Touchstone Theatre Presents Happy Place: Win Tickets

Comments 10 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Touchstone Theatre, in association with Ruby Slippers Theatre and Diwali in BC, presents Happy Place by Pamela Mala Sinha.

Happy Place explores and celebrates the courage, compassion and humour of seven women living amidst each other in the most extraordinary of circumstances. Set in an in-patient centre for women dealing with trauma, Happy Place is a sincere and contemporary look at mental illness and the path to healing.

Happy Place
L-R Diane Brown, Nicola Cavendish, Sereana Malani, Adele Noronha, Laara Sadiq, Colleen Wheeler and Donna Yamomoto. Photo by Riun Garner.

Touchstone Theatre Presents Happy Place

Where: Firehall Arts Centre (280 E. Cordova St)
Tickets: Available online now
When: October 20 to 29, 2017
Preview October 19 at 8:00pm (only $17); Opening October 20 at 8:00pm; Tuesday at 7:00pm; Wednesday to Sat at 8:00pm; Saturdays & Sundays 3:00pm matinees; Wednesday, October 25 at 1:00pm (Pay What You Can Matinee); Tuesday, October 24 at 7:00pm

Touchstone’s fall production, the first of their 2017/18 season, is Happy Place by Pamela Mala Sinha. Touchstone’s Artistic Director Roy Surette makes his Directorial return for the company, supported by a top notch team of designers: Pam Johnson on Set, Christine Reimer on Costumes, Adrian Muir on Lights, with Original Music and Sound Design by Dorothy Dittrich.

Happy Place takes us into the experiences of seven women in an in-patient care facility, living together in the most extraordinary circumstances. Though each woman must navigate her own survival in a world that challenges that possibility, they are also the ones who teach one another how to live in a way no therapist ever could. Happy Place is a glimpse into lives filled with courage, compassion, humour and startling surprise; lives which, in many ways, are not so different from our own. Happy Place premiered in September 2015 at Toronto’s Soulpepper Theatre.

The show features a cast of amazing Vancouver actresses with over 50 Jessie nominations and awards between them: Diane Brown (The Duchess a.k.a. Wallis Simpson, A Beautiful View), Nicola Cavendish (4000 Miles, Bakersfield Mist), Sereana Malani (Pericles, Valley Song), Adele Noronha (Brothel #9, Walt Whitman's Secret), Laara Sadiq (Brothel #9, The Penelopiad), Colleen Wheeler (Elizabeth Rex, Peter and the Starcatcher), Donna Yamamoto (5 @ 50, Salmon Row).

Win Tickets

I have a pair of tickets to give away for the performance Happy Place on October 24th. Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Click below to get another entry by posting on Twitter:

[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win tickets to @TouchstoneInVan & @rubysliptheatre’s Happy Place http://ow.ly/wCeW30fOBUl” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Wednesday, October 18, 2017.

Update The winner is Vivian!

Dining in the Okanagan: Waterfront Wines in Kelowna

Add a Comment by Steffani Cameron
Disclosure: Sponsored Post — Views ad opinions are those of the author. The meal was compliments of Waterfront Wines. Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

The following has been contributed by Steffani Cameron, who is in the middle of a 5-year worldwide adventure that she is chronicling at FullNomad.com.

Waterfront Wines in Kelowna

When Chef Mark Filatow from Kelowna’s Waterfront Wines Restaurant heard that I was in town researching for a travel article on the Okanagan for the world’s largest cheese magazine, he invited me to come dine on a chef’s tasting menu.

Naturally, I told my Aunt Eileen to gussy-up with some loose pants, then we headed in for an early dinner.

For eight years in a row, Vancouver Magazine has awarded Chef Mark and Waterfront the Gold Award for Best Kelowna Restaurant. Soon, we’d learn why. “Eat local” is the raison d’etre at this hyper-local eatery. If it’s grown nearby and in season, it’ll be the star of the show. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

A Miss604.com guest post by

Steffani Cameron is a professional writer living and working in Victoria, BC. The recovering nomad travelled 25 countries in 4 years, with lodgings of every kind from caves to sleeping under the stars. Today, she enjoys the quiet seaside life in BC's capital, where she writes client-facing copy for companies with philanthropic programs, in between photo walks and cooking tasty things. Read more from Steffani on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Halloween Activities at Historic Sites Around Vancouver

Add a Comment by Alexis

At least a century of stories spill from the shadows and dark corners of some of our region’s most historic sites and they’re hosting some very special events this Halloween to tell their tales (and have some fun).

Halloween Activities at Historic Sites Around Vancouver 2017

Britannia Mine Museum

What: Spoo-ook-tacular Halloween Weekend
Where: Britannia Mine Museum (1 Forbes Way, Britannia Beach)
When: October 21st and 22nd, October 28th and 29th, from 10:00am to 3:00pm
Tickets: Special event pricing is $15 (general), members and kids age 5 and under get in free (plus applicable taxes).

The special train ride will have spooky stories inside the old underground tunnels. Check out the Strange Science Show with all the smoke, fire and fun of last year’s show, plus a new batch of potions and tricks to wow the crowd. Take a peek inside the Witch’s House and the Critter Emporium, dress up at the photo booth, and explore the Village Fair.

The Museum’s regular train tour is not included in special event pricing; however, a special Halloween train ride is included with event admission.

Anniversary Weekend in Richmond, B.C.

Gulf of Georgia Cannery

What: Halloween at the Cannery
Where: Gulf of Georgia Cannery (12138 Fourth Ave, Richmond)
When: October 28 & 29, 2017 drop in 11:00am to 4:00pm
Tickets: Admission by donation (recommended $4).

