Fraser River Discovery Centre

2009, you've been good to us!

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:38:00 -0800

This will be my last entry on the blog for 2009. What a year is has been! It is hard to believe that only a year has gone by since Catherine and I moved our offices back into the newly renovated building. In just one year, our staff has tripled and our volunteer team, many of which have been with us for years, is now also full of new faces. We've filled up the first floor with exhibits and flung wide our doors to the public. We've seen the Royal Hudson come and the Star of Fortune go. The Discovery Centre has once again heard the pitter-patter of children's feet and seen tour groups exploring the galleries. It hasn't always been easy but boy, has it ever been fun! 2010? Bring it on!

Bon Voyage Star of Fortune

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:35:00 -0800

Whew. We’ve had quite an eventful few days here at the Discovery Centre. On Thursday afternoon the Star of Fortune, the casino boat which has been sitting right outside our building, pulled away from her moorings and sailed away into the sunset.

The Discovery Centre and the Star of Fortune have a long history together. The building we now operate in was originally built for the casino boat. In fact, had it not been for the arrival of the Star of Fortune, we would not be in such an amazing space today. However, since the casino moved to Queensborough, I’ve seen the Star of Fortune docked at the Quay, gradually getting more and more run down. Almost since the day it ceased operating, there had been much speculation about what was to become of the boat. Some loved her and saw untapped potential; others hated her and couldn’t wait for it to go. Many of these feelings and accompanied questions were directed to our front desk staff. We constantly had visitors inquiring about the boat and many did not know that the casino had closed.

So, I admit it. I was excited as I watched the preparations for departure being made on Thursday. For most of the day, our staff were hanging around by the windows, trying to get some work down all the while keeping a sharp eye on the progress of the boat launch. Then, around 3:20, the last of the ropes were cast off, the Ken Mackenzie tug was hitched up and the Star of Fortune started to move! She was soon turned around and heading down-river to her new home. After following her down the boardwalk for a while and taking dozens of photos, we slowly made our way back to our desks, all a-chatter with exclamations of the improved view and appreciation for the new-found brightness in the galleries.

It’s now been five days since she left. I’m amazed how quickly the river adapts. Setting up a tent on a patch of grass for a few nights leaves a mark. But sitting here at my desk, watching the river go by and looking down at the space where the Star of Fortune sat, it is almost as if she was never here.

We can’t do this on our own

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:42:00 -0800

Yesterday (Nov 15) was National Philanthropy Day in Canada and it seems appropriate this week to talk about the importance of philanthropy to the Fraser River Discovery Centre. In short, without it, we would not be able to do the work we do.

Often, philanthropy is associated with extremely large donations to large non-profit associations. While this is an important aspect of the word, philanthropy is also giving, volunteering and social engagement in community which enriches the quality of life for all people. The quality of education, healthcare, the environment and the arts, to name only a few, would be far less if not for the impact of the charitable sector and the increasing role it plays. In Canada, more than 83,000 charities provide countless services to millions of Canadians, who in turn contribute more than $10 billion annually to those organizations.

Here at the Discovery Centre, we rely on the generosity of our donors. We’ve recently established the Discovery Centre Giving Circle. Allen Domaas, Chair of the Giving Circle remarks “Since reopening in March 2009, the Discovery Centre has received a number of meaningful donations, including a recent donation of $10,000 from our newly elected Board Chair, Margaret Mason. When joining the Discovery Centre Giving Circle, donors agree to invest an annual gift of $500 and individuals, corporations, and community groups have been responding favorably. Donations to the Discovery Centre Giving Circle fund exhibits, educational programs, community awareness events, providing FRDC with opportunities to encourage dialogue necessary to connect communities in discovery and celebration of the living, working Fraser River”.

In making her recent $10,000 donation FRDC Chair, lawyer and New Westminster resident Margaret Mason said “I made my gift because I believe so strongly that the FRDC has the ability to take the lead in educating British Columbians about the importance of the Fraser River. The Centre is developing strong partnerships with industry, conservation groups and individuals. We will develop a showcase facility for New Westminster that will be an integral part of the redevelopment of the riverfront. Together we can ensure the River will be sustained for future generations.”

In honor of National Philanthropy Day and on behalf of the staff, board, volunteers and visitors of the Discovery Centre, I want to say a big thank you to all the Discovery Centre donors and funders:

Discovery Centre Giving Circle
Allen Domaas
Catherine Ouellet-Martin
Mott Family
Parklane Homes Ltd
Ruby Group Fundraising & Events
Sea-Link Marine Services Ltd
Southern Railway of British Columbia Ltd
Michael Forrest
Harken Towing
KPMG
George Abakhan
Paul Beckman

Governments
City of New Westminster
Province of BC
Department of Canadian Heritage

Sponsors
Vancouver International Airport
Port Metro Vancouver
McQuarrie Hunter LLP
Grant Thornton
Fraser River Pile and Dredge
Royal Bank
Norlien Foundation
River Market at Westminster Quay

Click here for more information about National Philanthropy Day.

