St. Barnabas Anglican Church is inviting residents to tune in to the third session of the New West Community Choir.
The “no barrier” choir is open to anyone, regardless of their singing ability. It meets for 10 Tuesdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. starting Sept. 19, but new choristers are welcome to join for the first few weeks.
“We had a great season last year,” said Rev. Emilie Smith. “We are looking forward to one more session starting on the 19th.”
The community choir is open to people from all walks of life, cultures, faiths and abilities. No one will be turned away because they think they can’t sing, and auditions aren’t required.
“We had a grand time singing on Canada Day at Queen’s Park, and we look forward to singing for the homelessness coalition’s fall fundraiser in October, but mostly we sing for our own joy and pleasure,” Smith wrote in an email to the Record. “Singing together nourishes the heart and strengthens the soul. Good medicine!”
For more information, call 604-526-6646 or email [email protected].
Be kind
The United Way is kicking off its fall fundraising campaign on a kind note.
In recognition of United Way Day today (Sept. 21), the United Way of the Lower Mainland is asking people to be kind to one another, whether that’s by holding a door open for someone, saying hello to a stranger or letting a rush-hour cheater merge in front of you in traffic.
United Way Day kicks off the organization’s fall fundraising drive, which raises money to support children, families and seniors and to help build strong communities.
Youth take on the Blind Grind Challenge
Nine blind or partially sighted youth recently reached the top of Grouse Mountain via the Grouse Grind.
The youth have been training all summer long for the Grind Blind challenge, which helps them build confidence and believe in themselves, and raise money for Blind Beginnings. New West native Shawn Marsolais, executive director of Blind Beginnings, also took part in the Grind Blind Challenge.
Along the way, each of the youth was accompanied by a sighted guide. Marsolais, who last did the Grind about 20 years ago and recently healed from a broken foot, was accompanied by her husband Derek Irvine. Marsolais, a former Paralympic athlete, felt the challenge fit perfectly with Blind Beginnings’ “No Limits” philosophy.
Founded in 2008, Blind Beginnings offers educational and experiential workshops, pre-employment training, summer camps, recreational activities and individualized counselling – all aimed at offering blind and partially sighted children opportunities to develop skills, confidence and independence. The non-profit is based in New Westminster.
For more information about Blind Beginnings, go to www.blindbeginnings.ca.
Supporting seniors
Hundreds of New West seniors will benefit from an Evening in Tuscany.
The Seniors Services Society is holding its third annual Evening in Tuscany fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. at La Perla Ballroom at River Market. The event features an Italian-inspired dinner and show, as well as live and silent auctions – all with the goal of raising money for the society’s support services programs that serve more than 700 New West seniors annually.
“Seniors Services Society, a non-profit agency located in New Westminster, provides a range of series for seniors who need a little assistance to live safe, comfortable, healthy and independent lives,” said the society in an email to the Record. “These programs are not fully funded and are run by over 100 volunteers. In order to keep them fuelled, we rely on generous annual donations from individuals and businesses in our community.”
Tickets are $100 and are available at www.seniorsservicessociety.ca or 604-520-6621.
Mom’s Daybreak
Moms are invited to get a bit of a break at the Mom’s DayBreak moms and tots group at Olivet Baptist Church.
Every Wednesday morning from September to June, moms (and some grandmothers who are looking after their grandchildren) gather in the morning of friendship, crafts, speakers from the community and coffee/tea. While volunteers supervise children aged zero to five years of age in the play area, moms have a chance to chat with other moms and share ideas and questions.
Olivet Baptist Church is at 613 Queens Ave. Pop in on Wednesday mornings or call 604-522-0232 to get more info.
