Know someone who is new to town?
The City of New Westminster and the WINS Local Immigrant Partnership are holding a Newcomers Festival and Info Fair this weekend. The event, taking place on Saturday, March 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Century House, includes information on health, jobs, financial programs and settlement services.
Along with information, there will also be children’s activities, entertainment and more at the fair. Century House is located at 620 Eighth St.
Welcome spring
Spring is in the air – and it’s the perfect time to party.
Plant a Row, Grow a Row is holding its annual spring a party to launch its 2018 program in New Westminster. The program encourages gardeners to plant an extra row of food that they can donate to the program, which delivers fresh produce to the food bank so local families in need can enjoy some healthy, fresh food.
The 19th annual Spring Gardeners' Party is on Wednesday, March 28 at 6 p.m. at St. Thomas More Collegiate, 7450 12th Ave., just across the border in Burnaby. Along with coffee, tea and goodies, the party features door prizes, giveaways from GardenWorks and a great lineup of local experts who will provide valuable tips on growing fruit and vegetables.
Claude LeDoux, coordinator of the local program, and members of the St. Thomas More community will host the program that features a number of speakers: Brian Minter, national spokesperson for Plant a Row, Grow a Row; Conway Lum (GardenWorks Mandeville); Egan Davis (UBC); June Hewko (Lee Valley Tools); and Michael Miller (Union Gospel Mission in New Westminster).
“Growing food is a hot horticultural trend, and it's a great family activity, especially when you can help kids learn about the importance of helping others at the same time,” said a press release about the event. “You can grow vegetables and fruits in containers, in with your perennials, or in your own community garden or backyard plot. You can even grow Tumbler tomatoes or strawberries in a hanging basket.”
Admission is by donation; donations of non-perishable food for the food bank are appreciated. Once the growing season is underway, folks will be able to drop off food donations on Sunday mornings at St. Thomas More.
Correction
Three local kids appeared before city council at its March 12 meeting to appeal to the city to build a third sheet of ice in the city as soon as possible. While speaking before council can be a daunting task to adults, the kids handled it like pros.
The names were correct on delegation forms submitted to city hall, but I made a mess of them in my article in the March 22 issue of the Record. The local athletes appearing before council were Tysen Nielsen (New Westminster Minor Lacrosse Association), Colburn Connelly (New Westminster Minor Hockey Association) and Sydney Christiansen (Burnaby New Westminster Ringette Association).
Regiment welcomes lieutenant-governor
The Royal Westminster Regiment was pleased to have British Columbia’s 29th lieutenant-governor make a return engagement to the Royal City.
Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon was among the guests at the regiment’s recent mess dinner. Other guests at the event included Senator Yonah Martin and several honorary colonels from various local regiments.
Karen Baker-MacGrotty, honorary colonel of The Royal Westminster Regiment, said one of Guichon’s first public events after becoming lieutenant governor was vising the Armoury on Jan. 1, 2013 for the New Year’s Day Levee, when the regiment lit up the Armoury with white lights for its 150th anniversary and Guichon pressed the button to turn the lights on.
“The lights are still looking spectacular each night and really adds to the beauty of the building,” Baker-MacGrotty said in an email to the Record.
Since becoming lieutenant-governor, Guichon has visited the regiment several times, including last year’s Vimy parade. With her term as lieutenant governor winding down in the coming weeks, the regiment was pleased she could return to the city and be the special guest at its annual mess dinner.
Each of the Canada’s lieutenant-governors act as the representatives of The Queen in their provinces. The duties include swearing in the provincial government’s executive council (premier and cabinet) and opening each session of the provincial legislative assembly.
Gala tickets available
A New West-based non-profit is on its way to selling out its 10th anniversary gala.
Blind Beginnings is holding its annual gala on Saturday, April 7 at the Executive Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre, 405 North Rd., Coquitlam. The deadline to buy tickets is March 29.
Arran Henn of 103.5 QMFM will once again MC the evening, which will include the presentation of Blind Beginnings’ first-ever Seeing All People Award to a business that goes above and beyond to include and accept children who are blind or partially sighted – by seeing them as children first. The gala will also include a buffet meal and cash bar, silent and live auctions, gift prize balloons, a 50/50 draw and live entertainment and dancing.
Founded by New West native Shawn Marsolais in 2008, the non-profit inspires children and youth who are blind or partially sighted, and their families, through diverse programs, experiences, counselling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives.
Tickets to the gala are $100, $50 for children 10 and younger and $1,100 for a table for 12, and are available at www.blindbeginnings.ca or 604-434-7243.
