Thursday, Feb. 19
Delve into your family and local history during Heritage Week, 5 to 8 p.m. New Westminster Public Library is holding drop-in clinics to get personal assistance researching your New Westminster house or your family. Librarians will be able to show you how to find information online and in print, including unique materials found only at the library. Historical photographs, newspaper articles, obituaries and funeral records are some of the resources available. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca, 604-527-4660.
Travel writing workshop, presented by Royal City Literary Arts Society and sponsored by the New Westminster Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Learn how to turn your travel adventures into marketable articles, creative nonfiction stories and interesting blogs or travel memoirs. Ruth Kozak will discuss how toe write travel blogs and keep travel journals, and will offer some writing instruction and critique. Register in person, phone 604-527-4667 or email [email protected]. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca, 604-527-4660.
Friday, Feb. 20
SFU Café Scientifique series, Boston Pizza, private room, 1045 Columbia St., 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Hosted by the Faculty of Science enables the public to participate and learn from experts on key topics in science. Ryan Morin, an assistant professor of molecular biology, biochemistry and computing since will discus genomic sequencing in cancer and personalized medicine. Info: http://www.sfu.ca/science/outreach-program/cafe_scientifique.html.
Saturday, Feb. 21
Scholarship recital, featuring senior piano, violin and voice students who have received top marks in the 2014 royal Conservatory of Music examinations, 7:30 p.m., Shadbolt Centre, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., Room 102. Tickets are $10 regular and $8 for seniors and students. Reception following.
Wednesday, Feb. 25
Seniors Planning and Action Network New Westminster, hosts seniors forum, Aging in New Westminster - what is our future, 9 a.m. to noon, Centennial Lodge in Queen's Park. This forum is for seniors, caregivers, service providers - anyone interested in exploring issues for New Westminster seniors. Isobel Mackenzie, B.C.'s seniors advocate, will speak. Refreshments will be provided. Pre-register by Feb. 17 is required to be sure of a seat: 604-515-1718 or [email protected].
Friday, Feb. 27
Ukrainian perogy supper, Holy Eucharist Church hall, Fourth Avenue and Fifth Street, 5 to 8 p.m. Perogy sales are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 604-526-0988 or the hall at 604-522-7711.
Are you Gay, Bi-sexual or just not sure? Need a safe place to talk? HOMINUM Fraser Valley 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 today at 7:30 p.m. For information and meeting location, call Art 604-462-9813 or Don 604-329-9760.
Saturday Feb. 28
Thrift sale and coffee break, 9 a.m. to noon, Knox Presbyterian Church, 403 East Columbia St.
Herbert Spencer School swap meet and bistro, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 605 Second St. Free. Table rentals ($20) support school equipment, fieldtrips, books and other school activities. Bistro will serve coffee/tea and some home baking. For info, email [email protected].
Queen's Park Preschool annual silent auction, 7 to 11 p.m., Glenbrook Park Amenities Centre, 75 Jamieson Court. This will be a fun evening, with many items to bid on, all in support of Queen's Park Preschool. Tickets re $19 (must be 19 or older) and must be reserved in advance by contacting Christina at [email protected]. For more info on the preschool, visit www.qpps.ca.
Immigration and Family Sponsorship, program to help newcomers improve their knowledge of Canadian immigration and family sponsoring procedures for spouse, parents, family members and adoption. Program is from 10 a.m. to noon, New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. The presentation will be conducted in English, with translation available in French, Chichewa, Nyanja, Lingala and Swahili. For more information and to register, phone the library at 604-527-4660 or SUCCESS at 604-430-1899 ext. 110. The class is co-sponsored by the New Westminster Public Library and SUCCESS.
