Live on The Drive

Commercial Drive banners gain second life as bags

2009-01-19T11:26:00.001-08:00

In an age when showing up at the grocery store without a reusable bag is akin to showing up at a dinner party without your pants, the type of bag you carry can say a lot about you.

One bag -- it's been so popular the first two runs are almost sold out -- is allowing people to make a statement about shopping locally, shopping green, and community pride with an easy swing of two straps over the shoulder.

The highly coveted Commercial Drive banner bag is made with the bright, bold nylon of retired street banners that once decorated the shopping and dining strip in East Vancouver.

"They tend to sell out within four or five days of us receiving them," said Jen Wittich, manager of Dream Designs, one of 15 retailers selling the bags.

"People tend to really appreciate the story. They like the fact it's keeping waste out of landfills. And I find people in the Commercial Drive area tend to shop very locally. They love to shop within their own neighbourhood."

A local designer who sits on the Commercial Drive Business Improvement Association came up with the idea of turning the banners into bags, and a limited number of umbrellas, out of a frustration that the banners had nowhere to go but the landfill.

To further sweeten the concept, it was decided that all profits from the sale of the items would go to creating new green spaces in the Commercial Drive area.

It proved to be a popular idea.

The story of the banner bag was picked up by dozens of websites and translated into at least six languages. Ian McSorely, the banner designer who came up with the concept, said the City of Vancouver is planning to make bags from its Olympic banners, and there have been inquiries about the program from municipalities all over North America.

"It's had a great response," he said. To show buyers the extent of the environmental impact of the bag, McSorely also conducted an "eco-audit" on the bag. The audit showed that by using recycled fabric to make the bags, 5.3 tons of carbon dioxide emissions were kept from the skies, 192 kilograms of nylon were kept from the landfill, and enough energy was saved to provide electricity to an average Vancouver home for more than 15 months.

Nearly 500 bags were made and, so far, the profits from the project have earned more than $4,000, said Michelle Barile, executive director of the business improvement association. (Twenty-five umbrellas were made and are being sold exclusively through the association.)

Only a handful of bags are left among five of the 15 retailers who have been selling them. But a new line of small makeup bags -- made with the scraps left over from the banner bags -- will be hitting stores soon, Barile said. The makeup bags have been made by members of the SEED Employment Program at the Kettle Friendship Centre.

North Vancouver has also jumped on the bandwagon, hiring Dream Designs to manufacture bags from its banners, which Wittich said the store will be selling soon.

Barile says she has no problem with other municipalities and neighbourhoods imitating the concept.

"If what we started here is now going to cause other banners to be recycled, that would be awesome."

Source: The Vancouver Sun

Out Of Space - What's It All About?

2009-01-13T10:07:00.000-08:00

Putting a face to the space where art is made, the Out of Space series of events opens up opportunities for artists, stake-holders and the public to join together, bring awareness to, and offer solutions towards the shrinking number of artist studio spaces in Vancouver.

Exhibition

January 9th-25th

Opening night, January 9th, from 7pm-10pm

Out of Space is a multi-disciplinary exhibition featuring the work of 6 photographers and 30 artists. The show pairs photographs documenting artists in their studio space along with artwork created by them. The exhibition opens up the discussions around the need to secure permanent, safe and lasting solutions for studio space for the creative workers of Vancouver.

Sunday Coffee

January 11th, 18th, 25th, from 1-4pm

For 3 Sundays during the exhibition, the Chapel Arts will be open to the public extending the conversation and providing more opportunities to experience the photos and artwork. We invite you to come by and join in the discussion about the space challenges unique to artists working in Vancouver and help find positive workable solutions. In addition, some of the ECCS board members and artists will be in attendance to discuss the exhibition.

Vancouver's available density supply outpaces development

2008-12-31T09:29:00.000-08:00

Think of 10 high-rises, each with 22 storeys and every floor measuring about 6,500 square feet. That’s the equivalent of what developers could put up in Vancouver with the available density supply—that is, if they’re building at all in this economic climate.

Vancouver has so much unused density that city staff have expressed concern about awarding more of it to developers in return for saving heritage buildings. Developers can either use the density they’ve earned or sell it to other builders.

This matter came to the fore at a December 18 deliberation by council on a proposal to restore the former York Theatre on Commercial Drive. Proponents had suggested a 100-percent density transfer, meaning that developer Bruno Wall would get a density bonus valued between $10 million and $11 million—the cost of rehabilitating the theatre—which he could in turn use on another project.

Staff disagreed, recommending instead that the city shoulder only a third of the restoration costs—and grant Wall density worth only a third of the $10 million to $11 million required to rescue the theatre. Staff argued that the federal and provincial governments should pick up the other two-thirds of the cost. However, council rejected this recommendation, and unanimously voted to “support in principle” a 100-percent city contribution to cover the cost of rehabilitating the York. The city would pay for this through a combination of property-tax forgiveness, a capital grant, and a density transfer—the details of which would be worked out later.

According to city planning director Brent Toderian, there are 1.4 million square feet of space in the city’s so-called density bank, which is basically a pool of the available density supply in the market.

“The bank is at a size that has led to concerns by staff, and we’re advising council on the implication of that,” Toderian told the Georgia Straight. “If there’s a down market and if people aren’t proceeding with projects, they have no reason to buy density.”

According to Toderian, the current value of density is $65 per square foot. Although there hasn’t been much trading activity, he said that prices haven’t deteriorated. Yet he noted that, based on past practice, the density bank’s volume is normally kept at about 500,000 square feet.

“When the bank got over a million square feet, staff began reporting the status of the bank to council,” Toderian recalled. “Recently, about a year or so ago, staff recommended to council to turn down the tap on additions to the bank.”

While it’s not the responsibility of the city to guarantee buyers for densities being held by developers, Toderian stressed, it is the city’s job to manage the bank properly.

To explain clearly what’s going on, real-estate and development consultant Michael Geller used air-mile credits as an analogy.

“There are literally millions of unused airline points, but there aren’t enough airplane flights to use up all the points,” Geller told the Straight. “In the case of the airlines, one could say it doesn’t matter. But in the case of the city, eventually one [developers] has to start using up all this density.”

And the big question, according to Geller, is this: where is all the density going to go?

“There’s nowhere to put it,” Geller said. “There aren’t many developments taking place that can use the density.” That’s because real-estate development has slowed in the city.

Lone Non-Partisan Association councillor Suzanne Anton noted that developers who want to dispose of their acquired densities but can’t get the right price will be in serious financial trouble.

The least the city can do, according to Anton, is to prevent the density bank from growing.

“We actually have to be responsible, because if we want developers to take up this density, we have to create the conditions for them to use it again,” Anton told the Straight. “It’s a two-way street. If all we do is keep adding to the bank without letting the bank be used up in any way, I think we’re letting down our side of the relationship as a city.”

Staff will be reporting to council in the first quarter of 2009 about the status of the city’s density bank. A review of how much more density downtown Vancouver can absorb will likely be completed by the end of 2009.

Source: Carlito Pablo, The Georgia Straight

Phones for Fearless! Donate your old phones to change lives

2008-12-23T18:21:00.001-08:00

Donate your old mobile phones to help DTES artists share stories, and tap into life, jobs & family

How can you help?

Your used mobile phones - preferably with video, camera, wi-fi
Cash donations (* tax deductible) or new phone donations
Conversation - tell your friends on your blog, twitter, etc. - post a badge

Action Plan:
First, Gather phones!

Collect all the unused mobile phones at your office and home - dig into your boxes of stuff, ask you friends! Digital cameras gratefully accepted too.

Next, Arrange Pick-up:

Let us know via Twitter: Fearless City, email: info (at) fearlessmedia (dot) ca, Phone/SMS: 604.64..., Voice mail: 604.68... xt 8320
We'll come by on purple Yahoo bikes on Tues. Dec. 23rd & 30th to collect your devices
We'll take your photo, bring treats, and thank you publicly with a link

Or, Drop-off (after Tuesday, 23rd) at:

Roundhouse Community Centre - 181 Roundhouse Mews
Pathways - 390 Main Street (kitty corner from the Canegie)
Raincity Studios - 1 Alexander St. @ Water st.

Want to be a drop-off point? Let us know.

Even send by Postal Mail to:

Fearless City
c/o DTES CAN
PO Box 88023
418 Main St
Vancouver, BC V6A 4A4

Notes:

Remove your chip, and clear your contacts before donating (all phones will be completely cleared before released).
Please include chargers and accessories - used digital cameras also welcome
Unusable phones will be donated to FreeGeek for reuse and recycling

Who is Fearless?

Fearless is a Vancouver Non-Profit group providing tools, resources, and cultural outreach to artists and residents in the improverished Downtown Eastside neighbourhood. Fearless is a project of the DTES Community Arts Network (CAN)

More:

About Fearless City

Plow crews working 24/7, more snow expected

2008-12-23T18:16:00.000-08:00

Drivers in Vancouver can expect side streets and alleys to stay slick and thick with snow as plows concentrate on keeping arterials and hills clear.

Another dump of snow is expected on Christmas Eve, and the city is already nearing its snow-clearing budget of about $750,000.

“I’ve been doing this for a very long time,” said Murray Wightman, Vancouver’s manager of street operations. “At no time has city hall ever said, ‘Stop, pull back.’ We do what it takes to get it done.”

