Catherine Barr – Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Category: Sports

Grey Cup 99 Weekend Gala and Parties in Vancouver

It was time to show your spirit and your team colours this past weekend as the 99th Grey Cup came to town. Orange and black were the popular choice as hometown fans cheered their own BC Lions all the way to victory in the finals against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. But the big game was just a part of the weekend-long Grey Cup celebration that took place primarily at the Vancouver Convention Centre. With each CFL Team setting up their own “house” and live bands and street parties taking place nearby, the city was alive with electricity everywhere you looked. One of the biggest galas of the event was the Scotiabank Show Your Colours gala where, despite the $350 ticket price, everyone dressed in their team jerseys in anticipation of Sunday’s big game. VIP guests included Premier Christy Clark, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other dignitaries who were all treated to a five-star meal, marching bands, cheerleaders, live music and comedy impersonators.

01 – North Vancouver’s Brett and Brenda Manlove chat with GlobalBC TV news reporter and gala MC Jill Krop.

02 – CTV news anchor Coleen Christie, seen here with media columnist Steve Burgess, get ready to cheer for the home team.

03 – North Vancouver MP Andrew Saxton and Vancouver mayoral candidate Suzanne Anton both wear their Grey Cup jerseys for good luck.

04 – Premier Christy Clark adds easy elegance to her Grey Cup jersey with a simple strand of pearls while BC Lions President and CEO Dennis Skulsky prefers a dinner jacket overtop.

05 – Following in the footsteps of his late father Bob Ackles, BC Lions GM Scott Ackles and wife Theresa are proud to be back wearing the orange and black colours.

06 – Band leader Dal Richards, left, and famous comedian Ron James are two legendary entertainers who don’t agree on everything. Dal is cheering for the BC Lions while Ron claims to be a Winnipeg fan.

07 – A bruiser on the ice, but a pussycat in real life, former Vancouver Canucks enforcer Gino Odjick knows which side to cheer for.

08 – The Honourable Peter MacKay, Canadian Minister of National Defence, left, and David Poole, Scotiabank senior vice-president BC & Yukon region, are among the VIPs enjoying a night of spectacular food, fun and entertainment.

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By Catherine Barr – Nov 26, 2011

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Dec 1, 2011

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November 28, 2011
Vancouver Canucks Alex Burrows, Cory Schneider, Mason Raymond and Maxim Lapierre Meet and Greet at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club

If the good old hockey game, is the best game you can name, then tonight is the night you’ve been waiting for all summer as the Vancouver Canucks return to the ice for their 2011-2012 season opener. In honour of hockey’s return, a group of invite-only North Shore kids and their parents got a head start on the puck drop at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club. Fan Zoo Memorabilia hosted a day of Canuck player fun that included a shoot out with goalie Cory Schneider, stick lessons from Alex Burrows and a locker room/coaches chat with Mason Raymond and Maxim LaPierre. An after-party and autograph session made sure no fan left empty handed as the Canucks’ young guns were only too pleased to smile, shake hands and give every kid two minutes for excellent sportsmanlike conduct.

01 – With the game-winning, game seven, OT goal against Chicago still ringing in his ears, Vancouver Canucks’ Alex Burrows, left, and teammate Maxim Lapierre are ready to lace ’em up and spring back into action.

02 – Pretty Genevieve Calamo scores one for the girls as she gets an autograph from one of her favourite Canucks – namely Mason Raymond.

03 – The gang from Fan Zoo Memorabilia are ready to root for the home team again in 2011-2012 as they send their best for another great Canucks season.

04 – We’re counting on ginger-haired goaltender Cory Schneider to generate even more excitement between the pipes this year as he again backstops with teammate Roberto Luongo.

05 – Luke Emri and his dad Bob are among the lucky few who now have an authentic autographed Vancouver Canucks jersey.

06 – It’s a boys night out for sure as dad Jason Soprovich waits for autographs with sons Cole, right, Chase, centre, and friend Cole Shepard to see the Vancouver Canucks.

07 – I’m hoping these Hollyburn hockey players will save me an autograph when they make it to the NHL. From left: Michael Spouge, Jack Spouge, Jack Hemsley and Trevor Smith.

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By Catherine Barr – Oct 3, 2011

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Oct 6, 2011

October 3, 2011
Roberto Luongo, Trevor Linden, Maelle Ricker, Tom Larscheid Inducted into BC Sports Hall of Fame

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.

