A bright light in many Sapperton gatherings has passed away at the age of 93.
Emily Crawford, who was known for her sense of humour and a gift of the gab, was a member of the Sapperton Pensioners’ Association. In recent years, she was among the guests of honour at the group’s annual Over Nineties luncheon, which honoured members who had reached the 90-year milestone.
“Emily was a real character,” said Vic Leach of the Sapperton Pensioners’ Association. “She loved her bingo, she loved to come to all the events. She loved to get out and talk to people.”
Last summer, Crawford arrived early at Gino’s Place for the Seniors Services Society’s Dining Club and sparked up a conversation with a man at the restaurant and told him all about the Dining Club. Thinking of his mother who had been 102 when she passed away, the man paid for all of the seniors’ dinners – on the condition that the money they’d already put in be returned to them.
Crawford (nee Andrews) was born and raised in New Westminster. She once told the Record that one of her favourite things about growing up in New Westminster was May Day.
“I never missed a May Day,” she said in 2011. “I got a new dress and new patent shoes. We weren’t well off, but May Day was a big deal in those days.”
Crawford worked at Safeway for 35 years, retiring in 1984. That was the same year her husband of 43-years, Matthew (Alec), passed away from complications from malaria he contracted while serving in North Africa.
Crawford passed away Oct. 22 at Royal Columbian Hospital. A celebration of her life is taking place on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. at Kearney’s Columbia-Bowell Chapel at 219 Sixth St.
Retired cop opens a new chapter
Phil Eastwood wasted little time in moving on to the next chapter of his life.
After a 35-year career in policing, Eastwood retired as an inspector with the New Westminster Police Department in April 2015. He’s now released a new book, Handcuffs to Handshakes – Leadership lessons from more than 30 years of handling humans.
“More than any other accomplishment, I have discovered that how we treat the people in our lives ultimately determines our life legacy,” he said in a press release.
In Handcuffs to Handshakes Eastwood shares stories about how he facilitated someone else’s marriage proposal, the gripping fear he experienced as a riot broke out only two feet from him and how he saved a young Sting fan from a crushing 68-ton tank carrying the band The Police.
In the book’s final chapter he talks about trust and a positive work environment at the New Westminster Police Department, where he worked for 27 years. That was preceded by eight years with the London Metropolitan Police in England.
“I learned many things over the course of my career in law enforcement,” he said. “The most powerful lesson was that our legacy is determined by how we treat each other. A lesson that everyone from young children to seasoned leaders needs to be reminded of.”
While he’s retired from policing, Eastwood now works as a consultant and trainer in workplace violence prevention and building a bully-free work, school and online environment with Fiore Group Training Inc.
Shop pets wanted
Shop New West is trying to round up all shop pets in the Royal City.
Shop pets? They’re all the special pets that hang out at local businesses and put smiles on their customers’ faces.
Shop New West, which aims to support local business and shop local campaigns, has issued a casting call for New West shop pets. Once it gets all – or as many of the shop pets as possible – a community project will be created.
Already, several shop pets have been identified. There’s Shelby the cat at ZHOOSH Fitness Garage, Bruna and Cassie (pups at Mindful Mutts), Lady Lynxie and Mr. Higgins (cats at Bosley’s Pets Columbia Square), Begbie and Zoe (pups at Brick & Mortar Living) and Alpha Chino (a pup at Royal Anchor Tattoo.)
To be featured, people are asked to take a photo of their shop pet, add their shop logo to the photo, post it on Instagram or Facebook (with the hashtag #shoppetsofnewwest), and supply their shop pet’s name and a few tidbits of information. You can follow @shoppetsofnewest on Instagram and Shop New West on Facebook.
New West helps residents help Syrian refugees
The Syrian refugee crisis became a national issue during the recent federal election campaign, prompting the city to take steps to assist refugees.
The City of New Westminster has been sharing information with residents who have expressed a desire to help but aren’t sure how to help those in need.
“New Westminster is considered a leader in the area of welcoming and inclusive communities,” said Coun. Chuck Puchmayr, who chairs the city’s multiculturalism advisory committee. “All city facilities are designated as ‘Safe Harbour: Respect for All’ sites and the city and partner organizations are working on a comprehensive settlement strategy.”
In an effort to help residents wanting to assist the Syrian refugees, the city has compiled a list of international and local organizations that are working to address the refugees’ needs. The city’s website also includes links so residents can learn more about the various organizations.
If you want to check out the list of resources compiled by the city, go to www.newwestcity.ca and search for Refugee Assistance Resource List.
Save the date
* Sunday, Nov. 8: Everyone’s invited to enjoy the Diwali celebration taking place at the Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave., from 1 to 4 p.m. The event includes lots of entertainment, food, kids’ activities, painting and prizes. For information, contact the Queensborough Community Centre at 604-525-7388.
* Wednesday, Dec. 2: The annual Christmas for Kids pancake breakfast takes place at the Paddlewheeler Pub from 7 to 10 a.m. Community members are invited to bring an unwrapped, new gift for a child, valued at $15, and enjoy a pancake breakfast. Toys will be divvied up among two organizations that help out local families at Christmas.
