Orrange is the latest restaurant to open in Port Coquitlam, and it has certainly been much anticipated by everyone I have spoken to. On the north side of PoCo on Nicola across from Costco, this new eatery is poised on the edge of a huge new development at Freemont. It’s ready for the thousands of residents that will call that area ‘home’ in the next few years.

Though obviously open at the time of my visit in late April, they had not had their official grand opening yet. That certainly did not stop the Saturday evening crowds packing out the lower level for drinks, eats and a Canucks game. The upper level will ease the crowding somewhat, and the not-quite-finished-yet patio will be fantastic upon completion and the increase in warmer weather. For now it’s tough to get a table. With 75 years of combined experience in owners Brian Orrange, David Nickel and Jesse Harris, there’s likely little these guys haven’t seen in the restaurant biz. If the early crowds are any indication they seem to be on the right track for this Tri-Cities restaurant.

Funky fridge door art – can you spot the fridge from the house you grew up in? I did!

Funky Feel at new PoCo Restaurant

The decor is stylish and cool, with a large bar with seating around it taking centre stage on the main floor. Smaller tables are arranged around the outside walls and larger tables are set just beyond the libations. Giant TV screens allow you to catch the game and a ‘feature wall’ of 70′s fridge doors provides an interesting talking point and funky vibe. Overall Orrange has a great look and comfortable atmosphere that is a welcome addition to a neighbourhood that is sporting more fast food restaurants per square kilometre than most in the Tri-Cities.

Inspired! Yorkshire Beef Dip at Orrange…you gotta try it.

The Menu at Orrange

I found the menu a little confusing to be honest. The names and descriptions of the various items all seemed vague and based on inside jokes, which necessitated lots of questions for the server. The beef dip and burger are pretty self evident, but other items like ‘The Leigh Brandt’ or ‘Chinese Take Out’ required some explanation. Also, the menu seemed small to me. I understand that a too-large and varied menu could result in a compromise on quality, but there were only a couple of things that really struck my fancy.

That said, I really did love what I ordered and found it to be a pleasant surprise that was very well executed! I had the Yorkshire Beef Dip and the way they used a Yorkshire pudding dough to make a flat wrap for the beef was inspired. It tasted great and I would recommend it to anyone.

Reasonably-Priced Cocktails

Orrange also has some pretty reasonably-priced drinks and cocktails. A glass of the house red or white for $3.95 is a bargain. They also have a number of specialty cocktails and some nice choices for on-tap beers. My next visit will include a cab ride home so that I can sample more of the mixed drinks such as the ‘No 5′ or ‘Orrange Crushable’.

We had a large group and it wasn’t easy for our server amid the chaos so I expect the service will only get better once everyone has had a chance to get their legs under them. There were a couple of mistakes from the kitchen and a little confusion around the bill at the end but I am sure it won’t be anything to worry about it in the long run. Our group had a great time, the service was prompt and courteous and any corrections were addressed quickly and without hesitation.

I have no doubt that Orrange will be around as an important player in the Port Coquitlam restaurant scene for many years as more and more people move into the Freemont neighbourhood now under construction. I look forward to another visit and I can’t wait for the patio to open.

Orrange Kitchen + Bar

111 – 1125 Nicola Ave, Port Coquitlam
604.474.4424

Looking to try a new workout, but don’t want to shell out or commit to a full run of classes before you do? Love the idea of exercising in a beautiful, outdoor location, surrounded by nature? If you answered yes to either of those questions, we have the scoop on a couple of upcoming events that may be the perfect fit for you.

The City of Port Moody is holding two free Centennial fitness events over the next weeks at Rocky Point Park. Pilates in the Park is up first on May 22, 2013, from 7:00-8:00pm. You’re invited to come out and learn how Pilates strengthens those all-important core muscles. And don’t stress if you’re not even sure how to pronounce Pilates – no previous experience is required to participate.

Following hot on the heels of Pilates in the Park is Boot Camp in the Park on June 4, 2013 from 7:00-8:00pm. This is your chance to try thisa moderate/intense interval style cardio and strength conditioning boot camp program. Once again, the event is free, and no previous experience is required.

Advanced registration is required for both programs. To sign up call 604.469.4556, or go online to www.portmoody.ca/signmeup. The class code for Pilates in the Park is 47306, and the class code for Boot Camp in the Park is 47349. For both classes, bring your own mat, towel and water bottle. And be warned that in the event of rainy weather, the programs may be cancelled. So keep your fingers crossed for sunshine, and get ready to work out in celebration of Port Moody’s 100th birthday!

