Available volunteer opportunities:
December 20, Sunday
Labyrinth Build-- Find out how we construct the 700-candle labyrinth and the history behind it! Transform Gym D into a whole new space! 10am-4pm
* Light refreshments provided at lunch-time
December 21, Monday
"Solstice Operatives" Wanted!
In The House Workshops/Performance Hosts - 3pm-6:45pm (positions take place in houses off-site, must be able to help set-up tables and chairs)
Labyrinth Guide - 5pm-8:30pm or 8pm-11:00pm (striking required)
Performance Host - 5:30pm-9:30pm (setting up and striking performance spaces and welcoming guests into spaces)
Hot Chocolate Guru - 4:00pm - 8:00pm or 7:30pm-10:30pm (must be comfortable handling hot liquids, selling cookies, handling cash etc.)
Hospitality Specialist - 4pm-8pm or 7:30pm-11pm (welcome volunteers and performers to green rooms and maintain a hospitable environment for guests during the evening!)
The times are all very specific, so please make your selection carefully! Email me with your choice of position and shift. Please note that the positions are all very popular, so don't wait until the last minute to sign-up, do it now! Make it a fun-filled family event or volunteer with friends!
Orientation for this event takes place on December 17, Thursday - 4:30pm-5:30pm. All volunteers are expected to attend.
For more information, contact me directly by phone or email. Thanks!
Charlene Wee
Coordinator, Volunteer Program
Britannia Community Services Centre
1661 Napier St. Vancouver BC V5L 4X4
Tel: 604-718-5860
Fax: 604-718-5858
Email: charlene.wee@vancouver.ca
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Reminders
Potluck Lunch
Thurs. 23 November
noon
last one of the year
*********
Tree Trimming Tea
Mon. 30 November
1pm
**************************
**************************
Bus Trip
Tues. 15 Dec
Burnaby Museum for Xmas
********************************
Xmas Dinner Potluck
Thurs 17 Dec
5-830p
Sunday, November 15, 2009
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENING
It was held at the Cultch on Thursday 12 Nov. We had entertainment on stage & food for all. Gifts were given out that were donated by the merchants on the drive.
As well there was a 12 minute video of different volunteers, their views & took a few pics as you will see below.
Lisa below now only on one crutch,
Vera & Carol
Laurette in the kitchen at the AML
Virginia
Trudy & Coco
Entertainment below
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Britannia Pool staff with Lee
Lee brought in her torch & let them hold it as well other patrons at the pool at the time. Very Nice Lee
Italian Card Players
Well winter is arriving when we start seeing this men daily in the centre, well nearly daily. During the warmer months they are in the local park enjoying the Sun & also playing boccie ball as well as cards. At least they are keeping their minds occupied & getting out of the house. We figure the wives are pleased to see them out & not under their feet. LOL
Scopa is an Italian trick-taking card game, and one of the two major national card games in Italy.[1] It is played with a standard Italian 40-card deck, mostly between two players or four in two partnerships, but it can also be played by 3, 5, or 6 players. The name is an Italian verb meaning "to sweep", since taking a scopa means "to sweep" all the cards from the pool. Watching a game of scopa can be highly entertaining an activity, since maintaining that lively and colorful, and somewhat strong-worded, banter in between hands is a vital part of the game.However, skill and chance are more than the outcome of the game. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scopa
Scopa is an Italian trick-taking card game, and one of the two major national card games in Italy.[1] It is played with a standard Italian 40-card deck, mostly between two players or four in two partnerships, but it can also be played by 3, 5, or 6 players. The name is an Italian verb meaning "to sweep", since taking a scopa means "to sweep" all the cards from the pool. Watching a game of scopa can be highly entertaining an activity, since maintaining that lively and colorful, and somewhat strong-worded, banter in between hands is a vital part of the game.However, skill and chance are more than the outcome of the game. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scopa
Monday, November 2, 2009
Tale of an Olympic Torchbearer
Pic 1 is the route, 2nd is her supporters, 3rd is Lee way in the back & her finishing!!!!
TOUCHED BY THE FLAME & CARRIED BY 147 PAIRS OF HANDS ON DAY 1 IN VICTORIA
The Torch is on its’ way & I was fortunate to be a part of this incredible event. I was the 61st runner to carry the flame, the sacred symbol of the Olympics. The spirit of the Torchbearer Relay & all it represents was overwhelming & a day to always remember filled with joy & love, reflecting the hope of the future.
