This is candidate week here at the V3H! There is a by-election happening in the federal riding of New Westminster-Coquitlam on November 9, and we want to keep you informed. So this week we will be posting interviews from four candidates vying for election as MP. Each candidate answered the same 5 questions from us, and we are printing their responses verbatim, in the order in which we received them. The final installment is from Ken Beck Lee, candidate for the Liberal Party.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background, and why you would like to represent New Westminster-Coquitlam?
I am not a career politician. I have spent the past forty years as a registered engineer and small business owner. For the past seven years, I have been a member of an expert roster for the UN Climate Change Agency, which has allowed me to travel throughout the world ensuring that greenhouse emission reduction programs are technically and fiscally sound. As a long time resident of New Westminster, I appreciate the needs of our communities and I have the knowledge and real life experience to accomplish our goals.
What do you see as the most important issue currently facing New Westminster-Coquitlam?
We need to focus on employment and economic growth. The Conservative government advertises lower taxes at the same time as they increase taxes. Tax hikes, such as the HST and the EI Payroll Tax will be devastating to the recovery of our economy. I know that this is the wrong thing to do. We need to strengthen our economy. Stephen Harper is threatening our economic recovery and Jack Layton and the NDP are supporting him.
How does your party serve the needs and concerns of local residents?
The Liberal Party and I both recognize the importance of lifelong learning. One of my main concerns is the expansion of accessible education. We understand that affordable and accessible education will benefit both the individual learner, as well as the Canadian economy. Education should be available to everyone throughout one’s lifetime; therefore, we need to improve early childhood education, post-secondary options, and continuing studies. Education has provided my family with wonderful opportunities. My children have all become successful professionals within the medical field: a urologist, a pharmacist, and a DNA analyst.
Transportation has been on the minds of many local residents, with the damage to the Murray St. overpass this summer and the uncertainty over the Evergreen Line. What are your views on how to best meet the area’s transportation needs?
We need to expand transit options. Local communities cannot afford to do this alone; senior levels of government need to pitch in. The Liberal Party advocates predictable infrastructure funding through the existing tax structure. As a professional engineer I have experience in the management and finance of large projects. We will need to create projects that are both environmentally and financially sustainable.
In the last federal election voter turnout dropped to an all-time low. How will you engage with voters and involve them in the electoral process?
I completely understand why Canadians have voter fatigue. The last federal election was absolutely unnecessary. Mr. Harper broke his own law because he believed that he could get a majority government. That did not happen. I am working hard to engage the community by knocking on the doors and having discussions with voters about the needs and concerns of the community. So far, I have knocked on over 10,000 doors and have been very well received.
Thanks so much to Ken, for taking the time to speak with us. And, of course, if you live in New Westminster-Coquitlam, take the time to vote on November 9!
This is candidate week here at the V3H! There is a by-election happening in the federal riding of New Westminster-Coquitlam on November 9, and we want to keep you informed. So this week we will be posting interviews from four candidates vying for election as MP. Each candidate answered the same 5 questions from us, and we are printing their responses verbatim, in the order in which we received them. The third one is from Diana Dilworth, candidate for the Conservative Party.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background, and why you would like to represent New Westminster-Coquitlam?
I have lived, worked and volunteered in New Westminster, Coquitlam and Port Moody for eighteen years and I believe my experience, enthusiasm, and involvement with the community would make me an excellent representative for the area.
I became involved in politics in 1999 when I ran for City Councillor in Port Moody and ever since then I have worked to be engaged in community issues. I feel my service over the last decade is evidence that I am trustworthy and that I get things done for my community.
A background of diverse work experience has given me the tools necessary to deliver real results for families and businesses in New Westminster, Coquitlam and Port Moody. I have worked with the federal government and run my own small business. Working as a consultant, for both private companies and local government, has really helped me gain an in-depth understanding of the issues affecting the area. For the past seven years, I have been working as the Manager of Council Operations for the Fraser Basin Council, a non-profit organization with the mission to advance sustainability within BC. This position has enabled me to become a passionate voice for economic, environmental and social sustainability.