Hmmm – a week for deeper thought and cultivating the mind perhaps? Start the weekend by bamboozling the senses in a show of magic and illusion, as the talented Vitaly Beckman commands the Inlet Theatre stage once again. Alternatively, give your auditory nerves a workout with divine music from the Balkans. Proactive business types can get their networking into a higher gear over lunch, and budding intellectuals give the old grey matter a stretch at the Philosopher’s Cafe. Too cerebral? Not to worry – old fashioned abs fans can get satisfaction with a free pilates in the park session.

What: Lacross in Port Coquitlam: PoCo Heritage
When:  Thursday, May 16 from 1:00pm
Where:   Committee Room, Gathering Place at Leigh Square, #1100 – 2253 Leigh Square Place (map)
The skinny:   During the General Meeting, the guest speaker, Glen Pollock, will give an overview of lacrosse in Port Coquitlam.
More info:  604.927.8403

What: Invasive Species Seminar
When: Thursday, May 16 from 6:30 – 8:45pm
Where: Coquitlam Public Library – Coquitlam Foundation Room, 1169 Pinetree Way (map)
The skinny: Find out why invasive species of plants matter in your neighbourhood. Speakers and experts from the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver will be on hand to explain at this Tri-city Greendrinks event. Green tea served; snack contributions welcome. Please note: scent-free meeting.
More info: from Tri-city Greendrinks Meetup group http://www.meetup.com/tricity-greendrinks/

What: Ladies’ Night In event date has changed to June 14th
When: Thursday, May 16 from 7:00 – 11:00pm
Where: 823 Ioco Road (map)
The skinny: This event’s a shoe-in. Join with other local ladies to sip champagne,  nibble the hors d’oeuvres, and raise money for Rethink Cancer and the BC Cancer Foundation. The season’s fabulous new footwear will be served on silver platters by the fabulous Sole-men, tempting guests with their charm as well as the shoes. And did I mention the bachelor fire fighter auction? or that the party continues afterwards at The Burrard Public House? Tickets $74.95 include event parking and shuttle.
More info: 604.783.3124 or 604.619.9336

What:  Vitaly Beckman: Sensation of Magic
When:  Friday, May 17 from 8:00pm
Where:  Inlet Theatre, Port Moody Civic Centre, 100 Newport Drive (map)
The skinny:  World-class illusionist Vitaly Beckman returns to the Inlet Theatre with a show that will puzzle your eyes and astonish your mind. Tickets $20 (online from www.eveningofwonders.com).  
More info: box office 604.469.4722

What: Victoria Weekend Salsa Night at Evergreen
When: Saturday, May 18 from 7:30pm – 12:00am
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre, 1205 Pinetree Way (map)
The skinny: Slip on your dance shoes and get the holiday weekend moving. The dance lesson at 7:30pm will set you up to salsa and merengue long into the night. Hosted by Hot Salsa Dance Zone; tickets are $8 at the door. Cha-cha-cha …
More info: 604.725.4654 / 604. 808.23

What: Halid Beslic at Red Robinson Show Theatre
When:  Sunday, May 19 from 8:00pm
Where:   Red Robinson Show Theatre, 2080 United Boulevard (map)
The skinny:   Attend Bosniak singer, Halid Beslic’s Vancouver premier and experience an evening of Balkan folk music. Tickets available from the box office.
More info:  604.523.5361

What: How to get more clients through networking
When:  Saturday, May 11 from 9:00am – 1:00pm
Where:   ABC Restaurant, 100 School house Road, Coquitlam (map)
The skinny:   Learn how to network effectively for your business as expert Donna Willon guides students through a series of educational meetings (repeats every two weeks). Cost $20 plus lunch.
More info:  from Focused Networking

What: Culture Days Info Session
When:  Wednesday, May 22 from 6:00 – 7:00pm
Where:   Evergreen Cultural Centre, 1205 Pinetree Way (map)
The skinny:   Come and find out what’s involved in the advanced planning for the Culture Days series of events this fall that showcases arts & culture across the country. Learn more at this open house for interested members of the public in the studio theatre this evening.
More info:  604.927.6555

