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A great family tradition to get you into the holiday spirit!

CLIFFWALK adds new holiday glow to Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

(North Vancouver, B.C.) – Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is kicking up the spirit and sparkle for the 2011 holiday season.

CLIFFWALK, the latest addition to the park and a hit with guests since it opened in June, brings an exciting holiday thrill during the winter chill.  The narrow 700-foot cliff-side walkway, split into ascending and descending staircases and viewing platforms takes guests past a dancing light display along the colour-washed cliff-face.  In addition to the breathtaking sight of hundreds of thousands of lights twinkling throughout the park, across the Suspension Bridge and throughout Treetops Adventure, Canyon Lights continues its popular traditions – gingerbread cookie decorating, sing-a-long carols with the Christmas band, and glass ornament demonstrations with Malcolm Macfadyen.

Proceeds from admission will be donated to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, with a goal of raising $20,000 for the organization to support Burn Awareness Week in BC elementary schools.

 For more information, see details below, visit their WEBSITE or call 604-985-7474.

 I LOVE supporting local talent where I can, and one of my favourite local designers is Malene Grotrian

As I mentioned in a previous post, I recently sang for her Fall Fashion show, but I first met her when I modelled her fashions for Glam Gala Give supporting the fight against Ovarian Cancer. I was also thrilled that Malene offered to dress not only myself, but also the rest of Dal\’s Gals when we performed with the Vancouver Symphony Orchesra last summer.

Even the First Lady, Michelle Obama is a fan!

Dawn

Dress for Success is an amazing organization that helps women as they get ready to enter or re-enter the workforce. I have had the honour of assisting in their fundraising initiatives and I want to take this opportunity to introduce you to their next push…for purses! And when you give to Dress for Success, you receive from Lord\’s Shoes! 

Feel free to tell your friends!

Dawn

Not only a great tune by Ella Fitzgerald  but also a valid question!

I know here in the Lower Mainland we have the reputation for deciding things last minute, but it’s not too early to start thinking about it!

At almost 94 years old, the fabulous Dal Richards Orchestra is performing again at the River Rock Casino and Resort in Richmond and I am THRILLED to join him as we ring in 2012!

Dal with his Gals! Jennifer Hayes and myself

You can order your tickets through Ticketmaster - hope to see you there!

Dawn

 I recently had the pleasure of doing the live-eye from The Umbrella Shop - Great quality umbrella for certain, but I really loved that they have been around since 1935 and the family story behind it – check out their story on their website.

The brolly’s are beautiful and if you can’t find something you love (I can’t imagine this will be a problem…they can custom design something. They are true artists and the Owner Correy  (3rd Generation Umbrella Maker) is one of the loveliest and most passionate people I have ever met. It’s worth going there just to meet her.

Just one of the things I am loving right now and you’ll need it today!,

Dawn

Had a great morning on Tuesday with my FAVOURITE TV Chef (and at 6′7, the tallest I have ever met!), Michael Smith at Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks!

with Chef Michael Smith

He made these unbelievable Peanut Butter Cups from his new cookbook …something you may wish to make with the kids! Here’s the Video from Breakfast Television if you missed the show!

Barbara-Jo also offered 3 great books for the foodie in your life

Barbara-Jo's picks!

The authors of these books are also appearing in store along with many other great chefs, please check the event schedule.

Enjoy!

Dawn

“If they’re legends…they’ve played the YALE”  is the statement at the top of the Website for the Yale Hotel - and in their 130 year history they have had the “who’s who” of the Blues world on their stage!

On Monday, November 21, the Yale is closing it’s doors for 12 months for renovations – you can read the story HERE.

To celebrate the last 130 years, a series of concerts will take place with a big finale taking place on  November 20 from 2pm-6 pm. Performers for the A Finale include Big Band Blues with Dal Richards Orchestra featuring Jim Byrnes  -

with Jim at this years PNE

I will be on hand to sing a few tunes with Dal and the rest of his “Gals”. Needless to say, I am honoured and thrilled to be a part of the celebration of this Vancouver landmark! For more information on all the events surrounding the 130th Birthday of the Yale, you can check out their website.

