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What's happening in New West? Events calendar for Feb. 3 and beyond

Tuesday, Feb. 3 Author Carol Shaben: Into the Abyss , a presentation at 7 p.m. where Shaben will present a slide/talk about her book.

Tuesday, Feb. 3

Author Carol Shaben: Into the Abyss, a presentation at 7 p.m. where Shaben will present a slide/talk about her book. What could a pilot, a politician, a criminal and a cop have in common? They all survived a deadly plane crash in Northern Alberta. Shaben is the daughter of one of the survivors and has written Into the Abyss, which tells the true story of the crash and its aftermath. In her book, Shaben presents the dramatic account of the plane crash and how the four survivors, who waited in sub-zero temperatures for help, found their survival hinged on one o the four - a prisoner in transit to face charges. Pre-register for the talk at the library, by phone at 604-527-4667 or by email at listener@nwpl.ca. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca or 604-527-4660.

Parent Education Session, 7 to 8 p.m., sponsored by Queen's Park Preschool, Centennial Lodge in Queen's Park. Dawnn Whittaker, founder and sernior consultant with Cheekychops, will present a child sleep seminar that addresses sleep issues with a variety of ages. Questions encouraged. Tickets are $10 and must be reserved ahead of time by contacting Tasha Murray at tashamurray@outlook.com or 604-526-5527.

Wednesday, Feb. 4

Travel show at the library, 2:30 p.m. Take a trip to Laos, when Debbie Smith introduces you to the landscape and people of this exotic South Asian country. The free travel shows are co-sponsored by the library and the University Women's Club of New Westminster. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca or 604-527-4660.

Tuesday, Feb. 10

Play and learn, a special session where parents can learn to have more fund with their kids, 10 a.m. to noon. Professionals will introduce games, activities and books that are suitable for children in kindergarten to Grade 1. Presented by MOSACI and co-sponsored by the library, the session is of particular interest to newcomers to Canada. Although aimed at parents, children are welcome to attend. Please bring your permanent resident card. Bus Tickets are available upon request from MOSAIC. Register at the library, 604-527-4667 or contact Jackie Hong at 778-558-9011 or jhong@mosaicbc.com or Jieni He at 778-386-8311 or jhe@mosaic.com. When registering, please include the number and ages of any children who are attending. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca, 604-527-4660.

Wednesday, Feb. 11

Travel show at the library, 7:30 p.m. Take a trip to Laos, when Debbie Smith introduces you to the landscape and people of this exotic South Asian country. The free travel shows are co-sponsored by the library and the University Women's Club of New Westminster. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca or 604-527-4660.

Sunday, Feb. 15

Computer help for seniors, introduction to Word (basic), a free session at New Westminster Public Library, 11 a.m. to noon. To register, call 604-527-4665 or email listener@nwpl.ca. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave. www.nwpl.ca, 604-527-4660.

Monday, Feb. 16

Delve into your family and local history during Heritage Week, 3 to 6 p.m. New Westminster Public Library is holding drop-in clinics to get personal assistance researching your New Westminster house or your family. Librarians will be able to show you how to find information online and in print, including unique materials found only at the library. Historical photographs, newspaper articles, obituaries and funeral records are some of the resources available. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca, 604-527-4660.

Tuesday, Feb. 17

Reel Readers: Girl with a Pearl Earring. Is the book always better than the movie? Or vice versa? Become a Reel Reader and find out. The Reel Readers club at the New Westminster Public Library invites you to read the book, watch the movie at the library and then discuss both of them. The first Reel Readers face-off will be held on today at 6:30 p.m. and features Girl with a Pearl Earring.  In the book Girl with a Pearl Earring, author Tracy Chevalier imagines the circumstances around Vermeer's famous painting of the same name and how it might have come to be painted. The movie, which stars Colin Firth and Scarlett Johannson, has garnered numerous award nominations. Register at 604-527-4667 or listener@nwpl.ca. A limited number of books are available to be borrowed - just ask at the checkout desk. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca or 604-527-4660.

Wednesday, Feb. 18

Canadian Club of New Westminster and Fraser Valley, meets for lunch, noon, La Spaghetteria, 232 Sixth St. Info: Earl, 604-520-3889 or visit www.ourcanadian.blogspot.com for more info.

Thursday, Feb. 19

Delve into your family and local history during Heritage Week, 5 to 8 p.m. New Westminster Public Library is holding drop-in clinics to get personal assistance researching your New Westminster house or your family. Librarians will be able to show you how to find information online and in print, including unique materials found only at the library. Historical photographs, newspaper articles, obituaries and funeral records are some of the resources available. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca, 604-527-4660.

