Monday, Jan. 25
Family Literacy Night, 6 to 7:30 p.m., New Westminster Public Library main branch, 716 Sixth Ave. This year’s theme is Let’s Play together, so the library will have games, dancing, glow-in-the-dark goo making and more free activities for all ages. You can also enter to win one of three gift bags full of books and other goodies.
Are you gay, bisexual or just not sure? Need a safe place to talk? HOMINUM Fraser Valley is an informal discussion and support group to help gay, bisexual and questioning men with the challenges of being married, separated or single. Meets today at 7:30 p.m. For information and meeting location, call Art at 604-462-9813 or Don at 604-329-9760.
Wednesday, Jan. 27
Death Café, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Renaissance Books, 43 Sixth St. Join others in having a conversation about experiences and questions around death. This isn’t a grief support group, but a non-profit, casual evening where people of all ages gather to build community and talk about something we all have in common. Info: Corinne Dixon at 604-351-0465 or [email protected].
Thursday, Jan. 28
Glenbrooke North Residents Association annual general meeting, 7 to 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.), Plaskett Room upstairs in New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. Agenda items include discussion on official community plan regarding Glenbrooke North and various housing types and land-use options available for the neighbourhood. Also reports from the traffic advisory, community policing, social and community issues and parks and recreation committees and the treasurer’s report. For more information, call Marya McLellan at 604-525-3975.
Friday, Jan. 29
Ukrainian Perogy Supper, Holy Eucharist Church hall, 5 to 8 p.m., Fourth Avenue and Fifth Street. Perogy sales form 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 604-526-0988 or 604-522-7711.
Resolutionary: Kudoz launch party, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., River Market, 810 Quayside Dr. Kudoz is launching as a start-up. Get back into that hobby or try something new for 2016 – let Kudoz help you make a new year’s resolution that you’ll actually keep. To get ticket or more information, visit resolutionary.eventbrite.ca. For more information about Kudoz, visit www.kudoz.ca.
Saturday, Jan. 30
Royal City Robbie Burns gala, featuring Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band. Presented by the Order of het Eastern Star Friendship Chapter #75 and the Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band, it’s an evening of Scottish heritage includes Burns, haggis, music and world-class bagpipers, drummers and champion highland dancers. Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75. Phone 604-524-5675 or email [email protected].
Tuesday, Feb. 2
Royal Columbian Hospital Auxiliary general meeting, 1 p.m., Neil Russell Room of Royal Columbian Hospital, third floor, Columbia tower, 330 East Columbia St. Public is welcome to attend. Info: Marlene at 604-521-0551.
Wednesday, Feb. 3
Slideshow, Byzantium in the West, 2 to 3:30 p.m., New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. Rick Carswell will present a review of Byzantine history and influence with pictures of the fantastically ornate world heritage sites which remain. A short pictorial trip to the colonnaded city of Bologna will also be featured.
Thursday, Feb. 4
Have you been treated unfairly by a provincial or local government body? The Office of the Ombudsperson may be able to help. It’s bringing in a mobile complaint clinic to New Westminster today. To make a free and confidential appointment, call 1-800-567-3247. B.C.’s Office of the Ombudsman can investigate complaints about all provincial ministries and boards, Crown corporations, colleges and universities, schools and boards of education, health authorities, local governments and self-governing professions.
Saturday, Feb. 6
Royal City Farmers Market winter market winter market,11 a.m.to 3 p.m. on Belmont Street (just off Sixth Street) in uptown New Westminster. . Farmers, food trucks, artisans, gourmet food producers will be gathering to create a truly authentic winter farmers market experience.
Wednesday, Feb. 10
Slideshow, Byzantium in the West, 7 to 8:30 p.m., New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. Rick Carswell will present a review of Byzantine history and influence with pictures of the fantastically ornate world heritage sites which remain. A short pictorial trip to the colonnaded city of Bologna will also be featured.
Saturday, Feb. 13
Herbert Spencer Elementary School swap meet, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 605 Second St.
Monday, Feb.15
The New Westminster Puffers Club meets at New Westminster Public Library auditorium, 716 Sixth Ave., 12:30 to 2 p.m. Anyone with or having friends with COPD, sleep apnea, asthma or any other breathing problems is welcome to attend. Special guest speaker each month.