Breakfast Television will also be on location on Monday November 14 to give you a bit of a preview and share some memories!

Dawn

I had the privilege of being on location this morning at Potluck Cafe and Catering on East Hastings. For the last decade,  the Potluck has been feeding an average of 30,000 meals PER YEAR to residents of the Downtown Eastside. In addition to the lunch programs, the Potluck also co-founded the DTES Kitchen Tables Project which focuses on access to water and quality, nutritious food across the DTES  and also ensures the distribution of “real food” to those living with HIV/ AIDS, Hepatitis C and Diabetes.

I got to see these great people at work – and boy are they busy! John, Blue, Peter and Felix were busy in the kitchen working on a catering gig…and working front of house was Helen, who has gone through the program and says the Potluck Cafe has “saved her life” . She and I were fast friends.They also have a friend in Barney Bentall who is preparing for the Grand Cariboo Opry (both in Victoria and Vancouver)

with Helen and Barney Bentall

The Grand Cariboo Opry, in its 6th year, promises to be a great time, so get your tickets before they sell out - but there are other ways you can help! As a company can hire them for your next luncheon or also sponsor a lunch for residents of the DTES ( Happy Planet is sponsoring one tomorrow).  As an individual, you can dine at the cafe, volunteer or donate to the Potluck Community Programs.

It’s a great program that needs your help!

Dawn

Wanted to pass on the information about an event I am participating in next week – I will have the pleasure of introducing Dr. Suzuki!

Here’s the official press release :

SUZUKI DINNER FOCUSSES ON WATER, CELEBRATES RESTORATION OF FIRST NATIONS FISHERY

On Thursday, November 10th, C Restaurant is throwing a dinner hosted by sustainability titan David Suzuki. The evening is a fundraiser for the DSF and C’s burgeoning not-for-profit, the C Blue Foundation, a grassroots initiative by Harry Kambolis and Chef Robert Clark to raise essential funds to protect lakes, rivers, streams, beaches and oceans.

The DSF and C Restaurant collaboration has netted an exceptional partner, the Lake Babine First Nation reserve fishery. Back when Rome was a mere village, the Lake Babine people operated traditional salmon weirs on their lake and river, harvesting hundreds of thousands of sockeye a year. Tragically, their traditional fishery was extinguished in 1906 by the Canadian government, to make room for an industrial coastal fishery. It devastated an entire way of life. This past summer, the Nation recreated their fishery, in partnership with Skeena Wild Conservation Trust, Raincoast Trading of Vancouver, and RiverWild Seafoods of Terrace. It has become the second largest sustainable sockeye fishery in British Columbia. Chef Lee’s menu will feature the Nation’s sockeye prominently.
“We are honoured to serve the salmon caught with great care and pride by the Lake Babine Nation,” says Kambolis. “The rebirth of their fishery is monumental and their story and achievements are synergistic with the mandate and dreams of our new foundation.”
Also a featured player at the dinner: Summerhill Pyramid Winery,  Ezra Cipes of the Kelowna winery and C sommelier Kim Cyr will compose the wine pairings to complement Chef Lee’s menu. About 80% of the total grapes used in Summerhill’s production are certified organic, and the rest are in a transitional organic status on their way to being certified.
To reserve your seat at this multi-course dinner with wine pairings, please telephone the restaurant at 604-681-1164 or email info1@crestaurant.com with “Suzuki” in the subject line.

Dawn

Looking forward to emceeing the 4th Annual Scene- a fundraiser for the Pacific Cinematheque. Guests will embrace the golden age for one night with:

• mai tais at the Waldorf Hotel, a creative compound that has played host to celebrities such as Jack Nicholson.
• a canapés supper catered by Nuba.
• an extensive Silent Auction, which will include Liam Neeson’s working script for The Grey, exclusive artwork, and tickets to many of the city’s finest arts organizations.
• “mystery film cans” that hold a variety of prizes.
• a tiki themed photo booth.

Should be a fun night to be SCENE…hope to see you there tomorrow!

Dawn