As a single parent, I understand first-hand the challenges of raising a family and making ends meet on a single income. I believe the best way to bring about positive change and overcome challenges in your family and community is through a hands-on approach. That is why I became involved with my children’s extra-curricular activities, the Parent Advisory Council at my children’s school, and numerous community boards. Another organization that I am very proud of being involved with is Crossroads Hospice Society, for which I have volunteered for over six years and served as President for the past year.
What do you see as the most important issue currently facing New Westminster-Coquitlam?
I think economic stability is critical right now. So much depends on it. And I am proud of the work Prime Minister Harper and the Conservative government have done to reduce the impact of the global recession and to help individuals and families during this difficult economic time. This is the concern I hear the most when speaking with residents of our communities.
I think an equally important priority we should be addressing is making our streets and our communities safer. The safety and security of Canada’s neighbourhoods, schools and streets should not be used as a political football. All Canadians, regardless of political affiliation, should support actions that respect victims, protect law-abiding families, and hold criminals fully accountable for their crimes. I believe implementation of the new legislation and measures introduced by the federal Government will enable our community to prosper peacefully.
How does your party serve the needs and concerns of local residents?
As the party who holds government, the Conservative Party of Canada is the only party that can effectively deliver results for New Westminster-Coquitlam. Recent investments in our community demonstrate this: last week funding was provided to the City of Port Moody for the rehabilitation of soccer fields, in September Minister of Heritage, James Moore, announced funding for the City of Coquitlam in support of its arts and culture sector and in New Westminster, funds for a new Youth Facility were announced. As a Conservative MP I will be able to be an effective voice for the residents of New Westminster-Coquitlam.
Transportation has been on the minds of many local residents, with the damage to the Murray St. overpass this summer and the uncertainty over the Evergreen Line. What are your views on how to best meet the area’s transportation needs?
Local transportation is important for the residents of New Westminster-Coquitlam and Port Moody and it is the job of local governments to establish priorities and create projects that will make transportation better. It is the job of the local MP to make sure that there is adequate funding available for exciting, new transportation products. The Federal Government is responsible for national forms of transportation like the railways or air travel.
In partnership with local governments, the Government of Canada has committed to bettering our area’s transit system. In February, Prime Minister Stephen Harper pledged an impressive $350 million towards the Evergreen Line on behalf of the Government of Canada and this contribution will help with this much needed transit line. Other projects, which will help transportation, have also been made possible through joint provincial and federal funding and programs in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. For instance, the existing old wooden bridge over Noons Creek in Port Moody will be replaced with a modern concrete bridge at a cost of about $1 million dollars. In Coquitlam, $14.6M is being provided for major road improvements to both King Edward and School streets. These important investments in our community’s infrastructure will further help transportation.
In the last federal election voter turnout dropped to an all-time low. How will you engage with voters and involve them in the electoral process?
I think being responsive to voter’s wishes is the most important aspect of invigorating the electorate. Everyday, I am meeting voters on their doorsteps, hearing their unique concerns and encouraging them to get involved in the by-election. I am also reaching out to people through coffee parties, town hall meetings and non-traditional means including social networking, like Facebook.
I am listening and responding to the residents of New Westminster, Coquitlam and Port Moody and am ensuring that they know that the results of this upcoming by-election are critically important to the welfare of our community.
Thanks so much to Diana, for taking the time to speak with us. Please check back tomorrow to read the final candidate interview. And, of course, if you live in New Westminster-Coquitlam, take the time to vote on November 9!
We are taking a break from candidate interviews today to look ahead to the weekend. Come back on Thursday and Friday to hear from the Conservative and Liberal candidates in New Westminster-Coquitlam.
Halloween weekend is coming up here in the V3H, and there are plenty of fun and spooky events to choose from.
The City of Coquitlam is holding Tree Planting on Scott Creek on Wednesday October 28 and Thursday October 29 from 10am-2pm. The city will be planting 1500 trees and shrubs over 2 days to restore native habitat to a landscape that has been overwhelmed by invasive plants, and they need help. Volunteers will meet in the church parking lot at 2950 Dewdney Trunk Rd [map]. Tree planting has a positive impact on climate change as trees remove greenhouse gases from the air. To RSVP, or for more information, call 604.927.6913 or email dslocum@coquitlam.ca.
