The Firehall Arts Centre, in association with Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre (vAct) present the world premiere of Manami Hara’s Courage Now on stage until Sunday, December 4, 2022.
Courage Now – Katherine Matlashewski – Photo credit Youn Park
Courage Now at the Firehall Arts Centre
When: Tuesday-Saturday 7:30pm; Saturday & Sunday 3:00pm; Pay What You Can Tuesdays at 7:30pm & Wednesdays at 1:00pm Wednesday at 1:00pm
Where: Firehall Arts Centre (280 E. Cordova St, Vancouver)
Courage Now tells the story of Japanese Consul Chiune Sugihara, who helped over 6000 Polish and Lithuanian Jews escape the Nazis in 1940. Going against his government orders, he issued more than 2000 handwritten visas, risking both his life and his career. Some of those whose lives were saved have families living in British Columbia today.
“Bringing a new play to life takes time and dedication, and Manami has definitely demonstrated that,” says Artistic Producer Donna Spencer. “She has been so determined to share this amazing story of heroism with theatre audiences that throughout the past twelve years, she has been exploring ways to tell Sugihara’s story on stage. After hearing its first reading at The Firehall some time ago, I knew we needed to help make it happen, and I am so glad it will have its world premiere here in our theatre space.”
Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Manami Hara is a playwright, producer, interpreter, and a translator. She became fascinated with Western theatre and the English language, and at the age of 18, left Japan to become a stage actor in North America. She moved to Vancouver, took ESL classes and graduated from Studio 58. Manami is a Jessie Richardson Theatre Award winner and nominee for her acting and collaborative creations.
Courage Now is written by Manami Hara, directed by Amiel Gladstone, and performed by Manami Hara, Ryota Kaneko, Amitai Marmorstein, Katherine Matlashewski, and Advah Soudack. For more information, follow the Firehall Arts Centre on Facebook.
The fabulous and philanthropic team behind Workout for Women’s Day has put together a lineup of their Bootcamp to Benefit classes (Zumba, strength & cardio) for a special Holiday Edition supporting Backpack Buddies and Covenant House. Donate, sign up, and you could win some awesome prizes!
Bootcamp to Benefit Holiday Edition
There are three classes to choose from, you can sign up for one or all three by making a donation to Backpack Buddies or Covenant House BC, then emailing Shana Alexander (one of the hosts) to confirm your booking and donation.
Sunday December 4th at 1:00pm
Zumba, Core & Pelvic Floor with Asal Nikoopour & Shana Alexander at St. James Community Square (3214 W. 10th Ave)
Thursday, December 8th at 12:00pm
All Levels Strength & Cardio with Danya Rogen & Shana Alexander at Kits Beach under cover
Friday, December 23rd at 9:00am
Weights optional Strength & Cardio with Shana Alexander on Zoom
A $30 gift card to the newly opened To Live For bakery in Vancouver
For every class you sign up for, your name will be added to the draw again, so the more you participate, the greater your chances of winning!
About Bootcamp to Benefit
Since March 2020, this incredible community has moved together and donated more than $81,000 to 36 charities. Find more info here and follow Shana on Instagram for updates.
Follow Miss604Holidays this season for the latest arts and culture activities, attraction and event news »
Continuing the latest tradition in my family, the holiday shopping season starts with our first visit to The Christmas Store at Potters in Surrey. We get cards, ornaments, decor, soup and barbecue sauce (yep!) all from the largest store of its kind in Western Canada. Potters is 28,000 sq ft of holiday cheer making it much more than a store, it’s an attraction all on its own.
The Christmas Store at Potters
Where: 19158 48th Ave, Surrey
When: Open daily through December 24. Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday from 9:00am to 6:00pm and open until 7:00pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
As in years past, Potters Nursery has been transformed from a full-service garden centre into a 28,000-square-foot festive wonderland. It boasts an impressive inventory of thousands of unique hand-picked ornaments, designer trees and collectibles, stocking stuffers, food items and much more.
You’ll recognize how special the store is from the moment you walk through the door. From floor to ceiling and around every corner, there’s something magical to be seen. It all starts with the Merry & Bright, Red & White front entrance display, which greets guests with thousands of glimmering red and white ornaments.
Stunning themed trees include the brand-new Paris Tree, all in black and white, adorned with sparkling Eiffel Tower ornaments. This year, there are more than 30 decorated trees throughout the store, decked out in various themes, including candy, gingerbread characters, and even gnomes!
Venture into the 3,000-square-foot Dark Room, illuminated by more than 75 different Christmas-themed canvas paintings and over 60 different Christmas-themed water lanterns.
MouseTown, an automated village run by tiny mice, was introduced last year and proved such a big hit that the Potters team has completely redesigned and rebuilt it even larger this year. It’s now action-packed with ski lifts, cable cars and all sorts of moving components that kids of all ages are sure to love.
Enter to Win
Once again, this year I have a $100 gift card up for grabs! Here’s how you can enter to win, and amp up your holiday shopping:
Also new this year, Potters is offering a huge selection of beautiful Christmas ornaments from Mexico. The design team flew to Mexico City, then drove for hours to meet a talented family that produces tree ornaments available in an array of colours and textures.
