Saturday, March 14
Job search skills for newcomers with basic English skills, 10 a.m. to noon, New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. Newcomers with limited or basic English skills can learn how to search for a job and prepare for an interview at a free program a the library. The workshop will cover resumes, cover letters, interview skills and strategies, and labour market information. It will be conducted in English with translation available in French. If you have a permanent resident card or landed immigrant documents, please bring them to the program. Co-sponsored by the New Westminster Public Library and SUCCESS. Register in person or phone the library at 604-527-4667 or SCUCCES at 6604-430-1899.
March 16 to 20
Watch Ted Talks at the New Westminster Public Library, when live streaming of the 2015 Ted Talks Truth and Dare will be shown daily. Live streaming will be held on the second floor of the main library, 716 Sixth Ave. Check the library’s website at www.nwpl.ca for times and topics. Ted Talks, which have gained worldwide popularity, attract a large number of people every year to its sold-out conference held in Vancouver. Ted Talks stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design – as well as science, business, the arts and the global issues facing our world. More than 70 speakers appear on the main stage to give talks or presentations of 18 minutes or less, including music, performance and comedy. The library can also be reached at 604-527-4660.
Monday, March 16
Tillicum Toastmasters, meets 7:20 to 9:30 p.m., Unity in Action Church hall, 1630 Edinburgh St. Do you want to overcome 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 at our next meeting and see what we're all about. No obligation to speak or sign up.
Tuesday, March 17
Fraternal Order of Eagles #20, St. Patrick's Day celebration, fundraiser dinner for Sky Wright and her challenge to send 45 kids with cancer to Camp Goodtimes. Features buffet dinner, toonie toss, auction, 50/50 and Irish dancers. Tickets are $30 and include tax, gratuity and $10 donation to Skye's Challenge. Meet and greet at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., Castle Neighbourhood Grill, #101-319 Governors Court. For tickets, call John at 604-657-5600 or email [email protected].
Wednesday, March 18
New Westminster Downtown Residents' Association general meeting, 7 p.m., Holy Trinity Church, 514 Carnarvon St. Features three speakers: Coun. Bill Harper (fibre optics and Intelligent City); Coun. Chuck Puchmayr (mayors' transportation plan); and NWDRA members (Save Our Parkade initiatives).
Thursday, March 19
Building a better story: writing workshop, 6:30 p.m., New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. Get writing tips from author Sylvia Taylor, who will discuss how a great query letter is your key to unlocking the publishing world. Learn how to grab and keep an editor, publisher or agent's attention by giving your query SALES appeal. Participants are invited to come with a query draft or specific project in mind to help turn theory into reality. This free workshop is presented by the Royal City Literary Arts Society and sponsored by the library. Register in person, at 604-527-4667 or [email protected]. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca, 604-527-4660.
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.
Tuesday, March 24
Lilacs of the world. Free program, 7 p.m., New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Av. Milada Dzevitskaya will give a slide talk about the worldwide fascination with lilacs. They are bred in dozens of varieties, celebrated in lilac festivals, and serve as inspiration in art from paintings to clothing. Register at the library, call 604-527-4667 or email [email protected]
Friday, March 27
Ukrainian Perogy Supper, 5 to 8 p.m., Holy Eucharist Church hall, Fourth Avenue and Fifth Street. Perogy sales from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, call 604-526-0988 or 604-522-7711.
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.
Bake sale at Holy Eucharist hall, Fourth Avenue and Fifth Street, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Features traditional Ukrainian Easter paska, babka, cakes, pies, beet horseradish and more. Lunch will be available. For information, call 604-526-0988.
Monday, April 13
New Westminster Puffers Club, monthly meeting, 12:30 to 2 p.m., New Westminster Public Library auditorium, 716 Sixth Ave. Anyone with COPD and any other breathing problems are welcome to attend. Meeting includes speaker.
Tuesday, April 7
Royal Columbian Hospital Auxiliary, general meeting, 1 p.m., Neil Russell Room of Royal Columbian Hospital, third floor of Columbia Tower, 330 East Columbia St. Everyone welcome. For more information, call Marlene at 604-521-0551.
Parent Education seminar presented by Queen's Park Preschool, Askable Adult 101, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person. To reserve tickets, call 604-526-5527 or email [email protected]. Talking to kids about sexuality and reproduction can be difficult for caregivers. This 1.5 hour interactive program delivered by a certified sexual health educator takes participants through exercises to discover why they might feel unconformable talking about sex with their children and provides strategies for caregivers on how to overcome these feelings. Participants will look at how to begin discussion and how to share information with kids in a clear and understandable way. You will hear suggestion on what kind of sexual health information is needed at various ages, how to handle questions, what kids of words to use, how to discuss feeling, emotion and family values and exploring your own personal beliefs around sensitive topics. Tickets are $10 per person.
Ongoing
For sale from the library. Bargains galore are available at the New Westminster Public Library's ongoing book sale. Discarded books and gift books that aren't needed in the library are sold for bargain prices ranging from 25 cents to $2. Special books have special prices. In addition to a wide selection of paperbacks and fiction, a different topic is featured on a rotating basis. Upcoming features are: Mysteries (March 9 to 16); Education (March 17 to 24); and Gardening (March 25 to 30). All proceeds go toward special projects for the benefit of library users. Then take your treasures home in one of the library's new book bags, available for $3 at the checkout counter. The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave., www.nwpl.ca, 604-527-4660.
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
Burnaby & New Westminster Newcomers' Friendship Club, welcomes women who are new to the area, as well as longtime residents. Meet women of all ages and cultures to make new friends. Dinner meeting is the second Wednesday of each month, plus various events including book club, craft group, social Saturdays, etc. For info, contact Doris at [email protected] or 604-544-3525 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit the website at www.burnabynewwestminsternewcomers.com.
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].
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].
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.