The Coquitlam Public Library presents Family Fun Night at the Mall on Wednesday, October 28 from 6-8pm. The free, drop-in event caters to children aged 3 to 10 and their parents. Join Tri-City Librarians at Coquitlam Centre Mall [map] to imagine, play and learn through stories, songs, arts and more! Meet on the mall’s lower level in front of London Drugs and the Toy Jungle. For more information, please call 604.464.1414.
Theatrix Youth Theatre is presenting the Rocky Horror Show from Wednesday October 28 to Saturday October 31 at the Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. All performances start at 8pm, and this show is for mature audiences only. What more can you ask for this Halloween than a classic show in a 25th Anniversary revival? Complete with sass from the audience, this deliberately kitschy rock’n’ roll, sci-fi gothic is more fun than ever! There are even audience participation packs available in the lobby. To buy tickets, or for more information call 604.927.6555 or email info@evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
The Terry Fox Library is presenting a Halloween Storytime for all ages on Friday, October 30 from 10:15-10:45am [map]. Come and celebrate Halloween with fun stories and songs about pumpkins, black cats and ghosts. Children are invited to come in costume for a parade around the library. This is a drop-in program, no registration is required. For more information call 604.927.7999.
The Terry Fox Library is also presenting Lights Out: A Night at the Library! on Friday, October 30 from 5:30-7pm [map]. Kids aged 10-13 are invited to crack codes, discover ancient wonders, and solve mysteries. You will follow a trail of clues to unveil the hidden secrets of the library after it’s closed. There will be snacks and prizes, too. For more information, or to reserve a space, call 604-927-7999.
Preschoolers will enjoy the Haunted Howlawe’en on Friday October 30 from 5:30-8pm at the Poirier Community Centre [map]. Be prepared for creepy arts and crafts, swimming, spooky activities and a ghoulicious dinner (hotdogs and drink). Swimming at Chimo Pool from 6:30 – 8:00 is included in the fee. For more information call 604.927.4386 or email jbradley@coquitlam.ca.
Students in grades 4, 5, and 6 are invited to the Jelly Bean Dance on Friday October 30 from 6:15-9:15pm at the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre in Port Coquitlam [map]. There will be door prizes, carnival games, professional DJ and supervision. Tickets are available at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre or the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex the Sunday prior to the dance. For more information call 604.927.7946 or email kulhanekj@portcoquitlam.ca.
The Port Moody Station Museum will be holding Halloween at the BOOO-seum! on Saturday October 31 from 11am-3pm [map]. There will be a haunted train, scary crafts and lots of tricks and treats! For more information call 604.939.1648.
UPDATE: There will be no Boo-seum this year, but the Port Moody Station Museum will be handing out candy for trick or treaters from Noon to 4pm on Friday or Saturday.
Get into the Halloween spirit at Place des Arts with Mr. I’s Slightly Spooky Songs and Stories on Saturday October 31 from 3-4pm [map]. Local teacher and children’s entertainer Yurgen Ilaender will lead Halloween fun for children ages 2 and up. Mr.I’s annual Halloween concert will enchant youngsters and their parents. Costumes are welcome, and audience participation is encouraged. For more information, or to register, call 604.664.1636.
You will have a chance to support local artists and do some early holiday shopping at the Port Moody Craft Fair on Sunday November 1. The fair runs from 10am-2pm at 2620 St. George Street in Port Moody [map]. There will be kids wear, greetings cards, crocheted wear, jewelry, artwork, baby food, and more. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food donation for the SHARE food bank.
The 3rd Annual Catch the Rhythm Concert is running on Sunday November 1 from 2-4pm at the Inlet Theatre [map]. This fundraiser for the Eagle Ridge Hospital Auxiliary features Master of Ceremonies Christopher Gaze, along with performances by the Port Moody Community Concert Band, Port Moody Community String Orchestra, BC Girls Choir and more. To purchase tickets call the box office at 604.931.2008.
