Tuesday, March 18
Writing workshop at the library, 7 p.m. Accessing memory to enhance your writing is the subject of the workshop, Page as Bone Blood as Ink. Jonina Kirton is a Métis/Icelandic poet/author who brings her experience as a graduate of the Simon Fraser University's writer's studio an as a sacred circle facilitator to her writing and teachings. The writing workshop is sponsored by the Royal City Literary Arts Society and the library. Register at 604-527-4667 or [email protected]. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave. For more information call 604-527-4660 or visit www.nwpl.ca.
New Westminster Tinnitus Support Group, meets 7 p.m., Century House, 620 Eighth St., ABC Room. Tinnitus is a ringing, humming, buzzing or other sound in our head or ears that doesn't have an outside source. The group discusses the latest treatment information and coping and stress reduction techniques, and offers encouraged and camaraderie to help combat this debilitating condition. For more information, contact group leader Gerald Blackwell at 604-600-9142 or email [email protected].
Saturday, March 22
New Westminster Lions Club St. Patrick’s pancake breakfast, 8 to 11 a.m., St. Barnabas Community Centre, 1010 Fifth Ave. By donation.
Wednesday, March 26
New Westminster Downtown Residents Association, general meeting, 7 p.m., Holy Trinity Cathedral Parish hall, 514 Carnarvon St. Live between Royal Avenue and the Fraser River? Come meet your neighbours, find out about local initiatives and express your ideas and concerns. City councillors will be on hand to answer residents’ questions, Marge Ashdown will speak about the Hyack New Westminster Ambassador program, Heidi Hughes will speak about Anvil Centre, and updates and discussion will be offered on a variety of topics.
Friday, March 28
Ukrainian Perogy Supper, 5 to 8 p.m., Holy Eucharist Church hall, 501 Fourth Ave. (corner of fourth Avenue and Fifth Street). Perogy sales from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information: 604-526-0988 or 604-7711.
Wednesday, April 2
Take an armchair trip to Salt Spring Island, 2:30 p.m., New Westminster Public Library. Gayle Mavor will show her photographs about living your dream on an island, in what for her turned into a three-year, mid-life detour to a Gulf Island paradise. The travel shows are co-sponsored by the library and the University Women’s Club of New Westminster. They’re held in the library’s auditorium at 716 Sixth Ave.
Saturday, April 5
Century House Association annual thrift sale, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 620 Eighth St. Bargains galore. Free admission. Recycled treasures include clothing and linens, small appliances, jewelry, kitchenware, knick-knacks, books, DVDs and CDs, plants and toys. Refreshments available.
Overview of 2,500 years of Christianity, a presentation by Rev. Graham Brownmiller at Queens Avenue United Church, 529 Queens Ave. All are welcome to attend and enjoy the presentation, as well as coffee and muffins. Info: 604-522-1606.
Monday, April 7
Codependents Anonymous Freedom Group, a 12-step program for men and women who want healthier, more functional relationships with themselves and others, meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Royal Columbian Hospital, 330 East Columbia St. Neil Russell Room, third floor of Columbia tower. Info: Sue at 604-580-8889 or the CoDA information line at 604-515-5585.
Wednesday, April 9
Take an armchair trip to Salt Spring Island, 7:30 p.m., New Westminster Public Library. Gayle Mavor will show her photographs about living your dream on an island, in what for her turned into a three-year, mid-life detour to a Gulf Island paradise. The travel shows are co-sponsored by the library and the University Women’s Club of New Westminster. They’re held in the library’s auditorium at 716 Sixth Ave.
Ongoing
ESL for moms and caregivers, Level 1 (Mondays from April 7 to June 16) and Level 2 (Thursdays from April 10 to June 12), 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. No cost to participants. Child minding, snacks and bus tickets available. Program held at Olivet Church, 713 Queens Ave. For information, call 604-525-9144 or email [email protected].
ESL for grandparents, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., April 7 to June 16 No cost to participants. Child minding, snacks and bus tickets available. Program held at Olivet Church, 713 Queens Ave. For information, call 604-525-9144 or email [email protected].
Single mothers' support group, Wednesday, April 9 to June 11, 5 to 7 p.m. No cost to participants. Child minding, snacks and bus tickets available. Program held at Olivet Church, 713 Queens Ave. For information, call 604-525-9144 or email [email protected].
Parenting in Canada, Thursdays, April 10 to June 12, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. No cost to participants. Child minding, snacks and bus tickets available. Program held at Olivet Church, 713 Queens Ave. For information, call 604-525-9144 or email [email protected].
Learn more about eReaders and how to borrow free library books at the New Westminster Public Library. Book a one-on-one session with a librarian and receive individual help. Bring in your laptop, eReader, tablet or smartphone and learn how to download the required software and find and download ebooks. Sessions are available every Wednesday until April 30 at 6, 6:45 and 7:45 p.m. To book as session, call 604-527-4665. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave. Info: 604-527-4660 or www.nwpl.ca.
