Around town BC . . .

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Greater Vancouver . . .

Moms & Little Ones at Hycroft

Join in for a child-friendly coffee break at the Hycroft Mansion, 1489 McRae Ave., Vancouver, Thursday, May 7, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Enjoy connecting with other moms while your little ones play in the spacious downstairs ballroom. Coffee and refreshments will be provided for moms; please bring snacks, drinks and toys for your children. This event is limited to 15 moms so please RSVP to melanie@fit4two.ca and let her know how many children you are bringing. This event is open to members and non-members. Dress is casual. Free parking on the crescent.

Move for Health Day

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.

Mindful Eating for Babies and Toddlers

We all need to eat each day - and our children need to eat meals and snacks every few hours. Each feeding is an opportunity to practice mindfulness, to build a positive feeding relationship, to secure attachment and ground the family. Join nutritionist Victoria Pawlowski for an inspiring and practical discussion about how and what to feed your baby in a way that makes sense, Friday, May 8, 10 a.m., the new Whole Foods Market at Cambie and Broadway in Vancouver. Additional times are Friday, June 5, 2 p.m., and Friday, June 19, 10 a.m. Cost is $5. Preregistration required. E-mail vanessa.pratt@wholefoods.com.

Mother's Day tea

Marpole Place, 1305 West 70th, Vancouver, is hosting a special Mother’s Day tea, Friday, May 8, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $4. Register by calling Tyler at 604-266-5301.

Sustainable living expo

Find out all you need to know about living green in Vancouver at EPIC: The Vancouver Sustainable Living Expo, Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 10, the new Vancouver Convention Centre.

Green your home for little ones

Curious about the hype and research on chemicals in our homes? But want to avoid the stress, guilt and consumer pressure that usually comes along with it? Let MamaMaven presents an informative two-part workshop Healthy Home: Greening Your Home for Little Ones, Saturday, May 9 and Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m. to noon, Dunbar Community Centre in Vancouver. Find easy cost effective alternatives to create a healthy space for your family keep our growing little ones out of the chemistry lab. Register directly with the community centre at 604-222-6060. More info at www.mamamaven.ca.

Dandelion KIDS opens in Pomo

Drop by dandelion KIDS’ new location in Suter Brook Village, 1-104 Morrissey Rd., Port Moody, for their grand opening celebration, Saturday, May 9, noon to 4 p.m. Super giveaways, lemonade and more.

Green our greenway

Join in for a community environmental celebration, Saturday, May 9, 1 to 4 p.m., on the Serpentine Greenway, just of off 68th Avenue and east of 125 Street, Surrey. Enjoy live music and storytelling and learn about way you can green the Serpentine Greenway. Event is free.

Mommy make over

Little Earth, 2643 East Hastings. St., Vancouver, is hosting a mommy make over day, Saturday, May 9, noon to 4 p.m. there will be a professional make up artists, hair stylist and massage therapist on hand. To book an appointment call 778-737-7004 or email info@littleearthvancouver.com.

Spring fair

Sir Richard McBride Annex, 4750 St. Catherines St. (St. Catherine's & East 32nd Avenue), in Vancouver hosts its annual spring fair, Saturday, May 9th, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join in for games, barbecue, flea market, used book sale, silent auction and entertainment by Morris Dancers. Fun for kids include a bouncy castle, face painting, henna tattoos and a cupcake walk and more. All proceeds raised will support the school's fine arts enrichment program and playground fund.

Poco May Day parade

Join in for the May Day fun with the Rotary May Day Parade, Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m. in Port Coquitlam. For the parade route, visit the Rotary’s website.

Haney Farmers’ Market

Saturday, May 9, it’s the kick off of the Haney Farmers’ Market, which will run every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., until Oct. 10, in Memorial Peace Park, Maple Ridge. Visit www.haneyfarmersmarket.org for more information.

Stone Soup Festival

Celebrate the global food community with the Stone Soup Festival, Saturday, May 9, noon to 5 p.m., Britannia Community Centre grounds, 1661 Napier St. at Commercial Drive in Vancouver. Enjoy food, art, music, and much more.

UBC perennial plant sale

Buy some wonderful plants for your garden at the UBC perennial plant sale, Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Botanical Garden parking lot at UBC in Vancouver. Admission is by donation. For more details, visit the UBC Botanical Garden online.

