WordCamp Fraser Valley returns for its 3rd year of talks and workshops in Surrey on November 20th, 2010. WordPress is the top blogging platform in the world however it is also used to power millions of websites that you visit each and every day. Its endless theme and plugin capabilities make it one of the reasons why I have been building a business around the platform since 2008.
My company develops WordPress websites, specializing in social media newsrooms that tie blog and multimedia functions into a much more robust website platform. Along with Brave New Code, we hosted WordCamp Vancouver this year and received a fantastic response. I’m hoping that those interested in WordPress, from design and code to using it as a writing tool, will check out WordCamp Fraser Valley this weekend as well.
Speakers include my husband (and business partner) John Bollwitt who is an engineer at CHUM Radio Vancouver. He’ll be talking about how companies can built intranet sites using WordPress to keep their teams informed and in the loop. John has been using WordPress since 2005 and got me hooked on the platform in 2006.
He’ll be joined on the roster by Tris Hussey (author of Using WordPress), Dave Zille, Lynn Robson, and Kulpreet Singh. Raul Pacheco, Danny Bradbury, and Leah Cross will also address how to write and publish your various forms of content using WordPress.
Tickets are still available for $45 so if you’ve ever been curious about WordPress as a user, writer, or developer, these sessions and networking opportunities can’t be beat.
I have profiled the Hycroft mansion before but have not had the chance to visit until this week. I was invited by the University Women’s Club who has occupied the luxurious and majestic heritage home since the early 1960s.
1927 – Vancouver Archives Item #Bu P688 Photographer Leonard Frank
Found just off Granville & 16th on McRae Avenue, named for the mansion’s builder Brigadier General Alexander Duncan McRae, Hycroft sits atop Vancouver’s prestigious Shaughnessy neighbourhood. In 1909 the 30-room home on 5.2 acres (complete with bowling alley, pool, and coach house) was built for $109,000 — an enormous sum at the time. Due to rising costs and need for up-keep, the McRaes donated the mansion to the government in 1942. During the war it became Shaughnessy Military Hospital, serving as an auxiliary facility for 18 years. It was eventually taken over by the University Women’s Club in 1962, who occupies it to this day. [source: VancouverHistory]
1942 – Sitting room. Vancouver Archives Item #CVA 586-2048 Photographer Don Coltman
I did not know what to expect upon entering the mansion but one word I can use to describe the air and energy is warm. The aroma of fresh-brewed coffee tickled my nostrils as I tread across hardwood floors covered in intricately woven tapestry. The house was a hive of activity with a lecture in one room, club administrators typing away in their offices, a gallery curator putting finishing touches on a hallway exhibit, and visitors picking up lawn signs for Christmas at Hycroft.
1942 – Ballroom. Vancouver Archives Item #CVA 586-2051 Photographer Don Coltman
With Louise Carroll as my guide I explored many corners of the manor. Rich wood panels, marble mantles, and Italian tile work sat beneath ornate chandeliers in bedrooms, dressing rooms, and solarium upon solarium. From the wallpaper to the curtains, each item in Hycroft has a story — and Louise could probably tell you what that is. While not every piece is original, contributed items are of the mansion’s original period and are often donated by club members or their families.
Hycroft has a few hidden secrets, from a full bar (from the time of prohibition in Vancouver), to hidden tunnels, a wine cellar, and passageways that used to lead to other buildings on the property. While I have heard a ghost story or two about the mansion over the years (and it was a set for the X-Files), I did not experience anything uncomfortable or feel spooked (even when we ventured up the back stairs into the servants’ old quarters). However, I may believe the rumours I heard about Blanche McRae (mother, wife, and matron of the home) making appearances at joyous occasions such as dances and weddings.
The mansion is much more than a grandiose legacy of a well-to-do family, it’s a living piece of Vancouver history that in itself contains another historically important element – the University Women’s Club. In the spring of 2011 the club will celebrate 100 years of Hycroft as a living space, a hospital, and a thriving centre for education and community.
You can view all of my photos from Hycroft on Flickr and don’t forget to get your tickets now for the 38th annual Christmas at Hycroft holiday event.
