Living

THE North Shore is often referred to as an outdoor playground, but now kids have a chance to learn outside as well. Majesta, Tree Canada and Focus on Forests are encouraging schools across the country to enter their Trees of Knowledge competition.

THE year is 1904 and Zanna Snow, who lives in the tiny coastal town of Loch Harbor, New Brunswick, yearns to hone her detective skills instead of helping her parents run the exclusive Rosemount Hotel.

Art teacher: Patricia Beaton Favourite art: pastels Favourite artist: Vincent van Gogh Her teacher writes: C.K. is a talented artist who uses vivid colours and detail to enhance her art.

IF there was a contest to pick Canada's favourite meat product, ground beef would have my vote. Ground beef is budget-friendly and versatile.

Book Buddies is a program that matches children ages six to 10 with teen reading mentors. Weekly half-hour sessions will take place Tuesdays until Nov. 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Capilano library, 3045 Highland Blvd.

Gate Sales: Loutet Farm will sell fresh farm produce Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. until Oct. 27 at East 14th Street and Rufus Avenue, North Vancouver. Rain or shine. Info: www.ediblegardenproject. com.

THERE is no better time to start composting at home than fall. I know many people have trouble with composting but few things in horticulture are easier to do than composting.

YOUR eight-year-old daughter Olivia is playing with her friends Amy and Selina. They are having a great time. They've taken some dolls and stuffed animals and are creating a pretend daycare.

I dream of Italy. In those dreams, it's autumn - harvest time. Italy is a country that knows how to celebrate not only with food, but about it. Every village honours ripened ingredients ready for picking with a sagra, a local celebration.

? Jog4Joy, a five-kilometre walk/run in support of the Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation, Sunday, Oct. 14, at 9: 30 a.m. in Vancouver's Devonian Park (corner of West Georgia and Denman streets. Info and registration ($30): jog4joy.com.