What: Pilates in the Park
When:  Wednesday, May 22 from 7:00 – 8:00pm
Where:   Rocky Point Park, 2800 Murray Street (map)
The skinny:   Come play in the park and strengthen your core at this free Centennial event. Bring a mat, towel and water bottle and learn more about what pilates can do for you. Registration required. Class may be cancelled in the event of bad weather.
More info:  604.469.4556

What: Philosophers’ Café: Should I get My Genome Sequenced?
When:  Wednesday, May 22 from 7:00 – 8:45pm
Where:   Coquitlam Public Library, Poirier Branch at 575 Poirier Street (map)
The skinny:   What could having your personal genome unravelled mean to you? With advancements in technology, sequencing a person’s genome is becoming easier and more available, but what information does it reveal? And do you want to know? Nick Harden, a professor in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at SFU moderates the discussion in this Philosophers’ Café informal discussion, leading the audience through knotty problems such as ancestry, disease susceptibility and inheritance. Free.
More info: 778.782.8000 or 604.937.4144

Do your kids have fishing poles they’re itching to try out? Or, are they already skilled in the ways of the rod and reel, and they need an event that showcases their talent? If you’re looking for a great fishing experience for your kids, head to the Como Lake Fishing Derby. This free event from Festival Coquitlam is open to youth under 16 years of age. It’s happening on Sunday, May 26, 2013 from 7:00am to 12:00pm at (you guessed it) Como Lake in Coquitlam.

In addition to all the fun of fishing, the derby features prize giveaways and a pancake breakfast available for a nominal charge. The event is hosted by the Coquitlam Festival Society, the Kinsmen Club of Coquitlam and the Port Coquitlam Rod and Gun Club. Hundreds of prizes will be handed out for a variety of catches, from the largest and smallest fish, to the strangest catch of the day. With hundreds of kids coming out each year, there’s lots of fun to go around.

To participate in the Como Lake Fishing Derby you need to bring your own fishing pole and bait. However, children and youth under age 16 do not require a license to fish in BC, so don’t sweat it if your kids don’t have one.

If your kids would like to learn to fish, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC offers opportunities to do just that for kids age 5-15 at Como Lake. The initiative, called Learn to Fish, is designed to introduce participants to recreational fishing. Your kids will learn about fish identification and biology, they’ll be introduced to rods, reels, lines and tackle, and they’ll do some knot tying. They’ll also learn proper fish handling and ethics, safety and fishing regulations and dasting and retrieving. Best of all, all tackle and equipment is provided.

Learn to Fish runs Thursdays from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Como Lake. Upcoming sessions are May 23, July 4 and 18, and August 1 and 15, 2013. Pre-registration is required, at signmeup.coquitlam.ca/signmeup or by phone at 604.927.4386.

Happy fishing!

As the name suggests, Soccer Express is all about soccer. That is immediately clear from the huge storefront graphics to amazing amount of square footage dedicated to ‘the beautiful game’.

Outdoor Graphics at Soccer Express

Upon opening the front door of the Soccer Express retail location it is immediately clear that these guys are really into soccer and after 25 years they are still going strong. Founded in Coquitlam 25 years ago, Soccer Express recently moved into their new digs on Blue Mountain Street with a lot more space and great visibility from the Lougheed and Trans Canada Highways. The retail location is, of course, open to the public but that is only a part of the operation - they also have a warehouse and shipping location that does print and production as well that is also located in Coquitlam on Hartley Street. The retail location serves thousands of customers and clubs while the warehouse location services thousands more via a robust online sales program.

Jerseys at Soccer Express

For workout gear, practice jerseys or that ‘must have’ collectible Manchester jersey, the retail shop has got you covered. If you need new soccer boots, Soccer Express has more choices and colours than a bag of Skittles. Also present are shorts, shin pads, balls, specialty goalie gear – well, you get the picture, everything you may need to play soccer…everything…literally. They also have a selection of Whitecaps FC gear that caught my eye, including jerseys, T-shirts and golf shirts, which means I’ll be right in style next time I get to a game.

More colourful cleats than a bag of Skittles.

Another cool feature at Soccer Express is that you are able to ‘demo’ your new soccer boots in the ‘demo cage’ that is set up with turf and a net in the far corner of the store, guaranteeing you get the right fit and feel for your feet (without harming innocent by-standers).

Kickin’ it at the demo cage

A large part of Soccer Express is their team sales and service that help clubs choose the right equipment and fabrics for their team uniforms as well as providing all the customization to really make the team look good as they take to the field.

