(These are FREE listings. Email: EditorAsianJournal@gmail.com. The deadline for items is Wednesday evening.)
Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen
Come out on Saturday, October 15 to the GNFK event and make a difference. Volunteers are needed to help serve food at the First United Church on East Hastings Street (corner of Gore and Hastings) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come with your family. This event is open to all ages but children under the age of 14 must have an adult accompany them. www.gnfk.org.
Newton’s Block Watch 25th Anniversary Celebration
The celebration will be held on October 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Newton Cultural Centre at 13530 72nd Avenue in Surrey and will be open to the general public. Presently, in Newton, there are 150 active Block Watches and 5,815 participating households. Drop in for coffee and a piece of the anniversary cake and meet local dignitaries as well as local community organizations.
Muslim Association of Canada Workshop
Workshop on Positive Parenting Skills for Muslim parents on Saturday, October 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Target audience: parents, newly married couples, teachers, educators, care givers. Presenters: Dr. Ekram Beshir and Dr. Mohamed Rida Beshir, two experts in the area of parenting and education, and authors of several best-selling books on this subject in North America. Registration: $60/couple and $35/single available at MAC Youth & Community Centre and Islamic Information Centre. Venue: MAC Youth & Community Centre, 3889 Keith Street, Burnaby. Breakfast, lunch and snacks included. Child care available for a nominal fee.
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir
Karva Chauth on October 15 with pooja starting at 3 p.m. For more information, contact general secretary Vinay Sharma at 604-596-4977 or president Parshotam Goel at 604-377-241. Mandir at 8321 - 140 Street, Surrey.
Chetna Association of Canada
Celebration of Mahrishi Balmik Ji's Parkash Utsav Day on October 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Douglas College in New Westminster. For more information, contact: Gurmit Singh Sathi, General Secretary, at 604-613-6485, Shiv Nahar, Cultural Program Coordinator at 778-891-2147, Mohan Bangar, Cultural Program Coordinator, at 604-309-4010, or Surinder Ranga, President, at 604-657-1778. The event is also being dedicated to Saheb Kanshi Ram Ji, whose death anniversary falls on October 9, and Dr. Ambedkar for his Dharam Parivaritan day on October 14. Satguru Maharishi Ji is recognized as the 'Adikavi', or the first poet who highlighted the importance of such principles as commitment, devotion, and honor towards one's family, the community, and the nation.
UFV South Asian Colloquium: Greeting the Light
At University House, F125, University of the Fraser Valley, on Thursday, October 20, 12-1 p.m. A free university commons event. Come meet and hear from UFV’s new hires in South Asian and Diaspora literatures. Learn about recent and ongoing UFV research into the contemporary literatures and cultural relevance of the world’s other rapidly transforming ancient civilization. Readings, Q & A, and light refreshments. ‘The Lotus Singers: Contemporary Stories from South Asia’ is a UFV-supported research initiative.
South Asian Mental Health Community Conference
Date and Time: October 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (doors open at 9 a.m.). Location: Queen Elizabeth Secondary School, 9457 King George Boulevard, Surrey.
Workshops on various topics will take place throughout the day in English, Punjabi and Hindi by leading South Asian mental health professionals, with keynote addresses by Dr. G. Shimi Kang, Psychiatrist, Provincial Women's Health Program, BC Women's Hospital and Assistant Clinical Professor, UBC, and Dr. Gulzar S. Cheema, Clinical Instructor, Department of Family Practice, UBC, and Medical Director, iCON South Asian Division eHealth Strategy Office, Faculty of Medicine, UBC. Other speakers: Arvinder Grewal, Clinical Counsellor, BC Children's Hospital, Dr. HaFeez Mian, Registered Clinical Counsellor, Surrey School District, Dr. Jas Bhopal, Psychiatrist, Dr. Kala Singh, Clinician, Fraser Health Authority, Dr. Poonam Tangri, Psychologist, Centre for Child Development, and Dr. Rajpal Singh, Psychologist. The event is hosted in partnership with the BC Mental Health Foundation, Surrey School District and Sources Community Resource Centre Society, and will feature information tables from over 15 local agencies. Complimentary lunch will be provided. Pre-registration is required. To register: www.samhaa.org
Official Grand Opening of Surrey-North MP Jasbir Sandhu’s Community Office
At 13979 104th Avenue in Surrey on Saturday, October 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend the grand opening, which will feature tours of the office, an opportunity to meet Jasbir and his staff, as well as local food and family activities such as pumpkin decorating.
