October is shaping up to be a busy month in the Royal City. Folks of all ages may want to take note of a few dates to keep in mind as we move into October.
The federal government has recognized Oct. 1 as National Seniors Day, in recognition of the tremendous contributions of Canadian seniors. The Seniors Services Society intends to mark the day with a Stand for Seniors event, during which time people can bring signs, banners and celebrate Canadian seniors.
The Stand for Seniors is taking place on Monday, Oct. 1 at noon at Sixth Avenue and Sixth Street. For more information, call 604-520-6621.
The Seniors and Family Festival returns to Royal City Centre on Saturday, Oct. 13. The event, being held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., includes entertainment, refreshments and other family-friendly events.
Local Realtor Derrick Thornhill is holding his annual Pumpkin Patch on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Queen's Park picnic shelter.
Residents are invited to drop by and pick a pumpkin, enjoy hot chocolate or coffee and Timbits compliments of Tim Hortons, carve a pumpkin, have a complimentary photo taken or enter a colouring contest. They can also try their luck in a "guess the pumpkin's weight" contest. Dress in your cutest, scariest or most original costume and maybe you'll win one of the costume prizes.
The event is free, but donations are greatly appreciated in support of Monarch Place, a local women's shelter that helps women and children fleeing violence. Thornhill holds this spooktacular fundraiser every October in Queen's Park.
AMBASSADORS WANTED
Young women looking to learn more about the city, travel around the Pacific Northwest and meet new friends may want to consider the Miss New Westminster Ambassador program.
The Hyack Festival Association is currently accepting applications for the Miss New Westminster Ambassador program. Applications are available on the association's website (www.hyack.bc.ca) at the Hyack office (204 Sixth St.) or by calling coordinator Lynn Radbourne (604-524-5675).
"The girls travel with the float. They get a chance to make lifelong friends, learn about our city," Radbourne said. "It culminates in the pageant at Massey Theatre on March 9, 2013."
The contest is open to young women between the ages of 16 and 19, who are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants, single and have lived in New Westminster for at least six months prior to Oct. 1, 2012. The deadline to apply is Oct. 19.
KUDOS TO CITY CADETS
The City of New Westminster has proclaimed September as Sea, Army and Air Cadet Month. About 200 youth are engaged in the cadet program in New Westminster among the three cadet units.
"Our goal is to provide a fun and exciting program that builds life skills in the youth of our community. We go to great lengths to ensure that our activities are enjoyable and safe for all those who take part," said Lieut. Bryan Watson of the Fraser Sea cadets. "There are so many opportunities from learning to sail or fly, to international exchange and trips across Canada, all at no expense to the cadets. There is even an opportunity to have a great summer job teaching other cadets after taking part for a few years."
A press release from Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Fraser states that cadets are not members of the Canadian Forces and are not expected to join. Youth aged 12 to 18 who live in New Westminster, Burnaby or North Delta can visit www.joinseaca dets.ca or call 604-525-2298 for more information.
AN ELECTRIFYING LOCAL ARTIST
Works by members of New West Artists are now adorning one of the city's electrical boxes.
If you're in downtown New Westminster, be sure to check out the electrical box at the corner of Eighth and Carnarvon streets.
It features more than 20 paintings or photographs by local artists.
Have an item for Around Town? Send it to reporter Theresa McManus at tmc [email protected], or by fax to 604-444-3460, or by regular mail at #201A3430 Brighton Ave., Burnaby, B.C., V5A 3H4.
