Already recognized in Canada and the United States, the City of Vancouver has also officially declared February as Black History Month. Last year I touched on Vancouver’s Black history by doing up a small profile on East Vancouver’s Hogan’s Alley, but there is a much greater story to be told and celebrated.

Governor Douglas ca. 1860 Royal BC Museum
BC Archives# 193501-001. Call#: A-01229

Although often overlooked, there’s a rich tapestry of Black history going back to the early colonial origins of Canada.

In 1858, nearly 800 free Black people left the oppressive racial conditions of San Francisco for a new life on Vancouver Island. Governor James Douglas had invited them to settle in British Columbia. Though still faced with intense discrimination, these pioneers enriched the political, religious and economic life of the colony.

Unknown to many, Douglas was himself the product of a mixed marriage — his father was Scottish and his mother Guyanese. Douglas strove to be known as Caucasian; however, he quickly agreed to the appeal from the San Francisco delegation. In turn, the Black pioneers pledged their support to Douglas and to the cause of British sovereignty.

Many from that initial group have contributed notably to BC life: Mifflin Gibbs became a prominent politician; Charles and Nancy Alexander initiated the Shady Creek Methodist Church; and John Deas established a salmon cannery. The group also formed one of the earliest colonial militia units, the Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps. A ceremony took place on February 20, 2000, in Saanichton, BC to honour the original arrival of Black pioneers in British Columbia. [City of Vancouver]

Vancouverites like Harry Jerome, Emery Barnes, and Dr Rosemary Brown were pioneers in their fields, and the legendary Joe Fortes was named Vancouver’s “Citizen of the Century”.

1910s – Joe Fortes in front of his cottage at the foot of Bidwell Street. Archives item# CVA 371-1977.

Local Black History Month Events

What: Women of Our Times, Here & Now. Join The National Congress of Black Women Foundation as they honour: Barbara Howard, Eleanor Collins, Eve Smith, Marcella King, Thelma Gibson, and Jeni LeGon. A reception, a silent auction and live entertainment to follow.
Date: Saturday, January 28, 2012
Time: Doors open 5:30pm, 6:00pm start
Where: James Cowan Theatre, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Event Link

What: 5th Annual Pan Afrikan Slam. Poetry and music, presented by Black Dot Roots and Culture Collective. Admission by donation.
Date: Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Time: 8:00pm
Where: Calabasha Bistro, 428 Carrall St
Event Link

What: Movie – The Godmother of Rock & Roll: Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Date: Thursday, February 9, 2012
Time: Doors at 6:30pm, 7:00pm start
Where: Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour St
Event Link

What: Free movie – The Mighty Jerome
Date: Monday, February 27, 2012
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia

What: Theatre: Intimate Apparel. The story of 35-year-old Esther who is an independent African-American woman who makes a good living sewing exquisite undergarments and corsets for brides-to-be. Set in 1905 New York.
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012
Time: 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Where: The Arts Club Theatre, Granville Island Stage
Event Link

What: Honouring Black History Month Though Oral Tradition: “Family Celebrations: How Does your Family Honour Heritage?”. Admission by donation.
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012
Time: 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Where: Intercultural Hub, Matsqui Recreation Centre, 3106 Clearbook Road, Abbotsford
Event Link

A full list of events is available on the City of Vancouver’s Black History Month homepage.

The Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) will be rung in on Monday, January 23, 2012. Vancouver has a very strong and very proud Chinese heritage so it comes as no surprise that there is a wide variety of festive celebrations happening around the region.

