Tag: Canucks

  • New Two Lions Public House Opens in North Vancouver

    The New Year is always a good time for a little resolution and change. Such is the case with a North Vancouver entertainment group that is anxious to bring the party back all year long. The Two Lions Public House, formerly known as the Mosquito Creek Bar & Grill, has swung open its doors to a new crowd, new menu and new attitude. Now owned by the Jennings Hospitality & Culture group (who also own the Narrows Pub, London Pub, Caffe Brixton and The Manchester), the establishment has been renovated in more ways than one. Comfort food, local beers, hockey games and karaoke are all still there though as is the live music roster which will include appearances by former Roxy house band Joe’s Garage. The opening night party took place last week where friends and guests were invited for a sneak peek look at what’s in store. Cheers!

    Two lions pub north vancouver

    01 – Belly up to the bar and see servers Adryon Campbell and Travis Todd for a cold one.

    02 – Real estate agent Grant Gardiner congratulates general manager Brandon Price on a successful opening night preview.

    03 – Enjoying the new digs and a bar stool with a view are guests Kelly Davies and John Pavle.

    04 – Marketing director Dan Tanner, left, and owner Steve Jennings are looking forward to delivering all kinds of live music and sports action to the North Shore and a great place to hang out.

    05 – Ice Decor’s Harold Sawatsky worked outside with his saw to create this impressive “Two Lions” ice sculpture to celebrate the first big night.

    06 – Enjoying the live music of the opening night bands, friends Megan Dalton, left, and Jaclyn Callaghan take in all the action.

    – – –

    By Catherine Barr – Jan 13, 2013

    Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Jan 17, 2013

    youtubechannel_label.jpg

    – – –

  • Roberto Luongo, Trevor Linden, Maelle Ricker, Tom Larscheid Inducted into BC Sports Hall of Fame

    roberto_luongo_canucks.jpg Roberto Luongo, Trevor Linden, Tom Larscheid and Maelle Ricker are just a few of the big names you might recognize as sporting heroes in our town. However, give or take a few Olympic gold medals, they all have something else in common. Last week, these athletes were among an elite group inducted into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame – Class of 2011. The Banquet of Champions gala dinner, held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, was a star-studded affair that not only recognized past accomplishments, but also recognized the achievements of young up-and-coming local athletes too. Also last week, it was time to welcome autumn as the 7th Annual Lower Lonsdale Fall Festival took place in North Vancouver at the new Shipyard at the foot of Lonsdale. Featuring live entertainment, display booths, a pumpkin pie contest and more, it was a great day full of family fun.

    bc_sports_hall_of_fame.jpg

    01 – North Vancouver’s Olympic skating sweetheart, Karen Magnussen, is surrounded by soon-to-be-famous young athletes at the BC Sports Hall of Fame night.

    02 – Vancouver Canucks’ leading men, namely goalie Roberto Luongo, left, and former captain Trevor Linden, are each honoured separately at the BC Sports Hall of Fame – Banquet of Champions: Luongo for his role in the 2010 Canada Men’s Gold Hockey Team and Linden for his lifetime hockey career.

    03 – North Shore residents and BC Sports legends Charmaine Crooks and Bob Lenarduzzi are still a very active part of the sports landscape here in BC. Crooks for her ongoing support of young Olympic athletes and Lenarduzzi for his active role in the Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team.

    04 – You know these names and voices. Sports broadcaster Bernie Pascal, left, congratulates fellow media colleague and “voice of the Vancouver Canucks” Tom Larscheid on his induction into the BC Sports Hall of Fame.

    05 – A graduate of Sentinel Secondary in West Vancouver, snowboarder Maelle Ricker made history at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics as the first Canadian female gold medallist to win on Canadian soil (and, ironically, here at Cypress Mountain).

    06 – Vanleena Dance students and ballerinas Maddie Laver, left, and Amelia Warren help put on a dance demonstration with the rest of their classmates at the Lower Lonsdale Fall Festival.