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.

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By Catherine Barr – Sep 13 & 18, 2011

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

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September 19, 2011
Red Robinson, Canucks Willie Mitchell, Hotel Georgia and Formula One Race Cars in Vancouver

As we say goodbye to August, it’s time for a quick look back at some events that helped make the month memorable. First, North Vancouver’s Regency Auto Group / Regency Infiniti held the F1 Vancouver Reign event. Featuring the Red Bull F1 show car, and a selection of other rare Nissan / Infiniti built vehicles, the night included music and munchies all in support of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Next, a Vancouver icon reopened its doors with a splashy and stylish reception. The new Rosewood Hotel Georgia is showing off its stripes and among its new additions is a 4th floor rooftop courtyard ultra lounge called “Reflections”. Complete with lounge chairs, couches and water fountain river features built right into the floor, the space is bound to attract a lot of attention from the after work cocktail crowd. Save me a seat! And lastly, Vancouver rock-n-roll legend Red Robinson, after an abrupt format change by Fun FM radio, announced this week that he is back on the airwaves again, this time with a four-hour Sunday segment on AM650 Radio.

01 – He’s baaack! At 74, Vancouver’s Red Robinson is still going strong. Seen here at an August concert with 80s rock star Pat Benatar and hubby Neil Giraldo, Robinson is taking over the Sunday slot on AM650 Radio.

02 – Now with the LA Kings, former Canucks star Willie Mitchell and wife Megan take in the opening reception at Hotel Georgia’s Reflections lounge.

03 – Socialite Carmen Ruiz y Laza cuddles up to Hotel Georgia / Delta Group developer Bruce Langereis to toast the occasion at Reflections opening.

04 – Rosewood Hotel Georgia managing director Steve Halliday and his lovely wife Pauline are among the VIPs on hand at the opening of Reflections at Hotel Georgia.

05 – West Vancouver’s Stefan Zalesky, aka DJ BrownJoe, spins the tunes for the Regency F1 Vancouver Reign event.

06 – Regency Auto owners Amir and Yasmin Ahamed join AllWest Insurance’s Paul Zalesky to check out the racing cars at the Regency Reign event.

07 – It’s fast, furious and Formula One all the way. Regency Auto’s Izzam Ahamed poses beside the 2009 RedBull show car which was actually built using Infiniti/Renault technology.

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By Catherine Barr – Aug 25, 2011

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Sep 01, 2011

August 29, 2011
Odlum Brown Vancouver Open Tennis Tournament at Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver

The Odlum Brown Vancouver Open tennis tournament was held last week at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club. Often billed as a showcase of the “stars of tomorrow”, this competition is anything but amateur. And while the talent on display here may be young, they all brought their A-games to the court in a series of impressive outings that any tennis fan would love. Needless to say, tournaments like this are nothing without the dedicated group of people who come into play behind the scenes. Last Tuesday, the VIP reception gave everyone a chance to mix and mingle as matches got underway on the picturesque sun filled court decks. Congrats to all involved.

01 – Odlum Brown’s Floyd Hill, who is also the tournament chair, oversees the scene alongside PR Gals Sasha Evans, left, and Che Winters.

02 – Hollyburn members and tennis fans Elandra and John Chivers are among the guests at the VIP reception.

03 – Thanks to tennis supporters Terry Hooge and wife Cheryl, left, seen here with guests Keith and Susan Wales, this tournament was a big success.

04 – Tennis BC director Luke O’Loughlin, left, Robyn Mhony and Action Athletics Todd Deacon come out to see some of the opening day action.

05 – Global BC TV personalities Sophie Lui, left, Anne Drewa and Wesla Wong watch the opening matches from the VIP boxes courtside.

06 – West Vancouver’s Lee family is well known for their generosity at this and many other events. Here Lily and Robert Lee, left, cuddle with Carlota Lee who helped find billet homes for all the players.

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By Catherine Barr – Aug 2, 2011

Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Aug 11, 2011

August 8, 2011
Athletics for Kids Boxing Gala Is a Hit at West Vancouver Hollyburn Country Club

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.

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.