Photo credit: PiscesDreamer on Flickr

I was about to put together my own list but found that Dianne Chow of Fabulously in Frugal Vancouver already published a great event post. Here are my picks from her list along with a few of my own recommendations:

Richmond
Location: International Buddhist Temple, Richmond (9160 Steveston Hwy)
Date: Wednesday, January 18 to Monday, January 23, 2012
Event: Visitors can enjoy flower arrangements, foods, gift items, and more. On Chinese New Year’s Eve (January 22), the Temple will be open for its late night festivities until 1:00am. At midnight there will be a large group ceremony to bless all sentient beings. A vegetarian luncheon will take place on January 23 to celebrate the arrival of the new lunar year. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Event Website

Location: Aberdeen Centre, Richmond (4151 Hazelbridge Way)
Date: Sunday, January 22 to Monday, January 23, 2012
Hours: Mall Hours (fair runs until 12:30am on January 22nd)
Event: On New Year’s Eve there will be a countdown spectacular by Fairchild Radio with a live television special on Fairchild TV. The following day there will be a golden dragon and lion dance at 11:00am in the courtyard.
Event Website

Location: Aberdeen Centre, Richmond (4151 Hazelbridge Way)
Date: Saturday, January 28 to Sunday, January 29, 2012
Hours: 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Event: Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair with presentations from the BC Chinese Music Association, Vancouver Academy of Dance, BC Zhong Yang Music Association, Colors of Dance Academy
Event Website

Location: Landsowne Centre (5300 No.3 Road)
Date: Sunday, January 22, 2012
Hours: 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Event: Celebrations with a lion dance, martial arts, Chinese opera, karaoke, and more.
Event Website

Photo credit: kennymatic on Flickr

Burnaby
Location: Lougheed Town Centre (Austin Ave & North Road)
Date: Saturday, January 21, 2012
Hours: From 10:30am
Event: Lion dance and variety of other festivities
Event Website

Location: Brentwood Town Centre (4567 Lougheed Hwy)
Date: Saturday, January 21, 2012
Hours: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Event: Lion dance, crafts, blessing of merchants.
Event Website

Location: Metropolis at Metrotown Grand Court
Date: Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Hours: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Event: Lion dance, merchant blessing and more.
Event Website

Surrey
Location: Central City Shopping Centre (10153 King George Blvd)
Date: Sunday, January 23, 2012
Hours: Mall hours (11:00am to 6:00pm)
Event: Visit T&T Supermarket and Forum Home Appliances for specials and enjoy the sidewalk sale.
Event Website

West Vancouver
Location: Park Royal South Centre Court
Date: Saturday, January 21, 2012
Hours: 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Event: Traditional Lion’s Dance, Cosmological Tai Chi, and music. The first 100 guests will get a red envelope with some “lucky money” to spend at Park Royal.
Event Website

Vancouver
Location: Floata Restaurant (#400 – 180 Keefer St)
Date: Sunday, January 22, 2012
Hours: 5:00pm (doors) 6:00pm (dinner)
Event: Gung Haggis Fat Choy: Robbie Burns Day meets the Chinese New Year in a banquet celebration.
Event Link

Location: International Village (88 West Pender)
Date: Friday, January 27 to Sunday, January 29, 2012
Hours: 12:00pm to 10:00pm, 7:00pm on Sunday
Event: Entertainment, hourly “lucky draws”, merchant blessing, and more.
Event Website

Location: Oakridge Mall, West Galleria
Date: Saturday, January 28, 2012
Hours: 10:00am to 12:30pm
Event: Chinese New Year 6th Lucky Lunar Day of Celebrations with Lion Dance stage performance and luck blessings.
Event Website

Location: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden
Date: Sunday, January 29, 2012
Hours: 10:00am to 4:30pm with a preview on Saturday from 1:00pm to 4:30pm
Event: Year of the Dragon Temple Fair: A Hot & Noisy Affair. Live music, food, and entertainment. Entrance by donation.
Event Link

Location: Millennium Gate, Chinatown
Date: Sunday, January 29, 2012
Hours: Begins at 12:00pm
Event: Chinese New Year parade, downtown’s largest celebration.
Event Website

We’re ten days into the new year as lights, trees, and decorations are making their way back into boxes and bins. Before the winter blues set in, take a look at the following events (submitted by readers) to plan a fun-filled month.

