Archive

More than half of Canadian households are now home to a dog or cat. And no wonder – our furry friends bring us much joy, companionship and comfort. But pet ownership also comes with the heartache and sadness that follows their inevitable passing. It was just such a loss that prompted counsellor and art therapist Stephanie Hartfield to launch her own program at the Kerrisdale Community Centre this fall. Ideal for anyone seeking connection, understanding and growth

A love for tennis was sparked early on for brothers Spencer and Marshall Mackoff. First introduced to the sport in public parks as young children by their mother, they began playing more seriously at UBC tennis camps. Eventually becoming coaches themselves, they founded Summer Smash Tennis together in 2012 – and haven’t looked back. Operating year-round today, Summer Smash Tennis teaches some 2,000 students annually through community centres, schools and First Nations. Spencer, drawing from his varsity

Don’t tell Jan Cooper that you can’t sing. “Singing is within all of us. Some people are natural and others need to be trained. If you can speak, you can sing,” says Cooper, a vocal coach with 40 years’ experience. Introducing his vocal training programs to the Kerrisdale Community Centre this year, Cooper brings a variety of musical and theatrical experience to the classroom. He got his break during the production of Godspell at the

As a shy child, Jessica Wampler discovered the power and magic of music. “I found through music I was able to express myself in ways I was too shy to do in my daily life,” says Wampler. “I felt the magic that music can bring, whether singing alone at home or finding the courage to somehow perform in front of a live audience.” Today, the West Side Music Together teacher helps babies and children up to