Today marks the end of the city’s Saving Our Stones project, a month-long community initiative that asked volunteers to clean gravestones at the Fraser View Cemetery.
About 15 people came out each time, according to heritage programmer Michelle Taylor, to help remove the lichen and soot off gravestones that no longer have someone looking after them.
“The response has been amazing,” Taylor said. “It’s really tapped into something people believe in, just the idea of honouring people who have passed, your ancestors, and doing something for the community just for the sake of the community.”
One volunteer, she added, ended up cleaning some of her family’s gravestones.
“The difference between when she first saw it and after she had cleaned it, it just made her feel proud of what she had done.”
The experience for many, Taylor explained, has been fascinating, as people break down the “funny stigma” around cemeteries.
“You maybe think of how the media portrays it, and in Hollywood it’s a scary place, but really, if you’ve ever spent time in a graveyard, it’s quite peaceful and actually very beautiful,” she told the Record.
Today’s cleanup, which involves just water and soft brushes, runs from 10 a.m. to noon. All materials are provided. To register, call 604-527-4639 or email
[email protected].
The cemetery is at 100 Richmond St. The project is part of this year’s 75th anniversary celebrations for the Wait for Me Daddy photo.
Five-course meal anyone?
Wild Rice Market Bistro at the River Market is hosting a group dinner tomorrow (Aug. 20).
Accompanying every dish will be four to six ounces of brew from Driftwood Brewery. The beer maker and chef will be on hand to explain why the two go together. This is a five-course meal, so make sure you come hungry. To tease the taste buds a little bit, there’s a duck and roasted mushroom sausage hotdog on a honey sambal brioche bun, with relish, mustard and ketchup (paired with Crooked Coast).
“This is how we cook here in general,” said owner Andrew Wong. “The style of food you’re seeing, it won’t be a far cry from what you’re seeing on our à la carte la carte menu.”
Wild Rice is known for its locally-sourced ingredients – from farm-fresh vegetables to Ocean Wise seafood.
Tickets cost $55 per person (plus tax and gratuity), but there are only 45 seats available, so don’t wait too long. To make a reservation, call 778-397-0028. The restaurant is located at 810 Quayside Dr.
Laugh it up
New Westminster’s Sofia Newman stars in the upcoming play Why I Hate Utah at the Commercial Drive legion.
The storyline involves a man named Liam, who is searching for something “very important that he’s lost,” Newman told the Record. During his road trip through the U.S., he stumbles upon a diner in the middle of Utah. It’s run by a mysterious woman named Lucy, along with a band of misfits that tag along with her.
“Interesting things start to happen,” Newman said. “I don’t want to give too much away.”
The 19-year-old local is not only acting in the play, but is also co-producing and co-directing with two others.
“I’ve always wanted to work more on the production side to see what it’s like. It’s been incredibly challenging, but also very rewarding,” said Newman, who’s heading off to New York next month for a one-year internship.
Why I Hate Utah runs from Aug. 21 to 23 with the show starting at 8 p.m.
There’s also a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday and Sunday. The legion is at 2205 Commercial Dr.
Tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Matinees are by donation.