Photo credit: bcbusinesshub on Flickr – Submitted to the Miss604 Flickr Pool.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Waiting for Godot at The Cultch
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Pull Focus Film School Winter Open House
Waiting for Godot at The Cultch
Friday, January 13, 2012
Team Awesome’s Polaroid Party
Waiting for Godot at The Cultch
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Bloodied But Unbowed: Film Screening + Rock Show
Waiting for Godot at The Cultch
Sunday, January 15, 2012
21st Century Flea Market
River District Knitting Club
Waiting for Godot at The Cultch

Monday, January 16, 2012
Girls Ride Free at Seymour
Chinese New Year Bazaar
Waiting for Godot at The Cultch
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Chinese New Year Bazaar
PuSh Festival
Waiting for Godot at The Cultch
Don Quixote on Tour at Surrey Arts Centre
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Know Show Vancouver
Chinese New Year Bazaar
PuSh Festival
Waiting for Godot at The Cultch
Don Quixote on Tour at Surrey Arts Centre
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Force of Nature & William Shatner Sings O Canada
Chinese New Year Bazaar
Know Show Vancouver
PuSh Festival
Waiting for Godot at The Cultch
Don Quixote on Tour at Surrey Arts Centre
CONCACAF Women’s Soccer Qualifiers
Friday, January 20, 2012
Chinese New Year Bazaar
Know Show Vancouver
PuSh Festival
Dine Out Vancouver
Don Quixote on Tour at Surrey Arts Centre
CONCACAF Women’s Soccer Qualifiers
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Royal City Kids Fair
Art on the Spot – Chinese New Year Burnaby
Part 2: Stanley Park Historical Photographs Exhibit
Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenca perform at the Chan Centre
PuSh Festival
Dine Out Vancouver
Don Quixote on Tour at Surrey Arts Centre
CONCACAF Women’s Soccer Qualifiers
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Gung Haggis Fat Choy
PuSh Festival
Dine Out Vancouver
Don Quixote on Tour at Surrey Arts Centre
CONCACAF Women’s Soccer Qualifiers

Monday, January 23, 2012
Girls Ride Free at Seymour
Meat Me In Memphis at Memphis Blues
PuSh Festival
Dine Out Vancouver
Don Quixote on Tour at Surrey Arts Centre
CONCACAF Women’s Soccer Qualifiers
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Liberty Wine Merchants’ Taste BC
PuSh Festival
Dine Out Vancouver
Don Quixote on Tour at Surrey Arts Centre
CONCACAF Women’s Soccer Qualifiers
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Robbie Burns Celebration Burnaby
SFU Robbie Burns Day Marathon Reading
PuSh Festival
Dine Out Vancouver
Don Quixote on Tour at Surrey Arts Centre
CONCACAF Women’s Soccer Qualifiers
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Arts Club Presents: Calendar Girls
PuSh Festival
Dine Out Vancouver
Don Quixote on Tour at Surrey Arts Centre
CONCACAF Women’s Soccer Qualifiers
Friday, January 27, 2012
Chinese New Year: Feast of Fortune Fundraiser
Dirty Apron Cooking School & House Wine Perfect Pairing Event
Wine Event: Unearth Australia: Pioneers and Superstars
PuSh Festival
Dine Out Vancouver
Don Quixote on Tour at Surrey Arts Centre
CONCACAF Women’s Soccer Qualifiers
The Arts Club Presents: Calendar Girls
Saturday, January 28, 2012
PuSh Festival
Dine Out Vancouver
The Arts Club Presents: Calendar Girls
CONCACAF Women’s Soccer Qualifiers
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Year of the Dragon Temple Fair
Birds of a Feather at Stanley Park Nature House
PuSh Festival
Dine Out Vancouver
The Arts Club Presents: Calendar Girls

Monday, January 30, 2012
Girls Ride Free at Seymour
PuSh Festival
Dine Out Vancouver
The Arts Club Presents: Calendar Girls
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
PuSh Festival
Dine Out Vancouver
The Arts Club Presents: Calendar Girls

Should you know of any other community happenings please feel free to submit the event information for listing.