Solve the Mysterious Case of the Haunted Cannery, a spooky, family-fun mystery inside the 122-year old historic building, for all those who dare to enter. Dare to explore the haunted house, meet ghoulish cannery characters, and see what tricks you have to play to get treats.

Fort Langley National Historic Site

What: Kids Fort Langley Halloween
Where: Fort Langley National Historic Site (23433 Mavis Ave, Langley)
When: October 29, 2017, from 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Tickets: Complimentary admission for Canada 150

Trick-or-treat at Fort Langley National Historic Site! Gather around the bonfire for ghost stories, explore the Spooky Servants Quarters and get an airbrush tattoo. If you dare, give yourselves goose bumps meeting some of “Mike’s Critters” creepy companions. Wear your costumes for great photos.

Historic Stewart Farm

What: Haunted Halloween
Where: Historic Stewart Farm (13723 Crescent Rd, Surrey)
October 28, 2017 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm

A shadowy barn, creaky floorboards, rustling trees – visit the haunted farm if you dare! This safe and fun family drop-in shares old-time All Hallow’s Eve traditions, crafts and spooky treats. Light-hearted friendly “ghosts’ just might be rattling doorknobs and making special appearances. FREE!

* Any prices listed are as of time of publishing of this blog post and are subject to change. All prices on online ticket sales or in person at these venues are the final and valid amounts.

Canuck Place Gift of Time: Maureen and Angela

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Canuck Place’s 13th Annual Gift of Time is taking place on October 14th at the Westin Bayshore and each year, a highlight of the evening is a speech from a Canuck Place family. This year, Maureen Laforge will be speaking about her daughter, Angela.

Angela was a recent high school graduate living in Campbell River. She was exploring her options: going to college, finding a decent job, falling in love. She was a young adult who was entering a new time in her life.

In January of 2015, her life turned an unexpected corner when she was diagnosed with Chordoma, an aggressive and rare cancer with few treatment options.

“The next six months saw us embark on an overwhelming journey of surgeries, specialized radiation treatments in the US, and numerous trips to doctors in Vancouver,” explained Maureen.

“We were home in Campbell River for only a few weeks at a time, with little time for anything else.”

By the end of 2015 tumors had taken the use of Angela’s hands, legs, and even her voice. After a year of battling the cancer, it was clear that this was not a battle they would win, and they were introduced to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.

“Being the parent of a critically ill child feels like being in the middle of a hurricane, and tornado, and a tsunami all at the same time and all the while your child looks to you to calm the winds, block the flying debris, and hold back the waves – they look to you to save them.

“It is a most helpless feeling I have ever felt,” said Maureen.

The staff at Canuck Place calmed the storm with love, compassion, and expertise.

“Time seemingly slowed down,” remembers Maureen. “Now our time was experienced in moments, moments we could savour together.”

The Canuck Place team diligently learned everything they could about Angela, not just her medical needs, but also how they could help her experience some of her favourite things.

Like a bubble bath. With help from nurses and a specialized tub, Angela was able to enjoy long, luxurious bubble baths while staying at Canuck Place, a simple pleasure that was no longer possible at home.

On April 16th, 2016 Angela passed peacefully, surrounded by friends and family in the Canuck Place gardens.

“It was truly a beautiful transition for our daughter,” said Maureen. “One that she too had hoped for. Angela did not want her final breaths to be in a hospital.

I remember Angela saying, ‘When this is all over don’t let it be a sad story to never speak of, let it be the beginning of a beautiful one.’ The team at Canuck Place had granted her this final wish and made it so.”

Maureen Laforge will be sharing her story at the Canuck Place Gift of Time Gala on October 14th. This is a sold-out event, but you can still support by donating to the Friends of Gift of Time Fund.

How to Give

Click here to donate to Canuck Place »

Canuck Place delivers care to over 715 newborns, teens and families across the province and through two locations: Vancouver and Abbotsford.

Dedicated, professional staff and over 300 volunteers provide a vital lifeline for children and families in their greatest time of need. Canuck Place relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, and various organizations to raise operating funds, with a portion funded by the Province of BC.

Follow along on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

Weekend Wine: Les Halos de Jupiter 2015 Côtes du Rhône

Comments 1 by Rebecca Bollwitt
Disclosure: Sponsored Post — Published in partnership with The Wine Syndicate Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

Miss604 and The Wine Syndicate are pleased to present a new bi-weekly series to help you gear up for the weekend in style. Weekend Wine will showcase new-to-you wineries, familiar favourites, and perfect pairings that you can pick up at your local purveyor.

Les Halos de Jupiter 2015 Côtes du Rhône

Weekend Wine Selection

Les Halos de Jupiter is the personal project of French master oenologist Philippe Cambie, who provides his expert touch to a number of famous Rhône labels.

Tasting & Pairing Notes

This red is a delicious blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre with aromas and flavours of dark juicy fruits, herbs, spice and light minerality.

Les Halos de Jupiter 2015 Côtes du RhôneIt gets better with time, so you can savour it after cellaring for three to five years, or pop it open while you’re cooking a roasted meat supper and by the time you’ve sat down with your plate it will be ready to embrace.

It has a plush, full texture from its time in French oak, but it’s still plummey, pruney, and juicy with a long-lasting finish. Pair with roast lamb, steak, or a juicy burger.

Where to Buy

The Les Halos de Jupiter 2015 Côtes du Rhône is available widely at over 100 BC Liquor Stores for $22.99. Enjoy now or cellar three to five years.

Please enjoy responsibly. Must be 19+.