Diwali at Surrey Memorial Hospital
Global Hindu Foundation of Canada is arranging Diwali (Festival of Lights) celebration on October 25 at Surrey Memorial Hospital between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Main Cafeteria. Guests will be treated with traditional gifts of sweets and snacks. For information, contact Kanti Dwivedi at 604-507-3099, Kamla Tiwari at 604-589-0055 or Pushplata Sharma at 604-543-3230.
Child Care & Family Drop-in Resources
Come and join us to learn about: * Before and After day care in your neighbourhood * Child Care Subsidy * Free Programs * Keeping children safe * Community Resources to help families and children of all ages. When: October 26 (Wednesday), 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Fee: Free. Language: Punjabi / Hindi. Where: South Vancouver Family Place, 7710 Nanaimo Street, Vancouver. For more information and registration, call: 604-324-6212 ext 120 (South Vancouver Neighbourhood House).
Man in the Moon / Daddy Storytimes
Daddy Storytimes, also known as “Man in the Moon” Storytimes, are for men only and babies (newborn to 24 months). Dads, stepdads, foster dads, boyfriends, granddads, uncles and all male caregivers are welcome. This program, adapted from Vancouver Public Library, offers male caregivers an opportunity to bond with a little one through songs, stories and puppets. The program will run for 7 weeks, Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., from now to November 15 at the Strawberry Hill Library, 7399 -122 Street. To register, call Strawberry Hill Library, 604-501-5836. For more information, contact Victor at 604-501-5844, or vcor@surrey.ca
Parents: Does your child (Grades 2-4) need practice reading?
Sign them up for Coast Capital Reading Buddies program at Fleetwood, Newton, Strawberry Hill or Guildford Libraries. Your child can improve his / her reading skills in a safe, non-threatening environment. It’s free. High school students offer their time and expertise by ‘buddying up’ with a child to enjoy reading together and supporting emerging readers. * Fleetwood Library: Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. from October 25 to November 29. To register or for more info, call Jennie at 604-598-7351. * Guildford Library: Thursdays, 3:45-4:45 p.m. from November 3 to December 8. To register or for more info, call Jennifer at 604-598-7378. * Newton Library: Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. from October 25 to November 29. To register or for more info, call Ruby at 604-598-7413. * Strawberry Hill Library: Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. from October 12 to November 16. To register or for more info, call Victor at 604-501-5844. * Cloverdale Library: Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. from October 18 to November 22. To register or for more info, call Lucy Zhang at 604-598-7326. Details at www.surreylibraries.ca
Teen Programs at Surrey Libraries
Back To Basics Photography: October 22, Newton Library. Ages 12-18. * Teen Gaming: play Xbox & Kinect on a big screen at the Libraries. * Port Kells Library (XBox 360): Saturday, October 15, 2-3 p.m., Saturday, December 10, 2-3 p.m. * Guildford Library (XBox 360 and Kinect): Mondays, 4-6 p.m. - October 24, November 28, December 19. * City Centre Library (XBox 360 and Kinect): Monday, November 14, 1:30 -3:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 7, 4-6 p.m. * Online Research Skills - Drop in. Ages 13-18. Thursdays, 6-8:30 p.m., starting October 6. City Centre Library, Computer Learning Centre. * TAG: Join our Teen Advisory Group - Get Volunteer Hours! Help plan library programs for teens. Meets at Fleetwood Library, 4-5 p.m., October 26, November 30.
