupon code GGB-0940 at checkout.

Spree Fashions warehouse sale *NEW*

Every Friday, 1 to 5 p.m. Spree Fashions holds an inventory blowout warehouse sale where you can pick up great finds at super low prices on children’s brands like Trish Scully, Crib Rock Couture, Bical Grippers and more. Spree Fashions is located at 21-7228 Winston St., Burnaby.

While we do our best to inform you of great family happenings around town, event details are subject to change.

B.C. archives

Happy Birthday to Lauren, who turned three on St. Patrick's Day!! You are our lucky charm - we love you to the Moon and Back (and Alex says to Pluto and Back, because it is farther) Love, Mommy, Daddy and big brother Alex xxxooo.

The family is complete! Mum, Dad & big sister Marley have welcomed the much-anticipated Piper Jane. We loved you before we saw you, baby.

Happy first birthday Abby!! Thank you for bringing us so much joy and happiness over the last year. We love you sooooo much, love Mama and Dada xoxox.

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