It’s worth a trip to check out the new store and have a wander through all the gear if you are at all interested in soccer and, of course, if you’re looking to pick up some new gear, you’d be hard-pressed to find a greater selection. Plus, it’s great to see a business that is born and bred in Coquitlam grow and stay in the area.

Soccer Express Superstore

#10-75 Blue Mountain Street, Coquitlam
1.866.942.6605

There’s now less than a week to go until the 2013 election here in BC, which means that if you haven’t already been paying attention, it’s time to start. Advance voting for the 40th provincial general election is happening until Saturday, May 11, 2013 between 8:00am and 8:00pm. General voting is Tuesday, May 14, 2013 between 8:00am and 8:00pm.

Voting and Registration

If you’re a registered voter, you already should have received your yellow Where to Vote card. It will outline your poll locations during advance voting and on general voting day. If you didn’t receive a Where to Vote card, you can find out more about your electoral district, including a list of polling locations, on the Elections BC Know Your Electoral District page.

If you’re not already registered to vote, or if you need to update your voter registration information, you can do so when you go to vote. Any eligible voter can do this, as long as you provide the necessary ID. The ID for registering to vote is the same as any voter needs to provide to receive a ballot.

Identification Requirements

You can find a full list of the identification you need to provide in order to vote on the Elections BC website. Here’s a brief summary:

• A single document issued by the Government of BC or Canada with your name, photograph and residential address, like your driver’s licence, BCID, or BC Services Card.

- OR -

• A Certificate of Indian Status issued by the Government of Canada.

- OR -

• Two documents that show your name, one of which must also show your residential address. Digital or electronic documents are acceptable. Hand-written information on a document, photocopies or electronic scans/photos of a paper document are not acceptable. Examples of acceptable documents are your Care Card, birth certificate, passport, citizenship document, Old Age Security Identification Card, property tax assessment, government cheque stub, bank or credit card statement, utility bill, and so on. (For a full list see the website.)

- OR -

• If you don’t have the necessary ID, you can be vouched for by a voter in your electoral district who does have the necessary ID, a direct family member or someone who has legal authority to make personal care decisions for you. (For more details see the website.)

Making Your Choice

For most voters, the hard part isn’t figuring out how to vote – it’s deciding who to vote for. If you’re still not sure, here are your choices, broken down by electoral district here in the Tri-Cities.

Coquitlam – Burke Mountain

• Paul Geddes – Libertarian
• Douglas Horne – BC Liberal Party
• Shane Kennedy – BC Conservative Party
• Ron Peters – Green Party of BC
• Chris Wilson – BC NDP

Coquitlam – Maillardville

• Steve Kim – BC Liberal Party
• Selina Mae Robinson – BC NDP
• Edward Andreas Stanbrough – Green Party of BC

Port Coquitlam

• Jogender Dahiya (JD) – Libertarian
• Mike Farnworth – BC NDP
• Ryan Hague – BC Conservative Party
• Barbara Lu – BC Liberal Party
• Brent Williams – YPP

Port Moody – Coquitlam

• Billie Helps – Green Party of BC
• Jeff Monds – Libertarian
• Linda Reimer – BC Liberal Party
• Joe Trasolini – BC NDP

We encourage you to take the time to vote, no matter your choice. This is our chance to make our voices heard, and choose the kind of government we want to represent us. Don’t miss it!

In the heart of Suter Brook Village you’ll find a small shop. The sign at the top isn’t flashy, and to the naked eye it may seem like it’s not worth venturing inside. If you do decide to stop in, though, you’ll find something that surpasses your expectations. When you enter the store, you open your world to a completely new experience. From the pleasant aroma of flowers to the unique and stylized gardening decor, Bayshore Floral and Gift Gallery is the perfect place to stop in with Mother’s Day just around the corner.

Don’t Forget About Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day is on May 12, 2013 this year. If you want to do something special for the women in your life, I recommend stopping by to check out Bayshore. When I visited, they mentioned that on Mother’s Day flowers or gardening decor are the biggest gifts. Of course, your choice will depend on the person you’re giving it to. However, the biggest hit tends to be the bouquets of flowers that can be pre-ordered or bought on the big day itself (last minute shoppers rejoice!).

Of course, Mother’s Day is not the only holiday that you may want to drop by Bayshore for. Graduations, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries – whatever you may think up, this small shop has got it covered!