Friday, Feb. 20

SFU Café Scientifique series, Boston Pizza, private room, 1045 Columbia St., 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Hosted by the Faculty of Science enables the public to participate and learn from experts on key topics in science. Ryan Morin, an assistant professor of molecular biology, biochemistry and computing since will discus genomic sequencing in cancer and personalized medicine. Info: http://www.sfu.ca/science/outreach-program/cafe_scientifique.html

Friday, Feb. 27

Ukrainian perogy supper, Holy Eucharist Church hall, Fourth Avenue and Fifth Street, 5 to 8 p.m. Perogy sales are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 604-526-0988 or the hall at 604-522-7711.

March 8 and March 9

Computer help for seniors, email - basic and intermediate. Register for both sessions, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. New Westminster Public Library is offering computer help for seniors. The sessions are free and run for one hour. To register, call 604-527-4665 or email listener@nwpl.ca. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca, 604-527-4660.

Friday, March 20

SFU Café Scientifique series, Boston Pizza, private room, 1045 Columbia St., 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Hosted by the Faculty of Science enables the public to participate and learn from experts on key topics in science. Paul Tupper, an associate professor of mathematics, will take a skeptical view of Big Data, looking at the power of techniques used in data mining and some of the surprising claims of new data science. Info: http://www.sfu.ca/science/outreach-program/cafe_scientifique.html

April 12 and 13

Computer help for seniors, everything photos - learn how to manage digital photos online. Register for both sessions, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. New Westminster Public Library is offering computer help for seniors. The sessions are free and run for one hour. To register, call 604-527-4665 or email listener@nwpl.ca. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca, 604-527-4660.

Ongoing

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, contact youwearitwell@yahoo.ca.  If you are interested in volunteering, call Kathy at 778-231-7184 or youwearitwell@yahoo.ca.

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.

Fun, Learning and You, a program for children aged 18 months to five years and their parents or caregivers, 10 a.m. to noon. Offered by the Lower Mainland Purpose Society, the program runs every Wednesday from Jan. 6 to March 23. Free for New Westminster residents. Join in on circle times, preschool readiness and play in a rich thematic program. Parent information sessions include speech and language, early literacy and more. For information or to register, contact Elizabeth at 604-526-2522. The Purpose Society is at 40 Begbie St.

English Made Easy is offered by the Lower Mainland Purpose Society, a program for non-English speaking families (adults with limited or no English skills) and their children aged zero to five years. English Made Easy runs every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon from Jan. 7 to March 25, 2015. Free for New Westminster residents. Includes practical English classes for the caregivers and songs, stories and crafts (with an emphasis on English) for the children. For information or to register, contact Elizabeth at 604-526-2522. The Purpose Society is at 40 Begbie St.

Join a book club at the library. The adult book club is held the third Thursday evening of the month at 7 p.m. from September to June. Register at 604-527-4667 or listener@nwpl.ca. A limited number of books are available at the checkout desk.

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 listener@nwpl.ca. A limited number of books are available at the checkout desk.

Are you gay, bi-sexual or just not sure? Need a safe place to talk? HOMINUM is an informal discussion and support group to help gay, bi-sexual and questioning men with the challenges of being married, separated or single. Meets every Monday evening in locations around Metro Vancouver. For information and meeting location, call Don at 604-329-9760 or Art at 604-462-9813.

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 Resource 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.

Moms' group, meets Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (while local schools are in session) at Olivet Baptist Church, Seventh Street and Queens Avenue. Moms can relax, enjoy adult conversation and enjoy a craft, demo or speaker. Children up to age five have their own quality time out. Open to moms of all ages and religions. Info: Shirley, 604-521-8097.

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.

St. Barnabas thrift store, open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A few more volunteers also sought. Call Gail or David, 604-526-3033.

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 outside 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 nwtinn@inbox.com.

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 special background or 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. To get started, call 604-521-8401 x 105 or email Shannon King at sking@fraserriverdiscovery.org. More information and application forms are available at www.fraserriverdiscovery.org.

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.

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/newwestminsterlionsclubca.

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? Take the first step and join us for our next meeting and see what we're all about. All guests welcomed for free. No obligation to speak or sign up. Look forward to seeing you there

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 ecbayer2@gmail.com.

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 info@volunteergrandparents.ca.

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 info@rapereliefshelter.bc.ca.

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, ediebijdemast@telus.net 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 and Wednesdays from 7 to 8:15 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 335 Seventh St. (enter off Fourth Avenue). Info: 604-524-5244.

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.