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Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Vancouver

by Alicia Wang and Cassandra Zhang

Lunar New Year is coming up and we are all excited for it! If you don’t have ideas on where to go to celebrate, below is a list that may help you by providing some available options! Happy Lunar New Year!

January 18: Lunar New Year at Vancouver Public Library

The celebration includes a traditional tea ceremony, Chinese music, and a special visit from a Fortune Teller and Feng Shui Master.  

Cost: Free

Location: Vancouver Public Library Central Branch – Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level – 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

Date and Time: 6:00PM-8:30PM on January 18

Link: https://vpl.bibliocommons.com/events/6393cb33a111382f008e8214

January 21-22: Lunar New Year at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Enjoy the live performances by City Opera, lion dances, tea ceremonies, and I-Ching readings, and more. 

Cost: various prices, see link below

Location: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden — 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver

Date and Time: 11:00AM-6:00PM on January 21 and 22

Link:  https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/lunar-new-year-at-dr-sun-yat-sen-classical-chinese-garden-tickets-499112989387

January 22: Vancouver Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Fair

The 2.5-hour parade will feature dancing, marching bands, martial arts performances, and lion dances. Afterwards, there will also be a fair (2:00PM-4:00PM).

Cost: free

Location: Parade starts at Millennium Gate (intersection of Pender Street and Taylor Street; click here for parade map). Fair is at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

Date and Time: January 22, 11AM (parade start), 2:00PM-4:00PM (fair)

January 21 – February 20: Borrow Lunar New Year books from the UBC Education Library

Cost: Free

Location: UBC Education Library

Date: January 21 – February 20

January 25: Lion Dance at the Nest

The AMS Kung-Fu club is helping the AMS to celebrate the Lunar New Year by performing a Lion Dance at the Nest! The lion will dance around the shops in the Nest — feel free to watch!

Cost: Free

Location: The lower level and first floor of Nest

Time: January 25th, 12:30PM—1:30PM

Link: https://www.ams.ubc.ca/event/lunar-new-year-lion-dance/ 

在温哥华去哪里庆祝春节？

春节就要到啦！我们都激动不已。如果在温哥华的你还没有选好过年去哪里玩，下面的清单提供了一些可选的地方，也许能帮到你。新年快乐！

UBC农历新年书展

农历新年书籍展示 

费用：免费

地点：UBC Education Library

时间：1月21日至2月20日

UBC Nest新年舞狮

UBC功夫俱乐部将在Nest表演舞狮与大家一起庆祝新年！狮子会从Nest的商铺路过，一起去参与互动吧！

费用：免费

地点：Nest的负一楼和一楼

时间：1月25日12:30-13:30

链接：https://www.ams.ubc.ca/event/lunar-new-year-lion-dance/ 

公共图书馆的新年活动

庆祝活动包括体验传统茶道，欣赏中国风音乐，以及算命先生和风水师的特别访问。 

费用：免费

地点：Vancouver Public Library Central Branch – Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level – 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

时间：1月18日晚6点至8点半

在中山公园庆祝新年

游客可以欣赏到City Opera的现场表演、舞狮、茶艺表演、易经诵读等。

费用：价格有差异，见以下链接

地点：Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden — 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver

时间：1月21日和22日，上午11点至下午6点

链接：https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/lunar-new-year-at-dr-sun-yat-sen-classical-chinese-garden-tickets-499112989387 

温哥华华埠春节庆祝活动和巡游

第48届温哥华华埠春节庆祝活动。将提供家庭活动、现场娱乐和更多活动。

费用：免费

地点：唐人街的多处不同地点

时间：上午11点（巡游开始），下午2点至4点（集市），下午6点（晚宴开始)

14 Fun Things to Do Around UBC and Vancouver During the Holiday Season

by Karen Chen; Chinese translation by Alicia Wang

Are you going to be on campus or in Vancouver around the holidays? Still trying to figure out what to do? No worries, we have a list compiled for you to keep your days busy and fulfilling – while not breaking the bank!  

