Marpole
While Earth Day officially falls on April 22, it typically includes events and celebrations spread over more than a week.
On Tuesday, Earth Day, a tree planting ceremony was held at a site residents hope will eventually become a 10-acre, riverfront park.
Marpole residents (and busy activists and seniors) Terry Slack and Don Larson planted the tree on the property, located at the south end of Heather Street at Kent Avenue, as an indication of their commitment to work with the city to ensure the park and an adjacent walkway are completed.
Killarney
Vancouver’s longest running Earth Day celebration continues at Everett Crowley Park on Kerr Road at East 65th Ave., April 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hosted by the Everett Crowley Park Committee, the free event includes the planting of 1,000 native trees and shrubs supplied by the park board, educational games and exhibits and kids’ activities, including geo-caching sessions with the Red Fox Healthy Living Society. The day’s entertainment includes appearances by stilt-walking Lindsey Long Legs and Bunkie the Clown.
Downtown
The Vancouver Public Library has some interesting events coming up including a panel discussion dubbed Hearing Aid Costs and Services: What Consumers Need, April 26 from 1 to 4 p.m.
The keynote speaker is Gael Hannan, considered one of North America’s foremost speakers when it comes to hearing loss issues. Hannon, who grew up with a severe hearing loss, uses humour to deliver her workshops on hearing aids. The free event is co-sponsored by the B.C., Vancouver and North Vancouver branches of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association.
I know @streetcrow won’t want to miss Crow Night at the library May 9. The evening is dedicated to crow stories from Dr. Rob Butler, president of the Pacific WildLife Foundation. (That’s how it’s spelled.)
The acclaimed film Crows, by filmmaker Mike McKinlay, will also be shown. Black attire is encouraged for the event, which takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. followed the next day with Why Birds Matter.
Based on the theme for World Migratory Bird Day 2014, this May 10 lecture features author, biologist and birder Dick Cannings. As well, the long-awaited winner of Vancouver’s first city bird competition will be announced. For the record, I’m an Anna’s Hummingbird fan all the way. I know first hand those Northern flickers can be bad news, especially during chafer beetle season. Why Birds Matter runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. All of the events are free and take place in the Alice MacKay Room on the lower level of the Central Library, 350 West Georgia St. For more information call 604-331-3603.
Kitsilano
Mainland Hearing Kitsilano is kicking off Speech and Hearing Awareness Month, May 1, with a celebration organized with the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., PADS puppies will be at the audiology and hearing clinic, located at 2083 Alma St., where adults can also enjoy a free hearing screening. Those not interested in a free screening can gather information on what it takes to become a volunteer with PADS.
Renfrew Collingwood
Grandparents, parents and expectant moms will want to check out this community consignment sale organized to help save money on maternity wear and kids clothes — while keeping used clothing out of the landfill.
The Just Between Friends children’s and maternity summer consignment sale takes place April 25 to 27 at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Dr. The focus of the sale is to recycle gently-used children’s clothing and maternity items instead of throwing them away. There’s still room available for parents who want to make a little cash while cleaning out their family’s closets. Visit vancouverbc.jbfsale.com.
Sunset
Seniors and their caregivers will want to check out a series of sessions being held at noon Mondays and Tuesdays at the Sunset Community Centre now through June 30.
Helping You Navigate the B.C. Healthcare System will offer seniors information on how to be proactive by asking the right questions, creating their own health plans, organizing patient care team meetings, asking for a second and third opinion, and being accountable for their own care and bodies. The centre is located at 6810 Main St. Visit theseniorshub.org