Ongoing
Herbert Spencer Elementary School PAC is renting tables for a Feb. 13 swap meet. Tables are available for $20 and rentals will help the Herbert Spencer PAC provide funds for school equipment, fieldtrips, workshops and other school activities. For table rentals email [email protected] or call 604-525-2070.
New Westminster Family Place, free family resource centre for parents with children five and under. There is a bright, action-packed playroom filled with toys, games, puzzles and crafts and staffed by early childhood educators and a family support worker. There is a parents' room for relaxing, and parenting classes are available. Drop-in hours are 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, and Monday and Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m. Call 604-520-3666 for info on upcoming programs.
New Westminster Puffers Club, meets every second Monday of the month (third Monday of April), 12:30 p.m., New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. Anyone with or having friends with COPD, asthma or breathing problems are welcome to attend meetings, which include guest speakers.
Fraser Works Co-op, offers one-to-one support with employment counsellors, connecting people to no-cost career and job search services and helping people develop a plan to reach their job or career goal. Call 604-522-9701 for appointment.
Sapperton Pensioners Association, meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 318 Keary St. New members welcome. Info 604-522-0280.
New Westminster Lions Club, meets every second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Boston Pizza, 1045 Columbia St., Columbia Square plaza. New members welcome. Info: www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/newwestminsterlionsclub.ca.
Just Pros Toastmasters meets on the first and third Saturday of the month, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Justice Institute, 715 McBride Blvd. This is for advanced toastmasters.
Tillicum Toastmasters meets every Monday (except holidays) 7:20 to 9:30 p.m., Unity in Action Church hall, 1630 Edinburgh St. Do you want to get over your fear of public speaking? Do you want to learn the how to's within a supportive environment? Do you want to nail that upcoming interview for your dream job? All guests welcomed for free. No obligation to speak or sign up.
Alzheimer Society of B.C., caregiver support group, meets in New Westminster, third Tuesday of each month, 7 to 9 p.m. For registration or information, call 604-298-0780.
Council of Senior Citizens' Organizations (COSCO), an advocacy group devoted to improving the quality of life for seniors, invites membership and affiliation from seniors' organizations, associations and individuals. Info: Ernie Bayer, 604-576-9734 or [email protected].
Breastfeeding, or pregnant and want to learn more? Looking for information or help? Wanting to meet breastfeeding mothers? Contact the La Leche League info line at 604-520-4623 for information about the Coquitlam group, which includes New Westminster mothers.
ESL conversation circles, held at New Westminster Public Library. Program for all adults runs Saturdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Program for women only runs Fridays, 10 to 11 a.m. at New Westminster Public Library. Free drop-in program in library auditorium for adults who want to meet people and practise speaking English. The programs are co-sponsored by Family Services of Greater Vancouver and the library, 716 Sixth Ave. Children welcome. Info and registration: 604-527-4660.
Family members of individuals with multiple sclerosis, looking for support, are invited to join the MS Society's family members group. Info: 604-689-3144.
Girl Guides of Canada, units meet weekly around Burnaby and New Westminster. Girls aged five to 18 and women 19 and up can join all year round. For year-round registration and volunteer info, call 1-800-565-8111.
Big Sisters, seeks new volunteers. Information sessions held regularly around the Lower Mainland. Call 604-873-4525 or visit www.bigsisters.bc.ca for a listing of information sessions.
Volunteer Grandparents, brings together active, energetic people over the age of 50 with children who need a caring and committed mentor. Families in New Westminster and Burnaby are waiting for volunteer grandparents. To register, contact Volunteer Grandparents at 604-736-8271 or [email protected].
Got stuff you don't want? Recycle it with the Developmental Disabilities Association. Bins take cloth items and non-breakable housewares and pickup of dishes, toys and books can be arranged. Call 604-273-4332 or visit www.develop.bc.ca.
Vancouver Rape Relief, needs male volunteers for group that raises money for the crisis centre and transition house. Contact Louisa Russell at [email protected].
Naranon Support Group, a 12-Step program for relatives and friends of those affected by drug abuse and addiction problems. Meets every Monday evening from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., 323 Eighth St. (group meeting room), New Westminster. All welcome. Call 604-878-8844 for more info.
Al-Anon and Alateen, help those whose lives are affected by someone else's drinking. For meeting info visit www.bcyukon-al-anon.or or call 604-688-1716.
Netherlands Association, speak Dutch with others and celebrate your heritage. Visit www.dutchnetwork.ca or contact Edie, [email protected] or 604-536-3394.