1. Ice skating

Ice skating is a classic winter activity, and there are many options around the Vancouver area for you!

2. Go shopping for Christmas sales around Metro Vancouver

Never a bad idea to get started early on Christmas gifts! Some major malls are:

  • Pacific Centre (downtown Vancouver)
  • Metrotown (Burnaby)
  • Guildford Town Centre (Surrey)
  • Tsawwassen Mills (Tsawwassen)
  • Richmond Centre (Richmond)

3. Go for a swim at the UBC Aquatic Center, then warm up in the hot tub or sauna! This is free for UBC students – check their drop-in schedule to book your spot!

4. Vancouver Christmas Market

A traditional Christmas market! Check out the merry-go-round, live performances and singers, photo backdrops, and various cultural foods! This attraction is open from November 12th until December 24th, and have sales and discounts on their ticket prices on certain days of the week 

5. Stanley Park Bright Nights

This pretty attraction includes attractions such as the antique fire truck, giant red reindeer, and sparkling tunnel of lights in the plaza. They also have food vendors and live performances. It will be on display from December 1st until January 1st and is entry by donation – with all the proceeds going to BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. Open from 4-10PM daily!

6. VanDusen Festival of Lights

VanDusen Festival of Lights features a stunning display of lights where you can go with friends, family, or any loved ones to enjoy the magical moments of winter! Enjoy Dancing Lights, the Rose Garden, tasty treats, and the gorgeous light shows all around!

Open from November 25th until December 24th, 4-10PM daily! Tickets can be found on their website.

7. PNE Winter Fair

PNE Winter Fair features concerts, skating, and many yummy food vendors combined with shopping experiences and light displays! Get all your wonderful winter experiences in one place.

It will be happening December 14-23, 4:30-10:30PM daily, and ticket prices can be found on their website. Check out their group rates if you are in a group of 10 or more!

8. Langley Christmas Glow

Langley Christmas Glow features a magical Christmas experience with a walk-through of giant ornaments, cascading lights, and lovely festive trees! There is also a playground open to everyone where you can meet various Christmas characters, explore food trucks, visit Santa, and ride on the Glow Comotive!

Open from November 23rd until December 31st, various times depending on weekdays and weekends. Tickets can be purchased through their websites, and ticket prices vary.

9. Lights at Lafarge

Lights at Lafarge is an attraction in Coquitlam featuring live performances, food vendors, and family crafts scattered around the beautifully decorated lake!

This attraction is on from November 26th to the end of January from 5-8PM daily, and their specific event schedule can be found on their website. This event is free!

10. Capilano Canyon Lights

Capilano Canyon Lights is a winter wonderland where you can explore nature from beautifully bedazzled bridges. Located in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, come to breathe in the fresh air while enjoying the many photo opportunities including the light tunnel, and seven suspended bridges!

This attraction is open from November 19th to January 22nd, 11AM-9pm every day (closed December 25th)! Ticket prices vary and can be found on their website.

11. Winter in Steveston Village

Winter in Steveston Village transforms the iconic shopping center into a winter wonderland! Come browse through the variety of stores while enjoying the lights and holiday music. This attraction in Richmond will be decorated from December 1-31.

12. Lights of Hope At St. Paul’s Hospital

Lights of Hope At St. Paul’s Hospital is an annual fundraising campaign where you can enjoy the pretty light displays and the beloved holiday tradition. Launch day this year was November 17th, and the lights will stay on until the beginning of January.

These lights are a free attraction, but you can donate to Lights of Hope, Sponsor a Star, or get a Hope at Home Star to help out the hospital and long-term care programs. Check out their website for full details.

13. Things to do at home

Last but not least, you can:

  • Bake some cookies
  • Put on a Christmas movie
  • Enjoy some hot chocolate

Enjoy some festive times at home with loved ones! Tis the season, after all.