    07 – Pick a pie, any pie. Big thanks to North Van City Mayor Darrell Mussatto, right, and the rest of my esteemed judge friends for helping choose a most delicious winner at the Lower Lonsdale Fall Festival’s pumpkin pie contest.

    08 – North Vancouver Museum & Archives’ Sepideh Sarrafpour has a big smile for all who stop by her display booth at the Lower Lonsdale Fall Festival.

    09 – Food trucks are all the rage these days, and with the delicious dealings coming from Marsia and Wayne Hunter’s hub, I can see why. Look for the travelling Blue Smoke BBQ truck at local farmer’s markets and more.

    – –

    By Catherine Barr – Sep 13 & 18, 2011

    Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Sep 22, 2011

    – – –

    youtubechannel_label.jpg

    – – –

  • Athletics for Kids Boxing Gala Is a Hit at West Vancouver Hollyburn Country Club

    boxing_girls.jpg

    Sometimes getting in the game is hard, especially for those living close to the poverty line. Hockey gear, soccer gear, baseball gear and registration fees, are costs that sometimes add up to a young person not being able to participate. Fortunately, there’s the good folks behind the Athletics for Kids organization (A4K). They’re out to even the score by supplying financially disadvantaged youth with access to community amateur sports programs. Last week, the 9th Annual A4K Boxing Dinner Gala helped raise funds via an elegant black-tie night out at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club. Round one was a martini reception, complete with silent auction items galore. Then it was time for a beautiful three-course dinner, a live auction, and then the main event – five rounds of Olympic rules sanctioned boxing. Congrats to all involved.

    a4k_boxing.jpg

    01 – Put up your dukes, let’s get down to it. Boxing buddies Bob Leblevec, left, Dave Bird, Todd Wall and Brad Wolgs play it up for the camera during the before dinner reception.

    02 – Time for a boys night out as Andre Boileau and his dad, Dr. Marc Boileau, get ready to watch some Olympic class boxing.

    03 – A4K President Chris Obst welcomes guests, like former North Vancouver fire chief Tommy Cummings, to the best night of boxing on the North Shore.

    04 – QM/FM radio personality and former A4K director Tara McGuire, left, dines with producer Brad Challoner and Crystal Lidemark.

    05 – And in this corner, helping with the MC duties for the night, is QM/FM morning show host Mike Shaeffer.

    06 – They look just as comfortable in the ring as they do on the ice. Canucks anthem singer (and lucky charm) Mark Donnelly, left, and Canucks hockey hero Dave Babych get ready to raise money for the kids.

    07 – He’s the man that helped start it all. Loads of hugs and kisses to A4K co-founder Craig Knapton, seen here with wife Becky, for pouring his heart and soul into helping all the kids.

    08 – Leaving everyone shaken and stirred are the beautiful serving duo of Hannah Locke, left, and Nelly Kutle who ensure that the martini glasses are always full.

    09 – Hit me with your best shot. Former Super Welterweight Champion of the World, boxing coach and A4K spokesperson Manny Sobral, left, kids with friend Ivano DeCotiis as the boxing matches get underway.

    – –

    By Catherine Barr – April 1, 2011

    Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on April 7, 2011

  • Jay Leno BMW Cabriolet Gala

    Late Night funny man Jay Leno was the headliner last week at Brian Jessel’s 5th Annual Cabriolet Charity Gala. The $500 VIP ticket event was held at the dealership which was transformed into a glittering lounge complete with live music and fabulous food and beverage provided by some of Vancouver’s finest restaurants. Proceeds from the night go to support the Canucks Autism Network, ArtsUmbrella and the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation. Live and silent auction items galore helped raise funds, but no more so than the grand finale item – four tickets to the Tonight Show and a private tour of Jay’s own personal car collection.

    Jay_leno_gala.jpg

    01 – Jay Leno has still got it! Seen here with gala co-chair and pr gal Rhoda Rizkalla, the late night talk show host has the audience in stitches with jokes about Obama, US Politics and life in general.

    02 – Travel Guys’ host Darren Parkman, left, joins Monk McQueens / Lift restaurateur Bob Lindsay and North Van’s CTV weatherman Marke Driesschen.