Plow crews have been running 24 hours a day, concentrating their efforts on major streets and bus routes first and steep residential streets that feed onto arterials second.

“The regular city side streets will not be treated by us … we have to draw a line here and keep the majors and bus routes free.”

But the snowy side streets are fine with some commuters, including Pascal Wehr, 30, who cross-country skied yesterday from his home in Kits to his work on Main Street.

“It’s awesome,” Wehr said. “It’s such an experience. The roads were snow covered and I figured that the easiest way of getting to work — as I do as much as possible — is self-propelled.”

Metro News

York Theater saved in deal with Vancouver developer

2008-12-19T16:56:00.000-08:00

After years of failed fund-raising efforts, and on the brink of demolition, Vancouver developer Peter Wall and the city struck a deal to save the historic York Theater in Commercial Drive.

Mr. Wall will spend $12 million to purchase, restore and hand ownership of the York Theater back to the City of Vancouver, in exchange for development rights to build a 20-story building in an yet-undetermined area.

For more details, please see the Vancouver Province.

Smell like a Whopper, Just don't look like one

2008-12-18T15:35:00.000-08:00

Burger King has launched a new men's body spray called ''Flame,'' which it describes as ''the scent of seduction with a hint of flame-broiled meat.''

The fast food chain is marketing the product through a Web site featuring a photo of its King character reclining fireside and naked, except for an animal fur strategically placed to not offend.

The marketing ploy is the latest in a string of virile ad campaigns by the company.

Burger King is also in the midst of its Whopper Virgins campaign that features an taste test with fast-food ''virgins'' pitting the Whopper against McDonald's Big Mac.

"Flame" can be purchased online for $3.99 USD.

New York Times

'Fire Meets Desire,' promo website

Fate of York Theater to be determined tonight

2008-12-18T15:23:00.000-08:00

Members of the arts community are being urged to attend a city council meeting Thursday (December 18), where newly sworn-in councillors will vote on a staff recommendation to support a partial density transfer to retain the York Theatre at 639 Commercial Drive.

Heather Redfern, executive director of the Vancouver East Cultural Centre, which hopes to operate the venue if it is saved from demolition, says the recommendation would effectively kill restoration plans for the theatre.

Redfern has been working with a developer who is prepared to buy the theatre from its current owner—EDG Homes, which purchased the property in October 2007 as Vintage Development Corp.—in exchange for a 100 percent density transfer for the site, worth $10 to 11 million.

“Our proposition to the city was that they look at a density transfer for this not-to-be-named developer in exchange for him purchasing the property and paying for the restoration,” said Redfern. “There’s no city cash or money involved. It simply means transferring the density to another site....If council agrees to the 100 percent [density transfer] or sends staff back with the direction to make that work, that’s how this will work. Otherwise it’s done.”

Marco d’Agostini, senior heritage planner for the city, told the Straight there is no precedent for a 100-percent density transfer, and he is recommending a one-third transfer instead.

“In policy, we haven’t ever done anything like that,” he said. “A parallel example would be something like the Stanley Theatre, where it was a similar one-third model, where the city did a one-third contribution and the provincial and federal governments and fundraising contributed the other two-thirds. That’s the model that’s happened before and it’s been successful....An investment of that value [$10 million] into one site [the York Theatre], as far as staff’s concerned, is more appropriate at a one-third level.”

Redfern said the Cultch is in no position to attain additional funds from the provincial or federal governments. The provincial government already contributed $9 million to the Cultch’s renovation last year, and the relevant federal government funding program is due to sunset in March 2010, “and you can’t apply to that program unless you can show that your project will be completed by March 2010,” she noted. “We have made it clear right from the beginning that we are still fundraising for this project [the Cultch renovation], and we are not in a position to take on any fundraising at all for the York Theatre.”

Staff are also recommending that the current property owner be requested to hold off on demolishing the York Theatre until he is ready to begin construction, but Redfern said that was unlikely. In September, the city issued an emergency 120-day temporary protection order for the site, following an incident in late August in which materials were removed from the building’s interior, causing the city to issue a stop-work order.

“He has made it clear to us that his intention is to tear the building down as soon as possible,” said Redfern.

She called on members of the arts community to show their support for the theatre.

“What I’d really like is for people to show up at the council meeting, if they possibly can, and speak if they have something to add, like they would be a user of the theatre or they have a business on Commercial Drive that would benefit from the theatre being reopened, that kind of thing.”

Georgia Straight

New study finds real estate market downturn helping home affordability in B.C.

2008-12-09T15:13:00.000-08:00

B.C.'s real estate market correction is improving home affordability in the province, according to a new RBC Economics study.

The proportion of pre-tax household income needed to service the costs of owning a home has fallen for all housing types in the third quarter. According to the study, owning a standard two-storey home requires 77.7% of a household's income. That's down from 80.9% in the second quarter.

Costs of owning a detached bungalow fell to 69.7% from 73%; the costs for a standard townhouse fell to 53.8% of household income from 55.8%; and the cost for owning a standard condo fell to 38.7% from 40.8% of household income.

But housing in Vancouver remains among Canada's most expensive. In the third quarter, prices are roughly double the national average for most housing types. Home ownership income requirements are still high. A minimum qualifying income of $150,000 is needed to own a two-storey home; $135,000 is required for a detached bungalow.

Given these high requirements, the study said most families in Vancouver are effectively shut out from owning a home and must instead look to the condominium market.

Source: Business In Vancouver

Bank of Canada Cuts Rate to 1.5%

2008-12-09T15:02:00.001-08:00

The Bank of Canada has reduced it's over night lending rate three-quarters of a point to 1.5%, the lowest level in half a century. Commercial banks, such as TD Bank, the first to take action, and CIBC have responded by reducing it's prime lending rate to only 3.5%.

The Bank of Canada's next scheduled date for announcing the over night rate target is January 20, 2009.

Bank of Canada
The Canadian Press

Police dogs and bike patrol added to Skytrain station to enhance transit security

2008-12-04T15:00:00.000-08:00

Translink will be adding police dogs and more bike patrols to Skytrain stations in order to beef up visible security and ease transit rider fears.

Translink has already increased the number of Skytrain attendants as well as transit police presence at major Skytrain stations perceived to be the least safe: Broadway, Main Street, Metrotown, New West and Surrey Central.

Additionally, in a partnership with municipalities and the federal government, Translink will be making improvements to some neighborhood streets creating "Transit Villages" in areas around Broadway and Surrey Central. Improvements will include better lighting, sight lines and amenities that promote safe walking and bicycling.

For more details see Translink and Vancouver Sun.

Uniformed police officers to be redeployed at SkyTrain stations

2008-12-02T15:28:00.000-08:00

TransLink says it will address longstanding security concerns by redeploying uniformed staff and police officers at key SkyTrain stations.

The move is meant to give a more visible staffing presence at four stations that were perceived to be the most dangerous in a series of public opinion surveys and focus groups. TransLink says there will now be a round-the-clock presence at Surrey Central, New Westminster, Broadway and Main Street stations. Staff will also be hovering during the evenings at Metrotown.

“This is what I could call reassurance policy,” said Transit Police Chief Officer Ward Clapham. “[It’s] reassuring the public that they are safe.”

Transit Police have already trained 11 officers to patrol using bicycles and hope to add 10 more in 2009, with the belief being that officers on bike can cover more ground than regular officers on foot.

Other safety measures, some of which are already underway, include improving lighting at stations, opening more shops at key hubs and looking into whether using police dogs could improve safety.

Vancouver Kingsway NDP MLA Adrian Dix, a frequent critic of SkyTrain safety policy, said the move is a good step, but wondered how effective it will be without an overall increase in resources.

“If you have the same number of person hours and you’re redeploying them, some places are going to have less of a presence,” Dix said, pointing to Nanaimo and 29th Avenue stations, both stations in his riding that have seen high-profile assaults happen in the surrounding areas in recent years.

“Those are stations where you can go an entire evening without seeing any staff person or police,” he said.

The Transit Police have 154 sworn officers.

Source: 24 hours

Elderpost.com, the Craigslist for seniors

2008-12-01T14:44:00.000-08:00

VANCOUVER — Seniors are getting their own online free ad website where they can find everything from specialized equipment to home help.

A kind of seniors-meet-Craigslist, the new site at www.elderpost.com was the brainchild of Vancouver's Peter Silin, whose company Diamond Geriatrics specializes in elder care management, counselling and consulting for the elderly, their caregivers and businesses.

"What happened is I saw so many people needing equipment they couldn't afford and if you go to nursing homes or care facilities you find lots of equipment that's no longer needed," said Silin. "I wanted a way to put together the people who wanted to sell with people who want to buy.

"The other thing I saw was people who needed caregivers and they wanted to hire somebody part-time or just by the hour. Their choice was to go through an agency or just put an ad somewhere.

"I know a lot of people who are looking for that kind of service. That was the genesis of it and it just grew from there."

The site was only launched in recent weeks and Silin said he expects it will take some time for the listings to grow as people discover the service.

"I don't have a million bucks or investors," he said. "I just wanted a site where there would be everything for care providers, for product providers and where older people themselves could find what they are looking for."

The site also lists resources such as support groups and services for seniors, their families and caregivers. It also has caregiver circles, exchanges and groups in which people can get together to share their time and talent.

Caregiver circles are groups of people who help each other out, perhaps driving someone to an appointment, visiting or other sharing and exchanging responsibilities. Caregiver exchanges are similar to circles except they are less formal and involve just two or three people.