Royal City Concert Band welcomes new members to join us in making great music and performing throughout Metro Vancouver. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 7:45 to 9:45 in the band room at New Westminster Secondary. We are especially seeking percussionists and clarinetists. Contact Bill Walters at 778-866-9908 for more information.
New Westminster Tinnitus Support Group, meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., Century House, 620 Eighth St., ABC Room. Tinnitus is a ringing, humming, buzzing or other sound in our head or ears that doesn't have an outside source. The group discusses the latest treatment information and coping and stress reduction techniques, and offers encouraged and camaraderie to help combat this debilitating condition. For more information, contact group leader Gerald Blackwell at 604-600-9142 or email [email protected].
Naranon Support Group, a 12 Step program for relatives and friends of those affected by drug abuse and addiction problems. Meets every Monday evening from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., 323 Eighth St. (group room), New Westminster. All welcome. Call 604-878-8844 for more info.
Community kitchens for parents of children under 12, every second Thursday morning beginning Jan. 16, Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave. Prepare tasty meals using fresh whole foods, meet new people, and learn to budget, plan meals and save time and money. To register contact Patricia Davison 604-525-9144 or email [email protected].
Community kitchens for adults aged 55 and older, every second Thursday morning beginning Jan. 30, Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave. Prepare tasty meals using fresh whole foods, meet new people, and learn to budget, plan meals and save time and money. To register contact Patricia Davison 604-525-9144 or email [email protected].
Parents Connect program, Fridays from Feb. 14 to May 23, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. No cost to participants. Child minding, snacks and bus tickets available. Program held at Olivet Church, 713 Queens Ave. For information, call 604-525-9144 or email [email protected].
Are you gay, bi-sexual or just not sure? Need a safe place to talk? HOMINUM is an informal discussion and support group to help gay, bi-sexual and questioning men with the challenges of being married, separated or single. Meets every Monday evening in locations around Metro Vancouver. For information and meeting location: call Don at 604-329-9760 or Art at 604-462-9813.
Writers Discovery Group, meets on the second Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m. to noon, New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. We welcome all writers wanting to reader their work and meet other writers who would like to discuss their writing style.
Pregnant and parenting program for youth 24 years and under, open to New Westminster and Burnaby residents. Bus tickets, produce, meals and resources. Come check us out. Call 604-298-6245 for more information.
Codependents Anonymous Freedom Group, a twelve-step program for men and women who want healthier, more functional relationships with themselves and others. Meetings are every Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the Neil Russell room, third floor, Columbia Tower at the Royal Columbian Hospital, 330 East Columbia St. For more information call Sue at 604-580-8889 or the CoDA Info Line at 604-515-5585.
Sapperton Pensioners, meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 318 Keary St. New members welcome. Info: 604-724-9722.
Netherlands Association, speak Dutch with others and celebrate your heritage. Visit www.dutchnetwork.ca or contact Edie, [email protected] or 604-536-3394.
Royal City Communicators, meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Cameron Recreation Centre, 9523 Cameron St., Burnaby, helping those who are afraid to speak in public. Information: 604-939-5088.
Al-Anon and Alateen, help those whose lives are affected by someone else's drinking. Call 604-688-1716.
Burnaby/New West Newcomers and Friends Club, welcomes women who are new to the area, as well as longtime residents. Gives women of all ages and cultures a chance to make new friends through meetings and other events. Info: Jocelan, 604-520-3646.
St. Barnabas thrift store, open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A few more volunteers also sought. Call Sandy, 604-526-3033.
Moms' group, meets Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Olivet Baptist Church, Seventh Street and Queens Avenue. Moms can relax, enjoy adult conversation and enjoy a craft, demo or speaker. Children up to age five have their own quality time out. Open to moms of all ages and religions. Info: Marion, 604-526-9394.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), West End chapter meets Wednesdays at Connaught Heights Community School, 7 to 8 p.m., with weigh-in at 6:30 p.m. TOPS is a volunteer group that uses nutrition and portion control for effective weight loss. Membership is $30 per year; teens and pre-teens are free when accompanied by an adult. Info: Visit www.tops.org or call Jean, 604-525-4971.
Networking meeting, every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at the Waffle House. Enjoy breakfast with other business people, share leads and referrals and build your business. Guests welcome. RSVP to 778-986-9186.
Royal City Curling Club, daytime ladies' play, with Tuesday and Thursday leagues, 9:30 a.m. Drop-in clinics will be held on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. for new curlers and experienced players who wish to improve their game. Call 604-522-4737 or visit www.royalcitycc.com for info.
Parkinson's group meeting, meet the first Tuesday of every month, 1 to 3 p.m. Century House. Info: 604-519-1066. New members and caretakers are welcome.
Tillicum Toastmasters, helps people become better speakers. Come visit, Mondays at 7:20 to 9:30 p.m. at Unity in Action Church, 1630 Edinburgh St. Info: http://3435.toastmasters.org or email [email protected].