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By Catherine Barr – April 1, 2011

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

April 4, 2011
Hockey’s Stanley Cup in Whistler, Chilliwack

SCOTIABANK BRINGS THE STANLEY CUP® TO WHISTLER AND CHILLIWACK, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Whistler and Chilliwack, BC new stops on cross-country ‘Celebration of Hockey Tour’

Scotiabank’s ‘Celebration of Hockey Tour’ will be making an appearance in British Columbia with the Stanley Cup®, Canada’s oldest and most famous sports trophy, in Whistler, on March 4th and Chilliwack, on March 5th, 2011. The Cup will be greeted by hockey fans and families eager to have their photos taken with this iconic piece of hockey history. The Stanley Cup® will be accompanied by historical hockey artifacts showcasing the evolution of the game.

What: The Stanley Cup® in Whistler, BC
Who: Fans, families and the community
When: Friday, March 4th 3:00am – 7:00pm
Where: Scotiabank Branch, 212 – 2059 Lake Placid Road, Whistler BC, V0N 1B2

What: The Stanley Cup® in Chilliwack, BC
Who: Fans, families and the community
When: Saturday, March 5, 2011, 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Scotiabank Branch, 100 – 45800 Promontory Road, Chilliwack, BC, V2R 5Z5

“The Stanley Cup® is the ultimate symbol of hockey and Canadian pride,” said Whistler Scotiabank Branch Manager, Phil Gibson. “Whether you play at the highest level or support hockey from the stands, all Canadians can agree that the Stanley Cup® is a part of our culture. For Scotiabank, hockey is a big part of life for many of our customers and employees.”

“The Celebration of Hockey program is about giving Canadians a chance to get up close to hockey’s beloved Stanley Cup®, which for many will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Chilliwack Scotiabank Branch Manager, Bonnie Oliver. “The Stanley Cup® symbolizes the love of hockey that unites all of us in Canada and we at the Scotiabank branch here in Chilliwack are proud to bring this experience to our community.”

Enhancing the experience, the ultimate hockey megastore and Scotiabank partner Pro Hockey Life are providing prizes and helpful information regarding proper equipment fitting. For more information on Pro Hockey Life, please visit their website at www.prohockeylife.com.

About Scotiabank
As the Official Bank of the NHL®, NHLPA®, NHL Alumni™ and the CWHL, Scotiabank is very proud to be Canada’s Hockey Bank. Scotiabank has a long tradition of supporting hockey in Canada from local teams and minor hockey associations to professional players and leagues. Through its partnerships, Scotiabank’s hockey programs enrich the communities where Canadians live and work by engaging fans and players in new ways to celebrate our game. Scotiabank supports the passion and pride Canadians feel for hockey and believes it is fundamental to helping young people learn about teamwork, camaraderie and the spirit of competition. Scotiabank’s partnership with Pro Hockey Life (known as Sports Rousseau in Quebec) provides exclusive in-store and online discounts to the Bank’s customers, promotes advice on equipment and enhances the grassroots community programs of both companies. Scotiabank also has partnerships with the Montreal Canadiens®, the Calgary Flames® whose home arena is the Scotiabank Saddledome, and the Ottawa Senators® whose home arena is Scotiabank Place. For more information on Scotiabank’s hockey programs visit www.scotiahockeyclub.com.

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2010 the Bank provided about $50 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

March 2, 2011
Odlum Brown Vancouver Open Tennis Tournament at Hollyburn

West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club looked a little like Wimbledon this last week as pro athletes and tennis fans alike gathered for the 2010 Odlum Brown Vancouver Open. With a prize purse of over $175,000, this year’s tournament managed to draw several of the up-and-coming major names in professional tennis. A super sunny Tuesday night meant the patio and box seats were full of VIPs who not only took in some fabulous tennis, but were also welcomed with a swanky VIP reception.

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01 – Hanging out in the VIP tent before the first match of the night are Kim Low, left, Caroline Cavelti, tournament supporter Terry Hooge and wife Cheryl.

02 – The fabulous Carlotte Lee, left, managed to find homes for over 80 players which included billeting them with friends like Heidi Kernaghan.

03 – VIPs Debbie Clyne, left, and sister Susan enjoy cocktails and conversation at the pre-tourney party with jazz musician Don Stewart.

04 – A bird’s eye box view from the balcony is had by invited guests Sian Pitman, left, Ian Robertson, Barbara Miles and Mark Monroe.

05 – They’re a game, set and match made for each other. Hollyburn members Elandra and John Chivers take in some fun in the sun from the private patio.

06 – Odlum Brown’s Tournament chairman Floyd Hill deserves a lot of applause for making it all happen here in West Van. Cheers.

