Schedule - May

- Doors are open at 10:30 am 

- toys and play time for the kiddies prior to the speaker's arrival

Date: Thursday, May 5th 

Topic: Baby Food and Portion Control
Guest Speaker: Ali J. Chernoff, Registered Dietitian and Nutrition consultant
Ali wrote baby nutrition book "Good Food Baby" (www.goodfoodbaby.com) which will be available for purchase after the presentation. If anyone is interested in purchasing the book at the meet up they are $26.25 each and you can pay with cash.  Otherwise, the book could be purchased on a later date on her website or the children store called EIO on Cambie Street.

Date: Thursday, May 12th 

Event: Mother's Day Party

Nobody knows of the work it makes
To keep the home together.
Nobody knows of the steps it takes,
Nobody knows-but Mother. 

-Anonymous

Come join us for this very special occasion!  Lots of fun is in store for you, as well as prizes and giveaways!  There will be a photographer available, as well.

Note: A photographer will be available to take photos of you and your little one!  For $50, you can have a short photo session, CD with all the photos and (1) Photoshop edited picture of your choice!  Please email April Davies to reserve your spot or for more information: aprildavies78@gmail.com

Date: Thursday, May 19th 

Topic: Infant Programs

Guest Speaker: Theresa, Vancouver Society of Children's Centres

The Vancouver Society of Children’s Centres is a non-profit community based organization which has developed and delivered a range of licensed child care services and family resource programs since 1995. Our services are delivered out of a range of state of the art program centres in Downtown Vancouver.

Date: Thursday, May 26th

Topic: Emergency Preparedness (i.e. during an earthquake)

Guest Speaker: Jackie, Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness Program (NEPP) of Vancouver

We have all witnessed the recent earthquakes in Japan, New Zealand, Haiti and Chile and have seen first hand the devastation caused by these earthquakes. Living in Vancouver, we too could be faced with a major earthquake, yet few of us take the necessary steps to ensure our families are prepared. This session will teach you how to be prepared for any emergency or disaster you may be faced with. You will learn personal and family preparedness, how to develop a family emergency plan, how to perform a home hazard hunt and how to prepare for your pets. 

My Sister’s Closet – A Social Enterprise of Battered Women’s Support Services
In our effort to support zero waste and eco fashion, we are solid members of the thrift movement, where women, men and children have access to beautiful new and thrift clothing.

Revenue generated from sales of clothing go into funding violence prevention and intervention services operated by Battered Women’s Support Services supporting over 8,000 women every year.

Our decision to free ourselves from the whims of government drove us to be in business to end violence against women.

Shopping and donating to My Sister’s Closet – Social Enterprise of Battered Women’s Support Services means you are directly assisting women and children who are living who are living with violence to find safety:

Crisis Line

Counselling

Legal Advocacy & Court Accompaniment

Support Groups

Workshops

Education

Information

Employment Services

Specialized support

Training

Youth Engagement in Violence Prevention

Volunteer Programs

Artisans and Women Designers

Zero.O.Lab – our in house brand

Visit us at 1092 Seymour Street at Helmcken in Vancouver, BC or call us at 604-687-0770


We're in business to end violence against women!

Quality Thrift & New Clothing
Featuring local designers and artisans

Shop, Donate, Participate

www.bwss.org

Schedule - April

- Doors are open at 10:30 am 

- toys and play time for the kiddies prior to the speaker's arrival

Date: Thursday, April 7

Time: 11:00 am to noon

Place: Room C

Topic: Moms & Networking

Guest Speaker: Christine Nielsen, Owner of momcafé Vancouver & North Shore

Christine Nielsen, regional owner of momcafé Vancouver and the North Shore, works full time as the coach and captain of an all-star home team made up of her husband and two young boys. A self-described “technology maven” Christine worked in the IT industry for ten years before delivering child 1.0 and two years later 2.0. Lucky to live on the North Shore, Christine is an avid snowboarder, cyclist and keen supporter of Team Finn and the Ride to Conquer Cancer. momcafé is dedicated to providing a supportive and encouraging environment in which moms seeking information, inspiration and balance in life can come together to share ideas and resources. Through meetings, seminars and internet-based communication tools, we bring positive and inspiring role models to speak to Moms. Our collective experiences and successes prove that the challenges of motherhood are no longer obstacles to having a fulfilling career, business, or community involvement. We hope momcafé brings a fresh perspective to the choices moms need to make for themselves and their families, because our vision is also simple; to have a positive impact on women’s lives.