14. Notable mentions of other events around Vancouver and UBC

  • The AMS UBC and AMS Nest account often features events and campaigns held by us as well as by other clubs and student organizations around campus! Check out our stories for the latest updates.
  • The UBC Student Life account, true to its name, publishes relatable student content as well as features various events and socials happening around campus! You can follow them and check out their stories to stay updated with the latest events happening that week on campus.
  • If you are into the party scene, check out AMS Events for holiday parties as well as other banger events throughout the whole year!

Conclusion

We hope this post gave you some more ideas of what to do around UBC and the greater Vancouver area this winter season – happy holidays! 

假期在UBC和温哥华周边值得尝试的14件事！ 

你打算在校园或在温哥华度过假期吗？还在苦恼该做什么吗？不用担心，我们为你准备了一份清单，让你的日子可以安排得忙碌而充实–同时又不至于破费!  

1. 溜冰是

项经典的冬季活动，而且在温哥华附近有许多选择。 

  • 如果你在校园里住，Doug Mitchell体育馆提供免费滑冰，需要考虑的花销只有滑冰鞋和头盔的租金，十分划算！ 
    • Tip: 你可以在他们的日程表上看到公共滑冰的时间并提前预约。夜间滑冰真的很不错，也是我个人最喜欢的爱好之一!
  • 在市中心著名的Robson Square
  • North Vancouver的The Shipyards（12月初开放）也有免费的滑冰活动。

2. 去Metro Vancouver进行圣诞购物

提前开始为你们的亲朋好友购买圣诞礼物或许是个不错的主意～些主要的商场有：

  • 市中心的Pacific Centre
  • Metrotown (Burnaby)
  • Guildford Town Centre (Surrey)
  • Tsawwassen Mills (Tsawwassen)
  • 和Richmond Centre

3. 在UBC的Aquatic Center游泳， 然后在热水池或桑拿房里暖和暖和！这些对于UBC的学生是免费的，记得查看他们的活动时间表来预定你的位置！

4. 温哥华圣诞市场Vancouver Christmas Market

去看看旋转木马、live表演、照片背景布和各种文化的食物吧！这个景点在11月12日到12月24日期间开放。票价在一周的某些时候会有折扣。 

5. 斯坦利公园Bright Nights

这个漂亮的景点能看到古董消防车、巨大的红色驯鹿和广场上明亮的灯光隧道等。他们也有食品小铺和live表演。 

景点将在12月1日至1月1日期间展出，捐款即可进入观展–所有收入都将用于BC省专业消防员的烧伤基金。开放时间为每天下午4:00 – 10:00!  

6. VanDusen灯光节的特色

VanDusen灯光节的特色是令人惊叹的灯光效果，你可以和朋友、家人或任何亲人一起去享受这冬日里的奇妙时刻! 欣赏Dancing Lights、玫瑰园、美味的食物，以及四周华丽的灯光表演！ 

开放时间为11月25日至12月24日，每天下午4:00 – 10:00! 可以在他们的网站上购票。 

7. PNE冬季集市的

PNE冬季集市的特色是音乐会、滑冰和许多提供美味食品的小铺，以及购物体验和灯光表演! 在一个地点收获所有精彩的冬日体验。 

它将于12月14日至23日举行，每天4:30至10:30，票价可以在网站上找到。如果你想以10人及以上的团体参加，可以查看团体价格! 

8. Langley Christmas Glow

Langley Christmas Glow提供一个神奇的圣诞体验。你将一次观赏过巨大的装饰品，层层叠叠的灯光，和可爱的圣诞树！还有一个对所有人开放的游乐场，在那里你可以见到各种圣诞人物，探索流动餐车，拜访圣诞老人，并乘坐Glow Comotive！ 

开放时间为11月23日至12月31日，工作日和周末会有不同的时间。可以通过他们的网站购票，票价有差异。 

9. Lafarge的灯光

  1. Lafarge的灯光景点位于Coquitlam，有live表演、食品小铺和家庭工艺品散布在装饰精美的湖泊周围！ 

这个景点从11月26日到1月底、每天下午5:00 – 8:00开放。他们的具体活动安排可以在其网站上找到。这个活动是免费的! 

