Lookout Emergency Aid Society clients are drumming up support - so they can keep drumming.
Thane Satre, a tenant support worker for the society in New Westminster, experimented with the idea of incorporating his love for drumming into his job. Lookout clients are now benefiting from drum therapy.
"Drumming is a very visceral experience," he said in a press release.
"Any time you can beat the crap out of things you get a certain release out of it."
Satre spends his evenings and weekends performing as a professional drummer. For the past two years, he's taught drums to Lookout's clients at the Cliff Block.
"They're quick learners," he said. "They become focused and intent when they drum. The most important thing is the confidence it gives them."
Satre has organized an outdoor concert where they'll be able to show off their drumming skills. They'll be performing on Monday, May 20 at Hyack Square, where Satre's students will take turns drumming with his bands, Eli Williams and the Madmen and The Telepathics.
"It's a drum-off with them sitting in with the bands," he said. "They've been working very hard for this, and they're ready."
The concert, which takes place from 2 to 4 p.m., is also a fundraiser. The clients are hoping to raise enough money for a drum kit, as Satre is being transferred to one of Lookout's facilities in Vancouver, and they won't be able to use his kit.
"I want them to continue on and get others involved," he said. "Drum therapy is a hot topic and we're seeing the results."
Hyack Square is located on Columbia Street at the foot of Eighth Street.
Double Exposure
The award-winning Double Exposure comedy team of Bob Robertson and Linda Cullen will be taking to the stage at Massey Theatre and is guaranteeing "you'll laugh so hard you'll blow your anvil" this long weekend.
The Hyack Festival Association and Massey Theatre are presenting the show as part of the 42nd annual Hyack Festival.
The performance is being billed as Mayday! Mayday! Double Exposure presents The Complete History of New Westminster - plus a lot of other funny stuff.
Robertson and Cullen's weekly radio program was a hit on CBC for more than a decade. Double Exposure later appeared on CTV and was nominated for six Gemini Awards.
"We are delighted to co-promote their performance as part of the festival," said Douglas Smith, the Hyack Festival Association's executive director. "Bob and Linda reside in New Westminster, so who better to capture, with humour, the unique flavour of our community and our rich history."
Double Exposure has been inducted into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame. Their star is on the Walk of Fame on Granville Street across from the Orpheum Theatre.
The live performance, which features guest comedian Patrick Maliha, takes place on Sunday, May 19 at 7: 30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available at the Massey Theatre box office.
Volunteer picnic
Century House paid tribute at a recent volunteer picnic to those who have contributed countless hours over the years.
Elsie Ansdell was honoured for 30 years of volunteering with the centre that's located in Moody Park, while Irene Dennis and Pearl Hanson were recognized for 25 years.
Other volunteers recognized for longtime contributions include: 20 years - Margaret Doerksen, Ed Keilbart, Maureen Montgomery and Barrie Morlin; 15 years - Gail Austin, Don McArthur, Patricia Roessler, Vera Rushton and Tina Vreugde; 10 years - Luna Acedillo, Georgie Cole, Christine Demchuck, Flo Ferguson, Maureeen Hoeschsmann, Gwen Metz, Jo Mongrain, Patricia Smith and Joanne Willson; and five years - Shirley Armstrong, Hermila Becker, Armida Beasley, Marg McKee, Vi Meech and Kathy Tabualevu.
Ruby Campbell, the city's volunteer coordinator, said the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association's national recreation agenda has identified volunteering as the highest form of recreation.
"Volunteering helps reduce isolation, enhance quality of life and improves health," she said in an email to The Record.
"Century House volunteers range in age from early 50s to late 90s and help to organize pickleball, table tennis, painting and a multitude of other programs. In fact, many of our programs wouldn't even be possible without their leadership. Their commitment and enthusiasm is contagious and with baby boomer demographic increasing, we are seeing more and more older adults becoming actively involved."