Date: Thursday, April 14

No session


Date: Thursday, April 21

Time: 11:00 am to noon

Place: Room C

Topic: Car Seat Safety & Baby Travel

Guest Speaker: Shana Cherry, Co-Founder Wee Travel Baby

Wee Travel (Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria) launched in 2005 as Canada’s first full service baby equipment rental company. Their mission is to make it easy for parents to travel lighter by providing the full range of the latest hard-to-pack-can't-live-without baby gear and accoutrements. Equipment is safety inspected and sanitized prior to delivery, and is replaced regularly to ensure that customers receive the latest gear in new condition

Date: Thursday, April 28

Time: 11:00 am to noon

Place: Room C

Topic: Naturopathic Care for Babies

Guest Speaker:

Schedule - March

- Doors are open at 10:30 am - 




Date: March 3
Time: 11:00 am to noon
Place: Room C
Topic: Wills & Estate Planning Post-Baby
Guest Speaker: Joel Altman, Senior wills and estates lawyer




Join us on March 3, 2011 for an information session with Q&A on wills and estate planning post-baby. 


Now that baby is in the picture, we are faced with important legal considerations to ensure that baby will be protected if something should happen to mum and dad. 


Senior wills and estates lawyer Joel Altman [http://www.hammerco.net/partners_and_associates/jaltman.php] will be joining us to provide an overview of the issues, and to answer questions that you may have.  In order to make the most of the session, some things to think about and perhaps discuss with your spouse in advance are:


1) Who will be your child's guardian? 
2) Who will be the executor (administrator) of your estate? 
3) Who will the other beneficiaries (heirs) be?
4) Do you have alternates in mind, i.e. in the event that your first choices for guardian / beneficiaries / executor are unable to act as appointed, or to inherit?

Date: March 10

Time: 11:00 am to noon

Place: Room C

Topic: Baby & Mom Naturopathic Care

Guest Speaker: Dr Stephanie Palz, Sage Clinic


Join us on March 10 for a 30 minutes session on naturopathic care for baby and mom. An expactant mom herself, Dr. Palz will offer tips on teething and how to treat and prevent cold and flu symptoms.





Date: March 17

Time: 11:00 am to noon

Place: Room C

Topic: Photography & Baby

Guest Speaker: Elayne Wandler, owner and founder of Bopomo Pictures Studio

Elayne Wandler is the founder and owner of Bopomo Pictures, the popular Vancouver photography studio. The flagship studio, in Kitsilano, opened its doors in September 2006 and quickly attracted a loyal following thanks to a unique approach that combines convenience, affordability and fun with modern, high quality photography in a hip and child-friendly setting. Today, with the addition of a second outlet at The Shops at Morgan Crossing in South Surrey and a combined staff of 21 employees, Bopomo continues to grow throughout the lower mainland. 
“Bopomo has been the most exhilarating experience of my professional life,” she says. “Although my background helped prepare me to launch Bopomo, nothing in my previous jobs compares to the amount of work, challenges and rewards that come with running your own business. Along the way I’ve met a few truly inspiring people who helped me immensely. And hopefully I’ve done the same for others, because at the heart of any endeavour is the strength of the relationships that grow and thrive out of it.” 
 