07 – Pretty PR gal Chelsea Carlson and server Chris Burrows help keep guests fed and watered at the opening Odlum Brown reception.

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By Catherine Barr – Aug 3, 2010

Also published in print in the North Shore Outlook newspaper on August 12, 2010

August 8, 2010
Olympic Parties – The Big Ending

All the medals have been given out and the athletes have gone home, but the memories will live on forever. The Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics were clearly one of the best star-studded parties this town will ever see and it was wonderful to have been part of it. O Canada – thank you for making us proud.

01 – West Vancouver’s Don DeCotiis and daughter Marianne come out to support the Face of Tomorrow Gala which featured Canadian rapper K’Naan.

02 – Gala sponsors (and West Vancouverites) Sofia Somani, left, and Alexis Palkowski pose with Face of Tomorrow’s socialite/founder Kasondra Cohen, daughter of famed Army and Navy heiress Jacqui Cohen.

03 – Robson Square was the place to be to meet athletes like North Vancouver’s gold medal snowboarding gal – Maelle Ricker.

04 – Beaming in the golden afterglow of her media interviews, Whistler’s Ashleigh McIvor shows off her first place prize.

05 – Former gold medal Olympic speed skater Catriona LeMay Doan, left, seen here with guest Patty Nees at the Commodore’s Manitoba Social night, got a chance to re-light the flame at the Closing Ceremony after that Opening Ceremony glitch.

06 – American skier Bode Miller, left, wanted a medal in each colour – and he got all three. Seen here with Olympic party impresario Craig Stowe, he and his entourage enjoy a night off at Canvas Lounge.

07 – After a disappointing start, the Canadian men’s short-track team came back with a vengeance and were more than happy to smile for the cameras at a special celebratory interview.

08 – Seen here at the Commodore’s Manitoba Social night, VANOC CEO John Furlong is undoubtedly ready for a long winter’s nap.

09 – Rock 101 FM’s Bro Jake “The Champ” Edwards, left, welcomes celebs, athletes and VIPs like Roy Nees, to the Commodore’s Manitoba Social night.

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By Catherine Barr – Feb 28, 2010

As seen in print in the North Shore Outlook on March 4, 2010

March 2, 2010
Olympic Ice Dancing Fashions and Faux Pas

There’s no throws, triple flips, double axels or, for that matter, falling down on your butt – but, when it comes to Olympic ice dancing there is still plenty of drama, especially in the fashion department.

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WEIRDEST OUTFITS EVER

Russian bronze medal winners Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin may have skated to a third place win on the podium, but their outfits were so distracting that it was hard to focus on their dance instead of their duds. Based on the film “The Double Life of Veronique”, these costumes are clearly a case of schizophrenic kleenex meets Jack the Ripper. And really Oksana, could there be a worse place to put a picture of a face? From far away it just looks obscene.

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WORST DRESSED

Yes, they’ve done it again folks. Russia’s Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin based their original dance program on an Australian aboriginal theme, much to the dismay of the aboriginals. Maxim’s outfit was much more “tanned” in colour before being ordered to “tone it down” for Olympic reasons. My advice – get a new costume designer, quickly – your skating is too good for these kind of gimmicks.

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MOST FUN WITHOUT SEQUINS

Howdy partner! British figure skating team Sinead and John Kerr went for a country and western-style routine that actually had some sparkle without having the sparkle, if you know what I mean. Still, if you think that Brits are all tea and crumpets, these outfits will surely change your mind. And yes, I think that’s an actual belly button you see and not that weird flesh-coloured figure skating fabric.

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MOST FLAMBOYANT

She was as flashy as her costume and he was equally commanding in his black flame suit. Russia’s Jana Khokhlova and Sergei Novitski didn’t skate a perfect program but their outfits helped them steal the show. Part bird, part circus performer, Jana literally flew around his head, twisting and twirling as much as the purple, yellow and red swirls of chiffon flying out behind her. Wonder if I could borrow that for the next red carpet?

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BEST THEMED COSTUME

You just have to love Americans Meryl Davis and Charlie White. These silver medallists are a class act all the way from their performances on the ice, to their off ice friendship with Canadians Moir and Virtue, to their fabulous themed costumes. Borrowing on themes of a sari for their original dance, Meryl’s outfit was stunning in every way and didn’t look contrived in any way. Stunning and exciting!

