Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Tag: christmas

  • A Look Back at Christmas 2012

    It has been an eventful holiday season with events almost every day here on the North Shore. Charity luncheons, gala evenings and lights, lights, lights everywhere you look. Here’s hoping you and your family shared in some of these great times and even though Christmas Day is over, there are still lots of activities and events still going on in our neighbourhoods. Don’t forget to take in some of the fun and carry the good cheer with you into the New Year. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. Can’t wait to see you all again in 2013!

    Christmas parties Vancouver

    01 – Raising money for the Boys and Girls Club of Vancouver with a “Reach for Outer Space” Children’s Christmas Party, Bianca Fusco Zanatta, centre, hosted her 11th Annual Ladies Luncheon with fabulous friends like “Housewives” guest star Lisa Macdonald, left, and West Vancouver businesswoman Lenora Gates.

    02 – Delivering holiday necessities and more, the dynamic Diane Forstyhe-Abbott, left, teamed with YWCA events manager and North Vancouver singer/songwriter Tamara Hung to host the 18th Annual Crabtree Ladies Luncheon.

    03 – A little night music – and a lot of lights. There’s still a lot of action happening up at North Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge for the Canyon Lights festival. Running until Jan 5, be sure to take in the gingerbread cookie decorating, glass ornament blowing and dance to the Holiday Band. Oh yeah, did I mention the LIGHTS!

    04 – West Vancouver socialite Alexis Palkowski, left, and Yvonne Zawadzki, General Manager of Birks Vancouver team up at the Crabtree Luncheon event.

    05 – A busy Christmas season didn’t stop Lisa Lancaster Kershaw, left, and Victoria Mendes from coming out to lunch with the gals as part of the Crabtree Luncheon event.

    06 – West Vancouver’s always elegant Lee ladies brought their holiday spirit and chequebooks to the Crabtree Luncheon to support the YWCA. From left: Carlotta, Lily and Angela Lee.

    07 – No, they’re not elves – but they do work hard all year long to bring you the best! Sharing some Christmas cheer with co-workers at the Pinnacle Pier hotel in North Vancouver are the staff and writers of The Outlook newspaper. Happy Holidays from the gang and best wishes for a very Happy New Year.

    – – –

    By Catherine Barr – Dec 20, 2012

    Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Dec 27, 2012

    youtubechannel_label.jpg

    – – –

  • Capilano Suspension Bridge Canyon Lights Christmas

    santa_hat.jpgIt’s a natural wonderland throughout the year, but at Christmas, this place really shines. Capilano Suspension Bridge, known worldwide for its famous heights, is all decked out for the season. The Canyon Lights display, which has over 250,000 lights throughout, is a great place for families. Running until Jan 2, an evening here can also include a visit with glass blower Malcolm McFadyen, live music from the “Holiday Band”, hot chocolate, gingerbread and more. Funds collected go to support the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.

    caplano_bridge.jpg

    – –

    01 – Operations Manager Christina Simpson and Assistant Operations Supervisor Sahil Pancholi greet guests at the front doors on opening night.

    02 – Helping everyone find their way through the trees and trimmings are staffers Caitlin Mann, left, and Bryana Gaffney.

    03 – Handing out glow in the dark Santa necklaces to all the kids on opening night are Group Sales Manager Helen Hall, left, and assistant Tarlan Seyedfarshi.

    04 – Cap Bridge owner Nancy Stibbard, centre, and her family were all out on this night to see the lights come on for the first time this season.

    05 – North Vancouver District fire fighters Jared Ewart, left, and Grant Smith collect donations for the BC Burn Fund.

    06 – Communications Manager Stacy Chala, left, and Vice President Sue Kaffka get ready to do the countdown with the crowd on the first night of magical lights.

    – –

    By Catherine Barr – Dec 2010

    Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Dec 23, 2010

  • Pandora’s Vox and Espiritu Vocal Christmas

    I’ve been a HUGE fan of the lovely ladies of West Vancouver’s Pandora’s Vox for close to 15 years now and I can’t say enough. Performing this past week at the Kay Meek Centre in “Gifted” with their partner vocal ensemble Espiritu, the group has grown into one of the most entertaining and professional choir organizations in the country. From impressive pieces like “Lux Aurumque” (my fave) to silly seasonal songs like “Fruitcake”, this group never fails to deliver. Choir leader Gillian Hunt, who also thrilled audiences with her special rendition of “Little Drummer Boy”, was honoured in a surprise presentation by the members who, without her knowledge, nominated her for the BC Choral Federation’s prestigious Amy Ferguson Award. Hunt was presented with the award during the Friday show. (more…)

  • AllWest Insurance gives its best for Christmas

    With the state of the economy this year, and everyone counting their pennies more closely, it could be an unexpectedly tough holiday season for some. But the good folks at AllWest Insurance refused to give in to the bah-humbugs and not only decided to celebrate the season in style, but also did a little fundraising in the process. West Vancouver’s Paul and Devina Zalesky, owner of AllWest, honoured staff with a glamorous dinner party and awards banquet at Beyond Restaurant and Lounge. Looking young and trendy, their crew of over 200 came out to party and, during their 50/50 draw, also managed to raise enough money to help feed 50 needy families this Christmas. Who says giving can’t be fun?

    (more…)