Lots of media attention after I scooped the world about Arthur Griffiths' latest adventure. As I mentioned last week, Arthur was one of the bright lights in our attaining this year's successful 2010 Winter Olympics. As you know, the Griffiths family has always been involved in high profile endeavors and charities. I recall vividly the night that Arthur and his former wife, Joanne, physically opened the doors to Canuck Place, at that time the only free-standing hospice for children in North America, as I broadcast live on CKNW from the site back to G.M. Place.
Well, Arthur has now several contracts that he'll be working on over the next four years. He's packing his bags and departing our shores to go off to London, England for the next two years to work on the 2012 Summer Olympics then flies to Russia to help put together the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. His contracts are with major security firms and Olympic clothing manufacturers. All of which means he'll be collecting a great deal of Air Miles travelling to Italy, the Ukraine, Spain, South America and the U.S. as well as a few return trips home to visit the family. Arthur has always loved London and can't wait to get there. It's such a unique opportunity. He departs Sept. 6th...
What a tremendous line-up of talent we have had in our city over the past 10 days beginning with Michael Buble's outstanding 2-night performance at Roger's Place. The arena was sold out completely for both shows and as always, his parents, Amber and Louis Buble and the family were proudly in the front row seats along with composer and music producer, David Foster and Michael's Argentinean fiancée.
Then Michael brought John Shorthouse up on stage and they sang Thanks for the Memories and dedicated it to veteran sports guy, Tommy Larschied, who had just retired from broadcasting and was in the audience. Best part of all was that big-hearted Michael donated all the proceeds from the concerts to B.C. Children’s Hospital...
Saturday was the official opening of the Pacific National Exhibition, the summertime fair celebrating its 100th year. And they kicked off their celebrations with a huge birthday party with such celebs as Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robinson, hockey vet Pat Quinn and the ageless maestro Dal Richards prior to the onstage performances of The Beach Boys from one pm to 3 pm and then Bryan Adams from 3 pm to 5 pm. It was non-stop entertainment and the sound was flawless. The same was true when that popular Australian of didgeridoo fame, Rolf Harris, walked on stage. He's still doing his same act that he did yearly at the old Cave nightclub many, many years ago...
That sensational performer known as Lady Gaga, flaming piano et al, dined quietly at the intimate Raincity Grill last Tuesday evening. The pop culture titan enjoyed shaved melon and Dungeness Crab Salad, Saltspring Island Mussels and Albacore Tuna Salad with Russian Blue Potato and Free Run Egg. The Twitter Queen gave server and loyal fan, Vicky, a warm hug on the way out...
At the same time Terry O'Quinn from the TV series, Lost, aka John Locke dined on fresh seafood last Tuesday night while tough guy Steven Seagal dined with friends on Wednesday night. They both gave big "thumbs up" to Executive Chef Frank Pabst who will be inducted into the B.C.Restaurant Hall of Fame in late September...
On September 27, in fact, some of the best known names in the BC Hospitality industry will be inducted into the B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame including Frank, Richard Jaffray, Harry Kambolis, Peter Bonner and Wayne Holm and Warren Erhart.
That's why Warren is even prouder of his White Spot's third annual Pirate Pak Day! The event was an outstanding success especially for the parents who accompanied their hungry children. For the first time ever, adults were also able to order the irresistible Adult Pirate Pak and they came in en masse for the Legendary Burgers.
Through Pirate Pak sales and donations, White Spot raised a total of $40,822 for the Zajac Ranch for Children, a charity dedicated to giving children with life-threatening illnesses and chronic disabilities a chance to enjoy a summertime camp experience...
Surprise! Surprise! John Evans and his Opus Hotel have closed the doors of their popular Elixir Bistro! In a day or so after a six-day renovation, a new and exciting pop-up style restaurant will appear in its place. This pop-up bistro will be open for only 100 days and then undergo a spectacular metamorphosis into what will be the Opus Hotel's world class restaurant concept in early 2011...
Sad to hear of the sudden deaths from major heart attacks of two prominent businessmen, Mel Sprackman and Rob Malcolm. And darling Chuck Davis has been back in the hospital with some lung problems but is slowing recovering. Drop him a line...
From sadness to great joy. Saturday, August 21st, we were in Sechelt to witness and enjoy the wedding of our grandson, P
eter Metcalfe, to Karissa Graham of Victoria. Karissa's parents are missionaries and have lived in China for many years but were happy to return home for the celebration.
The wedding was held in St. Hilda's Church in downtown Sechelt with the reception and dinner dance for 102 guests at Jane and Michael Metcalfe's (our son and daughter-in-law) waterfront home. They did a fantastic job!
The bride was pretty in a long, white strapless gown while Peter was in a black tuxedo. Though possible showers were forecast and a huge tent was erected, it turned out to be a beautiful, warm summer day and a wonderful family gathering. Marriage seems to be so tenuous these days that all we can do is to set a good example. As author Harold Nicholson said, “The secret of a successful marriage is to treat all disasters as incidents and none of the incidents as disasters." Blessings on you both...
Pictured above are Karissa and Peter Metcalfe at their wedding reception
For any "Scoops" email Joy at joymetcalfe@shaw.ca