"The idea of it is to have a very grassroots way for people to find mutual support," Silin said. "I wanted a place where maybe five, 10 people could get together and provide each other with mutual support."

So far, he said, he has no plans to make money doing it; it's an adjunct to his geriatric business.

"It's a Craigslist for eldercare and providers, with a targeted focus," he said. "At some point I'll sell some banner ads and if people want some kind of enhanced listing, there could be a fee. Aside from that, hopefully it will remain free or as low cost as I can keep it."

Silin acknowledges that with seniors often a target for scam artists, the site could attract some ill-intentioned users. He said he has added a warning about safety and users can call on elderpost review, an added service that could check out people they are considering hiring through ads on the site.

He said that could be helpful for people who are helping an elderly relative who lives a distance away.

"If somebody is looking for a caregiver or somebody is looking for work, we will charge for those reviews, so if you want somebody to interview and screen for you, we will do that for an hourly fee."

gshaw@vancouversun.com

Source: Vancouver Sun

BC Ferries reduces fares on all sailing routes, temporarily

2008-12-01T14:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas has come early for people riding B.C. Ferries.

From today until Jan. 31, ferry users will get a 33 per cent break on all sailings on all routes.

The temporary ferry-fare cut was announced in October by Premier Gordon Campbell as part of the B.C. Liberal government's efforts to protect the province's economy in the face of a global financial crisis.

The government will pay B.C. Ferries the difference between the full fare and the lower fare, Dan Wong, vice-president of corporate relations, said yesterday.

The corporation has already restored service levels on all routes -- some sailings were cut after the company experienced a significant drop in passenger traffic this fall.

"We hope to see an increase in traffic. That's obviously the intent by an offer like this," said Wong. "It's not a hard science and probably all kinds of other factors -- the price of gas, the overall economic climate, consumer confidence and mood -- will play a part. But certainly our hope is that with this kind of an offer, it will spur people to travel in the holiday season."

And there's more relief on the horizon. Fuel surcharges will be removed on minor routes Dec. 5, and on major routes on Dec. 19.

In August, B.C. Ferries imposed a 10.3 per cent surcharge on major routes.

And fares increased 17.6 per cent on 18 minor routes.

In October, B.C. Ferries announced it would cut its fuel surcharge in half by Nov. 3, to reflect dropping oil prices.

B.C. Ferries estimates at its highest, the price for a family of four travelling between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen was $91.15. With a reservation fee of $17.50, the total came to $108.65.

Today, B.C. Ferries says, that same family of four will pay $59.60. By Dec. 19, the price for a family of four will be $54.90.

B.C. Ferries is now working on a plan for February, said Wong. "The arrangement will end, but I don't know how. We're working on how to come out of the sales period. There might be a few other things we can contemplate to make the transition," he said.

The ferry-fare cut -- called the "Winter Super Sail" -- applies to all passengers and all vehicles on all sailings and all routes throughout December and January. The only exception is pre-paid paper tickets bought before today and assured loading tickets.

Reservations are recommended Dec. 26 through Dec. 28 -- the busiest days for ferry travel during the holidays.

ldickson@tc.canwest.com

Source: Vancouver Sun

Free holiday shopping trolley along new Canada Line route

2008-12-01T14:14:00.000-08:00

To give hard-hit businesses a leg-up, the Canada Line is running a free hop-on, hop-off Holiday Shopping Trolley along the construction route.

Starting this week, and on each Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 21, the trolley – adorned with holiday decorations – will pick up and drop off shoppers at seven locations along the Canada Line route.

Karen Peterson, independent project director for the business liaison program of the Canada Line project, said this lets shoppers find unique gifts while supporting local businesses.

Many of the businesses along the route have been struggling financially because construction of the line has slowed or diverted traffic.

On Nov. 12, several merchants along Cambie Street filed a lawsuit against the Canada Line asking for compensation for loss of revenue.

Giriraj Gautam, who owns a convenience store on Cambie Street, told Metro last year that his business was kept afloat because his landlord lowered his rent.

“We know it’s going to be a tough year for merchants overall and we thought we’d find a fun way to bring lots of people and come shop the Line,” Peterson said. “(And) you can avoid traffic and parking.”

The trolley starts today and runs every weekend until Dec. 21.
It runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
For more information, visit shoptheline.ca

source: metro

Winter Farmers Market

2008-11-27T15:56:00.000-08:00

If you’re missing your farmers market fix, grab your biggest shopping bags and take in the Winter Farmers Market every other Saturday through April (the next is December 6) at the WISE Hall (1882 Adanac Street).

You’ll find crisp apples, veggies, lamb, organic coffee, cheese, and more. Also mark your calendar for the Holiday Market on December 13 and 14 at Heritage Hall (3102 Main Street).

Vendor information: www.eatlocal.org/markets.html

Vancouver East Cultural Centre’s completion experiences delays

2008-11-27T15:34:00.000-08:00

Theatre audiences will get their first peek at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre’s new Vancity Culture Lab studio theatre when Blackbird Theatre brings its production of Pinter’s Briefs to the venue December 3 to 6. But the official unveiling of the renovated venue is still months away.

Crews are putting the finishing touches this week on the three-storey addition to the site, which houses the new studio theatre, washrooms, and administrative offices. But work on the original theatre, to be renamed the historic theatre, continues.

The 99-year-old venue has been under renovation since August 2007, and executive director Heather Redfern admitted the completion date of the project has been slipping.

“I’m not going to give a completion date because it seems to be a moving target,” she said. “It seems like every time they tell us it’s going to be ready for this time, something happens and they say no, it’s going to be a month later. I’m not even going to guess. We are crossing our fingers and hoping that we’ll be able to do our shows in May in there, but we just don’t know.”

A number of shows scheduled to run in the historic theatre in the new year have been moved. Ronnie Burkett’s Billy Twinkle, Requiem for a Golden Boy and the French Theatre of the National Arts Centre collaboration with Théâtre de la Vieille 17 and Théâtre de Sable Maïta will be at the Waterfront Theatre in January and February; Montréal Danse will perform at the Michael J. Fox Theatre in March; and the Theatre Conspiracy/Rumble Productions coproduction Blackbird will now have an extra-long run in the much smaller Vancity Culture Lab in March.

“We are all over town,” said Redfern, who insisted the Cultch’s finances are secure, despite the added cost of hall rentals.

“We do have a contingency for the project and so this is part of that,” she said. “Our operating budget is horrible because we have no revenue from rental or anything, but we knew that was going to happen and we were able to plan for that.”

Source: Straight

Campagnolo opens Friday

2008-11-27T15:22:00.000-08:00

The much-awaited Italian restaurant Campagnolo—owned by Fuel Restaurant’s Robert Belcham, Tom Doughty, and Tim Pittman—is scheduled to open at 1020 Main Street on Friday, November 28.

There’s a wine bar at the back, and the menu focuses on simple pizzas, pastas, and house-made salumi, influenced by the Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna regions of Italy.

For hours, call 604-484-6018.

Source: Straight

Fundraiser: 3rd Annual AIDS Benedict Brunch this weekend!

2008-11-27T14:57:00.000-08:00

Vancouver’s 3rd Annual AIDS Benedict brunch weekend is happening this weekend, November 29th and 30th.

"YouthCO AIDS Society and Camp Moomba, two non-profit organizations that support and empower children and youth impacted by HIV and AIDS, have teamed up for Vancouver’s 3rd Annual AIDS Benedict brunch weekend. Collectively sponsored by local restaurants, this “eggsellent” event blends scrumptious eggs benedict with public education to help raise awareness about children and youth in BC impacted by HIV and AIDS.

Donations from participating restaurants will give children and youth impacted by HIV and AIDS access to year-long programs and supports that they might not otherwise have access to. Participation in the two-day eggs-travaganza is eggstremely simple: fill your belly with eggs benedict or other promotional items at one (or more!) of the participating establishments on November 29th and November 30th."

Participating restaurants in the area include the following:

Alibi Room 157 Alexander Street www.alibi.ca
Chopper’s 3298 East 1st Avenue no website
Main Cafe 4210 Main Street www.themainonmain.com
Seb’s Market cafe 592 East Broadway www.hotstuffcatering.com
Slickity Jim’s 2513 Main Street www.findmycraving.com/icrave/slickity
WaaZuBee 1622 Commercial Drive www.waazubee.com/main.php
The Whip 209 East 6th Avenue www.thewhiprestaurant.com

For the full restaurant list (thanks Raul), please visit Rauls' blog @ Hummingbird604.com

Farewell to the Monica Lee Band... for now!

2008-11-27T14:46:00.000-08:00

The Monica Lee Band performs its last show at the Libra Room on tonight.

Lee and her band have been a Thursday-night fixture of the Libra Room for three years but she is taking the next six months off to have a baby, which is due in January. By May, Lee and band will tour Western Canada.

For Lee, tonight's show celebrates the fact that the Monica Lee Band has been the longest consecutively running act at the popular Commercial Drive venue, and enjoys the distinction of being one of the only regular gigs in the city that plays original music almost exclusively.

Source: Vancouver Province

Rally this Friday at Havana's

2008-11-26T16:29:00.000-08:00

I may already have sent you a notice about this... A friend of a friend though sent me this link to a documentary on the Westboro Church and their message of hate on Youtube. Please watch it. It will give you a very clear idea just what sort of hateful verbal assault is waiting for the theatre goers...