Canadian Armed Forces Night at Rogers Arena will be November 21st when the Vancouver Canucks take on the Phoenix Coyotes. Season ticket holders are being asked to donate their tickets for this game so that members of the Canadian Armed Forces can enjoy a night of Canucks hockey.
Photo: Corporal Shilo Adamson, Canadian Forces Combat Camera © 2010 DND-MDN Canada
As the November 12th deadline is quickly approaching, the best way to donate tickets is to drop them off at the Rogers Arena Box Office at Gate 10 between 9:30am and 5:00pm tomorrow. Charitable tax receipts will be issued in February 2011 for donations equal to the value of the tickets.
Last year Miss604.com readers stepped up and spread the word resulting in the attendance of 312 Canadian Forces members from Vancouver, Victoria, Comox, Aldergrove, Chilliwack and more at the Canucks game.
If you or your company have season tickets that they can give up for this one particular game, it would be a great token of appreciation for the men and women who serve this country. Thank you in advance for your generosity and please help spread the word in any way you can.
Founded in 1907, the University Women’s Club hosts a variety of events including Christmas at Hycroft. This highly-anticipated holiday affair, now in its 38th year, will take place November 18th until the 21st.
Fireplaces will be adorned with evergreen bows, crystal garlands will sparkle, and blue ribbon will abound as a part of this year’s Winter Wonderland theme. Local non-profits have been invited to setup in one of Hycroft mansion’s many rooms to showcase their organizations, while crafts and and culinary creations will be available for purchase from area artisans.
Christmas at Hycroft also includes a silent auction, cafe, raffles, and a special showing in the art gallery upstairs. Santa himself will be making an appearance on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 5-11, and children 5 and under are free. There is also a family rate of $25 for two adults and three children.
This is a very affordable way to not only get into the holiday spirit and have a head-start on your Christmas shopping, but to learn more about the University Women’s Club and their stunning home, Hycroft (which I will soon profile in a history piece).
Remembrance Day will be observed in Vancouver tomorrow with ceremonies in several locations. The following list was published by the City of Vancouver:
Victory Square (West Hastings at Cambie Streets): Vancouver’s largest Remembrance Day ceremony at the cenotaph. Gather at 10 am. Program begins with mounting of the guard and Vancouver Bach Youth Choir. Ceremony continues through till 11:30 am followed by a march past along Hastings Street. Organized by the Vancouver Remembrance Day Committee.
C.R.A.B. Park at Portside: A twenty-one gun salute is set off adjacent to the park beginning at 11:02am. One round is fired every minute from three 105mm Howitzers by members of the 15th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery.
Memorial South Park (near main entrance on 41st Avenue at Windsor Street): A parade begins at John Oliver Secondary School at 10:00 am, followed by a memorial service at the cenotaph at 10:30 am. Organized by the South Vancouver Veteran’s Council.
Grandview Park: Due to park reconstruction this service will be located at a temporary cenotaph at the outdoor plaza at Britannia Community Centre, 1661 Napier Street. Service begins at 10:30am, parade begins at 11:15 heading south on Commercial Drive and past a temporary reviewing stand near Grandview Park cenotaph. Organized by Royal Canadian Legion #179
Japanese Monument at Stanley Park (near the Stanley Park Pavilion): Gather at 10:40 am. Sponsored by the Japanese Canadian War Memorial Society.
Canada Place The CTV broadcast from 10:30am until 11:30am on November 11th will be shown on the big screen outside of Canada Place.
Observances outside of Vancouver
New Westminster A ceremony will take place at the Royal Westminster Regiment Armoury in New Westminster.
Tri-Cities You can find of list of Tri-Cities events on The V3H.
Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion Branches #148 and #44, Confederation Park Cenotaph (Willingdon Avenue and Penzance Drive), and The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #83, Bonsor Park Cenotaph.
Surrey The ceremony will be at the Cenotaph next door to the Surrey Museum.
North Shore A full list of ceremonies and events are available courtesy of the North Shore News.
Although my parents were not born in Canada, and their families fought against each other in both World Wars, Canada is my home. I have a deep respect and humbling admiration for the men and women who fought, supported, freed, and sacrificed so that we could live in the Canada we have today. Lest we forget those who served and continue to serve.