Small Village Atmosphere

The store owner, Parviz Karmali, opened Bayshore Floral and Gift Gallery three years ago, after having a store downtown for 15 years prior. She absolutely loves Suter Brook’s small village atmosphere that gives a true sense of community to her little store. As I talked to her, I saw the true passion that she has for her shop and her job. She is even working on setting up an online shop, which will hopefully be up and running by June. Her passion was not only noted by me. People that visit the store have only good things to say about it. The prices are reasonable, and there’s a great variety to the stock. Many of the items in the shop are unique or hard-to-find elsewhere.

When I told Parviz that I was thinking about writing this blog post, she wanted me to let you know about a special ofer. If you make a purchase of $50 or more at Bayshore, and mention that you found out about the shop from TheV3H.com, you’ll receive 10% off. So if you’re still searching for the perfect gift for Mom, stop by and take advantage!

Bayshore Floral And Gift Gallery

3-121 Brew Street, Port Moody
778.355.5545

This week it’s Mother’s Day or May Day, or both – Port Coquitlam has it covered with a splendid array of events ending with Sunday’s picnic in the park. Other mom-inspired treats include meeting the seals by kayak or viewing land-based nature on a hike through the Riverview Hospital grounds. Why not make a weekend of it? If peace and quiet is more her thing, then teens – take yourselves off to the Terry Fox Library for an in-costume Read-a-Thon on Saturday; dads – take the little ones off for a spin at the amusement park set up outside PoCo rec centre. Wiser families pamper their moms by setting them free – the city-wide garage sales in Coquitlam and Port Moody take place on Saturday.

What:  May Day Week in Port Coquitlam
When:  events continue this week until Sunday, May 12 
Where:  throughout Port Coquitlam
The skinny:  Port Coquitlam’s May Day celebrations continue this week – take in an evening Heritage Walk thru downtown on Friday, May 10 (6pm, departs Leigh Square) or experience the thrills of an amusement park ride at PoCo rec centre (from 3pm, Friday May 10, noon Saturday May 11 and Sunday, May 12). There’s also a Mini Tyke/Tyke tournament going on at the Rec Centre May 11 and 12. On May 11 start the day with breakfast at the Elks Hall before the pre-parade mile run, then settle down to watch the floats go by. In the afternoon a ‘Back in Time Promenade’ leaving City Hall at noon for Aggie Park, sees a historical Council re-enactment by Second Storey Improv Theatre, followed by afternoon tea. Finish off May Day festival week with Mother’s Day celebrations at Aggies Park.
More info: for full timetable see www.portcoquitlam.ca/mayday

What:  Gallery Opening at Place des Arts
When:  Thursday, May 9 from 7:00 – 9:00pm
Where:  Place des Arts, 1120 Brunette Avenue (map)
The skinny:  The opening reception for two new gallery exhibits at Place des Arts takes place Thursday evening, welcoming the fibre art of rug hooking and hinterglass (literally, “behind the glass”) painting to the exhibition space. The fibre arts exhibitors, members of Gone Hooking, will offer a hand-hooked rug demonstration at the start of the evening. The textile theme continues with a public weaving session for Place des Arts 40^th anniversary Social Fabric celebration project. Admission free.
More info: 604.664.1636

What:  The Search for the Perfect Pint
When:  Thursday, May 9 from 6:00 – 9:00pm
Where:  Inlet Theatre, Port Moody Civic Centre, 100 Newport Drive (map)
The skinny:  Sup beer, listen to a live jazz band, and enjoy food served by St. James’s Well, Thrifty Foods and Onyx Steakhouse and Lounge. More than 45 beers from 14 breweries will be available at this tasting extravaganza … and then there’s a chance to win a Travel Grand Prize from Port Moody Travel. Tickets ($35, cash only) available from Gallaghers Coffee Bar and St. James’s Well in advance.
More info: info@portmoodyrotary.ca

What: King of Devil’s Island
When:  Friday, May 10 from 7:30pm
Where:  Inlet Theatre, Port Moody Civic Centre, 100 Newport Drive (map)
The skinny:  Port Moody Film Society presents a film based on a true story set in a Norwegian young offenders’ institution. Starring Stellen Skarsgård, the story is a coming of age epic in a brutal climate where the young inmates rise up against their abuse, eventually going head-to-head with the Norwegian army. Tickets are available after 6.45pm on the night ($5 membership; $5 per film).
More info: info@pmfilm.ca

