We're continuing with our popular feature - our staff's Top 5 (Or More) Things To Do This Weekend. Mother's Day is approaching, and we have a special event you may want to treat mom to this weekend. There is also something for families, gardeners and those hoping to hone their English language skills.
1 Get sipping chardonnay for Mother's Day on Saturday, May 12 at the Pacific Breeze Winery. There will be six wines to try, from 2005 to present, and finger food to snack on. Tickets are $50 ($45 if you're a wine club member), and you can sign up by calling 6045222228. The tasting runs from 7 to 9 p.m. (We probably don't need to remind you Mother's Day is actually on Sunday, May 13, but the winery wanted to host something special for moms the day before.)
2 Get battling pests the natural way on Saturday, May 12 at a free event titled What's Wriggling in Your Rhubarb? UNIBUG and the biological control of insects. The forum is in the Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre, fourth floor, at Douglas College, 700 Royal Ave. at 1 p.m. Hosted by the college's Institute of Urban Ecology, you'll learn about UNIBUG - the User Network for Insect Biology in the Urban Garden - and how to become involved with fighting insects the natural way: through planting flora that attract beneficial biological insects - or good bugs that eat bad bugs - to your garden. Guest speakers are Renee Prasad and Rick Kool.
3 Get fine-tuning your English skills at ESL conversation circles, held at New Westminster Public Library on Saturday, from 10: 30 to 11: 30 a.m. There's also a Friday women-only session from 10 to 11 a.m. The free, drop-in program is for adults who want to meet people and practise speaking English. Children are also welcome. Info: 604-527-4660.
4 Get playing with the kids at New Westminster Family Place's free drop-in sessions, on Friday and Saturday, from 9: 30 to 11: 30 a.m., for parents with children five and under.
There are playroom activities, including puzzles, stories, songs, play dough and art. Call 604-520-3666 for details or visit www.nwfamily.bc.ca.
5 Get pampered on Sunday, May 13, at "the Goddess Within You," a free event for women at the Elizabeth Fry drop-in centre, from 6: 30 to 7: 30 p.m. The sessions run every Sunday, and volunteers will provide things like massages or facials.
Call 604-523-6749 for more info. Elizabeth Fry is also looking for volunteers to work in the drop-in centre.
If you are a woman who wants to make a difference in the lives of marginalized women and you have two hours a week between Tuesday and Sunday, for four to six months, go to www.elizabeth fry.com for details on how to get involved.
Send your Top 5 ideas to calendar@royal cityrecord.com. You can also view our online calendar listings at www.royalcityrecord.com.