Fort Langley flea market

Drop by the Fort Langley flea market, Saturday, May 9, 9 am.. to 3 p.m., St. Andrew’s United Church, 9025 Glover Rd., Fort Langley. Admission is $2 per adult and kids are free. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, barbecue, games and events for the kids, and the chance to pick up some new and used items.

Children’s fest preview

Saturday, May 9, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., get a sneak peek of the Vancouver International Children’s Festival when Granville Island’s waterfront Market Square will come alive with Vancouver’s new marimba youth troupe, Tambai, the Tickle Trunk Players, and Chris Hamilton & the Sticky Jam Band plus face painting and more. Also get a taste for the festival at Aberdeen Centre, 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond, 1 to 4 p.m. Free performances by CirKids, crafts, face painting and more. For more information, visit www.childrensfestival.ca or call 604-708-5655.

Tea for mom at the farm

Take mom out for a special Mother’s Day Tea at London Heritage Farm, 6511 Dyke Rd., Richmond, Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sea to Sky heritage fair

The North Vancouver Museum and Archives present the annual Sea to Sky Regional Heritage Fair, an entertaining and educational family-oriented free fair, Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For all the details, visit online.

Mother’s Day dance

Bring the whole family and celebrate Mother’s' Day with a dance and silent auction, Saturday, May 9, 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., West Vancouver Masonic Hall, 1763 Bellevue Ave., West Vancouver. Event raises money for Partners in the Horn of Africa. For more information about the dance, visit www.mothersdaydance.org.

March for child care

Local Vancouver mom Charlene Kettlewell is organizing a march to bring to light the issues parents face in finding affordable, quality childcare, Saturday, May 9. Meet up at 10:30 a.m. at Charleson Park Playground, False Creek South in Vancouver. March starts at 11 a.m. and will proceed east to Cambie Street Bridge, north over Cambie Street Bridge and west to David Lam Park in Yaletown (around 11:50 a.m.). There will also be face painting, balloons, music, prizes, free Mother's Day gifts and more. Q&A regarding childcare with Damian Kettlewell, deputy leader BC Green party and MLA candidate Vancouver False-Creek will be held at the park in Yaletown.

Nature tea party

Treat your mom to a special nature tea party at the Surrey Nature Centre at Green Timbers, Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. to noon. Decorate cookies, and enjoy a cup of tea in the forest as a family. Event is free.

Abby farm and country market

Enjoy the riches of the Fraser Valley at the Abbotsford Farm and Country Market, Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Montrose north of George Ferguson Way. Market will run Saturdays until early October.

Mission farmers’ market

Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., drop by the Mission City Farmers Market, Lane Creek Park (beside the library on 2nd Avenue).

Kids Market Mother’s Day events

Granville Island’s Kids’ Market hosts a chance for kids to make a free gift for mom in the art zone on the main floor, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids can paint a photo frame or ceramic for mom. Also, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., kids can pop by I’m Impressed Paper Arts to make a card for mom.

Rockin’ Kids’ concert

Join Vancouver children’s musician and educator Will Stroet and The Backyard Band for the release of Dans mon jardin, the French version of "My Backyard," on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 11 a.m. to noon, Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown. From blues to rock to pop-inspired tunes about animals, active living and sportsmanship, Will’s music appeals to kids and adults of all ages! The concert will be bilingual in English and French. Tickets: $10 each or $35 for a family of four. Pre-registration suggested. Tickets also available at the door. For tickets, call the Roundhouse at 604-713-1800. For more information, e-mail will@willmusic.ca or visit www.willmusic.ca.

Family Day at Place des Arts

Place des Arts, 1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam presents a fun Family Day with a Mother’s Day theme, Sunday, May 10, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy fun activities, high tea, stories and more.

My Mother’s Story

Take your mom to the ultimate Mother’s Day Experience, the production of My Mother’s Story: The Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary Women, Sunday, May 10, 4 p.m., Granville Island Stage. Twenty local actresses share a spoken word collage of their mothers’ stories, inviting each of us to better understand our own stories and our life as a mother today. Tickets available at www.vancouvertix.com or call 604-629-8849.

Mother’s Day tea at the Fort

Drop by the Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada on Sunday, May 10 for a special Mother’s Day Tea at 1 or 2:30 p.m. Reserve in advance or purchase tickets at the door.