From the moment we drove off the ferry in Victoria, the skies cleared & the rain stopped. I had planned on changing into my Torchbearer uniform & bionic knee brace at the hotel. Well, we had a lot of problems getting there as there were so many roads barricaded due to the Torchbearer route. As we were running out of time, I jumped out of our mini-van & asked the assistance of police. They kindly unbarricaded the roads for us & directed us to the hotel, which was downtown & overlooking the Inner Harbour. Then a mad dash for the hotel & getting ready. Then we had to find our way out of Victoria again.
Now to the Relay. All Torchbearers on my route (12) met at Butchart Gardens for final briefing. We learned how to do the kiss (light the next Torch) & how to hug without setting the Torchbearer on fire. Also, exactly what would happen when the escort convoy arrived at our starting point. This included 2 big Coke Trucks & Royal Bank Trunk (major sponsors), complete with dancers/singers, motorcycle cops/RCMP cars/ police on bicycles + so many other security & Olympic officials. I also had an escort runner + an assistant Torchbearer ready to assist me if need be. I really felt well protected. By the way the sun had come out & the sky was a beautiful blue & no rain clouds in sight.
The Relay was behind approximately 1 hour as the plane bringing the Torch ran into weather related problems. Apparently, the headwinds over Iceland were horrific. So, we had to wait on the Torchbearer shuttle bus. I was having problems sitting so long with my bionic brace on so asked to get off the bus & walk a bit. Well, as soon as I got off here come the kids & parents wanting pictures & to talk to me. Talk about feeling like a celebrity! This went on forever & I was having a ball. We were told not to take our hands off the Torch & I honoured their request at this time. I always had my hands on the Torch when allowing others to touch it. The host then got off the bus & said I had better get back on & laughingly said “hey, the party has not started yet”. Gosh, I thought it had!!!
Soon, we were told we must rev this bus load. up As each one of us in turn were soon to start our segment of the Relay. On goes the upbeat, loud, rock music & we are singing & swaying & me dancing at the back of the bus. I looked back through the window & an RCMP car was right on our tail. 2 RCMP females were laughing their heads off at my antics. Heck, I was warming up!
Well, soon my turn came & as everyone had done before as each left the bus, loud, loud, cheering, high 5’s, you go girl! I got off at my start position & here comes the fans! Man, oh man how exciting! This time, I did let go of my Torch & let all that wanted to hold it, with me posing with them for pictures. An Olympic official came & activated my Torch. He said get ready, your Torchbearer will be here in just a minute or so. Move into the middle of the road & prepare to do the kiss (accept the flame).
Goodness, I was so overjoyed & oh so ready to do this! Here came Victoria & we did it perfectly. I started out at a fast power-walk. I guess a little too fast as my escort runner said “SLOW DOWN, YOU ARE ABOUT TO OVERTAKE THE CONVOY” Gosh, I was not even running yet. I finished 1 block like this & looked at him & asked if I could go for it? He said “lets go” & I did only to see a hill in front of me. Not to worry I thought “bionic brace” will get me up it & it did!! Crowds of smiling, cheering, happy people everywhere just had me so ecstatic. Part of our final briefing was to make sure we acknowledged the crowd & boy did I ever. I was almost hoarse hollering out,” welcome, thanks for coming, nice to see you, go Olympics go”! Just on & on & me running all the time yelling this out!
Then my escort runner said” you are getting close”. Well, me so overjoyed & probably a runners high by now, ran right past my fellow Torchbearer who was waiting for me! He yelled out, come back here & light my Torch! I had not gone very far so turned around & ran back & preceded to give Ron the biggest hug (without setting him on fire) & then we did the kiss!
I wished him good luck & away he went.
I never saw any of my friends or my partner standing by the road snapping pictures when I came running in. All I recall seeing as I came up the hill was my golden-haired beautiful sister with her camera. I wanted to cross the street & greet her & my other friends but here comes the shuttle bus & they got me on it in one heck of a hurry. No time for anything really as we had to pick up the next Torchbearer.
