Around town BC . . .

| Vancouver Island | Okanagan | Upcoming | Ongoing |
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Around the Lower Mainland . . .

Mindful eating for babies and families

Find out more about healthy eating and introducing whole foods into your baby's world with a free seminar, Mindfully Eating for Babies and Families, Friday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m., Whole Foods at Cambie and Broadway, in Vancouver, lead by Victoria Pawlowski, Registered Dietitian and Clinical Counsellor. Preregistration with Vanessa by e-mailing pratt@wholefoods.com.

Doing it in style

Momcafe presents an inspirational talk by Cathy Thorpe, president of Please Mum and Linda Hipp, founder, president and designer of LIJA Style, who will share their tips on how they are bringing family values into the retail fashion world for women and children while being stylish at the same time, Friday, Sept. 25, 9:15 to 11:15 a.m., at the Watermark Restaurant on Kits Beach in Vancouver. Cost is $36.75 non-members - $30.45 members (including GST). Onsite childcare is available for an additional fee. To register visit www.momcafe.net/register.

Aboriginal summer fest

Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., drop by GE Plaza at Robson Square in Vancouver for the AtBC Indian Summer Festival. Celebrate the Aboriginal cultural with First Nations singers, drummers and dancers, fashion show, artisans demonstration, crafts and more.

Salmon Celebration

Science World at TELUS World of Science in Vancouver presents the False Creek Watershed Society for some fishy crafts, Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Lab A. Discover the importance of salmon in BC's ecosystems and how we can help save their habitat.

Family sing-along

ArtStarts gallery for young people’s art is offering a free workshop for families, Saturday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This month’s 45-minute workshop is Sing-Along with Michael Mitchell. He will introduce kids to Canada's rich national heritage through musical exploration of history, geography, and characteristics that make Canadians unique. They will sing along as they participate in Canadiana quizzes and other activities. ArtStarts gallery for young people’s art is located at 808 Richards St. (at Robson) in Vancouver. Cost is free and no registration is necessary. Ideal for children five to 12 years old.

Harvest fest

Drop by for the annual Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House Harvest Festival, Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House, 800 E. Broadway, Vancouver. The fundraiser and open house features entertainment, children’s games, silent auction and more.

Artists on the River

The Fraser River Discovery Centre is hosting the annual Artists on the River, Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The two-day festival is designed to encourage an appreciation of the Fraser River through artist presentations, demonstrations, kids’ activities and music. Children can create a river hat, get their hands dirty at the Fraser River Discovery Centre’s pollution model, enjoy puppet shows or paint a fish with Stream of Dreams to decorate the fence adjacent to the Discovery Centre. The centre is located at 788 Quayside Dr., New Westminster.

Apple Day

Celebrate everything apple at Historic Stewart Farm, 13723 Crescent Rd., Surrey, Saturday, Sept. 26, noon to 4 p.m. Tour the farm’s orchard, learn about different apples, taste samples and more. For information call 604-592-6956.

Geocache with the family

Explore the forest with your family and try out the outdoor activity of geocaching at the Surrey Nature Centre at Green Timbers, 14255 96th Ave., Surrey (weekend access from 9800 140th Street), Saturday, Sept. 26, 1 to 4 p.m. Learn to use a GPS unit and maneuver your way through the Nature Centre searching for hidden treasures. Create an eco-craft and play nature games too. For more information, call 604-588-6825 or visit online.

Pulse to the Podium

West Point Grey Community Centre, 4397 2nd Ave. West, Vancouver, hosts a fun, free family focused event to promote the upcoming Winter Games with Pulse to the Podium, Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Try a winter sport on the Nintendo Wii, play some games, and more.

Maple Leaf Day

Honour the beautiful trees in Surrey with Maple Leaf Day, Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., William Beagle Park, 12944 92A Ave., Surrey. Enjoy music, face painting, tree planting and more.

All Aboard!

Join train fans and experts for All Aboard!, Saturday, Sept. 26, 1 to 4 p.m., Surrey Museum. Enjoy talks, displays, swaps, crafts for kids, and more.

Healthy Home

Curious about the hype and research on chemicals in our homes? Join mamamaven for a fun interactive two-part workshop – Healthy Home: Greening Your Home for Little Ones - covering easy alternatives available to keep our growing little ones out of the chemistry lab, Saturday, Sept. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Riley Park Community Centre, Vancouver. Leave with easy solutions to plastics that you can feel good about, and where to get them, without breaking the bank. Call the Riley Park Community Centre to register at: 604 257-8545.

BC Rivers Day

Sunday, Sept. 27 is BC Rivers Day and to celebrate rivers in Canada, the Township of Langley presents a fun family event filled with activities, displays and more, Sunday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Williams Park, 6595- 238 St., south of 68 Avenue, Langley. Also celebrate rivers and more at Allco Park, 248th and 132nd Avenue in Maple Ridge, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For a list of more celebrations, visit online and click on ‘see list of current events.’

Word on the Street

Celebrate literacy with the Word on the Street Festival, Sunday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Library Square, 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver. Lots of fun for the entire family, including a kids’ tent, storytelling, family literacy tent and more. Visit www.wordonthestreet.ca for all the details.

Bellies to Babies

Expecting and new parents may want to check out The Bellies to Babies Celebration, Sunday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Croatian Cultural Centre in Vancouver. Shop from unique vendors, check out great local resources and more.

Plant detectives

Find out more about seeds and leaves with the HSBC VanDusen Family Program, Plant Detectives – Seeds and Leaves for families with children four to 11, Sunday, Sept. 27, 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., at VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver. For all the details, including registration info, visit online.