Tuesday, March 3
My Weird Hobby: Geocaching, Do you want to go treasure hunting? Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt that has attracted a wide following all around the world. Using an app, GPS and your powers of deduction, you can solve clues and find a cache. Caches can range from micro (a tic tac container) to the size of an ice cream bucket. They can also be multi-step - finding one chance gives you hints for the next. There are 854 million caches around the world, including 854 geocaches within five miles of the New Westminster Public Library. Find out more about geocaching and how you can get started at the New Westminster Public Library, 7 p.m. Pre-register at the library, call 604-527-4667 or email [email protected]. This is the first in a series of programs called My Weird Hobby, presented as pat of the New Westminster Public Library's 150th anniversary collection. The library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca, 604-527-4660
Wednesday, March 4
Travel show at the library, take a trip to East Africa with Chris and Dennis Magrega, who will show their photographs on safari in Kenya and Tanzania, 2:30 p.m., New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. The free travel shows are co-sponsored by the library and the University Women's Club of New Westminster. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca, 604-527-5660.
March 8 and March 9
Computer help for seniors, email - basic and intermediate. Register for both sessions, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. New Westminster Public Library is offering computer help for seniors. The sessions are free and run for one hour. To register, call 604-527-4665 or email [email protected]. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca, 604-527-4660.
Wednesday, March 11
Travel show at the library, take a trip to East Africa with Chris and Dennis Magrega, who will show their photographs on safari in Kenya and Tanzania, 7:30 p.m., New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. The free travel shows are co-sponsored by the library and the University Women's Club of New Westminster. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca, 604-527-5660.
Friday, March 20
SFU Café Scientifique series, Boston Pizza, private room, 1045 Columbia St., 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Hosted by the Faculty of Science enables the public to participate and learn from experts on key topics in science. Paul Tupper, an associate professor of mathematics, will take a skeptical view of Big Data, looking at the power of techniques used in data mining and some of the surprising claims of new data science. Info: http://www.sfu.ca/science/outreach-program/cafe_scientifique.html.
Saturday, March 28
Thrift sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Century House, 620 Eighth St. Recycled treasures include clothing and linens, small appliances, kitchenware, knick-knacks, toys, DVDs and CDs, plants, jewelry, books, children’s boutique and more. Refreshments available. All proceeds go directly to the Century House Association.
April 12 and 13
Computer help for seniors, everything photos - learn how to manage digital photos online. Register for both sessions, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. New Westminster Public Library is offering computer help for seniors. The sessions are free and run for one hour. To register, call 604-527-4665 or email [email protected]. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca, 604-527-4660.
Ongoing
Donations being accepted for the Century House thrift sale that’s taking place on Saturday, March 28. Donations are being accepted from Saturday, March 21 to noon on Friday, March 27 at Century House, 6209 Eighth St. Sale features recycled treasures such as clothing and linens, small appliances, kitchenware, knick-knacks, toys, DVDs and CDs, plants, jewelry, books and children’s items. All proceeds go directly to the Century House Association. Fore more information, call 604-519-1066
You Wear it Well... Just for Grads is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping New Westminster and Burnaby students find grad outfits - at no cost - that make them look and feel their best. Preparations are currently underway for the sixth annual Boutique Day event, where grads will be outfitted. You Wear It Well is always in need of donation of gently used formalwear (gowns, shoes and accessories) and also needs a seamstress who can do basic alterations (hems and straps) on grad dresses. If you have any items to donate, contact [email protected]. If you are interested in volunteering, call Kathy at 778-231-7184 or [email protected].
Young readers book clubs, for kids who like to talk about books. Clubs are offered at the main library and Queensborough branch. Call the children's room at 604-527-4677 for information and to register. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave. and 920 Ewen Ave., www.nwpl.ca, 604-527-4660.
Join a book club at the library. The adult book club is held the third Thursday evening of the month at 7 p.m. from September to June. Register at 604-527-4667 or [email protected]. A limited number of books are available at the checkout desk.
New moms and dads need brain stimulation too. The Bring Your Baby Book Club offers adult books and adult conversation in a baby-friendly environment. Suggested ages for babies are zero to 24 months. The club meets the third Tuesday afternoon at 1 p.m. Register at 604-527-4667 or [email protected]. A limited number of books are available at the checkout desk.
