Learn how to “get a grip” at a presentation taking place at Douglas College next week.
Nathan DeWall, an expert on the science of self-control, will talk about Taming the Impulsive Beast: Self-Control as Our Greatest Human Strength. The free event takes place Tuesday, March 18 from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 2201 of the New Westminster campus, 700 Royal Ave.
DeWall, a psychology professor at the University of Kentucky, will explain how self-control is both our greatest human strength and the easiest to improve.
“We all have heroes who motivate us to become better versions of ourselves and the success of those heroes relies on a common ingredient: self-control,” he said in a press release. “I want to explain the science of self-control and show people that we aren’t as different from our heroes as we think. We all have what it takes to achieve our goals.”
DeWall will draw on cutting-edge science to show how self-control helps us have better lives and stronger relationships and improves societies. By understanding why self-control is important and how it works, he said people can accomplish more than they ever thought was possible.
DeWall, who received the 2011 College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Teaching Award, has had more than 120 scientific articles and chapters published. He is also director of the Social Psychology Lab at the University of Kentucky.
“We are thrilled to have a visit from a world-class researcher and exceptional educator such as Dr. DeWall,” said Nicole Vittoz, a psychology instructor at Douglas College.
For more, visit www.douglascollege.ca.
Heritage afloat
New Westminster’s maritime heritage will be explored once again by the New Westminster Historical Society.
The theme of Heritage Week 2014 is Heritage Afloat, a topic near and dear to the city’s history. The society’s March program carries on with the maritime topic featured at the society’s February’s presentation.
“This March presentation follows on the images and stories from February’s look at the theme with more colourful maritime accounts, tales and photographs,” stated a press release. “Also, Ashleigh Hibbins from the Fraser River Discovery Centre will bring information about a FRDC project that connects Heritage Afloat, the anniversary of the start of World War I and local river-related stories.”
Interested? Drop by the free presentation taking place on Wednesday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the New Westminster Public Library at 716 Sixth Ave.
Grants offered
If you’ve got a great idea for an event in your neighbourhood, the Vancouver Foundation may be able to help out.
The Vancouver Foundation is once again making neighbourhood small grants available in New Westminster. The grants, which usually range from $50 to $500 – but could go up to $1,000 – are administered locally by Family Services of Greater Vancouver.
The 2014 application deadline is Monday, April 7 at 5 p.m. Last year, more than 60 projects were funded in New Westminster, including cleanup events, sport-related activities, festivals, community gardens, workshops, arts and culture events, community activities and block parties.
For more information about the grants, contact program coordinator Maylen Crespo at [email protected] or 604-525-9144, extension 3667.
Mad scientists
Wanna-be scientists will want to check out an upcoming event at Fraser River Discovery Centre.
Discovery Centre is hosting a Mad About Science event on Saturday, March 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. The event, which features internationally recognized science educators Mad Science, includes hands-on experiments, special guests and a live show by Mad Science.
The Fire and Ice science show gets underway at 2 p.m., and tickets must be purchased in advance. Each ticket includes a voucher for a free kid’s meal at Boston Pizza New West.
Tickets are $7 (including tax) for one adult and one child, and $5 for each additional child.
Seating is limited, so get them fast by calling Fraser River Discovery Centre at 604-521-8401 or dropping by 788 Quayside Dr.
Admission to other activities is by donation. These include water testing experiments, building a river raft and dry ice demonstrations.
Fraser River Discovery Centre is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the centre’s galleries is by donation.
For more information, visit www.fraserriverdiscovery.org.
Do you have an item fro Around Town? Send community tips and story ideas to Theresa, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @TheresaMcManus.