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BEST OVERALL

Yes, all of Canada is in love with them now and forever, and I admit that here I am biased. But how can you not love Canada’s gold medal winners Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir in this Spanish inspired black, red and white combo. Elegant, simple yet fiery enough to boost their original dance into first place. I half expected Catherine Zeta-Jones and Antonio Banderas as Zorro to appear. One last thought Tessa, please stay a brunette. It completes you!

– Catherine Barr – Feb 22, 2010 –

February 23, 2010
Olympic Parties Week 2

The Olympic parties continue with even more famous faces coming out to play.

01 – Mogul skier Jenn Heil, seen here at a Birks reception party, gets Canada on the map first with a silver medal up at West Vancouver’s Cypress Mountain.

02 – Supermodel Cindy Crawford, seen here with Stephen Urquhart, President of OMEGA, left, and BC Premier Gordon Campbell, plays to the crowd at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver reception.

03 – First gold medal on Canadian soil nets mogul skier Alex Bilodeau a big gold covered maple leaf trophy from medal metals resource company Teck. The private reception included VIP gold medal guest athletes Simon Whitfield and Nancy Greene.

04 – One of Adam Moffat’s main jobs is to make sure all medal winners get their Molson Canadian “champagne” magnum full of the super suds. Fun!

05 – North Vancouver MP Andrew Saxton is among the lucky guests who get to hold a gold medal at the VIP Teck medal reception. Teck supplies all the gold, silver and bronze for the Olympic medals.

06 – The North Shore’s own Pino Posteraro, chef of Yaletown’s Cioppino’s, cooks up a storm for a very exclusive private dinner with Virgin Group billionaire Sir Richard Branson.

07 – West Vancouver and Washington Marine Group’s own Kyle Washington and wife Janelle dine with both Sir Richard Branson and HSH Prince Albert of Monaco at a private dinner at Cioppino’s.

08 – Mike Twining, left, and Chris Hall are hitting gold with the opening of their new Sin Bin location right next to the athletes village where they get to serve Olympic athletes, coaches and actresses like Sandra Oh.

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– By Catherine Barr, Feb 21, 2010

– As seen in print in the North Shore Outlook newspaper on Feb 25, 2010

February 22, 2010
Vancouver Winter Olympics Week 1

The Winter Olympics are supposed to be all about the games, but they’re about all the fun too. As the torch runs through the community, and the international houses open their doors, it’s easy to get caught up in the Olympic spirit. From cocktails in the Monk McQueens Ice Lounge to the opening of Irish House, here’s just a quick look at some of the ways to play around town.

01 – Serving up cocktails in glasses made of ice are Monk McQueens Ice Lounge bartenders Jill VanGyn, left, Sarah Lumsden and Matt Rota

02 – Ice sculptures, like this Inukshuk, decorate the Monk McQueens Ice Lounge as PR man Steve Bickerdike attends to guests.

03 – North Van Penthouse Nightclub owner Danny Filippone, left, hooks up with Granville Entertainment Group CFO, and West Vancouverite Ron Orr, on the opening night of Irish House, which just happens to sit on the Doolin’s property off Granville.

04 – West Van realtor Gus Batal, left, server Veronica Martinez and guest Steve Christensen get their Olympic spirit up on the opening night of Irish House

05 – Lugaro Jewellers’ Sassan Pourfar carries the torch all the way into Park Royal for a special celebration dinner and toast to Omega.

06 – Opus Hotel owner John Evans, left, and actor Ryan Robbins walk the red carpet at the Opus Podium Party.

07 – CityTV host Riaz Meghji and girlfriend Kelly Konno give up the glam at the Opus Podium Party.

08 – Three cheers for the Angel Restoration crew at the opening of Irish House. From left: Brandon McLeod, Sonia McLeod and David McLeod.

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By Catherine Barr

February 10, 2010
Olympic Event at Park Royal and more

Can you feel it? It’s in the air and it’s spreading. And with less than 30 days to go, it seems like everybody has suddenly come down with a big case of Olympic fever. Everyone’s getting into the act – from real estate to restaurants to politicians. We’re sprucing up and getting ready to welcome the world. So buckle in, because judging from my email and twitter feeds, we’re in for one heck of a good time. Be sure and stay tuned . . .

01 – West Vancouver restaurateur Clay Fuller cuddles up to 80s chart-topper-turned-jazz-diva Lee Aaron at the relaunch of his Town Hall restaurant on Alberni (formerly Saltlik).