The Burnaby Hospital Foundation is engaging the public with a festival holiday game in their latest fundraising effort. When you try your hand at the Rudolph Road Challenge online video game, funds will be donated to help get the hospital some critical equipment.

It’s quick, fun, and at the end you can enter to win an iPad 2 for yourself and the Game Day Giveaway from Electronic Arts. Take a few minutes for a coffee break and give it a try. You can even select which piece of equipment you would like to play for on behalf of the hospital.

It was November 19, 1971 that the Burnaby Village Museum was opened by Governor General Roland Michener. The 1920′s village combines heritage and replica buildings in a typical “tram-stop community along the BC Electric Railway.” Costumed townfolk give demonstrations in homes, shops, and at the blacksmith’s, there’s a self-guided tour, and the restored 1912 C.W. Parker Carousel for all to enjoy.

Photo credit: Carol Browne on Flickr

To celebrate their 40th anniversary year, the Burnaby Village Museum has had free admission for residents and visitors since March, 2011.

The village is known for hosting seasonal activities in particular its winter programming. Starting November 26th you can stop by to enjoy their Heritage Christmas.

Where Burnaby Village Museum (6501 Deer Lake Ave)
Tickets Admission is free for their anniversary year but tickets are needed for activities like guided tours ($6) and carousel rides ($2.25).
When November 26, 2011 to January 1, 2012. Open 12:00pm to 4:30pm until December 14, then 12:00pm to 8:00pm December 15 to January 1. The village will be closed December 24th and 25th.

Walk through the decorated village, adorned with boughs and bows, listen to carollers and participate in making some crafts with the kids. Father Christmas will be on hand for visits among storybook scenes and a new Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer display. The Footlight Theatre will put on a children’s play and there will be scavenger hunt as well.

At 11:00am on the 11th day of the 11th month I stand in silence to respect and honour those who gave their lives for our country. I am a first generation Canadian and this is my home. Remembrance Day makes me think of family, and it makes me thankful. I get to wake up every day in the most gorgeous city in the world because my grandparents and parents were given opportunities here in Canada.

Photo credit: kardboard604, kardboard604 on Flickr – From the Miss604 Flickr Pool

Photo credit: PiscesDreamer on Flickr – From the Miss604 Flickr Pool

I heard on the radio today that my niece and nephews’ generation will be the last to know any World War veterans personally. It’s up to us to never forget.

Photo credit: Clayton Perry Photoworks on Flickr – From the Miss604 Flickr Pool

The following list was originally compiled by News1130:

Vancouver
There will be a ceremony at the cenotaph in Victory Square (West Hastings & Cambie) starting at 10:30am. The Olympic cauldron at Jack Pool Plaza will be lit at 8:00am, and will be extinguished at 11:02am.

Burnaby
Starting at Safeway (440 Hastings St) a parade will set out for the Confederation Park cenotaph at 10:30am. The ceremony will begin at 10:45am. There is also a parade at 10:30am from Royal Canadian Legion #83 (Grimmer St) to the Bonsor Park Cenotaph, with the ceremony at 10:45am.

New Westminster
Royal Westminster Regiment Armoury will have a ceremony starting at 10:00am. Following the ceremony there will be a parade over to the City Hall cenotaph for 11:00am.

Richmond
The ceremony will be at the Richmond City Hall cenotaph on No 3 Road at 10:40am followed by a parade along Granville Avenue to the Richmond School Board offices.

Surrey
The Surrey Museum in Cloverdale (17710 – 56A Avenue) will host a ceremony from 10:15am to 12:30pm.