What an awesome experience & such an honour & privilege to be part of this amazing event. It is hard to beat the power of the flame given to us by the sun in the temple of Hera in Greece. I will fondly remember this all the days of my life.
Lee Turner
2010 Olympic Torchbearer # 061
The Torch is on its’ way & I was fortunate to be a part of this incredible event. I was the 61st runner to carry the flame, the sacred symbol of the Olympics. The spirit of the Torchbearer Relay & all it represents was overwhelming & a day to always remember filled with joy & love, reflecting the hope of the future.
From the moment we drove off the ferry in Victoria, the skies cleared & the rain stopped. I had planned on changing into my Torchbearer uniform & bionic knee brace at the hotel. Well, we had a lot of problems getting there as there were so many roads barricaded due to the Torchbearer route. As we were running out of time, I jumped out of our mini-van & asked the assistance of police. They kindly unbarricaded the roads for us & directed us to the hotel, which was downtown & overlooking the Inner Harbour. Then a mad dash for the hotel & getting ready. Then we had to find our way out of Victoria again.
Now to the Relay. All Torchbearers on my route (12) met at Butchart Gardens for final briefing. We learned how to do the kiss (light the next Torch) & how to hug without setting the Torchbearer on fire. Also, exactly what would happen when the escort convoy arrived at our starting point. This included 2 big Coke Trucks & Royal Bank Trunk (major sponsors), complete with dancers/singers, motorcycle cops/RCMP cars/ police on bicycles + so many other security & Olympic officials. I also had an escort runner + an assistant Torchbearer ready to assist me if need be. I really felt well protected. By the way the sun had come out & the sky was a beautiful blue & no rain clouds in sight.
The Relay was behind approximately 1 hour as the plane bringing the Torch ran into weather related problems. Apparently, the headwinds over Iceland were horrific. So, we had to wait on the Torchbearer shuttle bus. I was having problems sitting so long with my bionic brace on so asked to get off the bus & walk a bit. Well, as soon as I got off here come the kids & parents wanting pictures & to talk to me. Talk about feeling like a celebrity! This went on forever & I was having a ball. We were told not to take our hands off the Torch & I honoured their request at this time. I always had my hands on the Torch when allowing others to touch it. The host then got off the bus & said I had better get back on & laughingly said “hey, the party has not started yet”. Gosh, I thought it had!!!
Soon, we were told we must rev this bus load. up As each one of us in turn were soon to start our segment of the Relay. On goes the upbeat, loud, rock music & we are singing & swaying & me dancing at the back of the bus. I looked back through the window & an RCMP car was right on our tail. 2 RCMP females were laughing their heads off at my antics. Heck, I was warming up!
Well, soon my turn came & as everyone had done before as each left the bus, loud, loud, cheering, high 5’s, you go girl! I got off at my start position & here comes the fans! Man, oh man how exciting! This time, I did let go of my Torch & let all that wanted to hold it, with me posing with them for pictures. An Olympic official came & activated my Torch. He said get ready, your Torchbearer will be here in just a minute or so. Move into the middle of the road & prepare to do the kiss (accept the flame).
Goodness, I was so overjoyed & oh so ready to do this! Here came Victoria & we did it perfectly. I started out at a fast power-walk. I guess a little too fast as my escort runner said “SLOW DOWN, YOU ARE ABOUT TO OVERTAKE THE CONVOY” Gosh, I was not even running yet. I finished 1 block like this & looked at him & asked if I could go for it? He said “lets go” & I did only to see a hill in front of me. Not to worry I thought “bionic brace” will get me up it & it did!! Crowds of smiling, cheering, happy people everywhere just had me so ecstatic. Part of our final briefing was to make sure we acknowledged the crowd & boy did I ever. I was almost hoarse hollering out,” welcome, thanks for coming, nice to see you, go Olympics go”! Just on & on & me running all the time yelling this out!
Then my escort runner said” you are getting close”. Well, me so overjoyed & probably a runners high by now, ran right past my fellow Torchbearer who was waiting for me! He yelled out, come back here & light my Torch! I had not gone very far so turned around & ran back & preceded to give Ron the biggest hug (without setting him on fire) & then we did the kiss!
I wished him good luck & away he went.