What: Highrise Lonesome at Crossroads Hospice Coffeehouse 2013
When:  Friday, May 10 from 7:30pm
Where:  The Gathering Place, 1100 – 2253 Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam (map)
The skinny:  The Crossroads Hospice “Unplugged at the Coffeehouse” series continues with music this evening from veteran Vancouver band, Highrise Lonesome. Come out to enjoy bluegrass and roots, and raise funds for your local hospice. Doors open at 7:00pm and the stage is open until 9:00pm when the band set starts. Tickets $5 at the door.
More info: info@crossroadshospice.bc.ca

What: City-wide Garage Sales in Coquitlam and Port Moody
When:  Saturday, May 11 from 9:00am – 1:00pm
Where:  various locations, throughout Coquitlam and Port Moody
The skinny:  Promote community recycling by taking part in the city-wide garage sales taking place this weekend. One family’s junk is another’s treasure. For a full list of where to go and how to route plan see the Coquitlam and Port Moody websites, or pick up a copy of the Tri City News May 8 or 10 for full listings. Happy thrifting!
More info:  see the web links above

What:  May Day Mile Run in Port Coquitlam
When:  Saturday, May 11 from 9:00am
Where:  from Shaughnessy Avenue, Port Coquitlam (map)
The skinny:  Join a free run along the parade route, through downtown Port Coquitlam and get the whole family moving. This free event is open to all ages, all fitness levels, and takes in the parade route at a slightly faster (though it’s up to you) pace. Prizes, healthy snacks and refreshments (oh my).
More info:  604.927.7983

What:  Teen Read-a-Thon
When:  Saturday, May 11 from 10:00am-5:00pm
Where:  Terry Fox Library, 2470 Mary Hill Road, Port Coquitlam (map)
The skinny:  Calling all teens, grades 8 – 12! Spend a day, a whole day! reading … and dressed up as your favourite character. The Terry Fox Library Teen Advisory Group is hosting this Cosplay event, with prizes, snacks and (did we mention?) books.
More info:  604.927.7999

What:  May Day Parade, Port Coquitlam
When:  Saturday, May 11 from 10:30am
Where:  from Shaughnessy and Welcher Avenue, Port Coquitlam (map)
The skinny:  The second largest parade in BC kicks off in downtown Port Coquitlam at 11am. So bring your lawn chair and shades to watch over 90 parade entries march past. There will be marching bands, floats, antique vehicles and even a few royals. The event kicks off at 10.35am with the VPD motorcycle drill.
More info:  604.927.7935

What:  Mother’s Day Kayak Paddle
When:  Sunday, May 12 – tours from 10:00am-2:00pm
Where:  Rocky Point Park, 2715 Esplanade Ave (map)
The skinny:  Take to the water and enjoy the inlet from sea level. Bring mom along for an adventure and celebrate a splashy Mother’s Day with Rocky Point Kayak. Guided tour with certified and experienced guides ensures that you and mom have a wonderful 2.5 hours among the seals and other wildlife. Ends not with a ducking but a treat from nearby Rocky Point Ice Cream and Café. Costs $37.50 per person; previous paddling experience not required. Please book in advance.
More info:  604.619.2837

What:  Blossom Time Tree Tour for Mother’s Day
When:  Sunday, May 12 from 1:00-3:00pm
Where:  Riverview Hospital, 2601 Lougheed Highway (map)
The skinny:  Take a hike with mom and wander through the blossoms at Riverview in this guided nature walk. Walks run rain or shine so bring a brolly and waterproofs or sun protection and a floppy hat. Walks are free, open to the public and dogs on a leash (the dogs should be on a leash, not the public). Donations very welcome.
More info:  604.290.9910

What:  Mother’s Day Tea on the Train
When:  Sunday, May 12 from 1:00-4:00pm
Where:  Port Moody Station Museum, 2734 Murray Street, Port Moody (map)
The skinny:  Tea, on the vintage Venosta rail carriage, served by Girl Guides – a Port Moody tradition
More info:  604.939.1648

What:  Mother’s Day Picnic in Aggie Park
When:  Sunday, May 12 from 8:30am-3:00pm
Where:  Aggie Park, 3050 Chester Street (map)
The skinny:  Treat mom to a picnic in the park, starting with a pancake breakfast or lunch (depending on how early you get up) served by the Kinsmen (fees apply), and then watch the Maypole dancing, Morris Men or take in the pet competition.
More info:  604.927.7935

What:  Balcony and Patio Gardening
When:  Wednesday, May 15 from 7:00-8:00pm
Where:  Terry Fox Library, 2470 Mary Hill Road, Port Coquitlam (map)
The skinny:  Port Coquitlam’s city gardener, James Bobick, has some tips on maximising your growing space when it’s in short supply, turning your balcony or patio into an urban oasis. Please register.
More info:  604.927.7999

Over 60 different beers and food too? Yes, please!

