The New Westminster Historical Society is once again kicking off a new year of presentations with what has become a popular topic - a look at local history through a miscellaneous collection of images and stories.
The January 2012 presentation includes a selection of photos and stories including the New Westminster opera house at the corner of Lorne and Victoria streets, a program from a special Elks Club event in 1909; a look at the Expo 86 site at False Creek in early 1987 as the evidence of the popular fair disappeared, some old postcard sets of images and more.
The presentation will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 7: 30 p.m. in the auditorium of the New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave.
The program is free, everyone is welcome and there's no need to preregister.
IN THE SPIRITS
Moonrakers neighbourhood pub served up some Christmas spirit to local seniors at its Christmas Day lunch.
"Thanks to our army of volunteers and very generous donors, we were able to provide dinner, dessert, Christmas crackers and a pair of gloves, a hat and scarves to everyone who attended," said Mike McKee, in an email to The Record. "We even had some volunteers lead everyone in Christmas carols. It was a wonderful event."
SING FOR SUPPER
A quartet of university students is thankful to the folks who supported the food bank during their recent caroling fundraiser.
Michelle Murray, Kristy Hancock, Leah Zroh and Meghan Gilhespy, all graduates of the New Westminster Secondary School Class of 2010, go carolling each Christmas but decided to turn this year's endeavour into a fundraiser for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.
Their efforts were highlighted in an Around Town column in advance of their Dec. 22 outing near Herbert Spencer Elementary and their Dec. 23 walk-about near Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary.
"Thanks to your support and publicity we were able to raise over $800 and 360 pounds of food," said Murray in an email to The Record.
"People were excited to hear us sing, and the whole (food) drive was very enjoyable."
While many people have offered them donations in the past, the women didn't accept them because they were doing it just for fun.
The four women have sung together for years, including as members of the vocal jazz choir at NWSS.
EXPLORING
The Lower Mainland Purpose Society is thrilled that The North Face Explore Fund is funding it Winter Apex program this year.
North Face has awarded a $2,500 grant to the society to help children and families explore the outdoors.
"The Purpose Society has long believed in the value of outdoor recreation as a positive youth engagement strategy which builds self confidence, selfreliance and resilience," said society executive director Dawn Embree in a press release.
"Over 25 years ago, the staff annually took a group of high-risk youth hiking on the West Coast Trail. We have maintained a popular summer recreation program for the last 20 years, but a few years ago staff decided that they wanted to add a winter program.
"We finally secured funding to run a pilot program last winter, which was very successful, and now, gratefully due to the North Face Explore Fund, we will be able to offer the winter program for a second year."
The North Face Explore Fund is a grant program committed to supporting non-profit, community organizations that break down the barriers preventing children and families from experiencing the outdoors.
"Firsthand experience is essential to ignite a passion for the outdoors, and that shouldn't be limited by gender, race or income level," said Ann Krcik, director of outdoor participation at The North Face.
"At The North Face, we're dedicated to providing everyone with the access to our natural playgrounds and the resources they need to get outside."
Established in 2010, the Apex Winter Adventure Program provides at-risk youth in New Westminster with an opportunity to engage in high interest, outdoor activities during their winter break from school.
It provides the opportunity to connect youth with youth workers and support services within their community, and to allow youth to explore new outdoor activities and engage in pro-social activities during their winter break from school.
The Ministry of Children and Family Development, New Westminster Parks, Culture and Recreation, New Westminster School District, Mount Seymour, Save-On Foods and Safeway have also supported the program.
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