A new book celebrating the achievements of Royal City women is being released in time to coincide with national Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Grace, Grit and Gusto: Profiles of Remarkable Royal City Women is being launched on Thursday, Dec. 6 at the River Market from 6: 30 to 8: 30 p.m. The book launch features former MLA Anita Hagen, who co-founded Monarch Place, a transition house for women and children fleeing violence.
A team of 26 local women worked together to capture the stories of 40 New Westminster women from the city's past and present. All process from Grace Grit and Gusto will go to Monarch Place.
Lynn Duncan, a local historian and book publisher, developed the concept for Grace, Grit and Gusto.
"I discovered a significant gap in the recorded history of the lives of the first European women in B.C. and traced the problem to the fact that the women of the previous century were often only identified by their husband's first and last names. This cultural reality was a barrier to historic reference and made the lives of these women hard to track," she said. "I did some initial investigation and found that the only manuscripts of recorded history about the lives of women amounted to just eight typewritten pages in our local reference library. That's when I knew something had to be done."
A press release states that the women recognized in the book include bestselling authors, Olympic athletes, medical pioneers and political and social activists.
Books are $20 each and available at the book launch or by ordering online at www.vivalogue. ca. Because of contributions from community and corporate sponsors, 100 per cent of proceeds will directly benefit Monarch Place.
LITERARY TRAVELS
The New Westminster Public Library is taking its services on the road.
On Saturday, Dec. 8, the public library will be taking part in the Artisan Market Holiday Fair that's taking place at the River Market. The library invites residents to drop by the market between noon and 5 p.m. and check out the latest Christmas magazines, seasonal paperbacks and children's books.
Anyone who doesn't have a library card can sign up at the fair, by providing two pieces of identification (including one with your current address).
"Stop by the River Market at 810 Quayside Dr. in New Westminster. The library will be located on the ground floor, by the escalator," said a press release from the library. "We look forward to seeing you."
According to the press release, New Westminster Public Library is expanding its presence in the Royal City with the anticipated opening of the Queensborough branch library in February 2013.
CELEBRATION
Members of the local Knights of Columbus recently celebrated a special anniversary.
Westminster Council 1283 celebrated its 105th anniversary on Dec. 1. The council has been active throughout the years, contributing both volunteer time and money to church and community.
"One community project of note is the playground for physically challenged children at Queen's Park in New Westminster," said a press release from the Knights of Columbus. "In recognition of this anniversary, the City of New Westminster has proclaimed the week of Nov. 26 to Dec. 1 Knights of Columbus Week in the Royal City."
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic, family and fraternal services organization that has 1.8 million members in Canada, the United States, the Philippines, Puerto Rico and several other countries.