Renowned performer Susan Aglukark takes to the stage at the Evergreen Cultural Centre to present ‘Arctic Rose’ on Sunday November 1 at 8pm [map]. Susan is known as the Artist with a conscience, who considers live performing to be her true passion and priority. The emotional depth and honesty of her lyrics; her pure, clear voice and themes of hope, spirit and encouragement have captivated and inspired listeners. Aglukark, a multiple Juno winner, Aboriginal Achievement Award winner in Arts & Entertainment, and Order of Canada recipient will perform a mix of songs from her impressive repertoire. To buy tickets, or for more information call 604.927.6555 or email info@evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
Have some fun, do some trick-or-treating, and enjoy this weekend in the V3H!
This is candidate week here at the V3H! There is a by-election happening in the federal riding of New Westminster-Coquitlam on November 9, and we want to keep you informed. So this week we will be posting interviews from four candidates vying for election as MP. Each candidate answered the same 5 questions from us, and we are printing their responses verbatim, in the order in which we received them. The second one is from Fin Donnelly, candidate for the NDP.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background, and why you would like to represent New Westminster-Coquitlam?
I was born and raised in this community – literally.
I was born at St Mary’s Hospital in New Westminster, raised in Port Moody and currently live and work in Coquitlam. As a Coquitlam City Councillor for the past seven years, I have worked hard to increase transit, protect streams, reduce pollution and promote affordable housing. It feels like a natural step for me to run for Member of Parliament so I can take your concerns to Ottawa.
I know and love this community. I look forward to serving you as your MP.
What do you see as the most important issue currently facing New Westminster-Coquitlam?
I have talked to thousands of people since the summer and the number one issue people are raising is the negative impact the Harper/Campbell HST will have on families, students, seniors and small businesses.
It is wrong to shift almost $2 billion in taxes onto average British Columbians, especially in these tough economic times. Our local economy is struggling and the HST will only make things worse.
Also, people are upset that they were not consulted and had no voice on this new tax. Many people have told me that they see this by-election as a chance to express their views on this issue.
How does your party serve the needs and concerns of local residents?
My party has a proud tradition of bringing the voice of everyday people to Parliament, and providing top quality service to constituents who need assistance with federal agencies.
As your Member of Parliament I will continue that tradition. I will fight hard for the Evergreen Line and improved transit. I will work for affordable housing, better health care, and quality home care for our seniors.
My community office will be open and available to every constituent, to help you address concerns in your neighborhood and provide assistance in your interactions with federal agencies.
I care deeply about this community. I will listen to your concerns, and I am committed to ensuring that your voice is clearly heard in Ottawa.
Transportation has been on the minds of many local residents, with the damage to the Murray St. overpass this summer and the uncertainty over the Evergreen Line. What are your views on how to best meet the area’s transportation needs?
The Evergreen Line is the number one transportation concern I have heard on the doorstep.
The Conservative record is one of stalls, delays and uncertainty. For me it will be a top priority to ensure we get the job done. We need the Evergreen Line, and improved transit throughout the region, to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
The gridlock caused by the damage to the Murray Street overpass highlighted the need to provide transit alternatives. Expanded transit is the fastest, most cost-effective way to improve traffic and reduce gridlock.
In the last federal election voter turnout dropped to an all-time low. How will you engage with voters and involve them in the electoral process?
It is crucial to offer people hope.
I think people have been alienated from politics, in part because they see politics as nothing but negative bickering. What alarms me the most is the fact that so many young people are opting out of the political process.
That’s why I am making a particular effort to reach out to young people during this campaign. I’m spending a great deal of time at our campuses, I use social media such as Facebook to spread my message, and I have placed emphasis on recruiting younger volunteers to help in my campaign.
I also think people are frustrated by our electoral system – way too many people feel their vote doesn’t count. As a Member of Parliament, I will work hard for to bring in proportional representation so that everyone’s vote matters.
I think direct personal contact is very important for making voters feel more connected to the political process. During this campaign I am knocking on doors and attending events in every neighborhood of this riding. I hope to get the chance to talk to you in person during the campaign, and if I don’t get to your door when you’re at home please feel free to call or e-mail: 604-526-3346 or findonnelly@ndp.ca.