10. Capilano Canyon Lights

Capilano Canyon Lights是一个冬季奇境，你可以在壮丽的桥梁上探索大自然。该景点位于卡皮拉诺吊桥公园，可以来呼吸一下新鲜空气，同时还有许多拍照的机会，包括灯光隧道和七座吊桥！ 

这个景点的开放时间为11月19日至1月22日，每天上午11:00-晚上9:00（圣诞节当天不开放）! 票价不同，可以在网站上查询。 

11. Steveston Village的冬天

Steveston village的冬天将标志性的购物中心变成了一个冬季仙境! 在欣赏灯光和节日音乐的同时，还可以来浏览各种商店。这个景点位于Richmond，将从12月01日至31日进行装饰。 

12. 圣保罗医院的Lights of Hope

圣保罗医院的Lights of Hope是一项年度筹款活动，在这里您可以欣赏到漂亮的灯光展示和深受喜爱的节日传统。今年将在11月17日启动，灯光会持续到1月初。 

这些灯光是免费观赏的景点，但你可以向Lights of Hope捐款，赞助一颗星，或获得一颗 “希望之家 “星，以帮助医院和长期护理项目。请查看他们的网站以了解完整的细节。 

13. 最后的最后，你可以烤一些饼干，放一部圣诞电影，享受一些热巧克力，在家里和亲人一起享受一些节日的时光！这是最重要的。毕竟，正是享受这些的季节～ 

14. 值得一提的是，关于温哥华和UBC附近的其他活动，

  • AMS UBC和AMS Nest的Instagram账号经常分享我们以及校园内其他俱乐部和学生组织举办的活动！ 
  • UBC Student Life账号，正如它的名字一样，发布与学生相关的内容，以及介绍校园内发生的各种活动！你可以关注他们并通过他们的博文了解校园内发生的最新活动。 
  • 如果你喜欢party，请查看AMS Events账号了解节日派对以及全年的其他活动。

我们希望这篇文章能给你更多在UBC和温哥华周边游玩的选择，让你的假期生活更加丰富多彩。节日快乐! 

5 Ways to Feel More Connected With UBC Campus

by Karen Chen

Do you ever feel that the idea of “fun” in student life is centered around partying, joining clubs, and constantly being surrounded by your school community? Movies advertise the extroverted lifestyle – big school dances, crazy ragers, insane pep rallies, and dozens of smiling faces.

The truth is, it can all be a little intimidating at times. Maybe you prefer a quiet night in or value one-on-ones with friends. The good news is that your university experience can be equally as fulfilling and fun as an introvert. Here are a series of things you can do on campus to feel connected and involved!

1. Grab a drink from Blue Chip & hit the turf

Take advantage of these sunny days with the refreshing summer drinks from Blue Chip! Sitting on the turf and chatting with a friend is a great way to create a meaningful connection and get to that deeper level of connection with a friend. If you are in the mood for solo activity, catching a nap or diving into a good book is a great way to spend the afternoon as well!

Some of the yummy Blue Chip summer drinks are butterfly lemonade, iced green mint tea, strawberry matcha latte, and cookie smoothie (where you can choose your favourite Blue Chip cookie to blend).

2. Visit the various gardens on campus

There are so many gorgeous gardens on campus! They serve as a wonderful place to read, journal, or do a little photo shoot with a friend. Here are some must-sees:

  • Nitobe Garden – you get free entry when you have your UBC card, this is a scenic place to relax and take pretty pictures!
  • UCLL Bench – listen to the relaxing water of this serene location right beside the rose garden 
  • The fence behind the Museum of Anthropology – this is the loveliest place to catch sunsets! Be sure to bring some bug spray. 
  • Botanical Garden – this is also free entry with a UBC card, and they also have a TreeWalk suspended bridge that is $9 for students! It is so gorgeous when the flowers are in bloom. 
  • Rose Garden – the classic destination, sometimes you can catch graduation or wedding happening!
  • Pacific Spirit Regional Park – a very refreshing and peaceful walk where you can find yourself immersed in nature and greenery. There are tons of trails to choose from of different lengths and sceneries!