Fall fest in North Van

It’s the Lower Lonsdale Fall Festival, Sunday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 100 Block West 1st Street, North Vancouver. The free festival includes a pancake breakfast, activities for the kids, entertainment and more.

Pulse to the Podium

Coal Harbour Community Centre in Vancouver hosts Pulse to Podium for children two to 12 and their families, Sunday, Sept. 27,  10 a.m. to noon. Try a winter sport on the Nintendo Wii, play some games, and more.

Toons for Toddlers

Bring your toddlers out for a screening of In the Night Garden, Sunday, Sept. 27, 10:30 a.m., The Ridge Theatre in Vancouver. Admission is $5 for toddlers, parents and babies are free. No advance ticket purchase required just come and enjoy a morning with your kids! For more info please visit online.

StrongStart BC

Mary Hill elementary, 1890 Humber Cres., Port Coquitlam, is a location for StrongStart BC, a free, drop-in early learning program for preschool-aged children accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Qualified early childhood educators lead learning activities, including stories, music and art to help children get ready for success in kindergarten. The program usually runs Monday through Friday, 12:45 to 3:45 p.m., and additional gym times are available. Call 604-942-0264 to confirm days and times.

Around Vancouver Island . . .

Sooke family fest

Bring the family out and celebrate Sooke Family Resource Society’s 25th Anniversary Family Festival, Saturday, Sept. 26, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., CASA Building, 2145 Townsend Rd.

Vancouver Island Baby Fair

Celebrate everything baby at the Vancouver Island Baby Fair, Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Pearkes Recreation Centre in Victoria.

Around Okanagan . . .

Walk and Roll

The Central Okanagan’s annual Walk and Roll Car Free Day is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, noon to 4 p.m., downtown Kelowna on Bernard Avenue by the Sails and Kerry Park. Enjoy a car-free environment while enjoying lots of fun free activities, including music, face painting and more.

Upcoming events . . .

Environmental toxins and your health

The Canadian Cancer Society is teaming up with Toxic Free Canada to host a forum on Environmental Toxins and Your Health, Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to noon, Lecture Theatre (A1470), Douglas College, 1250 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam. Find out the truth about what to buy and what to toss when it comes to household products and your families’ health. And explore the science and potential effects of the toxic green lawns that line our beautiful neighborhoods. Mae Burrows, executive director of Toxic free Canada, will discuss how to create a healthier home and what environmental toxins should be at the top of your list to eliminate from your shopping list and cupboards. Learn why the Canadian Cancer Society is concerned about the use of pesticides on lawns and gardens, and take away practical tips on carrying for your property from natural gardener and landscaper Todd Major. The event is free but advance registration is preferred. Please RSVP to: Ashley Duyker at aduyker@bc.cancer.ca or 604-215-5212.

Community Living Carnival

Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society hosts the first annual Community Living Carnival in conjunction with October being BC’s Community Living Month, Sunday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Performance Works on Granville Island in Vancouver. The family friendly event will feature live entertainment, roving performers, carnival games, bouncy castle, sumo wrestling, food and refreshment, information booths, raffle prizes, and lots of free activities for the kids. The Tim Horton's Community Cruiser will arrive on site in the afternoon to give out complimentary Tim Bits and coffee. Everyone is invited; bring all your family and friends. The event is free to attend with food, refreshment, and raffle tickets available for purchase.

Wiggles come to town

Round up your little fans of The Wiggles as they are scheduled to perform The Wiggles Go Bananas! Oct. 9 at UBC Thunderbird Arena in Vancouver. Tickets currently available at Ticketmaster.

Writing classes for moms

The Momoir Project is a series of classes that will inspire you and get you writing. The classes are about connecting you with other moms so we can learn from each other. New fall classes are starting in September for Vancouver, Victoria and online. Reserve your space now and visit online for more details.

Reconnect with Mama Renew

Give yourself a new beginning with a Mama Renew group this fall. Join other seasoned mothers seeking to reconnect, reclaim, and find balance between giving to our families and caring for ourselves. New groups start soon throughout the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island. Visit www.mamarenew.ca to learn more, 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 . . .

Huge daycare garage sale

Help raise funds for Queen's Avenue Daycare and shop until you drop at the huge daycare garage sale, Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 529 Queen’s Ave., New Westminster.

Kidstuff Swapmeet

Pick up some gently used kids’ gear at the Kidstuff Swapmeet, Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Willingdon Centre, 1491 Carleton Ave., Burnaby. Also in Burnaby, check out the flea market over at Confederation Centre, 4585 Albert St., 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fall Children’s Market

The Children’s Hearing & Speech Centre’s parents present Fall Children’s Market, a sale of new and used baby and children’s toys, clothes and accessories, Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Children’s Hearing & Speech Centre, 3575 Kaslo St., Vancouver. Admission by donation. Door prizes.

Bits 4 Kids Swapmeet

Drop by the Bits 4 Kids Swapmeet where you’ll find everything you need for bellies to big kids, Sunday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave., New Westminster. Admission $1 (under 12 free). For info or to book a table e-mail bits4kids@shaw.ca.

Sales scoop . . .

TJ's the Kiddies Store sale

TJ’s the Kiddies Store is currently having a sale on Baby Bjorn classic carriers, Ergo Baby Organics baby carriers and other toys and accessories. TJ’s has several locations around BC. To find out their locations, visit online. Apparently they are also having a Britax carseat sale next weekend. Call the store to find out more details.

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

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Happy birthday wishes to Princess Kayla, Love you lots & lots, Mommy & Daddy

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