Just Pros Toastmasters, meets first and third Saturdays of month, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Justice Institute, 715 McBride Blvd. For advanced Toastmasters. Info: www.toastmasters.org.
Overeaters Anonymous, Are you out of control when it comes to food? We can help. Meetings on Mondays from 7 to 8:15 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 335 Seventh St. (enter off Fourth Avenue). Info: 604-520-0703.
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Lower Mainland chapter, has 16 different support groups running around the Lower Mainland. The New Westminster support group meets at Royal City Centre meeting room, third Friday of each month, 1:30 to 3 p.m. For more information, call 604-689-3144.
St. Barnabas Church, located at Fifth Avenue and 10th Street in New Westminster, is seeking committed volunteers for their thrift shop, community lunch program, emergency food cupboard and for the office. Make a positive difference in the community by helping with programs that benefit citizens in need. For more information, please call 604-526-6646.
Burnaby & New Westminster Newcomers' Friendship Club, welcomes women who are new to the area, as well as longtime residents. Meet women of all ages and cultures to make new friends. Dinner meeting is the second Wednesday of each month, plus various events including book club, craft group, social Saturdays, etc. For info, contact Doris at [email protected] or 604-544-3525 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit the website at www.burnabynewwestminsternewcomers.com.
Young readers book clubs, for kids who like to talk about books. Clubs are offered at the main library and Queensborough branch. Call the children's room at 604-527-4677 for information and to register. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave. and 920 Ewen Ave., www.nwpl.ca, 604-527-4660.
Waves Writer Group, write from the heart, with Ruth Kozak. Meets every Monday from 10 a.m. to noon, Waves Coffee House, 715 Columbia St. Bring copies of your work to read. Drop-in fee of $5.
New moms and dads need brain stimulation too. The Bring Your Baby Book Club offers adult books and adult conversation in a baby-friendly environment. Suggested ages for babies are zero to 24 months. The club meets the third Tuesday afternoon at 1 p.m. Register at 604-527-4667 or [email protected]. A limited number of books are available at the checkout desk.
Are you gay, bi-sexual or just not sure? HOMINUM Fraser Valley is an informal discussion and support group to help gay, bi-sexual and questioning men with the challenges of being married, separated or single. Group meets on the last Friday of every month. For information and meeting location, call Art at 604-462-9813 or Don at 604-329-9760.
Parkinson's group meeting, meet the first Tuesday of every month, 1 to 3 p.m. Century House. Info: 604-519-1066. New members and caretakers are welcome. Runs Sept to June (no meeting in January).
Alzheimer's caregiver support group, meets monthly, every third Tuesday of the month at Century House, Moody Park. Info: 604-298-0780.
Senior peer counselling program at Century House, provides emotional support to people who are facing the challenges of aging. They will visit you at home or at Century House. Info: 604-519-1064, ext. 1, or drop by Century House at 620 Eighth St.
Sunday Dances - every Sunday, September to June, 12:45 to 3:45 p.m., 620 Eighth St. Live Band. Call 604-519-1066 for more information.
Low Vision group, meets the first Tuesday of each month, September to June, 10 a.m. to noon, Century House, 620 Eighth St. Call 604-519-1066 for more information.
Seniors Gay Straight Alliance, meets on the second Wednesday of each month, 1 to 3 p.m., Century House, 620 Eighth St. Call 604-519-1066 for more information.
Navy League and Sea Cadets, holds registration for boys and girls aged nine to 12 at Annacis Island Training Centre, 535 Derwent Way, Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. Call 604-525-2298.
Pregnancy Outreach Program, a free weekly support group for high-risk women, includes lunch, one-hour education session, and the services of a registered dietician and public health nurse. Food coupons and vitamins available for clients. Offered at Olivet Baptist Church (613 Queens Ave.) and Edmonds Re-source Centre (#104-7355 Canada Way, Burnaby). Childcare provided for children over 18 months of age. Registration required. Call 604-659-2228.
Baby and Me, a support group for moms with babies up to six months, offering lunch, group discussions, support, educational information, child care and more. Offered by Olivet Baptist Church (613 Queens Ave.) and Edmonds Resource Centre (#104-7355 Canada Way). Free. Call 604-659-2228 to register.