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7735501683185935638

On the surface, they seem so wacky and outrageous that they can't be dangerous... The truth is that these people have influence and express the unspoken opinions of a significant swath of America's and even Canada's Evangelical Christian society.

When I first sent out this message I mostly addressed it to friends and contacts in the LGBT community, but i now think it is important to send this out to all our friends and allies...

I am not sure just type of response is best... They are here to get attention and obviously they have already been successful in that. Part of me is thinking that a huge crowd of silent, non-reactive people is the best counter demonstration that we could possibly give back... That if we descend to their level, that we won't accomplish much... My dream would be that we could get such a large crowd out around the theatre that we would be able to keep the Westboro wackos and their anti-gay rants far enough away from the theatre that the people going to see the Laramie Project would be able to see the play in peace. We are not going to change the Westboro people's minds. Their mindset goes beyond fossilization... but if we accomplished that one thing they would have failed to disrupt the play and stopped its important message.

The neat thing is that the show is going on in the heart of Commercial Drive, perhaps Vancouver's most progressive, politically aware and gay supportive neighbourhood... I am confident that we can get a good crowd out there... I am just hoping that our response is articulate and focussed as well as massive and unequivocal.

James Johnstone
703 Hawks Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6A 3J2
CANADA 604-254-4666
www.homehistoryresearch.com

Original message below.

Subject: westboro baptist church rally

Hey everybody
You may have heard that an anti-gay group from Kansas is coming to Vancouver next week to protest the performance of "The Laramie Project" at Havana Theatre (Commercial Drive). I am attending an anti-hate rally that is planned to start on Friday, November 28th at 5pm at Havana's... We have to stand up to these lunatics who show up inappropriately at funerals and other events, carrying signs that read "God Hates Fags". It would be awesome if we all showed up to support our gay and lesbian friends and family. Thanks!

I'm attaching a link to a CBC news article about this :
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2008/11/19/bc-westboro-church-protest-vancouver-laramie-project.html?ref=rss

I am passing this on - please do likewise!

James Johnstone
703 Hawks Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6A 3J2
CANADA 604-254-4666
www.homehistoryresearch.com

Eco-Friendly Never Looked So Good

2008-11-25T12:57:00.000-08:00

Second Edition Eco-Bag In Stores!

Commercial Drive's old street banners get second life as reusable shopping bags!

Almost every year the Commercial Drive Business Society prints 256 32" x 60" nylon street banners which help create a festive, colourful atmosphere for this unique shopping neighbourhood. Eventually each edition of these unique designs must be retired, so rather than sending them to the landfill they've come up with a very green idea — transform them into reusable nylon shopping bags!

By converting our first 3 year's worth of banners (768 banners) into reusable nylon shopping bags rather than using new fabric, we have:

• avoided the equivalent of 10,588 pounds or 5.3 tons of CO2 emissions
• freed up 814 trees to capture and store CO2 from other sources for a full year
• avoided sending 192 kg (422.4 lb) of nylon to the landfill
• saved 38,184,960 BTUs of energy – enough to provide electricity to an average Vancouver home for over 15 months.

"This green initiative even goes one step further", explains Ian McSorley, marketing chair for Commercial Drive. "ALL proceeds from the sale of these shopping bags will be donated to the development of new green spaces in the neighbourhood."

Bei Linda Tang, owner of, Dream Designs says, "We are pleased to contribute to this fabulous community initiative by designing and manufacturing these shopping bags on a cost recovery basis. Each of them is a unique embodiment of the Commercial Drive history that we are proud to be part of."

Bags retail for $9.95 from these Commercial Drive retailers:

A Small World Shop and Gallery, 2120 Commercial Drive, T: 604.215.0279
Banshee Clothing, 1566 Commercial Drive, T: 604.254.7240
Barefoot Contessa, 1928 Commercial Drive, T: 604.255.9035
Dream Designs, 956 Commercial Drive, T: 604.254.5012
Drive Organics, 1047 Commercial Drive, T: 604.678.9665
Kali, 1000 Commercial Drive, T: 604.215.4568
Lucky Rooster, 1706 Charles Street, T: 604.251.9119
Mintage, 1714 Commercial Drive, T: 604.871.0022
Network Apparel, 1832 Commercial Drive, T: 604.683.8011
Riot, 1395, Commercial Drive, T: 604.254.5073
Spakwus Organic Eco Spa, #102-1638 E. Broadway, T: 604.879.8367
Spank on the Drive, 1027 Commercial Drive, T: 604.255.1131
Ten Thousand Villages, 1204 Commercial Drive, T: 604.323.9233
Unityoga Teahouse, 1672 E. 10th Avenue, T: 604.708.8369
Womyns'Ware, 896 Commercial Drive, T: 604.254.2543

Source: thedrive.ca

4 Low Rent Artist Studios Up For Grabs by Nov. 21

2008-11-17T10:57:00.000-08:00

In 1996, the City of Vancouver created its first live/work Studio Award. This studio, provided free of rent, recognized distinguished artists like Teresa Marshall, Steven Shearer, Myfanwy MacLeod and Kevin Schmidt and enabled them to explore their creative practice.

In 1999, a second studio was added (made available at below market rents) and this year, two additional studios have been made available.

These four studios will be leased to Vancouver-based, low-income professional artists for a 3 year term beginning February 1, 2009.

The city will accept applications until Nov. 21.

"It's a small but important gesture," said Jacquie Gijssen, senior cultural planner with the city. "We can actually help with the tool kit that we have without people arguing about how much money it costs or doesn't cost."

The city has secured live/work spaces for artists through community amenity contributions that developers make when the city allows them increased building density or relaxed zoning. It owns two of the spaces and leases the other two for $1 a year. They're all in artist live/work buildings with two near Cambie, one near Main and the largest on East Pender near Knight Street. The Artist Studio Award Program was initiated by the city in 1996, and the Contemporary Art Gallery picks the jurors and coordinates the selections.

Professional artists in any discipline can apply for the award. The winners will be announced mid-December and can move in Feb. 1.

The jury of local arts and culture professionals seeks artists who are serious professionals, not hobbyists, Gijssen said. Although most, if not all, of those selected in the past have been emerging artists, senior artists can also apply.

Applicants must show financial need. Three of the four spaces are studios and one is a one bedroom. To qualify to win a studio, artists much prove they earn $29,000 or less per year, and to win the one bedroom, they must earn $32,500 or less.

The first place winner is awarded a free studio apartment for three years and the other recipients will pay $375 a month.

Sculpture artist, Rhonda Weppler, paid $325 a month for her 450-square-foot studio at Cambie and West Eighth Avenue for the past three years. The artist live/work building also includes a workshop. Previously, she rented small studios on the East Side.

"A lot of studios in Vancouver are in bad areas because it's cheap rent," Weppler said. "It was nice to be in a place that you could walk downtown and I wasn't scared to be alone at night or walking home at night."

When her tenancy expires and the end of this year, Weppler expects to move to an artist's space in Railtown Studios or in The ARC on Powell Street at the foot of Commercial Drive.

"Even though it's in a bad area it's around $1,000 a month for rent," she said.

Myfanwy MacLeod, who won a space in 2002, recently won a juried international competition held by the city to create the first Olympic and Paralympic legacy art commission for the main plaza in the Olympic Village in Southeast False Creek.

More info at the Office of Cultural Affairs Awards

Vancouver Courier

EASTSIDE CULTURE CRAWL 2008

2008-11-13T12:31:00.000-08:00

This is a once a year opportunity to meet many diversely talented artists and view their creations in the studios where they work. Be part of this exciting event, which brings people from all over the Lower Mainland, and share in the imaginations that enrich our neighbourhood and lives. get more details...

	painters			potters
	illustrators			writers
	jewellers			printmakers
	furniture makers			photographers
	musicians			glassblowers
	weavers			sculptors

From emerging artists to those of international fame... these are just a sampling of the exciting talents featured during this unique chance to meet local artists in their studios. details...

Purchase something that strikes your fancy, commission something to be uniquely yours, or just browse through the studios and meet the artists, learning about their specific works of art, materials and tools, approaches and techniques. details...

Download a printable map here

FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
November 21st	November 22nd	November 23rd
5:00pm - 10:00pm	11:00am - 6:00pm	11:00am - 6:00pm

It's Western Canada's largest studio exhibition and sale, and it's absolutely free-- don't miss it!

www.eastsideculturecrawl.com

Vancouver Archives Fundraising Event; Celebrate BC's first 150 Years

2008-11-13T10:57:00.000-08:00

Come out and support this very important fund raising event for the Friends of the City of Vancouver Archives. This is a five hour history symposium on BC's first 150 years by three renowned BC historians and includes a catered lunch.

Cost is $50, and a $25 receipt may be issued for tax purposes.

Three speakers are scheduled to attend:

Sylvia Van Kirk will talk about 1858
Terry Eastwood will talk about 1908, and
Robert A. J. Macdonald will talk about 1958

Catering is by Sherilee Dee Catering Ltd., and that means Yummy!

For more information contact James Johnstone - househistorian@yahoo.ca

American anti-gay, hate-mongers plan to cross border to protest Laramie Project play at Havana Theater

2008-11-12T14:08:00.000-08:00

The Laramie Project, a play by Fighting Chance Productions, is being threatened with protests and picketing from an extreme baptist church in Topeka, Kansas. The Laramie Project is a play about the brutal attack and murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay American university student, who was left for dead tied to a fence outside Laramie ten years ago.