Tea on the Venosta

Make plans to enjoy a Mother’s Day tea and treats on the Venosta, a 1921 renovated dining car at the Port Moody Museum, Sunday, May 10, noon to 4 p.m. Entertainment and a special treat for mom. Cost is $5 per person, $3 for children two to 10. For more information please contact Maud 604-939-1648 or e-mail pmmuseum@telus.net.

Let’s go fly a kite

Have fun with the whole family flying kites at the May Fun Fly, Sunday, May 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Garry Point Park, Richmond.

Family fun night

Help your child get ready for kindergarten with a fun family night, Tuesday, May 12, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., 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.

Children’s fest

Vanier Park in Vancouver comes alive Monday, May 11 to Monday, May 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.

Child Day

Enjoy CHILD DAY - Children’s Health Information Learning and Development Day - for all families with young children up to the age of six, Tuesday, May 12, 9 to 11 a.m., in Langley’s Aldergrove neighbourhood at Shortreed Elementary, 27330-28 Ave. Free, no appointment. Child minding, snacks and gift provided. Call Joy 604-534-1155 ext 103 or e-mail jwilson@langleycdc.com for more.

Unleash your creativity

Join Mama Renew for the first evening of their summer workshop series: Unleashing Your Creativity, Wednesday, May 13 at 7 p.m. in Vancouver. Upcoming sessions include Outrageous Living (June 15), Changing Relationships (July 27), and Creating Balance (Aug. 12). Attend one workshop for $30, or enjoy them all for $100. Learn more by visiting www.mamarenew.ca or call Sarah at 604-254-1100.

Movies for mommies

Movies for Mommies' Mother's Week screening scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, at the Ridge Theatre in Vancouver will be X-Men Origins: Wolverine, at 1 p.m. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. The screening will include special door prizes and give-aways for mom and baby. Admission is $8 for adults and $7 for seniors (grandmothers are also invited to celebrate mother's week). More information and up-to-date listings are available at www.moviesformommies.com.

Vancouver Island . . .

Moss Street Community Market

Once again the Moss Street Community Market is set up for business. The market runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., every Saturday – rain or shine – until Oct. 31, at the Sir James Douglas school yard, the corner of Moss Street and Fairfield Road, Victoria.

Victoria Tartan Parade

Head out to downtown Victoria for the Victoria Tartan Parade, Saturday, May 9, which will feature local pipe bands, highland dancers, and heavy event athletes. The parade leaves Centennial Square (Victoria City Hall) at 11 a.m. and proceeds along Government Street to the Parliament Buildings lawns. Around 11:30 a.m., the pipe bands will march and play tunes, dancers will do a massed Highland Fling, and the caber will be tossed. A haggis-hurling demonstration will also be held. The free event is in preparation for the Celtic Festival and Highland Games, May 16 and 17 at Topaz Park. For more details, visit www.victoriahighlandgames.com.

Mother's Day Garden Tour

Give mom a time out to smell the roses at the Garden City's Mother's Day Garden Tour, Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10. A two-day pass is $25 with proceeds being donated to the Victoria Conservatory of Music. For all the details, visit www.victoriagardentour.com.

Paint-in

It’s the annual Mother's Day Paint-In Celebration, showcasing more than 100 of Vancouver Island's finest artisans and crafters, Sunday, May 10, at Hatley Castle in Victoria. Check out vendors, enjoy a tour of the gardens, have lunch in the castle or on the terrace and enjoy a tour of Hatley Castle. Special activities at this outdoor festival include a variety of family entertainment, face painting and more. For more information, visit www.hatleypark.ca.

Cumberland Empire Day

Saturday, May 9 to May 19, Cumberland Empire Days are underway. For the complete lowdown, visit www.cumberlandbc.org. Village market Day festivities kick off Saturday, May 16.

Okanagan . . .

Kids Swap Meet

Join in for the Kelowna Baby and Kids Swap Meet, Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m., Boys and Girls Club Kelowna, 1434 Graham St., Kelowna. Table rentals are $10. E-mail nikebug90@yahoo.com if you are interested in a table.

Upcoming events . . . (2 *New*)

Celebration of motherhood

Enjoy a women’s evening of feasting, dancing, ritual and meditation with the Maiden-Mother-Wise Woman Gatherings for Women, Sunday, May 17, 7 to 11 p.m., Chai Gallery in Vancouver. Tickets are $30 and are available at East-Is-East or call 604-734-5881. Event is being organized by Dr. Samantha Gray of Sage Clinic.