Are you gay, bi-sexual or just not sure? HOMINUM Fraser Valley is an informal discussion and support group to help gay, bi-sexual and questioning men with the challenges of being married, separated or single. Group meets on the last Friday of every month. For information and meeting location, call Art at 604-462-9813 or Don at 604-329-9760.
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. Runs Sept to June (no meeting in January).
Alzheimer's caregiver support group, meets monthly, every third Tuesday of the month at Century House, Moody Park. Info: 604-298-0780.
Senior peer counselling program at Century House, provides emotional support to people who are facing the challenges of aging. They will visit you at home or at Century House. Info: 604-519-1064, ext. 1, or drop by Century House at 620 Eighth St.
Sunday Dances - every Sunday September to June, 12:45 to 3:45 p.m., 620 Eighth St. Live Band. Call 604-519-1066 for more information.
Low Vision group, meets the first Tuesday of each month, September to June, 10 a.m. to noon, Century House, 620 Eighth St. Call 604-519-1066 for more information.
Seniors Gay Straight Alliance, meets on the second Wednesday of each month, 1 to 3 p.m., Century House, 620 Eighth St. Call 604-519-1066 for more information.
Navy League and Sea Cadets, holds registration for boys and girls aged nine to 12 at Annacis Island Training Centre, 535 Derwent Way, Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. Call 604-525-2298.
Pregnancy Outreach Program, a free weekly support group for high-risk women, includes lunch, one-hour education session, and the services of a registered dietician and public health nurse. Food coupons and vitamins available for clients. Offered at Olivet Baptist Church (613 Queens Ave.) and Edmonds Resource Centre (#104-7355 Canada Way, Burnaby). Childcare provided for children over 18 months of age. Registration required. Call 604-659-2228.
Baby and Me, a support group for moms with babies up to six months, offering lunch, group discussions, support, educational information, child care and more. Offered by Olivet Baptist Church (613 Queens Ave.) and Edmonds Resource Centre (#104-7355 Canada Way). Free. Call 604-659-2228 to register.
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.
New Westminster business 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. Free (you pay for your own breakfast.) Guests welcome. RSVP to 778-986-9186.
St. Barnabas Church, 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 citizens in need. For more information, please call 604-526-6646.
Moms' group, meets Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (while local schools are in session) 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: Shirley, 604-521-8097.
Purpose Family Circle drop-in, meets Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for crafts, stories, songs, games and rhymes for babies and children to five years, as well as pregnant moms. Health information available through guest speakers. Light lunch and bus tickets are provided. Held at 40 Begbie St., two blocks east of the New West SkyTrain station. For more info, call 604-526-2522 and ask for Josie or Elizabeth.
Volunteer literacy tutors, sought to work with the Douglas College I-CARE program, which helps English-speaking adults learn to read and write. Volunteers should have excellent English writing and spelling skills. Tutoring can take place any day of the week. All tutor training and materials are free. Call 604-527-5409 for information.
St. Barnabas thrift store, open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A few more volunteers also sought. Call Gail or David, 604-526-3033.
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 encouragement and camaraderie to help combat this debilitating condition. For more information, contact group leader Gerald Blackwell at 604-600-9142 or email [email protected].
New Westminster Family Place drop-in at Lord Kelvin Elementary, while school in session, every Thursday and Friday morning from 9 to 11 a.m., 1010 Hamilton St. Drop-in includes free play, stories, songs and craft activities. Info: 604-520-3666 or www.nwfamily.bc.ca.
Are you passionate about the Fraser River? Do you enjoy meeting new people and working with children? The Fraser River Discovery Centre is looking for volunteers to help lead its school programs. No special background or experience is required, only an interest in working with children, a desire to learn about the Fraser River, and a weekday morning or afternoon to spare. To get started, call 604-521-8401 x 105 or email Shannon King at [email protected]. More information and application forms are available at www.fraserriverdiscovery.org.