Elayne lives in the Point Grey along with her husband and two children, and enjoys tennis, golf, gardening—and photography. www.bopomo.ca


Date: March 24

Time: 11:00 am to noon

Place: Room C

Topic: Baby Music

Guest Speaker: Katherine Deane, director and teacher of West Side Music Together


Here are some videos from our sessions with West Side Music Together:

Session #1

Session #2

Date: March 31 

Time: 11:00 am to noon
Place: Room C

Topic: Sleep Training

Guest Speaker: Jennifer Garden, Registered Occupational Therapist, Msc

Schedule - February

- Doors are open at 10:30 am - 

Date: February 3
Time: 11:00 am to noon
Place: Room C
Topic: Salsa Babies
Guest Speaker: Lara Leontowich
Note: Please bring a baby carrier, wear workout attire and comfortable shoes.

Bio:
Dance back into shape with the best little partner of all — your baby! With little ones snuggled into baby carriers, new moms learn basic steps to popular Latin dances, while babies shake maracas and bounce around to the Latin beat. Salsa Babies offers a great workout, and chance to socialize with other moms (mamacitas) and an opportunity to introduce one’s child to music and movement. Not to mention, it’s perfect for people who have always wanted to learn to dance, but could never convince their partner to take lessons! 

With the birth of her son Ayden in 2004, came the birth of her business, Runners and Booties Fitness www.runnersandbootiesfitness.com, a business geared at moms seeking both social interaction and a regular fitness regime. The concept was an instant hit, allowing women to interact with other moms and their babies, while simultaneously doing their bodies a favour. With a passion for fitness and previous background in dancing, Lara was excited with the opportunity to bring Salsa Babies to Vancouver and provide moms with even more options for getting in shape after baby.  

Date: February 10
Time: 11:00 am to noon
Place: Room C
Topic: Baby Gymnastics
Guest Speaker: Jennifer Hood, B.A., B.Ed., Director

Date: February 17
Time: 11:00 am to noon
Place: Room C
Topic: Yoga and Baby

Guest Speaker: Lori Lucas

Bio:
I was first introduced to Yoga in 1988, and over the years my love of Yoga has continued to grow. In 2003 I became certified in teaching Prenatal Yoga with Janice Clarfield, and then completed a 5 month Classical Hatha Yoga Teacher Training course at the Prana Yoga and Zen Centre in Vancouver, under the influence of Shakti Mhi and Bernie Clark. My studies included asanas, pranayama, history and philosophy of Yoga, anatomy and theory, voice and communication, 5 Tibetans, energy centres in the body, Kriyas, and building flows. I completed the Anatomy for Healers course at Langara College with Earl Core, and the Labour Support for Doulas course at Douglas College. I am a member of the Doula Services Association, and was an active Birthing Doula, attending births at B.C. Women's, St.Paul's and Royal Columbian Hospitals from 2002-2005. I studied Kids Yoga (levels 1 & 2) with Maalaa Lazar of the Yoga Tree, and have taken various workshops with many inspiring Teachers of different styles and backgrounds, both local and International. Some of them include: Jason Crandell, Sadie Nardini, Sarah Powers, Rodney Yee, Sara Ivanhoe, Martin Kirk, and Maria Garre.

Date: February 24

Time: 11:00 am to noon
Place: Room C
Topic: Financial Planning (life insurance, RESP, critical illness insurance)

Guest Speaker: Christine Etherington

Schedule - January

- Doors are open at 10:30 am - 


Date: January 6
Time: 11:00 am to noon
Place: Room C
Topic: Snowshoeing with Your Baby
Guest Speaker: Janey Chang, manager of the Outdoor Education Department
at Mt Seymour Resort

Join us for an information session on snowshoeing with your baby and young children.

Janey Chang, manager of the Outdoor Education Department at Mt Seymour Resort, will share with you how easy and fun it is to make snowshoeing a family affair. 