I never saw any of my friends or my partner standing by the road snapping pictures when I came running in. All I recall seeing as I came up the hill was my golden-haired beautiful sister with her camera. I wanted to cross the street & greet her & my other friends but here comes the shuttle bus & they got me on it in one heck of a hurry. No time for anything really as we had to pick up the next Torchbearer.
What an awesome experience & such an honour & privilege to be part of this amazing event. It is hard to beat the power of the flame given to us by the sun in the temple of Hera in Greece. I will fondly remember this all the days of my life.
Lee Turner
2010 Olympic Torchbearer # 061
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Saturday 31 Oct Walking Club
The weather forecast was for clouds and rain, so Linda was the only hardy soul to show up for Saturday's walk in the West End. It turned out to be one of the most pleasant, sunny days we have enjoyed lately. We met Lorna at Robson & Denman, following the City of Vancouver pamphlet entitled "Public Art Walk." Today's outing picks up from last Saturday's art walk between Canada Place and the Westin Bayshore hotel complex.
We followed the dotted line to 845 Chilco to stare up the "undulating concrete relief panels" attached to the front of this (my guess) 15 storey apartment building overlooking Lost Lagoon. This was shaping up to be an architectural experience.
Along the eastern border of Stanley Park we admired The Presidio, another tall eloquent condominium at 2080 Barclay Street. The architect, Richard Henriquez, designed this structure from "stretches, cuts, flips" and layered building parts "according to the fictional narratives he writes as his conceptual guide." In other words: he made it up as he went along! One rounded corner is topped by a turret-like cap; the front looks like it was intended for another project that didn't take flight, so he stuck the rectangular glass and steel panel onto that part of the more sedate white concrete building.
We passed David Oppenheimer's bust at the foot of Beach Avenue, on the lawn overlooking English Bay. He was Vancouver's Mayor 1888-1891; prior to that, he lobbied behind the scenes for Coal Harbour Peninsula to be designated as a park. His efforts - and Lord Stanley's generosity - gave Vancouver the stunningly situated and heavily forested Stanley Park, a lasting legacy to city citizens and visitors.
At 1919 Beach Avenue is The Eugenia high-rise, with an oak tree growing on the roof at the front of the building above the entrance. The shape of the front of the building between the rooftop tree and the ground floor doorway is shaped like a hypodermic needle; there is a reason for that, I'm told. The owner/developer had a son/brother (not sure of details) who was a drug addict and died of an overdose. This feature of the high-rise was a memorial to that the unfortunate young man.
Everyone knows the Sylvia Hotel at 1154 Gilford Street; "sheets of ivy cover brick and terracotta detailing on this former apartment building converted after the Depression to a hotel. In the 1980's it was expanded to include a restaurant and condominium tower." What more can anyone say other than it is a charming reminder of the "good old days."
We also passed by the George Cunningham Memorial Sundial erected in 1967 to commemorate three men who bought land on English Bay "so far from the city centre." The write-up doesn't say how long ago they purchased the land, but in the 1800's the city centre was Gas Town. The sundial honours their shrewdness and foresight - which I suspect was more likely due to the availability of cheap land away from the pollution and overcrowding of the downtown area of the time!
A more endearing and deserved memorial is the fountain in Alexander Park, just east of Davie Street along Pacific Boulevard. The "granite water fountain...is dedicated to the memory of Joe Fortes, long time lifeguard at English Bay Beach." It was dedicated in 1927 and includes an etching of Joe, who was a favourite of the children while enjoying their time swimming and sunning under his watchful eye.
Our walk continued along Beach Avenue above the seawall walkway and past the Inukshuk constructed by Alvin Kanak in 1986 for the Northwest Territories Pavilion at Expo '86. In April this year, an article in the daily papers said this grand structure had to be taken down due to some problem with the supporting landfill - an April Fool's joke that went unappreciated. Inukshuk figures are an Inuit tradition set on shore as a "symbol of safe harbour and landmark to help people find their way."
Just west of the Burrard Bridge, across the inlet from Granville Market, is the Aquatic Centre on Beach Avenue where Lorna found The Swimmer, "an abstract steel sculpture" which "mimics the action of a swimmer cutting through water." Designed by George Norris and erected in 1977 at the entrance to the pool on Pacific Boulevard.
I have quoted short passages from the city's walk pamphlet because they are appropriately descriptive and brief and I am lazy today.