According to the Vancouver Sun, the production company who will be presenting the play at the Havana Theater, has already contacted the federal government asking for help in preventing this cross border protest by the anti-gay, hate-mongering Westboro Baptist Church. Vancouver police spokesperson Const. Tim Fanning said steps would be taken by the police should the group be allowed into the country and that the Canada Border Services Agency was looking into the issue. The planned protest is scheduled for Friday, November 28 from 7 PM - 8 PM.

Fighting Chance Production's The Laramie Project runs November 26 to December 6, Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 PM and Saturday afternoon at 2 PM.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for students and seniors with 2-for-1 shows on Tuesdays. The Laramie Project will show at the Havana Theatre at 1212 Commercial Drive.

This production will feature original material from the Tectonic Theatre Project blog and all-new music created by the cast.

The Laramie Project is directed by Ryan Mooney and Stage Managed by Tamara Harvey. Featuring Matthew Clarke, Christopher Cook, Ira Cooper, Sherry Lynn Friesen, Anna Hassard, Matthew MacCaull, Jeff McMahan, Jean Nicolai, Alicia Olive, Keri Smith, Spencer Snashall, and Nadia Von Hahn.

Laramie Project info.

First Canadian exhibition of Kai Althoff's work at the Vancouver Art Gallery

2008-11-10T15:02:00.000-08:00

The Vancouver Art Gallery will present the first Canadian exhibition of German artist Kai Althoff from November 8, 2008 until February 15, 2009.

Althoff is a multimedia artist, however he has received most of his recognition from his work as a painter. Approximately 30 paintings and drawings from the early 1990s to the present and works drawn from noted exhibitions/installations will complete the Gallery’s presentation. This selection of work underscores Althoff’s fluid stylistic approach and masterful way of presenting life’s complex yet fundamental extremes with exquisite intimacy and insight. In its entirety, the exhibition abandons the straightforward survey in favor of a more complex juxtaposition of components, whose subtle connections will be revealed throughout the visitor’s personal experience of the space.

Kai Althoff was born in 1966 in Cologne, Germany and continues to reside there. Althoff travels extensively for his individual and collaborative endeavors, exhibiting his work both nationally and internationally. His artistic output encompasses a vast spectrum of media, including works on paper, painting, photography, music, videos, text, performances and installations. He co-founded the German band Workshop, whose joint efforts figured largely in Althoff’s early artistic practice, and whose namesake—a place that advocates for the creative production of both the individual and the group—continues to play a recurring theme in his work.

Vancouver Art Gallery: Kai Althoff exhibition page

Advanced Voting Polls Now Open

2008-11-05T14:54:00.000-08:00

Vancouver Votes November 15

Vote in advance November 5, 8, 10 and 12

Vote in advance from 8 am to 8 pm on November 5, 8, 10 and 12 at:

City Hall
Dunbar Community Centre
Sunset Community Centre
Trout Lake Community Centre
Westend Community Centre

Visit the Elections website for more information: candidate profiles, voting details and borrowing questions for the 2009 - 2011 Capital Plan.

For more info on the civic election and the capital plan:

civic election

12th Annual Vancouver Asian Film Festival, Nov 6 - 9

2008-11-04T15:22:00.001-08:00

Today is your last day to get Early Bird VIP passes for the 12th Annual Vancouver Asian American Film Festival!

Opening night starts Thursday, November 6th and the festival closes on Sunday, November 9th. Closing festivities include a Wrap Party and and Encore Presentations of West 32nd and Permute.

Click here for Program.

Click here to buy your VAFF VIP Pass

More information

Trick or Treat! Is your Halloween candy 'Made in China'?

2008-10-30T16:30:00.000-07:00

METRO VANCOUVER -- In the days leading up to Halloween, a "Made in China" stamp on a bag of candy can give some parents a bigger fright than the most ghoulish of costumes.

Fears about contamination, specifically from the toxic chemical compound melamine, have prompted some parents to take a closer look at where candies are coming from.

"I am absolutely worried about what my kids are going to bring home this Halloween," said Megan Zandstra, mother to three young children.

Zandstra says she has been receiving e-mails from friends who have been spreading the word about melamine, and specifically about the news earlier this month that melamine was found in chocolate coins being sold at Costco, dollar and bulk food stores.

Melamine is the toxin at the centre of China's tainted milk scandal, which has left more than 50,000 children ill and has led to at least four deaths.

In Canada so far, 14 Chinese-made food products have been recalled by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency after tests found they contained significant quantities of melamine.

Generally, candies made by the big-name manufacturers such as Cadbury and Hershey are safe because they do not use milk products from China, said Garfield Balsom, a spokesman for the CFIA.

"We certainly have done a lot of work in terms of our retail assessment and our overall surveillance of the melamine issue in China," Balsom said Monday.

"The mainstream products, most of that is made in North America. . . . Like Cadbury's and Kraft, the big companies do not bring in product directly from China."

When it comes to Halloween candy, Zandstra says she generally feels comfortable with the familiar name brands, but this year, she wanted to do things a bit differently.

"Just this morning I bought a hundred tiny Cocoa Camino fair-trade chocolates from the Ten Thousand Villages store on Commercial Drive," she said in an e-mail. "I spent approximately $20 more than I would have on candy from Superstore. I felt a bit guilty about spending the extra cash, but I would rather hand out fewer quality candies than a handful of sugary, processed ones."

For Laura McKenzie though, mother to two young kids, the melamine issue has not been a big concern, nor has it come up in conversation with the other parents who live in her White Rock townhouse complex.

"I haven't heard one of them even mention it when talking about buying things for Halloween," McKenzie said.

The 14 food products that have been recalled in Canada include the milk chocolate pirate coins made by Sherwood Brand, Mengniu strawberry-flavour sour-milk beverage, OK OK Kaiser pretzels, Lotte brand Koala's March filled cookies, Mr. Brown 3-in-1 instant coffee products, White Rabbit candies, and Nissin's Cha Cha dessert. A full list can be found on the CFIA's website.

Balsom said the CFIA can never ensure that all Halloween candies are entirely safe, but the agency has been doing its best to test and monitor products with ingredients from China.

"I can only say what we've looked at in terms of the melamine in our survey and what we've done. But to say that every single product is safe, how can I guarantee that?" he asked.

Amy O'Brian, Vancouver Sun

aobrian@vancouversun.com

Recycling happens less in multi-family dwellings; Metro Van to instill changes

2008-10-27T17:06:00.000-07:00

City will have to look for ways to make recycling easier if waste reduction targets are to be met

Nicole Tomlinson, Special to the Sun

Relatively poor recycling habits in townhomes, apartments, and condo units could trash Metro Vancouver's ambitious waste reduction goals if they don't improve soon.

Residents in multi-family dwellings recycle a quarter of their waste -- less than half the proportion of material that people who live in single-family homes throw into the blue bins.

Metro Vancouver has identified improving this "underperforming" sector as a key element to successfully upping recycling rates to 70 per cent within the next five years.

But experts and critics say it's going to take more than increased regulation and changes to the waste program to get multi-family unit recycling rates out of the garbage.

AN AMBITIOUS PLAN

Metro Vancouver unveiled a strategy to up the total amount of waste being recycled by close to 20 per cent across the region earlier this year after a proposal to build a landfill in the Interior was scrapped because of potential First Nations land claims.

To realize this goal, the region will have to do three main things -- recycle more organic waste, reduce refuse from construction projects, and get multi-family units turfing less, said Marvin Hunt, chair of Metro Vancouver's waste management committee.

Residents in townhomes, condos and apartments are only recycling 25 per cent of their waste, compared to 52 per cent of people in single-family homes, according to Metro Vancouver's strategy for updating their waste management plan.

And with some 150,000 units classified under the multi-family umbrella in the city of Vancouver alone, the issue shares sustainability ranks with adding composting to residential pickup services and overhauling construction bylaws.

"It's simply a challenge of our convenient living," Hunt said. "We have to find ways of making recycling more convenient in those buildings."

Continue reading Vancouver Sun article.

Parade of Lost Souls - 2008 Review

2008-10-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

a shout-out to GusF, Gus Digital and his great photos of the Parade of Lost Souls. Be sure to check out his Flickr page too (see below).

October 26, 2008 | 6:20 pm

Last night Russ and a few of our friends attended the Annual Parade of Lost Souls which is put on by the Public Dream Society.

This event brings people from around the city, most who dress up, walk along Commercial Drive into Grandview Park where there are many performers for all to enjoy including fire eater and fire dancers. What also amazed me was seeing the homes around the park that were decorated for Halloween. There was even a home that actually had pictures of relatives for all to pay tribute to during this evening.

Since the Vancouver weather was wonderful, this brought out an extra amount of people to the festivities. A truly fun time was being had by all.

My photos aren’t the greatest as I’m not an expert at taking photos in the evening as some others are (I think I need a professional flash for my Canon camera), but you can view my photos on my Flickr page.

The Republic of East Vancouver Celebrates 200th Issue!

2008-10-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the The Republic of East Vancouver which has completed its 8th year with its 200th issue! It has been publishing every two weeks since it started November 2000.

For more on its history and where you can pick up an issue, continue reading.

The Parade of Lost Souls 2008!