3. Go museum-hopping and exploring around campus

Do you know how many hidden gems our campus has? I did not even realize we had this many museums until composing this list! Here they are, for a lovely solo educational day or sightseeing with a friend:

  • Museum of Anthropology (MOA) – the classic! Check out all the different interesting cultural exhibits in the building across the rose garden—free entry for UBC students. 
  • Beaty Biodiversity Museum – beyond the whale skeleton lay rows upon rows of various animal models and cool facts about them. See them in action here! Free entry for UBC students.
  • Hatch Art Gallery – this is in the Nest (2nd floor) and displays artwork from different students, switching out every couple of months. It’s also UBC’s only student-run exhibition space! Open weekdays from 12:00 – 4:00 PM.
  • Visit all the Indigenous art on campus – As you walk around, read up on the stories behind the Indigenous art on campus.
  • Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery – check out this interesting gallery with different featured exhibits. Free admission and tours are available and open on weekdays 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and on weekends 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
  • AHVA (Art History, Visual Art, & Theory) Gallery at the Audain Art Centre – this art gallery is located near the Ponderosa residences, hosting different artworks, lectures, and performances. Open on Tuesdays to Fridays from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

4. Sit on the swing chair in the Nest and people watch

Simple as this sounds, it can be a ton of fun! The Nest has a series of study spaces on the west side of the building, where it is a lot more hidden from the open space and has plenty of peace and quiet. The swing chair faces MacInnes Field, where people are playing sports, reading, snoozing, or grabbing coffee with their friends. 

Check out these other study spots in the Nest!

5. Exercise in a way that you enjoy

If going to the gym and hitting the weights is not your thing, no worries! There are many opportunities to exercise in ways that are fulfilling to you personally.

  • Runs around campus – we are lucky to be on such a spacious campus, take advantage of it by drafting different routes and going for runs! 
  • Wreck Beach stairs – At 500 steps each way, be sure to stay hydrated, and do not forget to enjoy the views and greenery!
  • Gym sessions at the ARC or the Birdcoop Fitness Centre – personally, I love the gym as a little bit of solo time away from everything. I just put in my headphones and get immersed in working towards a healthier version of myself. Going around noon usually ensures a gym that is not too packed!
  • Fitness classes – did you know that when you purchase a UBC gym membership, group fitness classes are automatically included? This has everything from pilates, spin, HIIT, and boot camps to yoga – something for everyone and their different comfort levels! It is a great deal as well, and a place to potentially meet people of the same interest! Check out the full schedule of fitness classes. 
  • University Golf Club – are you a golf fan? The driving range is an awesome way to practice your sport, and you can receive incredible deals with your UBC student card. 
  • Ice Skating at Thunderbird Arena – as a UBC student, you receive free or discounted admission to so many places! Take advantage of that by booking free skating sessions (skate rentals cost extra, but are still discounted for UBC students).
  • Swimming at the Aquatic Centre – use your UBC student card to book free swims at the Aquatic Centre (the late-night ones hit different).

Conclusion

I hope this list gives you a more comprehensive view of how to get more connected with the campus, and that you now have an activity in mind of what future activity to do. Have a wonderful rest of your summer!

Simple Recipes with Vishwa – Homemade Meatballs

Since we are social distancing, why not polish up on our cooking skills with the ingredients we have at home? From home-made meatballs to stews and curry, Vishwa Mohan our very own Chef De Cuisine for the AMS and Nest Catering will be sharing some of his favourite recipes to create simple and nutritious meals.

You can also email him for any cooking & recipe related questions at ChefdeCuisine@ams.ubc.ca.

Watch now to learn how YOU can use simple ingredients in your kitchen to create amazing meatballs!

