FRENCH KISS: Vancouver’s vibrant theatre community gathered for the 33rd annual Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards honouring the best of the theatrical season. Staged at the Commodore Ballroom and produced by Vancouver Theatre Sports, the event recognized more than 40 companies and more than 70 stage productions. Théâtre la Seizième’s À toi, pour toujours, ta Marie-Lou swept the large theatre category. The Michel Tremblay work garnered six awards, including Craig Holzschuh for outstanding direction as well as actors Joey Lespérance and France Perras for their lead performances. Julie Trépanier won for her supporting role, Drew Facey for set design, and the play, about two sisters looking back at their relationship with their parents, also snapped up outstanding production. B.C.’s only professional French language theatre company was also recognized in the theatre for young audiences category for its production of Selfie: Rachel Peake for her outstanding artistic creation and Julie Trépanier, Siona Gareau-Brennan and Vincent Leblanc-Beaudoin for their outstanding performances.
WISE DINNER: Vancouver Aquarium’s sustainable seafood program Ocean Wise celebrated its 10th birthday. Created to educate and empower consumers on sustainable seafood, Ocean Wise has been a driving force in promoting well-managed coastal fisheries and educating consumers about over-fished and endangered species. Today more than 4,000 restaurants and retailers across Canada now participate in the conservation led by local Vancouver chef Rob Clark and program director Mike McDermid. As founding members, Toptable Group’s West Restaurant hosted a showcase of British Columbia’s finest sustainable seafood products with a six-course dinner curated by executive chef Quang Dang and Clark, Ocean Wise founding chef and owner of Vancouver’s sustainable seafood store and eatery, The Fish Counter.
SUCCESSFUL WOMEN: Founded by UBC grad Christina Anthony in 2002, Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE) has been encouraging, educating, and mentoring women entrepreneurs for over a decade. From start-up advice to specific tips and tricks, programs are designed to support and mentor women who are venturing into new business opportunities or ready to ramp up and grow their existing business. The not-for-profit recently held their annual summer garden party at the Roundhouse. The community centre was transformed into a party palace, where members kibitzed and networked, while taking in the silent auction and products and services of local female entrepreneurs. Proceeds from the friend-raiser will support the plethora of FWE initiatives.