Thanks so much to Fin, for taking the time to speak with us. Please check back this week to read the rest of the candidate interviews. And, of course, if you live in New Westminster-Coquitlam, take the time to vote on November 9!
This is candidate week here at the V3H! There is a by-election happening in the federal riding of New Westminster-Coquitlam on November 9, and we want to keep you informed. So this week we will be posting interviews from four candidates vying for election as MP. Each candidate answered the same 5 questions from us, and we are printing their responses verbatim, in the order in which we received them. The first one is from Rebecca Helps, candidate for the Green Party.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background, and why you would like to represent New Westminster-Coquitlam?
As a long time resident of this riding I feel that New Westminster, Coquitlam and Port Moody are great communities to live in and that we can make them stronger and healthier communities by creating more jobs locally, reducing commute time, providing more transit options and providing more resources for families and individuals.
What do you see as the most important issue currently facing New Westminster-Coquitlam?
People are losing too much time commuting back and forth to work and it’s not healthy and takes time away from their families. The federal government can step up and get the Evergreen Line going and reduce the bottlenecks in our communities.
How does your party serve the needs and concerns of local residents?
The Green Party wants to simplify government bureaucracy by reducing duplication and streamlining service. All the forms of income assistance can be put together and delivered at far less cost. Health care can improved with better funding to reduce and eliminate waitlists.
Transportation has been on the minds of many local residents, with the damage to the Murray St. overpass this summer and the uncertainty over the Evergreen Line. What are your views on how to best meet the area’s transportation needs?
There are several approaches that must be taken. As mentioned earlier, the Evergreen Line needs to get going. Our municipalities also need to focus far more on bringing work and businesses to our communities so people can work locally. Just building housing is problematic, isn’t it? Then people have to go somewhere else to work. We’ll look like Seattle with freeways everywhere. In the meantime maybe we could consider making the Murray St overpass two lanes in one direction in the morning and two lanes in the other direction in the evenings.
In the last federal election voter turnout dropped to an all-time low. How will you engage with voters and involve them in the electoral process?
Voting Helps! My name alone helps to deliver the message that democracy and good government will only survive if people take the time and care to vote. Greens know that it is the rough and crude electioneering and House of Commons practices and self-serving politicians that turn people off politics. Greens stay away from that and we aren’t beholden to any interest groups. We hope that voters see us differently because we ARE different and we are focussed on what really matters.
Thanks so much to Rebecca, for taking the time to speak with us. Please check back this week to read the rest of the candidate interviews. And, of course, if you live in New Westminster-Coquitlam, take the time to vote on November 9!
I have lived here in the V3H for over 6 years, and I’ve driven by Place des Arts in Maillardville countless times. I’d heard good things about it, and I was sort of curious about it, but I had never set foot inside. I enjoy art, but I feel sort of intimidated by it, too. Plus, I have a 4-year-old and a 1-year-old and the idea of bringing them into an art gallery is slightly … terrifying. So when we were offered a pass to Family Day at Place des Arts last Sunday I jumped at it. The event was billed as a non-intimidating, child-friendly, low-key way to interact with art. This sounded like it was right up my alley.
The main event was local artist Eleanor Hannan, creating portraits using her sewing machine. Professional portrait model Monique posed, and the participants joined Eleanor in painting, colouring and sketching her portrait. I was very impressed by Monique’s ability to maintain her position and facial expression without moving for minutes at a time. And Eleanor was fabulous, demonstrating her work and interacting with the children.
Monique on the left, Eleanor Hannan on the right
My 4-year-old, Hannah, creating her own portrait
The Leonore Peyton Salon at Place des Arts
I have to say, I haven’t tried making a portrait of anyone in decades. I have an engineering degree, and I worked in high technology for 10 years. I’ve taken a lot of physics and math courses, and spent a lot of time in front of a computer screen, but not much time making my own art. It was really fun to explore my artistic side for the first time in living memory. And it was even better to share the experience with my husband and kids.