Topics covered will be:

1.  The importance of being active with your baby outdoors
2.  Why go snowshoeing?
3.  How to dress baby for a winter mountain environment
4.  Different ways of carrying your baby in a winter environment
5.  Staying safe while snowshoeing
6.  Frequently asked questions

  

Background of our speaker Janey Chang 

•   Manager of the Outdoor Education Department at Mt Seymour
•   Founder of the Baby & Me Snowshoe Program (Mt Seymour) and Baby & Me Hiking Series (Metro Vancouver Regional Parks)
•   Mother of a 4 1/2 year old active and curious son, Quinn. 

Janey snowshoed until she was 8 1/2 months pregnant and conceived of the Baby & Me Snowshoe Program idea during her pregnancy.  Entering it's fourth season, the program was an instant success and gained much media attention.  Janey stays active with her son all year round hiking, biking, kayaking and camping, and hopes get out skiing and snowshoeing with him this winter!

* All info session participants will be entered into a draw to

win a free Baby & Me Snowshoeing session!*

Date: January 13
Time: 11:00 am to 11:30 am
Place: Room C
Topic: Baby Sign Language
Guest Speaker: Sheri Kauhausen


Date: January 20
Time: 11:00 am to noon
Place: Room C
Topic: Salsa Babies
Guest Speaker: Lara Leontowich
Note: Please bring a baby carrier, wear workout attire and comfortable shoes.

Bio:

With the birth of her son Ayden in 2004, came the birth of her business, Runners and Booties Fitness www.runnersandbootiesfitness.com, a business geared at moms seeking both social interaction and a regular fitness regime. The concept was an instant hit, allowing women to interact with other moms and their babies, while simultaneously doing their bodies a favour. With a passion for fitness and previous background in dancing, Lara was excited with the opportunity to bring Salsa Babies to Vancouver and provide moms with even more options for getting in shape after baby.  

Dance back into shape with the best little partner of all — your baby! With little ones snuggled into baby carriers, new moms learn basic steps to popular Latin dances, while babies shake maracas and bounce around to the Latin beat. Salsa Babies offers a great workout, and chance to socialize with other moms (mamacitas) and an opportunity to introduce one’s child to music and movement. Not to mention, it’s perfect for people who have always wanted to learn to dance, but could never convince their partner to take lessons! 


Date: January 27
Time: 11:00 am to noon
Topic: Infant Massage
Guest Speaker: Jill Culver

Bio:
When Jill Culver became pregnant with her first child in 1994 she learned all she could about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenting. Shortly after she gave  birth she realized  this was more than just a passing obsession and that she had stumbled upon her life's work. Since then Jill has immersed herself in "birth work", using her training as a doula, postpartum doula, breastfeeding counsellor, and childbirth educator to assist, empower and support childbearing families. She is currently employed as a Pregnancy Outreach Counsellor in Surrey BC, providing group and one-on-one support to vulnerable moms and babies. In the spring of 2009 she discovered Infant Massage and the wonderful work of the Liddle Kidz Foundation. She founded Vancouver Infant Massage in order to share the benefits of nurturing, loving touch with babies and the people who love them!

Jill lives in East Vancouver BC with her wonderful partner, two great children, and ugly but lovable dog. When Jill is not working she enjoys yoga, coffee, the outdoors, the beach, and hanging out in beautiful Vancouver..

 

Schedule - December

- Doors are open at 10:30 am - 


Date: December 2
Time: 11:00 am to noon
Topic: Baby Music Class
Guest Speaker: Katherine Deane, director and teacher of West Side Music Together

Date: December 9
Time: 11:00 am to noon
Topic: Fit 4 Two
Guest Speaker: Melanie Osmack, MA, BCRPA PT/GF/AF
Director, Fit 4 Two Pre and Postnatal Fitness

Date: December 16
Time: 11:00 am to noon
Topic: Finding a Nanny
Guest Speaker: Daniela Cristescu, Paragon Personnel Ltd. - Nanny Placement Agency

Date: December 23
Time: 11:00 am to noon
Topic: Infant Massage - POSTPONED (new date: Jan 27, 2011)
Guest Speaker: Jill Culver