2008-10-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

The Parade of the Lost Souls is a celebration of the cycle of life & death, of our facing fears in order to live life to its fullest. It is a time and a place to share losses at one of the many shrines and celebrate life and to enrich our community.

Date: October 25th 2008

Gather: Grandview Park 6:30 PM

Procession: 7:00 PM in the NE corner of the Park

World Poetry Reading Series presents Taylor Leedahl and Megan Lane

2008-10-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

On the road with poetry and music...
Taylor Leedahl is hitting the western road from October 19 - November 2 to tour her book, No Apologies for the Weather, with musician Megan Lane.
Megan will be disengaging from her blues/rock band, The Megan Lane Band. Their act will consist of a mixture of Taylor's poetry and Megan's tunes.

To view photos, a video, and a complete listing of events please join our Facebook group.

Thursday, October 23 - Vancouver, BC
In studio radio interview with "The Lesbian Show" on Co-op Radio.
Listen online at: http://www.coopradio.org/listen/
Tune your dial to: 102.7fm

Monday, October 27 - Vancouver, BC
Performing at the World Poetry Series, Vancouver Public Library (Main branch). 7:00 pm. Free.

Monday, October 27 - Vancouver, BC
Performing as an opener at Vancouver Poetry Slam, Cafe Deux Soleils, 8:30 pm.

Tuesday, October 28 - Vancouver, BC
Performing at the Short Line Reading series (Memewar Magazine), Railway Club, 6:30 pm.

4th Annual Women In Film & Television Vancouver: Call for Submissions

2008-10-21T16:21:00.000-07:00

Women In Film & Television Vancouver is committed to the exploration and advancement of New Media/Experimental films and as such, would like to encourage New Media Submissions.

The submission fee for all New Media/Experimental films will be waived this year.
FINAL DEADLINE FOR NEW MEDIA SUBMISSION IS DECEMBER 5th, 2008.

=======================

REGULAR SUBMISSION FORM

Regular Submission Fees apply.
FINAL DEADLINE FOR REGULAR SUBMISSION IS OCTOBER 31st, 2008.

For more information and to download the submission form.

12th Annual Eastside Cultural Crawl 2008

2008-10-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

EASTSIDE CULTURE CRAWL 2008

Welcome to the 12th annual Eastside Culture Crawl! In this annual celebration, artists open their studio doors to the public. Each year, people get out their walking shoes, head to the heart of the Eastside, and choose which of the 50 studio buildings they will visit. (This year, we have 300 artists with many new to the Crawl!) Use our detailed map, website, and artist binders to help guide you through the neighborhood. You’re sure to find artists working in any possible medium including: dancers, glassblowers, jewelers, musicians, painters, print makers, mixed media artists, furniture makers, photographers, potters, sculptors, spoken word artists, weavers and writers. Whether you’re browsing, buying or just curious about an artists’ process, everyone gets the chance to meet the creators, ask questions, and learn something new. With 8,000 -10,000 visitors, this popular event celebrates multi-disciplinary art, education and fun!

Show Dates: November 21, 22 & 23, 2008
Opening Reception: Friday, November 21, 2008, 5pm – 10pm
Hours for Saturday & Sunday (November 22 & 23): 11am – 6pm

Chapel Arts Visual Art Exhibit: November 21 to December 14
Echo Chamber After Hours Party @ Chapel Arts:
November 21, 9pm to 1am & November 22, 8pm to 1am
www.chapelarts.com

We are sad to announce that this will be the last year for 901 Main Street after being an artist studio for 25 years. Their building has been sold and of the thirty two artists who work there, many may not be able to find studios within the Crawl boundaries. The loss of this building has struck a chord and we realize that we, as a community, have to step up to the plate and bring the issue of studio space to the forefront.

The Crawl Society has become increasingly active on a civic level; gathering signatures for presentation at City Council; attending committee meetings; attending forums and focus group with the City of Vancouver as well as with other community groups. These efforts represent our commitment to promoting the protection and growth of artists’ studios in the city. Because we can’t do without artists and neither should you!

Parade of Lost Souls

2008-10-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

Starts at Britannia Oval
October 25, 2008

6:30pm - 10:30pm

Life and Death mix and mingle at the Parade of the Lost Souls, which will be returning on Commercial Drive at Grandview Park.

Parade of the Lost souls is a lively commemoration of the cycle of existence and deceased, and of facing fears in order to live life to its fullest. The performers are the audience, willing spirits who have come together to pay tribute to the departed and to celebrate the brilliance of life. Skeletal Brides, blessed witches, ghastly ghouls, and prancing pixies mingle side by side with everyday people. By the light of the radiant moon, processions of costumed stilt walkers, jugglers, dancers, and musicians lead spectators on an entrancing passageway through the neighborhood. The evening features shrines, fire performance, supernatural beings, and dancing in the street.

For more parade info, workshops, or to volunteer visit the Public Dreams Society site.

The Final Odd Ball Party

2008-10-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

The Final Odd Ball
WISE Hall
1882 Adanac Street (@ Victoria Drive)

Friday October 31, 2008
8pm-1am
theoddballcouver.blogspot.com/

After four fun-tastic years this is the final party on Halloween night. Come party and celebrate Odd Ball's final "scream" at the WISE Hall.

Featuring... ghoulish go-go dancers, eye-popping performances and our ever-popular costume contest!

Dance to the sounds of Odd Ball faves, including DJ Titz McGee, and special guest Buzy B.

Performances by VaVa Vunderbust, Isolde N. Barron, DKUnited, Elaine Miller and taiko drummer Ronin T.

10 bucks flat rate. No advance tickets - tix ONLY at the door so come early. Treats for folks waiting in the line-up.
Sorry, no minors.
Limited wheel-chair access through the rear doors: please contact organizers in advance if you have accessibility needs. oddball@michaelvsmith.com

Thanks to XtraWest for being the Odd Ball’s media sponsor. And to community partners; YouthCo, Rhizome Cafe, The Kiss Store and Spartacus Gym.

Young gallery owners finding niche in Canadian art market

2008-09-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

Young gallery owners are playing a greater role in the country's art scene, helping to launch the careers of lesser-known artists while bringing emerging international talent to Canada.

But they say a lack of funding means less creative input for those exhibiting and creating art.

Making a profit is one of the main challenges faced by Lisa Giroday, the owner, curator and director of Vancouver's L.E.S. Gallery, which has exhibited work by New York's Joseph Hart, Manuel Olia of Spain and up-and-comer Mark Delong of Vancouver.

The small space has been developing for three years, originally starting out as a studio that held the occasional art opening. Giroday added operating hours a year ago.

Throwing a successful art opening and drawing established artists to show their work isn't hard for Giroday. Selling art, however, is a different story.

"Getting people to financially support the gallery by buying work, and not just booze or books (at an opening) is another thing completely, so it's a total struggle," she said.

The 25-year-old works part time at a boutique to sustain herself and is currently taking an art history course at a local college.

However, Giroday said there is an upside to running a gallery that isn't focused solely on turning a profit. She said she doesn't have to stick to specific parameters in terms of what's considered marketable and commercial, which means she can have fun experimenting.

"(Because of) my interest in being different and my lack of interest in making money, artists find it to be an advantage that I can see it from an alternative perspective," she said.

See the full Canadian Press article.

For current and upcoming shows, visit the Lower East Side Studio Gallery website.

27th Annual Vancouver International Film Festival | Sept 25 - Oct 10, 2008

2008-09-26T16:36:00.001-07:00

The 27th Annual Vancouver Film Festival is back!

Among the biggest film festivals in North America, the VIFF is showing 332 films from 60 countries at 575 screenings over 16 days to an audience of 150,000. The international line-up includes many undiscovered gems and the pick of the world's top film fests.

For more information, schedules, film line-up, please visit the VIFF website at http://www.viff.org/home.html

Council Approves EcoDensity Charter

2008-06-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

Vancouver City Council unanimously voted on June 10 to adopt the EcoDensity Charter.

The EcoDensity Charter commits the City to make environmental sustainability a primary goal in all city planning decisions - in ways that also support housing affordability and livability.

The first two actions to be implemented by the City immediately are:
1. Rezoning policy for greener buildings: Applications for new rezoning will need to meet a minimum LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver rating, or similar equivalency in green design. The City will also be expecting that energy performance, water efficiency and storm water use be considered.

2. Rezoning policy for greener larger sites: Changes to rezonings for land that is two acres or more. A number of sustainability measures will be required for these rezonings, and for sites with housing, a range of types and tenures must be considered to increase affordable housing opportunities.

Longer-term actions that will receive priority include: an interim EcoDensity rezoning policy; options for backyard/laneway housing; more options for secondary suites; and removal of barriers to green building approaches.

Council initiated the EcoDensity program in July 2006. The final Charter and Actions incorporated public input from a Special Council Meeting that lasted seven sessions, amongst numerous other public consultation opportunities.

To view the EcoDensity Charter and Initial Actions and for more information: vancouver.ca/ecodensity

Who Needs Insight on Insite?

2008-06-02T10:14:00.001-07:00

Eastside
Originally uploaded by Daquella manera

Federal Government Health Minister Tony Clements prefers overdoses leading to death, than safe injection interventions that could lead to health. Appallingly, the Federal Government has made a decision to take the province to court after the BC Supreme Court's decision to support Insite.