Langley
The parade starts at 10:25am from the Legion Branch 21 on 56th Avenue (between Logan and Glover). It will head to the new Douglas Park Cenotaph for an 11:00am ceremony.

Visit News1130‘s website for more listings in Maple Ridge, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, North Vancouver and West Vancouver.

You never know what to expect from an eatery in a casino but EBO Restaurant is definitely a gem. The large, open dining room is very warm and welcoming with glittering gold decor and sheer shimmering curtains draping around large group tables.

My sister and I were sat at a table by the window that looked out onto a grove of evergreens. If you didn’t know any better you’d have no idea a freeway was rushing by on the other side. Our friendly server brought by the signature EBO Martini and answered any questions we had about the set menu that was prepared for us that evening.

The culinary creations were reminiscent of the science that went into our meal at The Apron at the Westin in Richmond. You weren’t just served a meal, you were offered custom, hand-crafted course presented in very unique ways. The dishes tasted as good as they looked, if not better due to the hidden flavours that leapt out at first bite.

(Left) Amuse bouche. (Right) Roast scallops with jamon serrano, capers, sultanas, cauliflower puree

Spiced Duck Consomme with pickled daikon, foie gras, compressed peach

Roast sablefish, Hazelemere organic corn puree, potato roesti, Naty’s beets, bacon

You can enjoy the lunch buffet or try a prix-fixe multi-course dinner at EBO for $42 with wine options. Individually, entrees range from $21 to $35 for a variety of Pacific Northwest dishes including Ocean Wise seafood.

Given the price point and the atmosphere, EBO would be ideal for date night or an intimate birthday with good friends and crafted cocktails. Afterward, head over to the Scala Lounge, just through the casino, for Dueling Pianos (like we did). Tom and Mick are incredibly talented and will play your favourite songs and most obscure requests until 11:00pm on Thursdays.

Photo: Tourism Burnaby

If you’ve driven Eastbound on Highway 1 from Vancouver you would have surely passed the Grand Villa Casino & the Delta Burnaby Hotel and Conference Centre.

It’s quickly become a hot spot for Burnaby nightlife, casino play, and dining at EBO Restaurant & Lounge, Centro, Apetito, and Grand Dynasty. Every Thursday night in the Scala Lounge they also present Dueling Pianos.

The high-energy dueling pianos show is described as “sing-a-long and comedic entertainment all night”. The pianists, Mick Dalla-Vee and Tom Arntzen, are both legendary in Canadian music.

The Grand Villa Casino approached me to do a giveaway and have offered up two prize packages so two lucky readers can have a mini ‘staycation’ or at least a night away in the hotel with food and entertainment.

Photo: Grand Villa Casino

The prize packages each include: Two $50 gift cards that can be used for chips or slot play in the casino, one night’s accommodation in the hotel, a $40 food and beverage gift certificate for the Scala Lounge so the winner and their guest can enjoy Dueling Pianos.

I write so often about our region and rarely see it through the eyes of visitors. I realized that I’ve never actually spent the night in a Vancouver hotel even though I recommend so many to those who seek my advice. I think this is a fantastic opportunity to discover that what’s there for tourists is also available for locals to enjoy.

Here’s how you can enter to win this Night Away/Dueling Pianos contest:

• Leave a comment this post (1 entry)
• Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

I will draw two winners, who will each get a prize package, at random from all entries at 10:00am on Thursday, October 27, 2011. You must be 19 years of age or older to enter, win, and play at the casino. Please enjoy responsibly and know your limit, play within it. The prize packages are redeemable for bookings on a Thursday night as they are bundled with the Dueling Pianos performance. The $40 for Scala Lounge cannot be used on alcohol or gratuity.

Update The winner is Lisa! (comment from October 21) AND @DarrylAMiller.