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients
  • 1lb                  Ground Beef (or your favourite ground meat)
  • 2ea                 Large Egg
  • 1-2strip           Bacon
  • 100gm            Grated Parmesan
  • 50gm              Sun dried tomatoes
  • 10 leaves        Fresh Basil (or tbsp. dried Basil)
  • To taste           Salt and pepper
  • 1 bottle            Pasta sauce
  • For searing      Olive oil (substitute Canola oil if needed)
  • Other ingredients could be used: Onion powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Beef Fat, Dried Herbs
Method:
  1. Chop Tomato, basil, & bacon
  2. Grate the parmesan
  3. Mix all the ingredients together, thoroughly
  4. Wet your hands and shape the meat balls
  5. Heat oil in a pan, sear the meat balls to golden on 3-4 sides. About 3-5 minutes
  6. Add pasta sauce, cover and cook on low-med heat for 20 min
  7. Serve with pasta or garlic bread

 

Let’s Choose to Reuse

Starting in January 2020, all food outlets across campus will charge an additional 25¢ for each drink sold in a single-use cup. This is part of the UBC Zero Waste Strategy that aims to reduce 80% of disposable food ware by 2030.

The AMS has always been at the forefront of sustainability and we’re proud to support this UBC initiative at all our food outlets, starting with disposable cups at Blue Chip Cafe.

It’s easy to skip the 25¢ charge by choosing one of these alternatives:

But if you are having one of those days and you have no choice but to pay for a cup, you still will be helping. All money collected from the disposable cup charge will be directed toward our other sustainable programs at the Nest.

UBC ZERO WASTE FOODWARE STRATEGY

A recent report about the marine impact of UBC’s single-use plastics showed that 1.7 million coffee cups 2.3 million pieces of plastic cutlery and 690,000 plastic bags were consumed on campus in 2017. If these items are not disposed of correctly, they could end up in our oceans causing pollution and damage to the marine wildlife.

AMS_plastics_infographic

In this sense, the Zero Waste Food Ware Strategy aims to divert 80% of all waste from landfills by 2030, decrease waste disposal to landfill each year and reduce the generation of waste by promoting a circular economy.

The first phase of this strategy is to reduce single-use cups by 80% in the next ten years. But also, there are plans to reduce single-use food containers, cutlery, plastic straws and bags as well as to train staff, students and faculty on how to recycle and sort waste properly.

Students help raise $3200 for the food bank

By Iciar Fernandez

THANK YOU UBC! With your generous support during the AMS Food Bank Holiday Appeal we raised approximately $3200 that will go directly to stock the Food Bank shelves.

The holiday appeal encouraged students purchasing food at an AMS outlet to add $1 to their meal as a donation to this invaluable emergency food relief service. “AMS food outlets were more than happy to support this campaign,” says Daniel Coculescu, Sr. Manager of AMS Food & Beverage. “The outlet managers and staff really stepped up and promoted the program to students.”

The money raised will be put to use immediately buying much needed items. “We do bi-weekly shops and provide things like pasta, meat, produce and hygiene supplies like pads, tampons and diapers”, explains Ian Stone, AMS Student Services Manager. “We also offer healthier and sustainable options and work in partnership with other organizations like UBC Farmer’s Market to bring in seasonal products.”

AMS Food Bank Shelves

Holidays are no time to go hungry, and thankfully it doesn’t seem like they will be. “Students are more perceptive of the issues of food insecurity on campus. A huge shout-out to all of you who have donated for your generosity.”

Food Insecurity is a Real Thing!

With an estimated 2 in 5 post-secondary students in Canada suffering from some degree of food insecurity, you may be closer than you think to someone going hungry because they can’t afford food.

What’s more, food insecurity doesn’t always take the form of severe hunger – in fact, it’s much more than that. Food insecurity also means being left with unhealthy food choices due to the inability to afford better options, and it is not necessarily a static state; many people are affected temporarily, and often unexpectedly. As a result it can happen to anyone.

If you or someone you know needs help, the AMS Food Bank is here for you. You can visit us Monday 10a-4p and Thursday 10a-6p on the basement level of the Life Building, or get in touch via email: foodbank@ams.ubc.ca. We also accept donations anytime at www.ams.ubc.ca/foodbankdonation

As always: Give when you can, take when you need.