Living in Vancouver, it is clear that drastic measures, services, and programs are needed to solve the issues. What is seen on the surface, is rarely ever the cause. While Insite may not be perfect, and it may leave a lot to be desired, it is the first positive step taken in Canadian society to move further forward with progressive and proactive measures that could lead to recovery.

Saving lives from this affliction is far more complex than a safe injection site. That safe injection site, however, becomes a valuable gateway to intervention; coaxing jaded and cynical people off the street who have been abused repeatedly. They might consider surrendering their negative lifestyle to the possibility and hope that our society's limited programs and services can help them get their lives back together.

Change is work, and it is hard work. Every healthy person recognizes this, and when we have bad days, we know how much more difficult - sometimes impossible - it is to succeed with change. If society wishes for the addict, street person, prostitute, and other at-risk individuals to "do the work," then society and government at all levels had better be prepared to do-the-work that creates the systems and structure that ensure success.

Insite, with an average of 600 daily visits, intervened to resuscitate 900 overdoses since opening. Liz Evans, who runs Insite in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health says, "If those injections were taking place in back alleys, those people would go under. There would be no nurse there to help save their lives."

"I don't think anyone has ever said that Insite is a magic pill that will resolve all the issues around mental health and addictions," says B.C. Health Minister George Abbott.

"No one has ever said that. I see, and the government sees, the provincial government at least, sees Insite as part of a continuum of services aimed at assisting addicts through their life issues."

Regarding Ottawa's drug policies, Abbott said: "I don't think they yet appreciate that it is useful to have the opportunity to bring some stability into the lives of people who have tragically very little stability in their lives."

Local enforcement professionals also expressed varied opinions on the subject, both for and against what Insite offers. The against position rightly expresses the overwhelming level of 'tolerance' that allows inappropriate behaviour to continue unchecked and without adequate consequences (if any). A significant reason our social issues have spun out of control is the lack of accountability, along with actionable and achievable goals that empower change.

Our own complacency had most of Vancouver turn a blind eye to the issues, and the escalation we're experiencing has resulted in more discontentment. As people become discontent, therefore less tolerant, the voices are likely to start clamoring for change. Even so, as expressed by some residents, some professionals, and some government offices, 'we don't want to encourage that here!'

A walk through a local green-space on the edge of Strathcona and Chinatown often reveals many reasons for this attitude's survival. Mere steps into the park space, right along the sidewalk, a mound of hypodermic needles still fresh in their packaging, is found. On the way to work in the morning, homeless are now found sleeping and bundled in filthy blankets on common property on residential streets. Walking across town, men and women alike are accosted on almost every block by those wanting, needing, and even demanding a handout. Could this why Insite is not recognized as working?

On one hand, the Federal Health Minister Tony Clement wants it shut down. This is looking like a political battle, not a battle for lives nor solutions. With the majority of the Conservatives backed by tough-on-crime critics, supporting Insite may have offended their reelection. Here in Vancouver, the Mayor, Chief of Police, and others are in support; likely also seeking the popular vote of Vancouver residents and business.

What are your views, your expertise, or opinions about these people, this issue, and how it can be solved? Are politicians and our systems capable? If not, why and what can we do?

RickStonehouse.com Mail - Welcome to the Jing Project! - rick@rickstonehouse.com

2008-05-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

RickStonehouse.com Mail - Welcome to the Jing Project! - rick@rickstonehouse.com

Commercial Drive May 10-11 Weekend Events

2008-05-08T16:04:00.000-07:00

May 10, 2008
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Stone Soup Festival
Community Event in Grandview-Woodland
Saturday May 10, 2008
Location: Britannia Community Centre Site
Contact: Brenda Racanelli 604 718-5825
Celebration of Food and Community! Mini-farmer's market, prepared food vendors, cooking demos, art market and entertainment for everyone! And of course, SOUP!

May 10, 2008
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

The Frock Swap
Community Event in Grandview-Woodland
Saturday May 10, 2008
Location: Box Studios, 1622 Franklin Street, Vancouver
Contact: Marjolyn Ustaris 6048128235
What you send to closet purgatory might be heaven-sent for someone else. Celebrate the art of sharing and bring your gently-worn items to The Frock Swap. Free clothes, free refreshments, sustainable shopping and saying goodbye to your never-worn-agains. All unclaimed garments will be donated to The Convenant House. What more could you ask for? For more information & free registration: www.thegarmentunion.com/the-frock-swap.html

May 11, 2008
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Growing Hope for Africa Sunflower Seedling Sale
Fundraiser & Charity Events in Grandview-Woodland
Sunday May 11, 2008
Location: 2133 East 7th Avenue
Contact: Suzy Coulter 778-330-6770
Fourth Annual Sunflower Seedling Fundraiser for the Stephen Lewis Foundation organized by local Downtown Eastside Nurses and friends to support Grassroots HIV/AIDS groups in Sub Saharan Africa. Over 30 Ornamental varieties!

Theatre In the Raw

2008-04-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

Giving Exposure to Voices Seldom Heard since 1994

Our Mandate...

The Theatre In the Raw Society is a company dedicated to artistic grassroots theatre in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver, as well as to presentations beyond B.C. borders.

We are risk takers, creating and responding to the cultural needs of those in the Canadian and International community.

We want to provide an open, creative, and supportive atmosphere for struggling artists and give exposure to tried and untried playwrights.

Our Mission...

• We believe that hands-on experience in the real world independent theatre is the best way to learn, teach, and perform thespian art and skills.

• Our mission is to provide a venue for new and under-employed performers, playwrights and drama technicians, with a multi-cultural emphasis.

• Our productions represent a diversified balance, ranging from raw experimental to the theatre classics. Relevant productions, exploring social issues distinct to our local community are our specialty.

• We are risk takers, willing to give exposure to voices seldom heard, striving for artistic excellence, in the presentation of unusual, awakening, and exchanging theatre

How We Began...

Theatre In the Raw started out of a storefront cafe called La Quena Café on East Vancouver's Commercial Drive, in 1994. We rehearsed and performed there for nearly three years, producing over 125 one-acts in over 43 nights of theatre...

...For more on who we are, our history, upcoming shows, activities and how to join us, please go to our website at http://www.theatreintheraw.ca.

The Drive Spring in the Step

2008-03-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Drive Mural
Originally uploaded by knightbefore_99

Easter Monday, beautiful rays of sunshine, open patios, coffee bars, people, beer, wine, and great food: This was Commercial Drive the way it was experienced just yesterday. After a good stint at the office in the morning, my late morning meeting with Steven R. Duncan, the creator and contributor to TheDriveIsAlive blog, resulted in us heading out take in some lunch up on The Drive.

After a stroll back and forth we settled upon Panevero Bakery and enjoyed a delightful soup and sandwich meal. The homemade style Turkey soup was very substantial and after filling ourselves we stepped over to Grandview Park to enjoy conversation, new company, and the beautiful rays of sunshine.

In the park, the families were out with their children playing, young people sat around the trees talking, and we parked ourselves on some large boulders to continue our creative brainstorming. Steven R. Duncan, a poet himself, also works directly with the Vancouver Arts & Culture community part-time, and continues his involvement and activities related to Arts & Culture with a strong focus on his current Commercial Drive neighbourhood. Our brainstorming will continue int he coming week(s) as we look to further the reach and positive impact of the LiveIn community sites, how it relates to other Bloggers and sites in the Community (we are after all a Community Portal website).

Creative City, creative people, and creative community describe Vancouver and The Drive very well. The City of Vancouver has a Creative City initiative, alongside many other current initiatives to make the city a better place to live. LiveIn is looking at how to maximize our impact and involvement alongside these initiatives to further promote and empower communities, their citizens and businesses. With a little luck and some hard work, we anticipate being able to secure some funding to deliver more to you!

Welcome to The Drive!

I Like to Eat

2008-03-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

Dashain Celebration 2007
Originally uploaded by aNantaB

Food and drink are the basic staples of life that offer more in richness than just their nourishing value. Food and drink also offer us plentiful opportunity to sit with friends, company, and strangers to do the most natural thing for humans to do: Share. Yes, I like to eat.

Happy Easter! Another reason just to be together regardless of your faith.

Public Input: Welcome to the Oasis

2008-02-20T23:44:00.000-08:00

Commercial Drive is well-known for its vibe, its art, and its funk. The colour and controversy stroll side-by-side with all the social clashing assaulting the senses while they might be laughing and enjoying a conversation. Diversity and multiculturalism are the key cornerstone that sets The Drive apart.

With a strong Arts Community concentrated in and around The Drive, there are many opportunities missed to connect in meaningful, and potentially in meaningful creative ways. Arts is often seen as a solitary venture, and yet the artist that collaborates, or those who work in groups discover a deeper growth and development in their character and their work. Community, friends, and family are the very things that hold us up through the tough slog.

So a young woman arrives with a question about an idea worth considering: How can I create a residence / studio-mixed (non-threatening to safety) / gallery where live-in, neighbourhood, and travelling artists can congregate, share, collaborate, create, and grow? This sent the mind reeling over the City of Vancouver's Creative City Culture Plan 2008-2018 and wondering that there might well be approaches that could be followed to create such a space, and to gear it up to be fully-sustainable, self-supporting.

A draft brief overview titled Welcome to the Oasis outlines the basic premise to create such a work / live residence for artists. It needs further editing and honing. This is the perfect time to ask for your input.

