FALSE CREEK
I've received emails from two dragon boat teams looking for new members for a nonprofit organization made up of breast cancer survivors called Abreast In a Boat.
The organization is launching its membership drive for the 2013 season with a free paddling session Saturday, Sept. 29 from 9: 30 to 11: 30 a.m. on Granville Island near the False Creek Community Centre. This paddling session will give breast cancer survivors an opportunity to meet with others who've shared similar experiences. The group promises the session won't be physically strenuous, but will offer an idea of what dragon boating is all about.
To RSVP or to learn more about Abreast In A Boat email Bunny Rosse at bunny@ telus.net by Sept. 14.
I also heard from the Off Balance Dragon Boat Team, which right off the bat should get an award for the best team name ever.
The Off Balance Team is made up mostly of paddlers living with MS, thought some also live with cerebral palsy and invisible disabilities such as fibromyalgia.
Over the years, the team has competed in the annual Alcan races in False Creek, at the annual Harrison Dragon Boat Festival and at the Steveston Dragon Boat Festival. This year the team aims to also compete in the upcoming Deep Cove dragon boat races.
Off Balance was created in tribute to team captain Sydney Spragg's sister, who passed away from MS in 2006. Wanna-be paddlers with MS are encouraged to give the sport a try by joining the team Saturday mornings behind the False Creek Community Centre on Granville Island at 11 a.m. where personal floatation jackets, paddles and some friendly instruction are all supplied.
For more information visit msoffbalance. net. (Their website wasn't working at the time I wrote this due to a world-wide disruption at a major domain service provider, but hopefully was repaired soon after.)
RIVER DISTRICT
The River District is launching a harvest season, farmers market beginning Sept. 15, which will run Saturdays though Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Just in case you're not familiar with this emerging, waterfront community, the River District is located at the south end of Kerr Street off Southeast Marine Drive. According to organizers, this will be the only riverfront farmers market in the city.
Shop for fruits and veggies, prepared foods and handmade products produced by farmers and artisans.
After purchasing your organic kale, stay for live music and children's activities hosted by the South Burnaby 4Cats Arts Studio.
The waterfront market is adjacent to Romer's Burger Bar, a playground and a pier overlooking the Fraser River. The first 100 visitors to the market Sept. 15 will receive an eco-friendly reusable River District shopping bag for all their market goodies.
River District is easily accessible via public transit, cycling or driving. For maps and directions, visit riverdistrict.ca.
Farmers and vendors interested in taking part in the market can contact Wendy Hainstock at 778-883-7706 or email [email protected].
WEST END
"The Dude will abide." That's one of the few family-friendly quotes from the popular 1998 movie The Big Lebowski I could find to start this section of my column.
But I'm sure that won't stop fans of the hit comedy from flocking to the first-ever Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Retro Cinema Fest, which will screen 15 cult classics over the week of Sept. 23 to 30 at Denman Cinemas.
Movie geeks will be happy to hear the festival will play double and even triple features each night, including favourites such as Ghostbusters 1 and 2; Back to the Future 1 through 3; Priscilla Queen of the Desert; and Pulp Fiction and Inglorious Basterds. The film festival opens with Godfather I and II.
But wait, there's more. Event organizers will also award prizes for best costume from one of the screened films, trivia contests, prizes and themed drink specials.
For a complete schedule and a look at some costumed audience members who took part in a recent Lebowski Bash held down under in Sydney, Australia, visit vancouverretrocinema.com.
Twitter: @sthomas10
