week in review May 9th, 2008

Kate's picture

Written by Kate
Everything!

Well... we didn't win the Webby. And while it was an honour to make it as far as we did (being nominated with the likes of Facebook, Ning, Flock and Bebo was astounding) we are just plain thrilled that we came in second place beside online social network powerhouse Facebook. Thank you to all who voted and helped to spread the word. And congratulations to all of you who make up our little community of changemakers. You truly do change the world each and every day.

ChangeEverything.ca is up for another award in the PopVox awards. Voting closes May 12th. If you have time to vote, we'd love your support. We are in three areas:
1. best user generated content 2. best do gooder website 3. best
homegrown website.

We've noticed some exceptional changes being submitted to the pages of ChangeEverything lately. I highly recommend browsing the pages of the site for a dose of inspiration. And you can get in on the action too; whether you want to change the world by watching a film at this years Projecting Change Film Festival, or by chipping in to help Olivelife buy a computer to help her on her upcoming trip to Rwanda, where she'll be contributing to the effort to rebuild the country in the aftermath of the devastation there, or if you want to start working on your own changes, ChangeEverything is the place where you can get support, ideas and spread the word about the changes you are working on. We really can ChangeEverything.

I love the TED videos. I often sit at my desk in awe and watch them. This Saturday the people who bring us TED, have organized an event that is very intriguing, Pangea Day. At first I was annoyed because I didn't know what the word meant. So I looked it up on Wikipedia. Then I was annoyed because I didn't understand why I should go to an event with a name that was vague. But THEN, I got the email from the folks at TED, and I paid a bit closer attention. I think I might just attend this massive event on Saturday May 10, 2008.

And....it's Mothers day this coming Sunday. If you think about it, when your mother had you it was probably one of the biggest changes she (and you!) ever experienced. To help inspire you with some ideas of something you might do together to celebrate, here are some ideas...

May 9-11, 2008
Check out the Projecting Change Film Festival. There is an amazing line up of what look like truly inspiring films on sustainability and the environment. All films screened at The Ridge

May 9, 2008
Discover and celebrate the French-speaking musical talents of tomorrow! Simultaneously a show and a contest, Pacifique en chanson is a springboard allowing French-speaking artists of British Columbia and Yukon to take their first steps in the world of popular music. Pacifique en chanson is a concentrated overview of the French-speaking culture in Vancouver and we would be pleased to make you discover it. Waterfront Theatre located on Granville Island, 604.732.5562

May 9 - 11, 2008
Art in the City. Come to view and buy from a large selection of visual arts (drawing, painting, photography, pottery, etc.) at the 3rd annual Art in the City event! Bring the family - you're sure to find something for everyone. Plus enter to win the door prize. West End Community Centre Association, 604-257-8336.

May 10, 2008
Hall's Prairie Country Market. 9th Annual Country Market at Hall's Prairie Elementary School. Fun for the whole family! There will be a live auction starting at 11:30am. Also, crafters, a garden centre, bake sale, amusement rides for the kids, a garage sale and a concession stand. The Country Market raffle this year features a computer for the grand prize. Second prize is an 8GB iPod and third prize is $100 cash. This event raises money for the school. The majority of funds raised at this event will again be going to a new school playground. Hall's Prairie Elementary 18035 8th Avenue, Surrey; 604-534-8664

May 10, 2008
The World’s Largest Urban Adventure Series!! City Chase is a unique urban adventure that requires teams of two to exhibit teamwork, resourcefulness, determination and the ability to make decisions on the fly as they search for ChasePoint challenges scattered in unknown locations throughout the city. Focusing more on the journey than the destination, participants will learn about their city, their teammate, and themselves as they enjoy a full day of Laughter, Adventure and Discovery through an original urban race experience!! Visit the website for more information and to register your team. Contact: Cory Visser (Event Director) 905-282-0770 x229 E: cityguru@citychase.com

May 10, 2008
Asian Heritage Day. Watch colourful demonstrations and performances by local Asian groups, then learn the Japanese craft of origami as you make a paper kimono and samurai helmet! 1:00pm-4:00pm, Surrey Museum; For information, call 604-592-6956.