Happy New Year Commercial Drive

2008-01-20T12:24:00.000-08:00

The mad Christmas rush is over, the New Year's resolution I've already broken, and now that we're half way through January, the dust is settling and we're finding a groove again. Well, most of us are finding a groove anyway. Some lucky folks have their mind set on some far off exotic vacation spot with beating rays of sun, fruity drinks, delicious food, and lots of dancing and general carrying on.

At LiveIn, we're slowly seeing the efforts of gathering community resources and profiles to build beautiful, useful, and beneficial sites for Vancouver communities. Overall sponsorship is being supported by the LiveIn group, and also welcomes modest sponsorship opportunities for local businesses. In the coming months, more in-depth features will be sought for inclusion to the LiveInMountPleasant.com site, as well as your favourite, the LiveInCommercialDrive.com site.

We welcome suggestions for ideas to write about people, places, and things. Take a look at the Eastside Culture Crawl Executive Director, Valerie Arntzen, and her Assemblage Artist Profile finalized this past week. This is one example of a focused theme as this page becomes one of many for the Arts pages for the community. Who do you know along Commercial Drive of note? People, places, and things - tell us about your hood, and we'll send the News Snoop out to build the story. Register and post your suggestions in our Discussion Forum, or post your comment on our blog.

Commercial Drive Vancouver Lives

2007-12-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

Time passes quickly and much changes in our lives. Looking back just a few years and I recognize how many areas of my life, my values, my habits, my social network, and others have changed. What I don't always see is how much the world around me has changed.

No more than four years ago I would visit Commercial Drive regularly. I'd visit one of the many coffee shops, maybe grab some Sushi or Mexican, occasionally a nice Greek dish, and with rare company wine and dine at one of the hip joints with the trendy ambiance of the new crowds. With major relationship and career changes, I also ended up downtown without a vehicle and my habits and haunts changed.

Now closer to Commercial Drive, I had my real first opportunity to walk The Drive and see the changes. I walked from almost at Venables, all the way past Broadway a half block, and back again. You know what? The only time I tripped along the route was when I stepped off a curb once. It was my own clumsiness, not the myriad of heaved sidewalk cracks I remember littering Commercial Drive.

At the corner of Venables and Commercial Drive, a commercial / residential development property has long been completed and is occupied with new businesses and residents. The life of Commercial Drive is clearly vibrant and extended in length further North than it used to. Even Venables feels more vibrant around this corner.

As my walk ventured south of 1st Ave along Commercial Drive, I always expected some life but not with the same vibrancy and pizazz of the stretch north of 1st Ave up to the area around Grandview Park. There was a restaurant, well-known and liked, right at that corner across from Joe's coffee shop that had burned down. I forgot to notice what was there today, but down to about here and back to 1st Ave was my favourite stretch.

Today though, I discovered a whole new vibe along Commercial Drive right up to and past Broadway. Businesses had brightened up, new faces and fronts lined the street, and a stronger cultural diversity was presented to the passerby. I was having a great time soaking in the senses, sights, and sounds. This brings me to my one gripe.

Motorists, by and large, are quite comfortable wrapped warmly in their metal cocoons ripping along the streets of 1st Ave and Commercial Drive. A lot of the motorists I witnessed in the two hours I strolled The Drive were aggressively impatient and dangerously reckless, not to mention obnoxious. I like the Car Free idea and see why it would be so popular along The Drive. I think drivers need a reality check; that might solve a few more city-wide problems.

East Vancouver Crawled by Artists and Visitors

2007-11-29T18:44:00.000-08:00

This has been a busy fall season in the lives of many. We've watched Thanksgiving come and go, heard the howling laughter of Halloween fade into the night, saw record numbers Crawl the streets of Strathcona for a lot of Culture at this years Culture Crawl, and enjoyed the Downtown Eastsides Heart of the City Festival thanks to the folks at Vancouver Moving Theatre. And Christmas is just around the corner!!

Live In had the opportunity to speak with Valerie Arntzen, the Culture Crawl's event coordinator for the past nine years, about this years Crawl. Record crowds exceeding 10,000 strong crawled the Strathcona, East Vancouver area to visit 48 venues and almost 300 local resident artists of Strathcona. This is a vibrantly enriched arts community living and working in Strathcona which has elevated the attractiveness of the neighbourhood through the beauty of the art, crafts, and skills. We are truly blessed.

There is much more to say about this subject. Live In wishes to share more about the experiences of the Crawl from an insiders perspective. As well, the Strathcona community is changing, gentrification is spoken of in mixed ways, and the impact on the arts community seems an anomoly needing exploring. Such an incredible gift that enriches our lives and community is to be cherished and protected. At the same time, I suspect some residents might find reason to complain about having 10,000 outsiders roaming their neighbourhood for a local event. Ironically, the success of such events can be a major contributor to increasing popularity of a community as a place to live.

Whatever side of the fence you choose to stand on, remember that choosing sides means someone loses. Live In suggests examining more than one's own view, and seek balance and opportunity that will allow the fence to come down. The answers are in us and right here in our neighbourhood.

We'll chat more soon!

CirKids present Cirque de Spa

2007-11-09T23:07:00.000-08:00

CirKids is about the circus of storytelling, imagination, and performance. We blend traditional circus arts with athletics, dance and theatre in a safe, collaborative, and very fun program.

This year, CirKids is pleased to present Cirque de Spa, the major fundraiser for the CirKids Annual Spring 2008 performance in Vancouver May 1, 2, 3, & 4.

Invited guests of Cirque de Spa will enjoy an afternoon treating themselves to a variety of spa treatments. Services available will include:

Manicures
Chair Massage
Reflexology
Indian Head Massage
Make-up Lessons / Makeovers
and much more!

Date: November 18th, 2007
Times: 12:00 noon - 6:00 pm (doors open 11:45am)
Location:Garden Auditorium, PNE grounds (home of CirKids - 2901 East Hastings St.)

The CirKids Annual Spring 2008 Performance will be possible through your participation in Cirque de Spa. The annual performance provide a place for our elite performance troupe to showcase their skills as circus artists. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of the people of the Lower Mainland to help grow performing arts culture.

Thank-you for supporting CirKids!

While attending Cirque de Spa, guests can enjoy refreshments between treatments while enjoying performances by our kids.

Commercial Drive | Live on The Drive | Community | Web Portal

2007-10-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

Commercial Drive, affectionately referred to as The Drive, was originally referred to locally as “Little Italy.” Now it's home to a diverse multicultural collection of people, businesses, art galleries, performance venues, coffee shops, and more.

A favorite destination for both tourists and Vancouver-wide locals, Commercial Drive consists of close to 300 businesses that are most often single location, owner-operated, offering a product mix of dining experiences, produce, entertainment and services completely unique to the Drive. Commercial Drive has consistently bucked the trend towards homogeneous franchised malls and big box warehouses.

With a multicultural diversity and vibrant arts community, The Drive is the perfect fusion of community, art, and commerce. Did you know Utne Reader's rank Commercial Drive with North America's 15 hippest neighbourhoods? Georgia Straight readers consistently vote The Drive as one of Vancouver's best neighbourhoods.

The Vancouver East Cultural Centre is home to many professional arts performances. European heritage lingers amongst the coffee shops, and a mix of East-West intermingles during World Cup competitions. Many arts are expressed along Commercial Drive venues, including visual arts, poetry and spoken word performances and competitions, music appreciated and performed indoors and out, open-mike nights, and wall space for the budding artists and photographers. Our own Photos page shows off many astounding photographs of the area and events.

Each year there are numerous events that reinforce The Drive's sense of community. The Directory page lists various community events, organizations, business related links, parks, and other important services and information for living in the city. You'll find everything you need from Parade of Lost Souls, Commercial Drive Community Festival, the Farmer's Market, Eastside Culture Crawl, your local MLA & MP, and so much more.

With such an active community committed to Life on The Drive, the community portal Discussion Forum is a great place to keep informed. Registration is free and content added to the Forum feeds the news for this web-page. Write a bio – a personal or professional profile – that promotes the skill, commitment, achievement, art, words, involvement, profession, or even hobbies and interests. The community is made up by all the people, businesses, interests, and flavours represented in many faces.

Welcome to Commercial Drive and Live on The Drive. Tell your story today.

Getting Information to You

2007-10-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

Rick Stonehouse is a Vancouver Realtor born to the business. Myself, I'm a local writer and dabbler contributing to my communities. Getting involved here allows me to help bring communities together online so they can also become more together offline in the days of the information age.

Getting behind a vision is an easy thing when values line up.

Rick, a prominent Vancouver Realtor, has enjoyed serving thousands of Vancouver residents over the years. His success, in part due to his service excellence, has been made possible by all of these wonderful customers and friends trusting him with fulfilling their home purchase or sale. Seeing proud homeowners experiencing the joy of buying their dream home, and enthusiastic sellers grinning over the equity gained, makes his job very exciting and very rewarding. His values line up, and yes, he enjoys the fruits of his labours.

With an eye to the future and the trends of the public, Rick has taken a pioneer's leap through the development of community portal websites for the neighbourhoods he serves. While it serves a unique business purpose, helping potential home-buyers with their online research, it goes beyond and serves the entire community. The benefits are extraordinary!

What's coming

Community Discussion Forums
News Features - local artists, business, associations, events, promotion, etc.
Event Calendar
Classified Listings Feeds
Get Your Blog Feed publishing here!!
Promote your photography - Feed from Flickr
much more!!

Keep watch as the Live on The Drive site evolves.