If you’ve been to Moody Park lately, you’ll have noticed the colourful addition to the washroom building by the playground.
And if you’ve been wondering, those lovely murals were brought to you courtesy of a Paint New West Beautiful event that was held on July 23 and 24. Artist Mari Posa (Maria Trujillo) created the design, and local painters – kids and adults, amateurs and professionals alike – had a chance to take up their brushes and fill in the colours.
The event was hosted by Nadine Nakagawa and Mary Trentadue, with funding from a Vancouver Foundation Neighbourhood Small Grant and support from the New Westminster Arts Council.
And, as a frequent park-goer (my small human happens to be rather addicted to the playground), I have to say that the bright and beautiful design certainly brings joy to the park.
Kudos to everyone who organized and took part in the event.
PLAYING WITH PIANOS
Got some music-loving kids in your house?
Don’t miss out on the fun at River Market this weekend. Christian Bideau, author of PLAY: The colour of music, will be on hand from 1 to 3 p.m. for a book signing and an afternoon of piano-related activities.
There will be a book reading, free mini-lessons, piano exploration time, piano games and prizes and more.
A write-up about the event notes that PLAY: The colour of music is a book series that’s designed as a self-directed piano lesson course, helping make music available to everyone – including kids with special learning needs – and to make kids’ first steps into music engaging and exciting.
Check out more about the event and the book series at www.rivermarket.ca.
BAKE WITH THE LITTLES
Looking for a change from spray parks and playgrounds? Don’t forget, River Market offers some excellent indoor fun for your small people in the form of its River Critters Baking Class.
The classes, led by Katia Mayo of Pamola Bakery, are aimed at kids aged five and under and run on Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Classes take place in the main food hall, and adults must accompany small bakers.
Check out www.rivermarket.ca for information or to sign up. Classes are $8 per child, and advance registration is required.
MOTORING MUNCHKINS RETURNING SOON
Have you been in Motoring Munchkins withdrawal? Never fear, everyone’s favourite tot drop-in is gearing up to start again for the fall season.
Motoring Munchkins, for the uninitiated, is a drop-in play program for kids up to age six that’s held regularly at Queen’s Park Arenex. It offers up balls, toys, trampolines, swings and more.
The drop-in runs Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and Fridays from 9 to 11:45 a.m. and again from 1 to 2:30 p.m. It starts up again on Sept. 7.
There’s also an Indoor Playland held at Queensborough Community Centre, running Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Check out the fall Active Living Guide (you can download one from the city’s website at www.newwestcity.ca or pick one up at city facilities) for all the details – or just drop in and join in the fun.
BRING YOUR BABY BOOK CLUB
Are you at home with an infant or young toddler? Looking for a chance to get out and socialize?
Be sure to check out the Bring Your Baby Book Club at New Westminster Public Library. Adults can bring kids (suggested age up to 24 months) to enjoy adult discussion about books in a baby-friendly environment.
The next meeting is set for Tuesday, Sept. 20, so you have lots of time to prepare by choosing a book to read, bring and discuss. Register by calling 604-527-4667 or by emailing askus@nwpl.ca.
You can also find out more information at www.nwpl.ca.
Do you have an item of interest to parents and families? Send Family Ties ideas to Julie, jmaclellan@newwestrecord.ca.