    03 – North Vancouver’s Jill Kileen, left, cuddles up to hubby Mike Killeen and his CTV news anchor co-host Coleen Christie, both of whom would lead the crowd in a rousing round of “Heads-or-Tails” for charity.

    04 – Looking elegant as always, West Vancouver’s Monica and Karim Virani join the VIP reception before the show.

    05 – Sporting a new short chic hairdo, West Vancouver’s Sofia Somani and hubby Amin come out to support this great cause.

    06 – Main man Brian Jessel has good reason to smile. Seen here with diamond twins Courtney and Kim Helman, this beaming “Bimmer” dealer has raised thousands for charity.

    07 – West Vancouver’s stunning Devina Zalesky poses with son Stefan, left, and friend Omar Popat. Allwest Insurance is one of the evening’s major sponsors.

    08 – West Vancouver Olympian Charmain Crooks, seen here with husband Anders, is finally finding some time to relax after helping head up the recent 2010 Winter Olympics.

    By Catherine Barr – May 8, 2010

    Publishing in print in the North Shore Outlook newspaper on May 13, 2010

  • Canucks Playoff Hockey Special Seating Chart

    Okay – this is my special tribute to the playoffs. Go Canucks Go!

    – –

    Hockey_seats.jpg
  • Canucks Place Gift of Time Gala

    jolinda_lindenTime is something we all take for granted – but for a sick child, time is the most precious gift of all. The Canucks Place Children’s Hospice – Gift of Time Gala celebrated their fourth annual event last week at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver. Always special, the beautiful ballroom was decorated to the nines and included special table centrepieces hand made by the children under the direction of artist Jolinda Linden, sister-in-law to Canucks superstar Trevor Linden. Business leaders, VIPs and supporters all gave generously to attend the star-studded evening that also included a special performance by surprise celebrity musical guest Chantal Kreviazuk.

    gift_of_time01

    01 – Global TV VP Brent Manlove and wife Brenda, who also live in North Vancouver, are among the media executives who are happy to lend their support.

    02 – Global TV weekend weather girl Kristi Gordon, left, and Global TV news anchor Jill Krop chat with West Vancouver’s Filomena Nalewajek, Canuck’s Place CEO. Jill was also MC for the evening.

    03- As parents of four children of their own, West Vancouver realtor Jason Soprovich and wife Monica know how important it is to support the Canucks Place kids.

    04 – Well known for their philanthropy, Christie and James King deserve congrats for recently welcoming number five to the family – a new baby daughter.

    05 – The North Shore’s own Carmelina Cusano, left, and daughter Marcella, of Montecristo Jewellers fame, are major sponsors of the night.

    06 – Looking beautiful in red, artist Jolinda Linden, sister-in-law to Canucks superstar Trevour Linden, shows off one of the heart-warming table centrepieces that she and the children made for the big event.

    07 – With donations totalling $1.3 million, Telus CEO Darren Entwistle also surprise everyone by donating the first Telus based iPhone for live auction, well ahead of their Nov. 5 public launch.

    08 – Gala chair and West Vancouverite Sandy Elliott-Ergas, left, and Canucks Place CEO Filomena Nalewajek, right, welcome surprise musical guest Chantal Kreviazuk.

    By Catherine Barr – October 29, 2009

    Publishing in print by the North Shore Outlook newspaper on Nov 5, 2009

  • Richard Brodeur Tee Off Fore Breast Cancer

    Richard Brodeur
    Richard Brodeur

    Former Canucks superstar goalie “King” Richard Brodeur was the headliner last week at the first annual Tee Off Fore Breast Cancer tournament at Meadow Gardens. Pink balloon archways, and a live Elvis impersonator, greeted all the North Shore golfers who made the trip east to play in support of this worthwhile cause. Organizers did a fantastic job supplying goodies and beverages at every hole and the fun didn’t stop there. A fabulous dinner, live and silent auction prizes and live entertainment ensured everyone went home feeling like a winner – despite that demoralizing 18th water hole – WOW! (more…)