They say great cooking come from the heart, and that’s just one of many reasons why John and I always jump at the chance to feast on Chef Ned Bell‘s dishes. We did so recently when we were in the South Okanagan, paying a visit to the historic Naramata Inn where PR powerhouse Kate Colley and Chef Bell reimagined and reopened the iconic destination this summer. I hear there’s nary a day that the dining room isn’t full, and for good reason.
Memories from our lovely dining experience on Naramata Inn the porch in August
Located at the top of the Naramata Bench in the Okanagan Valley, the Inn’s restaurant offers a thoughtful, creative and ambitious hyper-local menu, drawing on the talents of the region’s farmers, artisans and producers. The wine program — led by Emily Walker — showcases the best of the Okanagan and beyond, while David Levesque’s innovative cocktail list is as local at the food.
With a great location, great people and great support from local producers, it’s the number one place you should add to your next Okanagan itinerary. Here’s some of the latest news from the Naramata Inn:
Dress for Success Vancouver (“DFSV”) will host their annual Success Luncheon virtually on November 4th. Each year the event offers the DFSV community of sponsors, supporters, ambassadors and champions the opportunity to connect, share a meal and hear from inspirational women within the organization and the community.
Success Luncheon for DFS Vancouver
Where: Online (with lunch delivery) When: Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 11:45am to 1:00pm Tickets:Available online now
This year, lunch from the Lazy Gourmet will be sent to homes around Vancouver so guests can enjoy a meal together, even though attendees will be connecting through the screen.
It’s time for pumpkin patches, haunted corn mazes, and Grave Tales as we creep up to Halloween. There is also quite a bit of online arts and culture program to enjoy, which won’t involve a blustery stroll or muddy boots. Check out all of these events and more things to do in Vancouver this weekend below:
The 12th annual Spark Animation Film Festival has moved online in 2020 with an expanded program running over 11 days from October 29th to November 8th. The virtual festival ― produced by Vancouver-based Spark Computer Graphics (Spark CG) Society ― is powered by Eventive, a technology platform designed by independent film lovers specifically to enhance virtual cinema screenings.
Spark Animation Film Festival
Where: Online (available worldwide, some programs geo-blocked) When: Thursday, October 29 to Sunday, November 8, 2020 Tickets: The 2020 Festival Pass provides full access to films, programming, and speakers for the single festival pass price of $25 (plus taxes and fees). Some programs may be available to limited markets and territories, which will be noted on the festival website.
The programming team, led by Festival Director Marina Antunes, is pleased to present a wide-ranging, diverse line-up of films and filmmakers available to screen and meet online in 2020. She adds, “Along with a program of edgy and award-winning short and feature films, we will have director Q&A sessions, live presentations, and opportunities for festival pass-holders to network with filmmakers virtually.”
Festival Highlights
This year’s showcase of the world’s leading animators includes anniversary-themed celebrations of film.
“The Women of Toy Story“ honours the 25th-anniversary of this beloved film from the perspectives of the women who helped in its creation. Hollywood Producer Bonnie Arnold, who was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Spark CG Society in 2019, will be joined by other women from the production. The session will be moderated by author, film historian, and filmmaker Mindy Johnson.
To mark the 20th anniversary of the Academy Award-winning short film Father and Daughter, an “In Conversation” session with London-based Dutch Director Michaël Dudok de Wit will be moderated by educator and film historian Keith Blackmore and will include a screening of this masterful short film.
Popular Films and Programs Returning in 2020
Female filmmakers’ talents are on display during the “Mothers of a Medium” program. Films by Canadian filmmakers are celebrated with a “Made in Canada” showcase. The “Spotlight on France” includes award-winning French shorts and features. Experimental films provide fuel for “Late Night Snacks” screenings.
The Spark Animation 2020 Celebration features award-winning film selections by this year’s prestigious jury of producers, directors, educators, and independent studio founders.
Enter to Win
I have three tickets to give away to the Made in Canada program, sponsored by Miss604. Here’s how you can enter to win:
Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
Click below to post an entry on Twitter
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win tickets to the Made in Canada program at the Spark Animation Film Festival #SparkAnimation2020 @SparkCGS #Spark2020 #IloveAnimation http://ow.ly/yxNZ50BTw6s” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Thursday, October 22, 2020. Follow Spark on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more info.
Join Aunt Leah’s Virtual Birthday Party Gala to come together during such an isolated time and support foster youth, moms, and babies who have been especially affected by the pandemic.
Aunt Leah’s Virtual Birthday Party Gala
Where: Online When: Thursday, October 22, 2020 from 7:00pm to 7:45pm Register:Reserve your spot for free
Spend an evening with host and Executive Director, Sarah Stewart to learn more about how Aunt Leah’s is rising to meet the needs of their young people during this challenging time. Hear their voices and stories and learn how you can help. Gifts raised at this event will provide housing, support, and personal kindness for the 350+ youth, children, and mothers who come to the society’s doors each year.
All guests will receive a discount code for BeerVan delivery, a collective of small family owned Vancouver craft breweries and beverage producers when they register. Guests will also be automatically entered to win a variety of prizes.
Every year in British Columbia, approximately 1,000 foster children will reach their 19th Birthday and will age out of Government care. For most of these young people there will be no celebration, no gifts, and no on-going support. The journey ahead will be challenging and lonely. Last year 266 of these young people came through the doors of Aunt Leah’s Place.
Why a Birthday Party?
The “Birthday Party Gala” — while not Aunt Leah’s birthday — is Aunt Leah’s way of recognizing and celebrating foster youth who age out of care at their 19th birthday. It is a symbolic event that points to social justice. A gathering that reminds us of what parents do for their children on their birthdays and when they approach adulthood.
