Queen Elizabeth Park
Many Vancouverites are under the impression Queen Elizabeth Park is named after the reining queen, when in fact it's named after the late Queen Mother.
The park was dedicated after the 1939 visit of King George VI and his consort, Elizabeth, who were in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»at the time to officially open the Lions Gate Bridge.
Next Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 10:45 a.m., the Mainland of British Columbia Branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society will be planting a tree and erecting a plaque in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. (That would be the reigning Queen Elizabeth.) A similar event was held exactly 10 years ago to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee. Organizer Christopher Richardson says the society is inviting all participants of that 2002 day to attend. The Oct. 10 event was made possible by a grant from the Department of Canadian Heritage and the generosity of private donors. For more information, email [email protected] or call 604-683-3201.
Kitsilano
The Kitsilano Community Centre hosts a seniors wellness event dedicated to understanding the need for staying at home as long as possible as we age.
Find out how to be more involved in managing your own health and wellness with Jonathon Litchfield, general manager of Nurse Next Door. As well, chiropractor Terry Tucker will focus on the challenges the spine faces as we age and then apply that knowledge to everyday ergonomics and environmental set up at home.
There will also be a group exercise session with Debbie Cheong, provincial osteofit coordinator for B.C. Women's Hospital, who will offer advice on maintaining wellness and bone health.
Healthy refreshments will be served. Register early as this event has sold out in the past. The session takes place Oct. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the community centre, 2690 Larch St. To register call 604-257-6976. The cost is $5.
Arbutus
Comedian Patrick Maliha will emcee the Big Fat Greek Gala next Thursday evening benefiting the children and families of West Side Family Place.
Participants will also enjoy performances by belly dancers and Two Greek Guys Music while nibbling on appetizers from Kambolis Group's C Restaurant and Nu. The "ultimate live auction" includes a weekend for two at the 100th Grey Cup, including flight and three nights stay at a deluxe Trump hotel. The event takes place Oct. 11 at the Hellenic Centre, 4500 Arbutus St. Tickets are $25 and available by calling 604-738-2819 or emailing westsidefamilyplace.com.
Hastings Racecourse
Enjoy a day at the races this weekend and help The Kettle Friendship Society, which offers mental health services and housing.
Tickets are $15 and include a barbecue lunch and tours of the stables and race broadcast booth. A children's playground means kids can have fun while their parents bet the farm on the next I'll Have Another. The barbecue runs from noon to 5 p.m. at Hastings Racecourse on the PNE grounds. For tickets call 604-215-6390 or email [email protected].
Downtown
The organizers of a run, walk and jog through Stanley Park next weekend hope to raise thousands of dollars for the Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation, a group that provides education and program support to help reduce depression-related teenage suicide.
The First Annual Jog4Joy takes place next Sunday and registration is on now. Meet at the corner of Georgia and Denman streets Oct. 14 at 9:30 a.m. For more information or to register, contact Tina Moore at [email protected] or call 778-340-1340.
Twitter: @sthomas10