May 10, 2008
Langara College’s ArtsFest 2008, the 4thannual showcase of student work, finale is Planet of the Arts, a free interactive celebration for the community. The public is invited to perform, design, create, paint, sculpt and direct, as well as view some of the best student work of the year. Students and instructors from Langara College’s Creative & Applied Arts will be in attendance. Planet of the Artsencourages the community to experience the arts through a hands-on boat building activity. Art supplies will be available to craft boats, which upon completion will be released into the College’s reflecting pond. The most creative vessel wins a digital camera. Other highlights include roaming theatre performers, stunning display designs, film screenings, live music, and lots of prizes. Planet of the Artsis taking place on May 10, 2008, 1-5 PM outside Langara College’s new Library/Classroom Building, 100 West 49thAvenue, Vancouver. Everyone is welcome to attend the free event and it will be held rain or shine. For more info call 604.323.5037

May 10, 2008
Partners in the Park & International Migratory Bird Day, 1pm - 4pm. Discover what’s sprouting in the community gardens, take a guided nature walk through meadow trails and tour habitat enhancement projects. Learn about some of the bird life found in the park – search for the brilliantly coloured Lazuli Bunting or check out the results of an ongoing count of Great Blue Herons. Join Colony Farm Park Association volunteers on a walk around the two remaining historic buildings and find out about plans for their restoration. Support the association’s fundraising efforts for the buildings by buying organic seed to plant in your own vegetable patch or flower garden. To get to Colony Farm Regional Park, turn south off Lougheed Highway in Coquitlam, near the United Blvd. overpass and look for the tents at the end of Colony Farm Road. 604-520-6442.

May 10, 2008
Plant & Collectibles Sale. Plant & Collectibles sale, lunch, local artists and house tours of a completely restored and renovated 1912 home. 8743 S.W. Marine Drive, Vancouver (Colbourne House), 604-732-5151

May 10, 2008
Singing out at the Dawn Chorus, 6am - 9am. Early morning is the best time for this musical showcase so please join Naturalist Al Grass and experience the beautiful choruses of the birds who are setting up their territories and singing to attract mates at the Maplewood Flats Conservation Area in North Vancouver. Maplewood Flats Conservation area, 2645 Dollarton Highway, North Vancouver (two kilometres east of the Iron Workers Second Narrows Memorial Crossing) Walk will go rain or shine. 604-924-2581.

May 10, 2008
Stone Soup Festival. Celebration of Food and Community! Mini-farmer's market, prepared food vendors, cooking demos, art market and entertainment for everyone! And of course, SOUP! Britannia Community Centre Site, 604 718-5825, brenda.racanelli@vancouver.ca

May 10, 2008
THE GREAT SALMON SEND-OFF. Experience the thrill of releasing a baby Coho Salmon into Stoney Creek and celebrate its miraculous journey to the Pacific Ocean and back as a mature spawner. THE GREAT SALMON SEND-OFF is a free, fun-filled community event featuring interactive activities for all ages and opportunities to learn about your environment. Stoney Creek Community School, 2740 Beaverbrook Crescent, Burnaby; 604-520-6916, anneberting_2003@yahoo.ca

May 10 - 11, 2008
Canadian Geranium & Pelargonium Society Annual Plant Sale & Art Show. Your opportunity to see and purchase unusual varieties of geraniums & pelargoniums for your garden, baskets and windowsill including standards, dwarf, varigated, scenteds, stellars, hardy, ivy, etc. Hourly Raffle prizes. VanDusen Gardens, 604-327-3937, www.cdngeraniums.com

May 10 - 11, 2008
Celebrate the day that is set aside to honour Mothers with Fraser River Safari. Treat Mom to a unique way to see the Valley. The Mighty Fraser has been evolving for more than 9000 years and carved a rich legacy for British Columbia . Today the river hosts some of the best fishing and diverse wildlife around. Our heated and fully covered “Safari” craft makes traveling in any weather comfortable and fun. This expedition leaves Historic Mission Harbour at 10:00am –. Moms ride for half price (accompanied by a full fare passenger) Book now 1-866-348-6877 or info@fraserriversafari.com

May 10, 17, 24, 31, June 7, 2008
Free Marine Interpreted Walks on White Rock & Crescent beaches. Explore for amazing animals and plants of the intertidal zone with our Marine Interpreter; all ages welcome! Free stickers, tattoos & activity books for all Beach Heroes! Wear shoes that you don't mind getting wet or muddy. No registration required. For more info, please conact Catriona, cat@birdsonthebay.ca, 604-536-3552 or visit birdsonthebay.com.