Royal City Curling Club, daytime ladies' play, with Tuesday and Thursday leagues, 9:30 a.m. Drop-in clinics will be held on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. for new curlers and experienced players who wish to improve their game. Call 604-522-4737 or visit www.royalcitycc.com for info.
New Westminster business networking meeting, every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at the Waffle House. Enjoy breakfast with other business people, share leads and referrals and build your business. Free (you pay for your own breakfast.) Guests welcome. RSVP to 778-986-9186.
St. Barnabas Church, located at Fifth Avenue and 10th Street in New Westminster, is seeking committed volunteers for their thrift shop, community lunch program, emergency food cupboard and for the office. Make a positive difference in the community by helping with programs that benefit citizens in need. For more information, please call 604-526-6646.
Purpose Family Circle drop-in, meets Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for crafts, stories, songs, games and rhymes for babies and children to five years, as well as pregnant moms. Health information available through guest speakers. Light lunch and bus tickets are provided. Held at 40 Begbie St., two blocks east of the New West SkyTrain station. For more info, call 604-526-2522 and ask for Josie or Elizabeth.
Volunteer literacy tutors, sought to work with the Douglas College I-CARE program, which helps English-speaking adults learn to read and write. Volunteers should have excellent English writing and spelling skills. Tutoring can take place any day of the week. All tutor training and materials are free. Call 604-527-5409 for information.
Elizabeth Fry Society is looking for volunteers to occasionally help with moving the furniture of their Housing First clients. If you or someone you know is interested, contact Maryam Khalil, Housing First case manager, at 604-657-8404 or 604-520-1166 ext. 213 or [email protected].
New Westminster Tinnitus Support Group, meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., Century House, 620 Eighth St., ABC Room. Tinnitus is a ringing, humming, buzzing or other sound in our head or ears that doesn't have an out-side source. The group discusses the latest treatment information and coping and stress reduction techniques and offers encouragement and camaraderie to help combat this debilitating condition. For more information, contact group leader Gerald Blackwell at 604-600-9142 or email [email protected].
You Wear it Well... Just for Grads is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping New Westminster and Burnaby students find grad outfits - at no cost - that make them look and feel their best. Preparations are currently underway for the sixth annual Boutique Day event, where grads will be outfitted. You Wear It Well is always in need of donation of gently used formalwear (gowns, shoes and accessories) and also needs a seamstress who can do basic alterations (hems and straps) on grad dresses. If you have any items to donate, con-tact [email protected]. If you are interested in volunteering, call Kathy at 778-231-7184 or [email protected].
Moms' Daybreak, meets Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Olivet Baptist Church, 613 Queens Ave. Children are cared for in their own program, while mothers get to relax and enjoy community speakers, demonstrations, crafts and connecting with each other. No registration is required for this free drop-in program. Info: Shirley Fox, 604-521-8097.
Would you like to help an adult learn to read and write? The I-Care adult literacy program at Douglas College is seeking volunteers now. If you are a Grade 12 graduate with strong reading and writing skills, and you are patient and compassionate, we would like to talk to you. Those accepted will receive tutor training (five Saturdays in January and February). Once training is completed, the tutor is available to be matched with an adult learner. Tutors and students meet once a week for two hours in a classroom or library. Call 604-527-5409 for more information.
Fraternal Order of Eagles #20 New Westminster Ladies Auxiliary, looking for members who are interested in having fun and raising funds to donate to local Lower Mainland charities. Group holds dinners, dances, events and picnics and would love to hear from you. Meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Contact: Marge Ashdown at 604-838-2675.
Artists 50+ are welcome to bring their own art projects to Century House every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. Gather to draw, paint, share or just have a bright and friendly place to work. The drop-in meets in the Spruce Room and donations are accepted.
New Westminster Family Place drop-in at Lord Kelvin Elementary, while school in session, every Thursday and Friday morning from 9 to 11 a.m., 1010 Hamilton St. Drop-in includes free play, stories, songs and craft activities. Info: 604-520-3666 or www.nwfamily.bc.ca.
Are you passionate about the Fraser River? Do you enjoy meeting new people and working with children? The Fraser River Discovery Centre is looking for volunteers to help lead its school programs. No experience is required, only an interest in working with children, a desire to learn about the Fraser River, and a weekday morning or afternoon to spare. Info: 604-521-8401 ext. 105 or email Shannon King at [email protected]. Info and application forms at www.fraserriverdiscovery.org.
