An impressive lineup of performers took to the stage during the Blind Beginnings Has Talent event.
Blind Beginnings held its second annual talent show on June 7 at the Sapperton Pensioners’ Hall. The New Westminster-based organization seeks to empower blind and visually impaired children and youth and to support their families through a variety of workshops and programs.
The top three finishers in last weekend’s talent show are all completely blind.
Bridgett Robinson, an eight-year-old who taught herself to play the piano, took first place for her performance, which included singing while playing the piano.
Clement Chou, a 22-year-old who plays the guitar and sings, placed second. He’s been performing for many years and is one of the Blind Beginnings’ youth mentors.
Placing third was 10-year-old Ella Yu, who has been playing the violin for three-and-a-half years.
Funds raised at the Blind Beginnings Has Talent event support the non-profit organization’s youth leadership in action program, which allows young people from various parts of B.C. to meet and develop their leadership and life skills. It also gives them a chance to meet and develop friendships with other youth who are visually impaired or blind.
Giving thanks
The Westies are grateful for assistance in helping with the installation of a Second World War relic at the Armoury on Queens Avenue.
Devin Klassen, public affairs officer with the local Army Reserve Regiment and the Royal Westminster Regiment, says Pedre Contractors’ employees noticed some volunteers working tirelessly with inadequate tools and staffing to install a cement pad in front of the Armoury on Queens Avenue. He said the folks at Pedre Contracting used their own time, tools and materials to help create the pad.
“Foreman Robert Bertolini, together with Ian Lalley, Jordan Noble and Mitch Bartel, stepped up on their own accord during a work week in mid-May to offer thousands of dollars of expertise, equipment and materials so that the Royal Westminster Regiment could install a World War 2 troop carrier in time for the Melfa anniversary, an anniversary in which the regiment hosts and celebrates the accomplishments and veterans of the regiment in World War 2,” Klassen said in a press release. “Without their generous aid, there is no doubt the project would not have been completed in time. From commanding officer Lieutenant Col. Vernon and all the rest of the Westies, we extend our extreme gratitude to these fine men and Pedre Contractors.”
River crossing
The upcoming presentation of the New Westminster Historical Society will take a look at a topic that’s often making headlines.
Crossing the Fraser is the topic of the society’s presentation on Wednesday, June 18.
“There is talk daily about the Pattullo Bridge and the Fraser River crossings at New Westminster. This program is a photographic history of ‘crossing the Fraser’ at the Royal City – from canoes, sternwheelers and ferries to swing spans, a toll bridge, and rapid transit,” said a press release about the presentation. “Many people are not aware of the early ferries that crossed the Fraser here, and are intrigued by the ingenuity needed to cross the river before this method.”
Images of the Pattullo Bridge, built in 1937, and other crossings will be part of the presentation that takes place on June 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the New Westminster Public Library. The program is free and everyone is welcome.
Honouring alumni
A graduate of the dispensing optician program at Douglas College is the recipient of the college’s Distinguished Alumni Award for 2014.
Douglas College is honouring the accomplishments of Scott Kling, an eye-care professional who has made his mark in the industry as an educator, advocate and volunteer.
“Being recognized with this award is one of the proudest moments of my career so far,” said Kling, who graduated from the college in 2004. “Douglas College was my gateway into the eye-care industry.”
Kling, a licensed dispensing optician and contact lens fitter, is an accredited speaker who has delivered presentations to eye-care professionals across Canada and internationally. He also volunteers with the Third World Eye Care Society, a non-profit organization that collects eyewear and distributes it to people in developing countries.