A Grand Gala Success!

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:04:00 -0800

Last Thursday, over 180 people came to the Discovery Centre 20th Anniversary
Gala Dinner. This year we honored the entire river community for their
dedication to and achievements on the river. The Gala Dinner is our biggest fundraiser of the year
and the days leading up to the event are always excitingly manic. This year there was also a
feeling of anticipation and achievement that was a bit different than in
years past. This year the dinner was held in the renovated Discovery Centre
and we were proud to show it off.

I'm happy to report that our first
big dinner event at the Discovery Centre was a grand success! The company
was fantastic, the live auction was a hoot and the dinner was delicious (I
still can’t believe a fine four course meal was prepared and served from our
offices!). To those of you who attended, our heartfelt thanks for your
support and dedication to the Discovery Centre. It was wonderful to look
around the room and see so many friends of the river gathered together!

Over the past few months, since we re-opened in March, I’m always excited by
how different the Centre feels once it is full of people. As a new
attraction, we have some days with few visitors. However, on days like last
Thursday, with the Centre absolutely brimming with visitors, the atmosphere
is electric and I’m reminded once again of why I love working here. The
Discovery Centre is on its way to something special and being here at the
start of this next phase is a real privilege. So thank you to our sponsors,
donors, volunteers and attendees for making last Thursday so special. See
you again next year!

Facing the Fraser

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:00:00 -0800

Last week, Shannon (our lovely Education Coordinator) and I went to see Mark Angelo’s talk entitled “Wild Water, Wild Earth” at the Stanley Theatre. Among many other accomplishments and titles, Mark is the Program Head of the Fish Wildlife and Recreation program at BCIT and the founder of BC and World Rivers Day. He is also a paddler, photographer and adventurer. Shannon and I spent a wonderful hour looking at his pictures and listening to stories from his travels all over the world.

As I left and returned home that evening, I could not stop thinking about one picture in particular. It was of an elderly woman sitting on steps beside the Ganges River in India. She was looking towards the water, an incredible expression of respect and intimacy on her face. Her entire body powerfully illustrated her reverence for the river. She looked as if she had a relationship with the water, as if she knew the river.

The image of this woman has stayed with me since the presentation and I can not help but think about my own relationship with the Fraser. What does my face look like when I look at the water? When I’m stuck in bridge line-ups, it is probably frustration. When log booms pass by my office window, it is probably curiosity. When I’m driving through the canyon, it is probably awe. But is it ever intimacy?

What about you? What would your face show?

Gorgeous Glass

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:14:00 -0800

This past June, the Discovery Shop re-opened and, so far, we’ve had great feedback. Celina (our fabulous Operations Assistant) has been working hard to find a variety of products that promote the sustainability of the Fraser River Basin. We are proud to support the work of a number of local artists and I’d invite you to pop in and check out their work the next time you are at the Quay.

One such artist is Braden Hammond, a glass artist whose work is quite popular with shoppers and our staff. Here is a bit about Braden from his website “Braden Hammond began his journey as a lampworking glass artist in 2003 at Santa Cruz Art and Glass Studio in California. From that moment, he was hooked on the beauty of glass art and its endless possibilities. He is constantly exploring the techniques and challenges of glass and is an active participant in the growing glass movement. Hammond’s current art focuses on modern expressions using various lampworking techniques. Whether it’s the clean lines of the Italian Reticello pattern or the crisp pedals of the imploded flower, his dedication to perfection is a distinct part of his style. ‘I strive to push my limits and the limits of glass every day. I am constantly learning, growing and creating new concepts that take my art to the next level. I focus and explore new methods and techniques to follow through with each of my visions.’”

I was at the Whistler Farmer’s Market in the summer and I saw Braden’s stand. He was so busy I didn’t even get a chance to say ‘hello’!

The next time you are at the Quay, when you see all the glass windows on our building, think of the glass jewellery inside the gift shop. Come by and check out Braden’s and all our other talented artists’ work!

Big Weekend!

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:10:00 -0800

Out on the boardwalk on a beautiful Rivers Day!

It has been a very busy weekend here at the Discovery Centre. On Saturday and Sunday, we hosted Artists on the River with the City of New Westminster and the Arts Council of New Westminster. I am happy to report that, although the wind did cause some trouble on Saturday, we had gorgeous weather. It was our biggest event to date with record numbers of visual and musical artists, and attendees. Walking around outside in the sun, talking to artists and listening to the live music, it was hard to believe that it was the end of September!