After some time working on our portraits, Place des Arts Event Coordinator Michael Fera led us in some theatre games. Michael is a co-founder of Hoarse Raven Theatre in Vancouver and worked with inner-city youth, using theatre as a tool to build character and self-esteem. He was great with the kids, and led us through all sorts of fun exercises.
Micheal leads the participants in theatre games
Throughout the event, participants were encouraged to come and go as they wished. In the lobby, there was a pinhole camera craft, and puppet-making. It was really, really kid-friendly, as the little ones followed their own whims in exploring and interacting with art.
Puppet-making
Hannah performs with the puppet she made
Place des Arts is a great place to visit, at it turns out, regardless of your age. It is bright and open and inviting. There is a fabulous boutique with local art and handcrafts. In fact, the annual Christmas boutique will be starting up on November 12 and continuing until December 18, if you’re looking for some truly unique holiday gifts. And there are classes for all age groups and interests running all the time.
Scenes from the Place des Arts atrium
There are a few more fun, family events coming up at Place des Arts that you might be interested in. On Saturday, October 31 Mr.I’s Slightly Spooky Songs and Stories will be running from 3-4pm. The fabulous and fun Light up the Square will be running from 4-7pm on Saturday, December 5 to kick off the holiday season. And the next Family Day is scheduled for Sunday, February 21, 2010 from 1:30-3:30pm.
To find out more about what’s going on at Place des Arts, you can drop in and visit yourself at 1120 Brunette Avenue in Coquitlam [map]. You can also call them at 604.664.1636, email them at info@placedesarts.ca, or visit them online at www.placedesarts.ca.
PS – If you are really curious, I talked a bit more about our day at Place des Arts, and shared my family’s artwork on my personal blog at Strocel.com.
It’s Wednesday, so that means it’s time for me to run through all of the exciting things to take in next weekend. I keep expecting things to slow down at some point, but the fall season keeps right on trucking, and there are still plenty of options for every taste. I hope you’ll get out there and take a few of them in.
If you’re looking for something to do this evening, the Port Moody Public Library is presenting a slide show called Cruising the West Coast of Vancouver Island. The event runs from 7-8:30pm at Inlet Theatre in Port Moody [map]. During the show authors Anne and Laurence Yeadon-Jones’ will be presenting a talk which features their new book, A Dreamspeaker Cruising Guide Volume Six: The West Coast of Vancouver Island, including Bunsby Islands and the Broken Group. The event is general seating, and no registration is required. For more information please call 604.469.4577.
Friday, October 23 is a Pro-D Day, and so Place des Arts in Coquitlam [map] is running a Day of the Arts called Haunted Happenings to keep the kiddos entertained. The Halloween-themed activities kick off at 8:45am, and continue until 3:45pm. There will be puppet-making, origami, dancing, singing, not-so-spooky stories, and more. And if you need after-hours care, you can sign up for the optional extension to 5pm. For more information, or to register, you can reach Place des Arts online at www.placedesarts.ca, by phone at 604.664.1636, or by email at info@placedesarts.ca.
On Friday, October 23 Douglas College will be holding its 12th annual A Class Act! event at the David Lam Campus in Coquitlam [map]. From 7-9:30 pm, 350 regional business and professional people will gather to mingle around an evening of wines, beers and appetizers from around the world. This year they will feature the magic of the Mediterranean, which does sound rather delicious, I have to say. This fabulous event not only educates and entertains, but proceeds also go to support students who are working to achieve their post-secondary dreams. Sounds like everyone wins. To order tickets, or for more information, please contact Tracy Green by phone at 604.777.6176 or email at greent@douglas.bc.ca.
Friday, October 23 also features another Crossroads Coffeehouse at The Gathering Place in Port Coquitlam [map] to benefit the Crossroads Hospice Society. This week the feature performers will be Port na Gael, made up of four musicians who play “mostly Irish most of the time.” Their unique style of vocal and instrumental arrangements, soul-stirring harmonies and lively tunes are their defining characteristics. Coffeehouse doors open at 7pm and the open stage starts at 7:30pm. Then, Port na Gael takes the stage at 9pm. Tickets are $5 at the door and everyone is welcome. For more info email info@crossroadshospice.bc.ca.