Halloween is a special time of year for children. They get to carve pumpkins, make crafts and decorate, dress up as their favourite characters, and bring in a haul of treats. As you get older the activities, parties, and experiences change until you’re fortunate enough to have a family of your own so you can re-live that childhood excitement with your own little ones.

Photo credit: Paul Mayne on Flickr

There are activities you can both enjoy, like the Stanley Park Ghost Train but I thought I would also roundup a list of community events happening around the region that are all specifically for younger children.

Halloween Fireworks in Richmond
Your family can enjoy free fireworks displays on Halloween night from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at several locations in Richmond including Minoru Park, the West Richmond Community Centre, and the South Arm Community Centre. The events are for all ages and will include clowns, magic tricks, stilt-walkers, fire jugglers, hot chocolate, games and more.

Halloween on the Heights
Burnaby Heights is hosting a series of events October 29th to October 30th including a Spooky Boogie dance for ages 7 to 18, Halloween train rides on the miniature railway in Confederation Park, and Trick or Treating on October 31st. Families are also welcome to head over to Gilmore School on Halloween night for a fireworks display around 8:00pm.

Little Spooks & Friendly Ghosts at VanDusen Garden
For ages 9 and younger, there will be crafts, games, and performances at VanDusen Botanical Garden. Admission will be at a reduced rate from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on October 29th. Tickets are available at the front gate and activities include learning to juggle, making spooky wind catchers, and playing a giant Jenga game – presented by Aldor Acres.

PoCo Jelly Bean Dance
Happening from 6:15pm to 9:15pm on October 28th, this costumed Halloween dance is just for kids in grades 4 to 6. Presented by PoCo Youth in the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre gym, there will be games, prizes, and of course music and dancing. Parents are welcome and the event is supervised by Parks and Recreation staff. Tickets are $5 in advance or $7 on dance night.

Halloween Fun in New Westminster
The New Westminster Public Library presents a special Halloween event on October 28th for ages 4 to 10. There will be ghostly stories and crafts in the Children’s Room at the library on 6th Ave.

Pumpkin Power at the Surrey Museum
Drop into the Surrey Museum in Cloverdale for this event for kids on October 29th. Do some crafts, decorate pumpkins, view carved jack o’lanterns, and even eat some pumpkin pie from 12:00pm to 2:00pm. Admission is by donation.

Halloween Hoopla in Burnaby
Head to the Bill Copeland Sports Centre on October 29th from 12:30 to 3:00pm where kids can enjoy crafts, games, face painting and of course ice skating. Regular skate admission applies and costumes are optional, but encouraged.

Family Fright at the Fort
Wear your costumes to Fort Langley’s production of “Justine Beaver’s Halloween Adventure” on October 29th and 30th. Showtimes are 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm and 5:00pm with activities open around the fort from 10:00am to 6:00pm.

You can view a full list of October events in my monthly post. Should you have any to add, or any community events coming up in November, please feel free to contact me with details.

This past summer I attended my first Burnaby Heights Hats off Day and I quickly found out why so many call it their favourite event of the year. For over a dozen city blocks along the north side of Burnaby, community organizations, neighbours, and businesses get together and host one fantastic festival. The Burnaby Heights community is coming together once again for Halloween on the Heights this month.

Photo credit: kevinpoh on Flickr

Here are just a few of the events you can find from October 29th to 31st on Hastings between Boundary and Gamma in Burnaby:

Spooky Boogie
A hosted Halloween Dace at the Dance Addicts Studio (4622 Hastings) for ages 7 to 18. Stop in October 30th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm with dark clothing. Glowing touches will be added by the Dance Addicts crew. Participation is by donation to the BC Children’s Hospital.

Halloween Trains in the Dark
Ride the miniature railway in Confederation Park on October 29th and 30th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

Trick or Treating
Local merchants will be handing out candy to costumed little ones on October 31st then families can make their way to Gilmore Community School for a fireworks display around 8:00pm.

All event are billed as “spooky but not too spooky” and are appropriate for children and families.