Check off your gift-giving list as you peruse Potters’ incredible inventory of toys, jigsaw puzzles, games, Coca-Cola collectibles, over 50 styles of Christmas stockings, and unique items for those hard-to-buy-for adults. Looking for ways to spoil your furry friend? Be sure to stop by Petland, an area filled with pet-themed tree ornaments, cushions and stockings.
Plus, there’s the Gourmet Food area, offering thousands of specialty products, including hot chocolate from Montreal’s Gourmet Village (available in 41 different colours and flavours); locally-made jellies, syrups, and sauces from Krause Berry Farms, The Preservatory, and Cranberries Naturally; as well as Potters’ own Peach and Kentucky Bourbon Sauce.
More more information and inspiration, follow Potters on Instagram.
Follow Miss604Holidays this season for the latest arts and culture activities, attraction and event news »
Employ to Empower is hosting the Vancouver Street Store 9.0 — a free, outdoor pop-up clothing store that provides a dignified shopping experience for DTES residents and community. With more than 600 guests anticipated for the annual Downtown Eastside event, they are calling for additional donations and volunteers at this time.
Employ to Empower’s annual DTES Street Store
Volunteer with the Vancouver Street Store
Held at Oppenheimer Park for the second straight year, the internationally recognized event, which is sponsored by BC Housing, will take place on Saturday, December 10, 2022, from 10:00am to 4:00pm at 400 Powell Street.
“Ahead of this year’s big day, the Street Store is expecting the largest turnout yet as the need for increased connection and basic resources continues,” said Christina Wong, Executive Director of Employ To Empower. “We hope that every guest that comes through the Street Store will be wrapped in warmth in their new jacket or items of clothing, and also be filled with warmth and love from the community.”
Over the last two years, the Street Store saw a significant increase in donations, collecting 853 bags of items. Heading into the 2022 event, the community has expressed a need for warm winter jackets, men’s and women’s clothing (specifically pants), men’s winter boots, backpacks, blankets, sleeping bags, winter accessories (hats, gloves, scarves), and toiletries in good condition. Summer clothes, children’s clothes, used undergarments, hotel-sized toiletries, books, and household items will not be accepted.
Donors are asked to drop off their new or gently used items on Friday, November 25th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm; and Saturdays, November 26th and December 3rd from 10:00am to 6:00pm at 41 East Hastings. There’s also a need for individual and corporate monetary donations to support Employ to Empower and its programs.
UPDATE: New donation drop-off date Thursday, December 8, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at 41 East Hastings — with drop-off in the back entrance.
Volunteer opportunities include Clothing Sorter on November 26th and December 3rd, or at the Street Store on December 10th; with multiple time shifts to select from, as listed when registering through this form. Other ways to get involved include becoming a Donation Champion. As well, the Street Store is asking for fund donations to help cover expenses for venue, event equipment, operation costs, and ETE programming.
Since 2014, the Street Store has made an impact in the community by working with more than 600 volunteers, sharing 72,770 donations, and spreading holiday cheer to more than 6,850 residents. In addition to the shopping experience where guests have the opportunity to choose 10 gently-used items, the Street Store also offers free food, drinks, and haircuts.
About Employ to Empower
Employ to Empower (ETE) is a registered charity, launched in 2018, that provides residents in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside with access to development and entrepreneurial resources, such as affordable microloans and business mentorship, to have long-term positive impact on their personal and economic well being. ETE also actively advocates for positive social change in the DTES community. ETE’s mission is to empower individuals who face at least one of the three following barriers: physical and/or mental health challenges, poor credit, or are currently accessing social services with entrepreneurial opportunities.
Canyon Lights transforms Capilano Suspension Bridge Park into an unforgettable holiday light experience November 19th to January 22nd.
Photo submitted
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver)
When: Saturday, November 19, 2022 – Sunday, January 22, 2023
11:00am to 9:00pm daily (closed December 25th)
Admission: Purchase online in advance. Visits are scheduled in 30-minute arrival increments. BC Annual Passholders are also required to reserve their time online prior to their visit. Book early to avoid missing out!
Walk across the world-famous bridge, lit end-to-end above an illuminated Capilano River. Journey into a magical glowing rainforest and gain a new perspective high above the forest floor on Treetops Adventure, twinkling from treetop to forest floor. Wind your way along Cliffwalk and its “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel.
Find the perfect gift in the Trading Post Gift Store, enjoy a decadent hot chocolate while enjoying festive tunes, and take part in the Snowy Owl Prowl scavenger hunt.
Photo submitted
Canyon Lights continues its support of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund with partial proceeds from admissions donated to fire and burn education in schools throughout British Columbia. To date, Canyon Lights has donated over $410,000 to this worthy program. Admissions also help Capilano continue to host the Twelve Nights of Christmas, offering passes to local charities.
Enter to Win
I have a family pack of tickets (admission for 2 adults/2 kids) to give away! Here’s how you can enter to win:
