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New West seniors invited to warm their hearts through song

What's happening Around Town
century-house
A virtual singing program and and in-person Cultural Cafe are just two of the events happening at Century House.

New West seniors are invited to take a stroll down memory lane at Century House.

A Musical Walk Down Memory Lane is a six-week virtual singing program that includes songs from different genres and decades, including crooners from the 50s, Beatles from the 60s and folk music from the 70’s. No singing experience is needed.

“Singing familiar songs warms our hearts and lifts our spirits,” said a notice about the program.

To avoid Zoom time-lag problems, participants’ mics are turned off during the program. Between songs, the program facilitator will share stories about the music, composers and artists.

A Musical Walk Down Memory Lane is on Mondays from Oct. 18 to Nov. 22 from 1 to 2 p.m.  To register, go to www.tinyurl.com/CHMemoryLane.

Cultural Café

A New Westminster Cultural Café for Seniors is another offering taking place at Century House.

Seniors of diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds are invited to attend the event to discuss racism and discrimination. It’s on Friday, Oct. 22 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

“This  Cultural  Café  provides  a  unique space for seniors to collectively come together and share how we can all create a safe, welcoming and inclusive community for seniors in New Westminster,” said a notice about the event. “Please join us, over tea and goodies, for this very important Cultural Café  with  culturally  diverse  New  Westminster  seniors at Century House.”

Space is limited. Anyone wanting to attend the Cultural Café can sign up at the front office at Century House.

Details about all of Century House’s happenings – virtual and in-person – can be found in The Clarion. You’ll find the newsletter at www.centuryhouseassociation.com.

Rail safety reminder

Residents are being reminded to stay safe when they’re travelling near train tracks.

Rail Safety Week was celebrated in communities across North America from Sept. 20 to 26. The annual week-long event is spearheaded Operation Lifesaver Canada, Operation Lifesaver Inc. and the Mexican Association of Railroads.

According to the City of New Westminster, there are 22 railway crossings in the city – 12 on the mainland and 10 in Queensborough.

“I just want everyone to be aware and to be safe around railways, around rail infrastructure,” said Coun. Chuck Puchmayr.

Held since 2017, Rail Safety Week aims to save lives by educating the public about making safe decisions around trains and tracks. Its goal is to #STOPTrackTragedies.

According to organizers, a person or a vehicle is hit by a train every three hours in the United States. Each year, 2,100 North Americans are injured or killed in these preventable incidents.

During Rail Safety Week, initiatives focused on emphasizing the importance of obeying crossing safety and anti-trespass laws and educating pedestrians, cyclists, joggers and others about the need to be safe near train tracks. This included a “No Photo, Video or Selfie is Worth the Risk” campaign to warn professional and amateur photographers against putting themselves or others in danger by illegally taking photos, videos, or filming near tracks and trains.

For more information about rail safety, go to www.oli.org.

Slipper Soiree raising funds for Family Services programs

Family Services of Greater Vancouver is holding a virtual “slumber party” to help provide people with a safe place to sleep.

The non-profit society is holding a virtual Slipper Soirée – Slumber Party Edition on Saturday, Oct. 23. This year’s FSGV fundraiser is all about providing people with a safe place to sleep – whether they’re experiencing homelessness, a victim of domestic violence, or a child aging out of foster care.

Global BC news anchor Chris Gailus will host the virtual event, which includes music by Trilojay and trivia led by Vancouver Trivia Party.

“Guests will receive elevated slumber party food, with elegant classics and new favourites, all packaged in a grazing box, along with delightful beverages from Everything Wine, Central City Brewing, or Tito’s Vodka,” said a notice about the event.

In addition to live fundraising taking place during the slumber party, a one-week online auction, raffle and Fund-A-Need runs from Oct. 15 to 23.

“Crisis can come in many forms – from violence and trauma to social isolation to financial or housing insecurity,” FSGV CEO Maria Howard said in a press release. “At Family Services of Greater Vancouver, our expert staff are there to help people out of crisis and into resilience. Funds raised at Slipper Soirée support critical programs that support thousands of individuals and families every year.” 

Details about the fundraiser and tickets to the online fundraiser are available at www.fsgv.ca.

Follow Theresa McManus on Twitter @TheresaMcManus
Email tmcmanus@newwestrecord.ca