From here, we parted ways, with Linda and I taking the harbour ferry to Granville Island. The day was mild and sunny, perfect for outings. After a brief walk-about, we caught the #50 bus to Broadway and Cambie and transferred to the 99 B-Line west to Commercial Drive, where we said our good-byes.
Next weekend, we start at Burrard Bridge and walk east along the north shore of False Creek to continue our treasure hunt for public art.
Contributor Virginia
We followed the dotted line to 845 Chilco to stare up the "undulating concrete relief panels" attached to the front of this (my guess) 15 storey apartment building overlooking Lost Lagoon. This was shaping up to be an architectural experience.
Along the eastern border of Stanley Park we admired The Presidio, another tall eloquent condominium at 2080 Barclay Street. The architect, Richard Henriquez, designed this structure from "stretches, cuts, flips" and layered building parts "according to the fictional narratives he writes as his conceptual guide." In other words: he made it up as he went along! One rounded corner is topped by a turret-like cap; the front looks like it was intended for another project that didn't take flight, so he stuck the rectangular glass and steel panel onto that part of the more sedate white concrete building.
We passed David Oppenheimer's bust at the foot of Beach Avenue, on the lawn overlooking English Bay. He was Vancouver's Mayor 1888-1891; prior to that, he lobbied behind the scenes for Coal Harbour Peninsula to be designated as a park. His efforts - and Lord Stanley's generosity - gave Vancouver the stunningly situated and heavily forested Stanley Park, a lasting legacy to city citizens and visitors.
At 1919 Beach Avenue is The Eugenia high-rise, with an oak tree growing on the roof at the front of the building above the entrance. The shape of the front of the building between the rooftop tree and the ground floor doorway is shaped like a hypodermic needle; there is a reason for that, I'm told. The owner/developer had a son/brother (not sure of details) who was a drug addict and died of an overdose. This feature of the high-rise was a memorial to that the unfortunate young man.
Everyone knows the Sylvia Hotel at 1154 Gilford Street; "sheets of ivy cover brick and terracotta detailing on this former apartment building converted after the Depression to a hotel. In the 1980's it was expanded to include a restaurant and condominium tower." What more can anyone say other than it is a charming reminder of the "good old days."
We also passed by the George Cunningham Memorial Sundial erected in 1967 to commemorate three men who bought land on English Bay "so far from the city centre." The write-up doesn't say how long ago they purchased the land, but in the 1800's the city centre was Gas Town. The sundial honours their shrewdness and foresight - which I suspect was more likely due to the availability of cheap land away from the pollution and overcrowding of the downtown area of the time!
A more endearing and deserved memorial is the fountain in Alexander Park, just east of Davie Street along Pacific Boulevard. The "granite water fountain...is dedicated to the memory of Joe Fortes, long time lifeguard at English Bay Beach." It was dedicated in 1927 and includes an etching of Joe, who was a favourite of the children while enjoying their time swimming and sunning under his watchful eye.
Our walk continued along Beach Avenue above the seawall walkway and past the Inukshuk constructed by Alvin Kanak in 1986 for the Northwest Territories Pavilion at Expo '86. In April this year, an article in the daily papers said this grand structure had to be taken down due to some problem with the supporting landfill - an April Fool's joke that went unappreciated. Inukshuk figures are an Inuit tradition set on shore as a "symbol of safe harbour and landmark to help people find their way."
Just west of the Burrard Bridge, across the inlet from Granville Market, is the Aquatic Centre on Beach Avenue where Lorna found The Swimmer, "an abstract steel sculpture" which "mimics the action of a swimmer cutting through water." Designed by George Norris and erected in 1977 at the entrance to the pool on Pacific Boulevard.
I have quoted short passages from the city's walk pamphlet because they are appropriately descriptive and brief and I am lazy today.
From here, we parted ways, with Linda and I taking the harbour ferry to Granville Island. The day was mild and sunny, perfect for outings. After a brief walk-about, we caught the #50 bus to Broadway and Cambie and transferred to the 99 B-Line west to Commercial Drive, where we said our good-byes.
Next weekend, we start at Burrard Bridge and walk east along the north shore of False Creek to continue our treasure hunt for public art.
Contributor Virginia
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