New Westminster Family Place, 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 Friday, and Monday and Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m. Call 604-520-3666 for info on upcoming programs.
New Westminster Puffers Club, meets every second Monday of the month (third Monday of April), 12:30 p.m., New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. Anyone with or having friends with COPD, asthma or breathing problems are welcome to attend meetings which include guest speakers.
Fraser Works Co-op, offers one-to-one support with employment counsellors, connecting people to no-cost career and job search services and helping people develop a plan to reach their job or career goal. Call 604-522-9701 for appointment.
Sapperton Pensioners Association, meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 318 Keary St. New members welcome. Info 604-522-0280.
New Westminster Lions Club, meets every second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Boston Pizza, 1045 Columbia St., Columbia Square plaza. New members welcome. Info: www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/newwestminsterlionsclubca.
Just Pros Toastmasters meets on the first and third Saturday of the month, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Justice Institute, 715 McBride Blvd. This is for advanced toastmasters.
Tillicum Toastmasters meets every Monday (except holidays) 7:20 to 9:30 p.m., Unity in Action Church hall, 1630 Edinburgh St. Do you want to get over your fear of public speaking? Do you want to learn the how to's within a supportive environment? Do you want to nail that upcoming interview for your dream job? Take the first step and join us for our next meeting and see what we're all about. All guests welcomed for free. No obligation to speak or sign up. Look forward to seeing you there
Alzheimer Society of B.C., caregiver support group, meets in New Westminster, third Tuesday of each month, 7 to 9 p.m. For registration or information, call 604-298-0780.
Council of Senior Citizens' Organizations (COSCO), an advocacy group devoted to improving the quality of life for seniors, invites membership and affiliation from seniors' organizations, associations and individuals. Info: Ernie Bayer, 604-576-9734 or [email protected].
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.
ESL conversation circles, held at New Westminster Public Library. Program for all adults runs Saturdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Program for women only runs Fridays, 10 to 11 a.m. at New Westminster Public Library. Free, drop-in program in library auditorium, for adults who want to meet people and practise speaking English. The programs are co-sponsored by Family Services of Greater Vancouver and the library, 716 Sixth Ave.
Children welcome. Info and registration: 604-527-4660.
Family members of individuals with multiple sclerosis, looking for support, are invited to join the MS Society's family members group. Info: 604-689-3144.
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. For year-round registration and volunteer info call 1-800-565-8111.
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.
Volunteer Grandparents, brings together active, energetic people over the age of 50 with children who need a caring and committed mentor. Families in New Westminster and Burnaby are waiting for volunteer grandparents. To register, contact Volunteer Grandparents at 604-736-8271 or [email protected].
Got stuff you don't want? Recycle it with the Developmental Disabilities Association. Bins take cloth items and non-breakable housewares and pickup of dishes, toys and books can be arranged. Call 604-273-4332 or visit www.develop.bc.ca.
Vancouver Rape Relief, needs male volunteers for group that raises money for the crisis centre and transition house. Contact Louisa Russell at [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 meeting room), New Westminster. All welcome. Call 604-878-8844 for more info.
Al-Anon and Alateen, help those whose lives are affected by someone else's drinking. For meeting info visit www.bcyukon-al-anon.or or call 604-688-1716.
Netherlands Association, speak Dutch with others and celebrate your heritage. Visit www.dutchnetwork.ca or contact Edie, [email protected] or 604-536-3394.
Just Pros Toastmasters, meets first and third Saturdays of month, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Justice Institute, 715 McBride Blvd. For advanced Toastmasters. Info: www.toastmasters.org.
Overeaters Anonymous, Are you out of control when it comes to food? We can help. Meetings on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 to 8:15 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 335 Seventh St. (enter off Fourth Avenue). Info: 604-524-5244.
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Lower Mainland chapter, has 16 different support groups running around the Lower Mainland. The New Westminster support group meets at Royal City Centre meeting room, third Friday of each month, 1:30 to 3 p.m. For more information, call 604-689-3144.
