The mayor officially launched Black History Month at a special event Jan. 31. The City of Vancouver is presenting celebratory events in partnership with the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, Vancouver Public Library, Friends of the VPL, Vancouver International Film Centre, National Film Board and the National Congress of Black Women Foundation. These include a screening of The Godmother of Rock 'n' Roll: Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a film portrait of the African-American gospel superstar, Feb. 9, 7 p.m. at the Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour St.; Skins and Steel, a performance celebrating the early pioneers of Caribbean drumming and dance in the mid-20th century Vancouver, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., Vancity Theatre, and a screening of Mighty Jerome, a documentary tribute to the famous local sprinter, Feb. 27 at the Central Library, 350 West Georgia St. For more information, see vancouver.ca.
Anti-bullying money
Bullying Canada, Canada's national anti-bullying charity, is now accepting applications for the organizations scholarship program. The scholarship is open to students in their final year of high school who have worked to end bullying in their schools and communities to aid them with their post secondary education. The first round has three $100 scholarships, with more to follow in the months to come. The deadline for applications is March 1. For more information, speak to your school or contact BullyingCanada. Applications can be downloaded from bullyingcanada.ca or can be requested by telephone at 1-877-352-4497.
30 days for $30
Are you sticking to your New Year's resolution to live a healthier, more active life? This is your last week to take advantage of the city's recreation and fitness discounts targeting your commitment to a healthy 2012. Until Feb. 8, purchase a 30day pass for $30 for unlimited access to 15 fitness centres, nine pools and eight ice rinks. The month pass can be picked up at all participating park board locations and no contract is required. For more information, visit vancouverparks.ca.
Singing Valentines
Vancouver's oldest male barbershop chorus is offering Singing Valentines across the Lower Mainland Feb. 14. The Vancouver Thunderbirds know that nothing says "I love you" like a singing valentine. The non-profit Thunderbirds have been bringing tight harmonies to the Lower Mainland for more than 50 years and now lovers can harness their vocal ability to woo that special someone this Valentine's day. For $50, the Thunderbirds will send a tuxedo-clad male quartet equipped with a card, a long stemmed rose and a few tunes designed specifically to melt the heart of your recipient. Go to ThunderbirdChorus.ca for more information.