If beer is your beverage bring your palate on a search for the perfect pint Thursday, May 9, 2013 with the Rotary Club of Port Moody. With over 60 different beers being poured at the Port Moody City Hall Galleria I believe you’ll be able to find that perfect pint. And even if you don’t, it’ll be fun trying!

So. Much. Beer.

Seventeen different brewers are going to be on site with dozens and dozens of different beers for you to try in the course of the evening. Based on previous personal experience with this event, pacing yourself is imperative. Five partners are also providing food this year including the St. James’s Well, Thrifty Foods, Onyx Steakhouse, Pasta Polo and the Burrard Public House. The festivities go from 6:00pm until 9:00pm, and all that beer and food is served on a backdrop of jazz band entertainment.

Make a Difference with Rotary

The Port Moody Rotary Club has been making a difference locally and internationally as a part of the greater Rotary International for a number of years. With a network of chapters in virtually every country of the world Rotary has the connections accomplish many things locally and globally. Years ago the Port Moody Rotary ‘adopted’ the Seniors at Eagle Ridge Manor and have spent countless hours there volunteering with residents, decorating for the holidays and generally supporting our elder population.

On a continuing basis, Rotary has also raised money to send local kids to summer camps. Starting a few years ago with $19,000 to send 48 kids to camp and continuing from there to send more and more kids every year since. Another important local initiative is the Rotary support of the Hannah House-InnerVisions Society which provides support for those recovering from addictions (www.innervisionsrecovery.com).

Internationally, Rotary continues to support the children of South Africa with functional used medical equipment and used school and educational supplies from the TriCities area allowing children to sit at desks instead of on the ground. Also, the Port Moody Rotary connects with local Rotary clubs in South Africa to provide support for programs to help with healthcare and education for children that have lost parents to HIV and AIDS.

Search for the Perfect Pint

Of course you are always welcome to support Rotary directly with a donation at any time. And if you are interested in membership much more information can be found on their website at www.portmoodyrotary.ca. If you would just like to meet some Rotarians – they’re a fun bunch! – and enjoy a night out, head to Search for the Perfect Pint. For just $35 you can support the Rotary Club of Port Moody and have yourself a great time. I’ll be there with a couple of friends so be sure to say hello and be ready to recommend your favourite beer of the night. Tickets are available at Gallagher’s Coffee Bar and Cafe, St. James’s Well, or from any Rotary member.

As was explored in this space, The City of Port Moody is going to change with the coming of the Evergreen Line. The Province has published another story about the changes coming to Port Moody with increased density.

The Suncor Energy facility in Port Moody was the target of protests following an April spill.

The City of Coquitlam cashed in to the tune of $1.8 million in the first quarter of 2013, representing their cut of casino revenues. That’s up $100,000 from the previous quarter, which just shows that the casino needs to figure out how to get more people to gamble at Christmas time. Dealers in Santa suits perhaps?

The Klahanie Community garage sale is coming on June 15th in Port Moody. Hopefully some of those really expensive strollers you see making their way around the Inlet will be available.

In the Your History column in the Tri-City News this week, we learn that Port Coquitlam may never have been if not for some old-timey railway maneuvering by the folks in New Westminster.

This Friday, May 10th, the Port Moody Centennial wall hanging will be laid out in the Port Moody Arts Centre for final preparation. From 10am to 8pm, the artists will be stitching on the final pieces and filling in the gaps. Around 400 people have participated in its creation with nearly 4000 hours of intricate stitching, all culminating in the final unveiling at City Hall in September 2013.

If you’ve ever considered joining the Port Moody Wine Club, here’s a story from the Now about what happens when the corks are popped.

It’s May, it’s hot, and Miss 604 has her May event roundup in Metro Vancouver.

And finally, Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart recently paid a visit to the Rush on Shaw TV. Check it out.