Friday evening is busy here in the V3H, as it turns out. There will be a live show and film screening called Rowed Trip from 7:30-9:30pm at the Inlet Theatre in Port Moody [map]. The show is part film, part drama and all humour, and it will delight not only the adventurous but anyone who has discovered the joys and challenges of travelling with a spouse [cough] like me [cough]. Using two rowboats, Colin and Julie voyage 7,200 km from the northern tip of Scotland to Aleppo, Syria. Over the course of 7 months they row through 13 countries. The 2 hour show includes a multimedia show, followed by the 57 minute documentary. You will also have the opportunity to win some great prizes, and all royalities for the Rowed Trip book sold will be donated to the Living Oceans Society. What’s not to love? Tickets are $20 each, and are available online or by calling 604.931.2008.
Budding rock hounds and gemologists will be excited to hear about Port Moody Rock and Gem Club‘s annual rock and gem show, Petrified!. The show is running on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25 from 10am-5pm at the Kyle Centre in Port Moody [map]. Featuring local lapidary artists and wonders of nature, our annual rock & gem show is an enjoyable and fascinating event for visitors of all ages. There will be a marketplace, displays and demonstrations, prizes, a lapidary workshop tour, food and more. Kids will enjoy making crafts and rock critters in the creative workshop, panning for gold, and smashing rocks to find a special prize. For more info call 604.323.4273 or email info@portmoodyrockclub.com.
Are you renovating your home or building a new one? Or maybe you’re interested in using less energy, water and natural resources, or creating a healthier indoor living environment? A green home may be right for you. The City of Port Moody is running two free green home workshops, open to Port Moody residents. During these 2-hour, non-technical workshops, Light House Sustainable Building Centre will teach homeowners how to green their homes. There is a special focus for homeowners renovating their homes to take advantage of federal tax credit incentives. The first session is on Saturday, October 24 from 1-3pm at the Glenayre Community Centre [map]. Or, if you can’t make that one, there is an upcoming workshop on Thursday, December 3 from 7-9pm at Old Orchard Hall [map]. For more information, or to register, call 604.469.4676.
Hot Salsa Dance Zone is running a fundraising Salsa Party on Saturday, October 24 from 6:30-10:30pm at Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam [map]. The party will be raising funds to purchase costumes and studio rentals for their dance troop, Hot Salsa Dance Zone Company. Participants will have a chance to dance salsa, cha-cha-cha, bachata, and merengue. Tickets are $10 in advance, and $12 at the door. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call 604.725.4654 or email info@hotsalsadancezone.com.
A new exhibit is coming to Evergreen Cultural Centre from October 23 to November 28, 2009. The Tree: From the Sublime to the Social, is organized and circulated by the Vancouver Art Gallery, and provides a provocative exploration of the tree’s significance in art spanning time, culture and media. The exhibition showcases over 30 works by 18 artists including Emily Carr, Rodney Graham, Lawren Harris, Jack Shadbolt and Ian Wallace. The works range from photography, oil and acrylic paintings, woodblock, screen print and charcoal drawings. The opening reception is taking place on Sunday, October 25 from 4-5:30pm at the Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. For more info call 604.927.6550 or email info@evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
Here’s to a great weekend!
When the leaves begin to fall and the rains return to our fair city, there’s nothing like getting a cup of tea and curling up with a good book.
October is Canadian Library Month, and the Port Moody Library is getting in the spirit by hosting an Open House. It will be held to thank patrons for their support, and to help everyone in the community get the most out of their local library.
There are over 22,000 libraries in Canada, and they are much more than depositories of books. Libraries have become community information centres, connecting people not only to books but online resources as well. Whether studying for citizenship tests, reading to your kids, connecting with employment resources, or just enjoying a quiet moment to read; the Port Moody Library has something for everyone.
Open House:
- When: Tuesday, October 20th. 6pm to 8pm
- Where: Port Moody Library, 100 Newport Drive.
- Admission is free, no registration required
There will be tours, online information gathering demonstrations, door prizes, refreshments (food in the library, oh my!), and a pyjama storytime starting at 6:30pm. For more information call 604-469-4577.
