Update February 2013: I have compiled a list of events and activities for BC’s first Family Day.
BC is finally getting a statutory holiday in February. The province’s first “Family Day” will be February 18 11th, 2013, reported Bob Mackin from the Throne Speech at the provincial legislature this afternoon.
According to CTV the speech also discussed funding to address class composition at BC schools, promises to bring retired judges back to work to reduce overcrowding in the courts, and broadcasting the trials of those charged in the Stanley Cup riot.
The response to the Family Day announcement was already overwhelming on Twitter, just minutes after the word spread. As a couple with a wedding anniversary in February, I’m rather excited about the possibility of a long weekend to celebrate in years to come. Here’s hoping this extra day off will help us all beat those winter blues.
Update May 14, 2012: The Government of BC wants your input as to whether the stat should be the second or third Monday in February (starting in 2013). They are asking people to tweet using the tag #MyBCFD tomorrow, May 15, 2012 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm to discuss.
Update May 28, 2012: The date has finally been set for BC’s first Family Day!
It will take place on the second Monday in February starting in 2013 — so the first will be Monday, February 11, 2013. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario all have a Family Day stat holiday on the third Monday of February.
According to the @CBCSmart Twitter account: “Family Day feedback: 31146 comments, 18000 wanted 2nd Mon in Feb, 9400 wanted 3rd Mon. 3500 just want another day off!”
The Turkey Trot is back this Thanksgiving Monday (October 11, 2011) starting off at Granville Island. Before you fill your belly with turkey (tofurkey or even turducken) head out for a 10km run in support of the Food Bank.
What A 10km run, walk, or stroll
Where Start line is at 1360 Johnston Street on Granville Island
When Thanksgiving, Monday October 10, 2011 at 8:30am
The run is ideal for families who want to get out and support a cause together. It’s also limited to 2,000 participants so the group can get through the False Creek neigbourhood course with ease. Registration is currently open for $45 (adults) and $25 (youth & younger). Your registration includes timing chip, gourmet food and live entertainment following the Turkey Trot, prizes for top finishers, and more.
Support the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society by bringing non-perishable food items or making a cash donation upon registration.
If you would like to participate in the Turkey Trot, Urban Rec Vancouver has offered up an entry for giveawy. Here’s how you can enter to win a spot in the Turkey Trot:
- Leave a comment here with your favourite Thanksgiving dinner menu item (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw one winner at random from all entries on Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 10:00am.
Update The winner is Emma!
Beat the Cougars! the poster-sized sign read as it clung proudly to the front of the supply store on Main Street. I was heading to my first high school football game and it was homecoming no less. John and I spent ten days back in his hometown in Eastern Iowa and although we mainly worked and spent time with family, it was a perfect vacation. I pulled my sleeves over my hands and sipped $0.50 hot chocolate while the marching band performed a Beatles medley under the Friday night lights at half time. The first frost of the season crept closer.
During our visit we drove the pale limestone-coloured highway to Iowa City and back a few times. The first to catch an Iowa Hawkeyes game at Kinnick Stadium and the second to visit with John’s co-workers at his old radio station. We rolled down the windows and instead of the evergreen-filtered, salty sea-air of the West Coast our noses tickled with the scent of grass and mineral-filled earth (and occasionally the less pleasant aromas of dairy farms along the route).
Garrison Keillor spoke words of inspiration on the AM radio like a true Prairie Home Companion as we wound our way over hilltops and between a quilted pattern of corn fields. I got my usual kick of out of the American Gothic sign when you enter or exit Jones County, which is indeed Grant Wood country.
Our last full day in the Hawkeye state was spent at the Pumpkin Festival. We admired gourds as long as Cadillacs and watermelons the size of hogs. The real jaw-droppers were the 1,000-1,400lb pumpkins on parade.
Community organizations, school bands, and local businesses marched along with the compulsory convoy of classic John Deere tractors.
We waved to the Pumpkin Prince and Princess, children chased down candy that was being lofted from the floats, and I wolfed down my first festival funnel cake. Ten days were up too soon.
Within 24 hours we were rolling across the Granville Street bridge, flanked by familiar neon as the lights on Cypress Mountain sparkled in the twilight. The pavement smelled like rain even though a drop had yet to fall from the plump grey clouds above. No matter how bittersweet, there’s always comfort in coming home – wherever that might be.
The Municipal Election Office is now open in Vancouver in anticipation of this fall’s election.
Where 450 West Broadway, East of the Broadway/City Hall Canada Line
Dates Open Monday to Friday until November 19, 2011 (election day)
Hours 8:30am to 5:00pm excluding statutory holidays (like Thanksgiving on the 10th)
Find out online if you’re on the registered voters list and check out the requirements for voters. Registered voters will receive a “Where to Vote Card” by late October. This is what you should take into your polling station along with two pieces of ID and a proof of residence (bank statement, bill, etc.)
In this election we will decide on our city’s Mayor, Councillors, Park Commissioners, School Trustees, and the Capital Plan. The nomination period is not quite over yet but you can check back here after October 14th to view a full list of candidates for all positions.
New Westminster Little League Baseball asked me to help spread the word about an event they’re hosting tomorrow.
Their hometown baseball hero Justin Morneau, of the Minnesota Twins, is recovering from a recent round of surgeries and they’d like to send him some support. They’ve invited all baseball fans, little leaguers, New Westminster residents, and supporters to come out Saturday, October 1, 2011 to sign a “Get Well Soon” banner for Justin.
Morneau grew up in New Westminster and has shown continued dedication to grassroots baseball in his hometown. Each year the local baseball association receives new batting gloves from the MLB all-star and they also award post-secondary bursaries to three players courtesy of the Justin Morneau Scholarship Fund.
To participate in tomorrow’s event, stop by Justin Morneau Field at Moody Park (10th street between 6th Ave and 8th Ave) from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
More information is available on the New Westminster Baseball Facebook page.