Screenwriting for moms *NEW*

Ever feel like you’re watching your life unfold exactly like a story on the screen? Introducing Better Than Chocolate, a four-week screenwriting series presented by Nannies on Call – and created just for moms. Join in for a fun-filled month of workshops designed to inspire while helping you learn how to spin your life tales into a cinematic yellow brick road. Explore exciting excerpts on the page, simple tips to whipping off that fabulous first draft, develop an original project as a group – and get a fab BTC VIP SWAG Bag! Classes start May 19 in the boardroom at Macstation in Yaletown. Cost: $280 plus GST per session. Full schedule at www.fatrockproductions.com. E-mail classes@fatrockproductions.com to register before May 13. Only seven moms per class.

Savour with Neighbours

NOW BC (Neighbours Organic Weekly Food Co-op) presents Savour with Neighbours: a community potluck to raise funds for Food For Families Food Bank (part of CityReach Care Society in East Van), Wednesday, May 20, 6 to 10 p.m., Heritage Hall, 15th and Main Street in Vancouver. Suggested donation is $10. Enjoy live music, fun for kids, raffle, and prizes for best potluck dishes.

You’re not the boss of me

Kitsilano Area Child Care Society presents Dr. Deborah MacNamara, parent educator and counselor, and her talk You’re Not the Boss of Me – MacNamara will teach parents simple strategies on how to handle resistance in their children, and ways to trade tears for smiles, Thursday, May 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m., St. James Community Square, 3214 West 10th Ave., Vancouver. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. To reserve tickets in advance, e-mail your request to kaccs@yahoo.ca or call Margareda at 604-730-2590.

Free music classes *NEW*

Four free Music Together Phoenix Song demo classes will be offered on Wednesday, June 3 and Wednesday, June 10 at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. at Midnight Cheer Athletics (near Marine Drive and Granville Street) in Vancouver. Please RSVP to reserve space in one of these free classes as space is limited. Call 604-327-5165 or e-mail anna@mtphoenixsong.com.

Crazy Carnivale

Science World in Vancouver 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.

Barbecue in the park

Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society is hosting the annual BBQ in the Park for Brain Injury Awareness and Prevention, in conjunction with Brain Injury Awareness Month, Thursday, June 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Blue Mountain Park, 975 King Albert Ave., Coquitlam. There will be live musical entertainment, food and refreshment, information booths, raffle prizes, and lots of free activities for the kids. Pedalheads bicycle instructors will be on hand to teach kids who have their bikes how to ride safely and have a try at their “bike rodeo.” Event is free to attend with drinks, barbecue, and raffle tickets available for purchase. For more info please contact elsa@howesound.net.

Hoping for mama time this summer?

The first annual Mama Renew retreat will nurture your spirit, make room for play, allow for quiet and time in nature, and include a bounty of laughter and reflection, Aug. 22 and 23 on the Sunshine Coast. $175 includes lodging and organic cuisine. For more information, visit www.mamarenew.ca or call Sarah at 604-254-1100.

Ongoing events online . . .

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

Swap meets . . . (0 *NEW*)

Friendly Forest swap meet

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.

Huge Kids Swap Meet

Looking to sell your kids’ gear? Vendors are needed for gently used/new kids items for the huge kids’ swap meet at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 6050 176 St., Cloverdale, May 30, 9 to 1 p.m. Two buildings will be filled with baby equipment up to 10 years old. To book a table or for more information, call 604-588-9919 or e-mail mattie1995@hotmail.com.

Sales . . . (1 *NEW*)

Jack & Lola sale *NEW*

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Jack & Lola in North Vancouver with a special 10% discount off your purchase (excluding car seats, strollers and custom furniture), now until Sunday, May 10.

Jeans on sale

Fab, the premium denim store, is closing its 2177 West 4th Avenue store in Kitsilano and as a result, everything is on sale. From now until May 12, save up to 80% on jeans, tops, accessories and more.

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

B.C. archives

Anthony Nguyen turned ONE on Apr. 27, 2008! You are our sunshine, big fella! We love you so much! Mummy, Daddy, and Adam.

Happy 5th Birthday Brenna! Thank you for making our lives so much fun! Daddy, Mommy, Diane and Josh love you like crazy, with all of our hearts!!!

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