October 11-17 is Homelessness Action Week in British Columbia. While most of us were enjoying our Thanksgiving dinner last weekend, dozens of people right here in the Tri-Cities have no permanent place to call home. It’s sobering, and it’s a problem that continues to grow. In 2002, the estimated number of homeless persons in the Tri-Cities was 13. In 2005 it was 38 and in March of 2008 the formal homeless count estimate was 94. These numbers are probably artificially low. Outreach work by the Hope For Freedom Society provides a more accurate estimate of 213 persons in March 2008.
In a region as prosperous as ours, why are so many people homeless? Lack of income and affordable housing play a big part. The maximum housing allowance available to a single person on welfare is $375/month. But in the Greater Vancouver area, the average rent for a one bedroom apartment is just over $800 per month. This number represents a challenge even for those who are employed in low-income jobs. Lack of social services such as drug and alcohol treatment, mental health services, counseling, and assistance with daily living also contribute to homelessness in our region.
If you’re anything like me you are well aware of the homelessness problem right in our own back yard. But you feel overwhelmed and unsure of the best way to help. Here are a few resources and suggestions for how to get involved:
By working together, we can make a difference in our community. And not just for one week out of the year.
There is a lot going on this weekend here in the V3H. So read on, because I’m sure you’ll find something that will appeal to you.
The West Coast Chocolate Festival kicks off this weekend. The opening gala is taking place in Coquitlam, and there are many other events over the next few weeks here in the Tri-Cities. We wrote all about it a couple of weeks back, so check out our festival primer and enjoy the sweetness.
From October 15 to October 24 the Stage 43 Theatrical Society is presenting The Good Game at the Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. The play was written by BC playwright Roy Teed, and it chronicles the adventures of four over-the-hill hockey players who re-unite after 30 years to play a championship game against much younger competitors. How will they cope with a sudden thrid-period calamity that threatens to scuttle the game? You’ll have to see the play to find out. Tickets are available online, or by calling 604.927.6555.
On Friday, October 16 Crossroads Hospice Society‘s Crossroads Coffee House is running at the Gathering Place in Port Coquitlam [map]. Doors open at 7:00pm, and there is an open stage starting at 7:30. Feature performer Sue Haberger takes to the stage at 9:00. This will be a hootenanny, so you are invited to bring your requests and be ready to sing and play along. For more info call 604.949.2270.
The Tri-Cities Volunteerfest is happening on Saturday, October 17 from 10am – 4pm at Coquitlam Centre [map]. More than 25 local organizations who need you to make a difference will be there. This is a great chance to find out how you can get involved in your community, and share some of what you have to offer. For more information email Community Volunteer Connections at cvcinfo@volunteerconnections.net.
A couple of events are happening at Place des Arts in Coquitlam this weekend [map]. The faculty concert, Hot Songs from Cool Places, takes to the stage at 7:30pm on Saturday, October 17. Soprano Leanne Koch and pianist David Rogers will present a lyrical and entertaining evening of song. Leanne will sing a broad repertoire ranging from Rachmaninoff to transatlantic cabaret. David will also play several solos, including music by Astor Piazzolla, Edvard Grieg and George Gershwin.
Place des Arts will also be the place to be for Family Day on Sunday, October 18 from 1:30-3:30pm. Hosted by the genial Michael Fera, everyone from kids to grandparents can take an art-filled journey of discovery in a warm, relaxed and non-threatening environment. Created as something for the whole family to do together, Family Day is an opportunity for all ages to learn more about art and engage in creative activities. Exhibiting artist Eleanor Hannan will give a tour of her exhibition and an artist talk, allowing participants to gain an intimate understanding of the background and creative process that went into creating each piece. There will also be drop-in workshops in which participants can make their own pin-hole camera, participate in a live portrait session, and discover the world of improvisation à la Theatre Sports.
Tickets for both events at Place des Arts are available in person at Place des Arts or by calling 604.664.1636.
I hope that you seize this opportunity to get out and enjoy the fall season here in the V3H!