Wednesday Walking Club, meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m. On odd-numbered days of the month, meet in the parking lot near Century House, with walks through uptown New Westminster. On even-numbered days of the month, meet at Columbia Square with walks through the downtown/Quayside area, meeting at 70 10th St. Walks go from a half-hour to two hours, rain or shine. No charge. Contact [email protected], or just show up on time for the walk.
Family Mediation Practicum Program, offers free mediation to couples who are separating or who have been having ongoing conflicts with their ex about custody, access, guardianship, child support and property matters. Program located in New Westminster. Call 604-516-0788 or e-mail [email protected].
Family members of individuals with multiple sclerosis, looking for support, are invited to join the MS Society's family members group, with groups in the Tri-Cities and Vancouver areas. Info: 604-689-3144.
New Westminster Rotary Club, holds its weekly meeting and lunch every Thursday at noon at the Old Bavaria Haus, 233 Sixth St., with guest speakers. Guests and visitors welcome. Information: 604-451-4133.
Breastfeeding, or pregnant and want to learn more? Looking for information or help? Wanting to meet breastfeeding mothers? Contact the La Leche League info line at 604-520-4623 for information about the Coquitlam group, which includes New Westminster mothers.
Alzheimer's Caregiver support group, meets monthly, every second Tuesday of the month at Century House, Moody Park. Info: 604-298-0780.
Single moms' group, meets Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m. at New West Family Place, 101-93 Sixth St. Friendly, informal, drop-in group, with discussions on parenting and other issues of common interest. Child care for children under six provided free by trained staff.
Developmental Disabilities Association, will collect donations of goods that are no longer wanted. Information about bins, pickup and drop-off opportunities at 604-273-4DDA.
Burnaby-New Westminster Soroptimist Club, invites women to have fun and give back to the community. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby. Info: Doreen at 604-291-0254.
Canadian Club of New Westminster and Fraser Valley, meets monthly at the Justice Institute of B.C., with meet-and-greet at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and speaker at 8 p.m. Call Earl, 604-520-3889 or visit www.ourcanadian.blogspot.com for more info.
Girl Guides of Canada, year-round registration and volunteer info, 1-800-565-8111.
Vancouver Rape Relief, needs male volunteers for group that raises money for the crisis centre and transition house. Contact Louisa Russell at [email protected].
Girl Guides of Canada, units meet weekly around Burnaby and New Westminster. Girls aged five to 18 and women 19 and up can join all year round. Call 1-800-565-8111.
St. Barnabas, located at Fifth Avenue and 10th Street in New Westminster, is seeking committed volunteers for their thrift shop, community lunch program, emergency food cupboard and for the office. Make a positive difference in the community by helping with programs that benefit those citizens in need. For more information, please call 604-526-6646.
New Westminster Lions Club, meets every second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Boston Pizza, 1035 Columbia St., Columbia Square plaza. New members welcome.
Volunteers needed, to help with the Elizabeth Fry Society women's drop-in centre. If you are a woman who wants to make a difference in the lives of marginalized women and you have two hours a week between Tuesday and Sunday, for four to six months, call 604-520-1166 or e-mail [email protected].
Support groups, for men or women, aged 19 and up, who were sexually assaulted as children. Group also available for teenage girls, aged 13 to 18, who have been sexually assaulted. Groups held in safe, non-judgmental environment so that you feel free to share as much or as little as you want. Info: www.sarasociety.net, [email protected], 604-584-2626.
Big Sisters, seeks new volunteers. Information sessions held regularly around the Lower Mainland. Call 604-873-4525 or visit www.bigsisters.bc.ca for a listing of information sessions.
Seniors Services Society of New Westminster, needs volunteer drivers for the Meals on Wheels program, three hours once a week. Also seeking grocery shoppers for the grocery-shopping program. Call 604-520-6621 or e-mail [email protected], or see www.seniorsservicessociety.ca.
New Westminster Family Place drop-in at Lord Kelvin Elementary, every Thursday and Friday morning from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., 1010 Hamilton St. Drop-in includes free play, stories, songs and craft activities. Info: 604-520-3666 or www.nwfamily.bc.ca.
New Westminster Family Place, is a free family resource centre for parents with children five and under. There is a bright, action-packed playroom filled with toys, games, puzzles and crafts and staffed by early childhood educators and a family support worker. There is a parents' room for relaxing, and parenting classes are available. Drop-in hours are 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and Monday and Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m. Call 604-520-3666 for info on upcoming programs.
The Canadian Club of New Westminster and the Fraser Valley, meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Justice Institute, 715 McBride Blvd. Meet and greet at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m. and guest speaker at 8 p.m. Info: Earl at 604-520-388 or www.ourcanadian.blogspot.com.
New Westminster Photography Club, meets first and fourth Tuesday of each month from September to May (exceptions May and December, first Tuesday only), 7:30 p.m., Centennial Lodge in Queen's Park. Info: nwphoto.org.