02 – Building for the future, the men behind the Parks on Third project in North Van are betting on the boom. From left: Mike Parker, Builder – Ed Ballard, Somerset Homes – Barry Chillibeck, Engineer – Matthew T. Hansen, Architect

03 – West Vancouver MP John Weston and former Olympic ski champ Senator Nancy Greene Raine came out to talk to the locals at a special town hall meeting this week at Park Royal Shopping Centre.

04 – Bowen Island student Francesca Brind-Boronkay, seen here with Canadian Olympic Committee member and dad Peter Boronkay, is the artist behind one of the West Vancouver Olympic pins now being sought out by collectors.

05 – Helping get the town hall Olympic meeting underway are Park Royal marketing director Nancy Small, left and constituency assistant Vivienne Bromley.

06 – Sharing the spirit of competition at the town hall meeting are Andrea Holmes, left, former Crazy Canuck skier Steve Podborski and Annamay Pierse.

07 – Transforming the corner of 18th and Marine into something of a luxury legacy are the Parkview Place team of Lynda Proc, left, developers Johann and Linda Berger, and Ray Proc.

– Catherine Barr
– Published in print in the North Shore Outlook newspaper on Jan 14, 2010

January 12, 2010
Muhammad Ali, Steve Nash, Sugarlime, Arts Umbrella and more

So many events, so little time. Here’s a roundup of some of the spectacular fundraisers and opening night celebrations that took place over the last week or two.

01 – North Vancouver’s Jason Dussault, seen here with girlfriend/model Mashiah Vaughn, whose best known for his super-star endorsed clothing line Deuce, sits front row at the Boys’ Co. 25th Anniversary fashions show and party.

02 – Nanaimo born NBA star Steve Nash, left, and NHL Canucks hero Trevor Linden come out for the kids in support of Steve’s foundation fundraiser “Showdown in Downtown”.

03 – With a wall of TV screens to make you scream, the chic new Boston Pizza, (located at Esplanade and Chesterfield) will be the place to be seen during the game. From left: Franchisee Darrell Lesueur and wife Lisa, Owner/Operator Neil MacLeod and wife Judy, and Caroline Schein, VP of People Development.

04 – A toast to Terminal City Club executive chef Jason Lloyd and sommelier Teresa Alampur for helping to host the fabulous Vina Tamaya / Vina Morande Wines of Chile winemakers’ dinner featuring stunning plates and presentations.

05 – North Van’s Adam Wickstead, left, GM of Pacific Overseas Forwarding Inc. and Jan Beringer, President and CEO of Rohde & Liesenfeld Canada Inc. generously sponsor the vodka lounge at the Arts Umbrella’s SPLASH art auction event on Granville Island.

06 – Partner Roshni Naik, left, and owner Karen Buder are the toast of the town at their sparkly Sugarlime Soiree 2009 fundraiser held at the Vancouver Art Gallery in support of BC Children’s Hospital.

07 – “Facing Ali” producer Derik Murray, left, and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, right, are among the VIPs who got to meet legendary heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali during a special screening/reception at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

– Catherine Barr

As published in the North Shore Outlook newspaper on October 22, 2009

October 20, 2009
Richard Brodeur Tee Off Fore Breast Cancer

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…)

July 20, 2009
22nd Annual Women’s Media Golf

Sure, it’s all about the fun and the fairways, but when it comes time to making a kids’ dream come true, these gals go for the green. West Van’s Wendy Cocchia is the powerhouse behind The 22nd Annual Women’s Media Golf Classic and she knows firsthand how hard it can be to raise a child with special needs. The after reception party, which was held at her and husband Sergio’s Beyond Restaurant and Lounge in the Century Plaza Hotel, is always a celebration of life, but never more than this year. Dream Wishes granted this year included a trip to Disneyland for Chantal and a newly trained PADS golden lab dog for Jake – and tears of joy for everyone in attendance. (more…)

June 8, 2009
Athletics for Kids Boxing Gala

It was time for bow ties and boxing gloves as the 7th annual Athletics for Kids (A4K) Boxing Gala was held last Friday at Hollyburn Country Club. Rock 101 FM’s Bro Jake “The Champ” Edwards had them rolling in the aisles as he helped MC the evening which included a glamorous martini reception, big steak dinner and five rounds of Olympic sanctioned boxing. Helping raise money for kids who can’t afford to play sports is the goal of these go-getters, and they continue to do so in style thanks to the many who came out in support. (more…)

April 6, 2009