1st Annual Vancouver Men’s Show
The only men’s specific consumer trade show in British Columbia comes to TRADEX in Abbotsford from November 18-20. It features the hottest toys, high-end retail, spirit and beer tasting and a Tailgate party for CFL Eastern and Western Final under one roof. Outrageous custom vehicles will be unveiled for the first time, and one Strong Man will use his brute strength in a grueling competition to become the 1st Vancouver Men’s Show Strong Man champion. Throughout the three days, there are many opportunities to show your support for Movember, and Prostate Cancer Canada. Friday night features a Best Moustache Contest, Saturday has a live Charity Auction, there’s a Putt for Prostate Cancer and last but not least, get $2 off admission at the door, just by sporting a moustache. Location: TRADEX Abbotsford, 1190 Cornell Street. * Friday, November 18: 2 to 9 p.m. * Saturday, November 19: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. * Sunday, November 20: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: * Adults (16 and up): $10 * Kids (12 and under): Free. * Weekend Pass: $20.
Vancouver Christmas Market
Runs November 24 to December 24, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., outdoors at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza. Vancouver Christmas Market features more than 45 traditional wooden booths containing traditional German products, and rows of Christmas trees strung with thousands of twinkling lights and a new children’s Christmas Carousel. Smell the authentic aromas of Gluehwein (mulled wine) and pine trees perfuming the air. Taste specialty foods including German Bratwurst, Swiss Raclette, Brataepfel (stuffed baked apples), Schupfnudeln (German noodles), Bavarian Leberkaes (meatloaf), and much more. Admission: * Adults (13+ years): $5 General Admission, $2 Monday to Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. * Youth (7-12 years): $2 * Child (0-6 years): Free. For more information visit www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com
Arya Samaj Society of British Columbia
Hawan, Pravachan and Satsangh followed by Preeti Bhoj every Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Arya Samaj Centre, 6884 Jubilee Avenue, Burnaby. All welcome. For more information: Pushp Kant Singh, President, at 604-437-7903, Jack Sundar, Secretary, at 604-541-9359 or Kushwaha Kant Singh, Treasurer, at 604-328-5454. * Yoga, pranaayaam and meditation classes held every Wednesday, 7-8:30 p.m. For more information, call 604-874-9856.
Surrey Museum
Unique artifacts, images and interactive displays in a stunning and modern space that highlights Surrey’s history. Attractive space for programs, 42-seat orientation theatre, changing exhibits. 17710-56A Avenue, Surrey, B.C. Phone: 604-592-6956. www.surrey.ca/heritage. Hours: Tuesdays-Fridays, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturdays: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibitions: Experience two perspectives of Japanese Canadians and Japanese Americans during their internment in the 1940s. The reality of forced separation and uprooting of families is portrayed through striking black and white photographs by Ansell Adams and Leonard Frank. Presented by Japanese Canadian National Museum. On display September 13-October 29.
Need the Skills to Find a Job?
Design a fantastic resume and cover letter, fine tune your interview techniques, learn valuable skills to succeed in the Canadian workplace, gain insight into the job market, access special services for skilled workers – all at no cost. The Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society, Vancouver Branch, has been helping immigrants and newcomers to Canada for over 14 years. Their Group Job Search Workshops are a flexible, 5 module rotating program, running weekly, with 16 sessions each month. This includes basic computer orientation, with instruction on using Word and Excel, and accessing the Internet. Workshops are held within a culturally diverse environment, led by qualified facilitators. Past and current E.I. recipients are always welcome. Knowledgeable case managers are available to guide you through the process of reaching your career goals. PICS Vancouver also offers one-on-one employment assistance, paid on-the-job work experience through our Wage Subsidy program, and a one-stop Career Centre with a broad range of job hunting resources. Funding for all programs is provided by the Ministry of Social Development, Employment and Labour Market Services Division. Call 604-324-7733, go to www.pics.bc.ca, or visit us at 200-8161 Main Street, Vancouver, to find out how PICS can best help you.
