Books open minds and connect us to ideas. Their pages can introduce us to characters and information that educate, inspire and entertain. But books are only the beginning, as the North Vancouver District Public Library (NVDPL) prepares to open its new Express Library at the Lions Gate Community Recreation Centre, which opens to the public on April 20, 2022.
The Capilano Community Services Society has been connecting North Shore residents to community resources for more than fifty years. Their programs for seniors and youth have been delivered primarily through outreach, thanks to a small team of staff and an army of dedicated volunteers. Now, as the non-profit society prepares to move into their new home at the Lions Gate Community Recreation Centre, staff and volunteers are looking forward to expanding services and increasing community connections through on-site programs in addition to the outreach activities.
The Lions Gate Community Recreation Centre is owned by the District of North Vancouver and will be operated by North Vancouver Recreation and Culture. Other service providers in the facility include Capilano Community Services Society, and the North Vancouver District Public Library.
Lions Gate Community Recreation Centre prepares to open on April 20, 2022
Impact North Shore, (previously North Shore Multicultural Society) works to support im/migrants and newcomer settlement on the North Shore. This includes fighting racism and xenophobia to make the community a more welcoming place.
In 2004, Nazim went to see his doctor about a discolouration around his mouth and hands. His skin was mottled in different shades of brown and appeared “blotchy.” It tuned out to be vitiligo or leucoderma, a skin condition that depletes the pigment cells. “It’s the same condition that Michael Jackson had,” Nazim notes with a gentle laugh.
A moment of spontaneity more than 30 years ago provided Carla Eiers with a new job, flexibility and more time for her family.
When she moved to North Vancouver in 1990, Carla looked forward to making friends and building a new life. She decided the local community centre would be a good place to start. Looking back, she realizes that her first visit to the Lonsdale Rec Centre (now Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre) not only offered her a range of programs for her young family, it also connected her to new friends, and eventually led her down a new career path.
Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional. This piece is based on my experience, but one I feel is hardly unique. I write in the hope of reaching others who might also be feeling blue and in need of some help to get back on our feet. If you are experiencing severe physical or mental health challenges, please contact your doctor or reach out to one of the resources listed at the end of this blog.
Operating on the traditional, unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples – the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ílwətaʔɬ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil Waututh) Nations and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nations, Impact North Shore also works to address intersecting issues of racism and colonialism, and build positive relationships between immigrant settlers and Indigenous peoples. Ultimately the driving vision behind Impact North Shore is a more equitable, inclusive community where everyone can thrive.
Florence Baillie (née Patterson) knows North Vancouver well. Growing up in the 1950s, Florence’s father owned a candy/tobacco shop on Lonsdale Avenue, and she attended North Vancouver High School (where North Vancouver Provincial Court is located today).
Andrea “Super” Superstein will be bringing her vast creative talent to our community with two upcoming music workshops. The workshops are free but advance registration is required as there is a maximum of 10 participants. Register early!
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