No sooner had we finished up Artists on the River on Sunday, than we were gearing up for the BC Field Trip Fair on Monday. As I was writing this blog entry, hundreds of teachers and exhibitors were milling about the Discovery Centre. The Field Trip Fair is an annual event, which brings together teachers and educational institutions. Teacher leave energized with new ideas for field trips and exhibitors leave with many new school and education contacts. So far, the feedback has been positive for both the Fair and for our new site. In fact, many of the guests have never been in the Centre. It is down right lovely to hear the voices of hundreds of people in the galleries!

I cannot finish up a recap of the weekend without an especially big thank you to our amazing volunteers! Without them the weekend could not have been as successful as it was. It was fantastic to see us all out together spreading the Discovery Centre message.

Although our staff and volunteers are tuckered out, we are thrilled with the weekend. In just three days over a thousand people came to visit the Centre! Yah Discovery Centre Team!

Busy Bees

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:20:00 -0800

Staff here at the Discovery Centre are heading into our biggest week of the year. This Sunday we’ll be joining millions of others around the world to celebrate World River’s Day. Us BC-ers can be especially proud of this day, since World Rivers Day has its roots firmly planted in BC. (Or perhaps I should say that World Rivers Day has its headwaters running from BC? *insert groans here*)

In 1980 river conservationist and BCIT instructor, Mark Angelo founded BC Rivers Day. Its success led to the establishment of World Rivers Day in 2005. The day, now endorsed by the UN, offers a chance for millions of people to gather together at hundreds of events held worldwide on the last weekend of September to celebrate river systems and promote water stewardship. We are especially excited for this year, since the 2009 World Rivers Day feature river is our own Fraser River.

The Discovery Centre has been working for the past few months with the City of New Westminster and the Arts Council of New Westminster to plan this year’s World Rivers Day event, the 6th Annual Artists on the River. Thanks to financial assistance from Canadian Heritage and from the City of New Westminster, this coming Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm, the Quay and the Discovery Centre will be filled with artists and activities all designed to encourage an appreciation for the Fraser River.

Over 20 visual artists will gather at the Fraser River Discovery Centre and along the boardwalk at the Quay to share with the public how the river inspires their work. I invite you to drop by and watch art demonstrations and chat with the artists. Inside the Discovery Centre, you can get creative at a number of stations celebrating art and our connection to the Fraser River. Kids can create a river hat, get their hands dirty at the pollution model, enjoy puppet shows or paint a fish with Stream of Dreams to decorate the fence adjacent to the Discovery Centre. And on Sunday (BC and World Rivers Day) musicians will be entertaining the crowds.

Click here for a full schedule of events. Click here for more information on BC Rivers Day and here for World Rivers Day.

Artists on the River will be held rain or shine so cross your fingers for another sunny weekend and come to the Discovery Centre to be inspired by the river!

We want you!

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:30:00 -0800

As the kids head back to school, Shannon and Rebecca (our intrepid FRDC education department) are busily preparing for the thousands of school children who will attend programs at the centre this coming school year. As fantastic as Shannon and Rebecca are, they cannot run all of the programs themselves and they are looking to expand the Discovery Centre education volunteer team.

Interpretive volunteers, called docents, work in teams to lead the school programs. Docents allow students to receive individual attention as they break down into small groups. Anyone can be a docent; it does not require any special background or experience. The only qualifications needed are an interest in working with children, a desire to learn about the Fraser River and a morning or afternoon to give to the Centre.

If you’d like to see what being a Discovery Centre Docent is all about, Shannon will be hosting a Docent Kick Off on Saturday September 12. (Please RSVP by Sept 10.) Ongoing training sessions will be scheduled throughout September.

Click here to go to the volunteer information page.
For more information, please email Shannon King at education[at]fraserriverdiscovery[dot]org or call 604-521-8401.

Beavers and Sturgeons and Pines, Oh my!

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:41:00 -0800

This summer, if you’ve been walking along the New Westminster Quay on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, chances are you’ve seen one of our interpreters leading a merry band of visitors along the boardwalk, canvas bag in hand, full of hands-on interpretive goodies. Since the beginning of July, our interpreters have been offering walking tours of the Fraser River. I like to think of these tours as a nature walking tour for those who don’t especially like walking and/or nature. (Of course, if you like walking and nature you are welcome to join in!) But these tours are more of a meander down the boardwalk with a friend who happens to know lots of wacky, entertaining facts about the plants and animals who live in the Fraser River Basin. Intrigued? This weekend (August 29th and 30th) will be the last weekend the tours will be offered for the summer season. Click here for more information. Hope to see you on the boardwalk!