Layne Christensen News Reporter lchristensen@nsnews.com EVERYONE loves a makeover, says Gabrielle Schellenberg, who is counting on that very notion to fuel interest in the Spring 2000 Designer Kitchen Tour. A design consultant with Richmond-based Merit Kitchens, Schellenberg _ is coordinating the tour, which showcases new and remod- elled kitchens in homes from Deep Cove to Horseshoe Bay asa fundraiser for Vancouver General Hospitai’s burn unit. The tour, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. next Saturday, May 6, is an excellent opportunity for do- “jv-yourselfers to take a peak inside some of the North - Shore’s most spectacular liv- ing spaces, says Schellenberg. iSThere are design projects that would look at home in a glossy. magazine, including a Mathers ©. Avenue mansion whose kitchen cost more to ‘install than most people’s HOME AND GARDEN ———= See how others remodel kitch total home-reno budgets (the cabinetry alone cost about $25,000). But there are also projects completed for clients of more modest means, like the $7,000 update to a 20- year-old Merit kitchen in a Central Lonsdale home. The tour is modelled after a fundraiser held successfully for seven years in the Scatde area by Merit’s American affil- iate, International Kitchens. Merit Kitchens featured hames on Vancouver's West Side during a similar tour last fall. The spring tour will be held entirely on the North Shore where, says Schellenberg, recent kitchen installations reveal a trend towards renovations that remain “respectful of the orig- inal architecture of the home and of the neighborhood.” At most stops on the tour, a design consultant from Merit Kitchens will be avail- able to answer questions. Cost for the tour is a min- imum $10 donation per per- son. Tickets can be picked up at Tools and Techniques, 250 16th Se., in Ambleside, or reserve by calling 925-1835. to 4 p.m. and admission to . the garden, located ac 5251 ‘are available for $2’ starting Monday, April: 24th -at_ the Garden’s “:. Cashier. “Desk. -Copies will also be available at the sale “The” Humongous : Plant Sale takes place‘from 10 a.m. . Oak. Street in Vancouver, is .free that day. For more infor- mation call the 24-hour Information Line at 878- 9274. TODAY: The Vancouver Rhododendron Society is holding its annual Spring Show and Plant Sale at the David Lam Reception Centre, UBC Botanical Garden at 6804 Southwest Marine Drive in Vancouver. Visitors can see a display of prize-winning thododendrons ‘and azaleas, ‘including rare species and new hybrids. Admission is free. ot ‘oin author Christine Allen, photographer Collin Varner and . The Avant Gardener for a delightful : exploration of the gardens of Vancouver. “talking about "their new book, “GARDENS OF . - VANCOUVER. THE AVANT GARDENER oy 1460 Marine Drive, West Vancouver 926-8784 -. SATURDAY, MAY 6TH, 2000 “11:00 AM= 12:00 NOON MAPLE cybinets custom designed by Merit Kitchens, with decorative features. that include dowelied column details and elaborate crown mouldings, comple- ment granite countericps, # tied backsplash and hood vent, and stainless stecl applilences in a home on Mathers Avenue, a project of Mitchell Freediand Design. It's your chance to view some of the North Shore's * finest kitchens, selected especially for this one-of-a- kind event. This tour will showcase new and remodeled kitchens created by Merit Kitchens’ top designers who will be available in the homes to answer your questions. The Spring 2000 Tour includes projects from Deep Cove to Horseshoe Bay! You've seen professionally designed kitchens in magazines. Now see the actual kitchens within your own community. It’s the ideal opportunity to find out whai’s new in styles and concepts, from oid World to High-Tech and Contemporary. See how the professionals combine function, form, and beauty in the most used space in a home ... the kitchen. Spark your creativity quotient and bring your own dreams into focus! LIMIT OF 450 TICKETS SOLD. ALL PAGCEEDS = voc, 10 BENEFIT THE VANCOUVER GENERAL (‘} HOSPITAL'S BURR UNIT. eee All Saturday, May 6th, 2000 10 am to 4 pm Merit Kitchens Onur kitchens don't just cook. They size, 3 oe « _..... Please —~IFie The North Shore Zone of Theatre BC Presents 2 Of Plays Monday , May 8 to Saturday, May 13 Presentation House Arts Centre 333 Chesterfield Ave. North Vancouver Allperformances: Spm Schedule of Plays _ Monday, May 8 ~ Escapa From Happiness by George F. Walker” Presented by Presentation House Preductions Tuesday, May 9 | Nuts . ‘by Tom. Tepor . * North Vancouver a Community Players: :° B Wednesday, May 10 Snowengel.. . - | by Lewis John Carino & The Dock Brief. : by John Mortimer |. Theatre West Van Thursday, May 11 Da by Hugh Leonard North Vancouver Community Players __ Friday, May 12 A Delicate Balance 1. by Edward Albee. Between Shifis =”. _ Theatre (Squamish) . Saturday, May 13” After Baba's Funeral © -:} by Ted Galay : a GEulogy. © " of dW ie ” fh. TICKET PRICES Advantage Purchase Seniors and students Individual performances Seniors & Students st Weekly Pass (before May 1) Weeldy Pas (alr May 1) ~ Weeldy Passholders are eligible to vote on the People's Choice . Awards in three categories. = Reservat ons & Informal on. BS ; 990-3474 Many thanks to: ~ goeg NORTH SHORE ~ | _ VAM CREDTT UNION COUNDATIO NOH _ Enter to Win Tickets to The Festival of Plays!