Folks of all ages can help clean up the shoreline in Queensborough.
The Queensborough Special Programs Committee is hosting the 11th annual Queensborough Shoreline Cleanup on Sunday, Sept. 19 starting at 10 a.m. Participants are asked to meet at Thompsons Landing Park and to bring shovels, rakes, clippers, gloves, hats and boots.
Laurel Wright, a member of the special programs committee, said the event attracts many of the same people year after year, but new participants are always welcomed.
“Generally we have groups or individuals that either want to go for a walk and pick up garbage, or get a workout digging up stubborn blackberries and ivy. We have crafts for kids, and will have a few plants to add to our pollinator garden,” said a notice about the event. “This year the tide will be going out so there may an opportunity to get right to the river's edge to get at Styrofoam and plastic, before it make its way to the ocean, but the Fraser is muddy, so wear your rubber boots. Our shoreline health is very important; it is well worth the effort, and fun too.”
The event runs rain or shine.
“It is a community supported event of caring for our natural habitat, and provides a feel-good opportunity to participate with and meet your neighbours,” said committee member Brad Williams.
People can sign up on the day of the event or on the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup at www.shorelinecleanup.ca.
Social distancing and contact info-gathering will be in effect.
For more information, visit the Queensborough Special Programs Committee page on Facebook, call the Queensborough Community Centre at 604-525-7388 or email [email protected].
BC Seniors Advocate attending long-term care panel
If you have thoughts on ways to improve the long-term care system in B.C., here’s your chance to share your ideas with some movers and shakers.
The City of New Westminster and the Century House Association are hosting Long Term Care: A Time for Change, a panel discussion on Wednesday, Sept. 22 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. At that time, community members will be able discuss and brainstorm ideas with panel members: Isobel Mackenzie, British Columbia’s Seniors Advocate; Gloria Gutman, professor emerita, Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University; Jim Sinclair, Fraser Health Authority board chair; and Andre Picard, a staff columnist at the Globe and Mail
“Join us to help form the best approach for the care and support of the frail and elderly population currently residing in British Columbia,” said a notice about the event.
You can register in advance at www.newwestcity.ca/longtermcare.
Supporting New West families
Family Services of Greater Vancouver is resuming in-person programs for families this fall.
FSGV will be following B.C.’s provincial health regulations in accordance with the Restart Plan.
Parents Connect includes seven sessions for parents of children aged zero to six years of age, where they can connect with other parents and participate in guided discussions. It’s set to take place on Fridays from Sept. 17 to Oct. 29 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Olivet Church.
Bus tickets will be provided for all in-person programs.
Family Services of Great Vancouver is continuing to offer the Raising Exceptional Children support group for parents of children with special needs. The group, which gives parents a chance to connect with other parents, share the challenges of parenting exceptional children and learn about community resources, runs on the last Saturday of each month starting at 10 a.m. on Zoom.
To register for any of these programs, call 604-368-2154 or email [email protected].
Follow Theresa McManus on Twitter @TheresaMcManus
Email [email protected]
