A presentation based on the 1914 Komagata Maru incident and led by award-winning filmmaker Ali Kazimi is coming to Simon Fraser University's Surrey campus (theatre 2600) tonight (Tuesday, Oct. 25) at 7: 45 p.m.

Kazimi is author of Undesirables, White Canada and the Komagata Maru, a new book based on his earlier documentary, Continuous Journey (2004), which traces the story of the infamous ship that carried 376 British India immigrants to Vancouver's Harbour only to be turned away.

The incident has been used in schools to illustrate historical difficulties in race relations in Canada.

Kazimi, a professor in the department of film at York University, will launch his new book at the event. RSVPs are recommended; selected guests attending the event will receive a complimentary autographed copy of a special limited edition of Kazimi's new book. To RVSP, email ContactUndesirables@gmail.com with name and contact information and include "Surrey Launch" in the subject line.

'GARDEN' AUTHOR WINS AT SURREY CONFERENCE

Four Chefs One Garden, written by West Vancouver-based author Evaleen Jaager Roy, won the Surrey International Writers' Conference 2011 Griffin Award over the weekend.

This award recognizes those who have "contributed to Canadian society through the craft of writing."

Part cookbook, part gardening primer, Four Chefs One Garden combines seasonal local recipes from acclaimed Vancouver chefs Michel Jacob, Umberto Menghi, Tojo and Vikram Vij with gardening ideas and photography.

Through charity events and donations from the sale of each book, Four Chefs One Garden has contributed to the YWCA Downtown Eastside Crabtree Corner facility, which provides more than 30,000 nutritious meals to local residents and families each year.

RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS EXPLORED AT SURREY CHURCH

Sikh, Muslim, Jewish and First Nations community members will reflect on cultural and religious traditions at a series of events at a South Surrey church.

The sessions will be held Wednesday evenings at Crescent United Church, 2756 127th St., starting at 7 p.m.

"In these times of intercultural misunderstandings and fears, this is an opportunity for bridge building through understanding and sharing," said church member Kathy Booth, a planner of the four events.

"Although Surrey is a rich, multicultural city, many of us may not know people from different cultural and religious traditions. This is an opportunity to forge those connections with neighbours in Surrey."

The events will cover different subjects each night, including "Beginnings" (Nov. 2), "Faith Traditions in the Home" (Nov. 9), "Creating Community" (Nov. 16) and "Festivals" (Nov. 23). For details, call 604-535-1166 or visit www.crescentunitedchurch.com.

CRAFT FAIR RAISES CASH

Another craft fair at Elim Village in Surrey will raise money for The Canadian Food Grains Bank, which works toward ending hunger in developing countries.

Residents of the seniors' home will hold a third annual event Nov. 4-5 at the facility, located at 9008 158th St.

The first such event was held in 2009. "It was a smaller affair but very successful," event organizer Kathy Reimer told the Now.

"Elim residents take advantage of any opportunity to bring community together. What has now become an annual event is another one the community has come to look forward to. The table fees are nominal and the vendors keep 100 per cent of their sales income."

Vendor tables are available for the event. To get involved, contact Reimer by phone or email, 604-582-5579 or kreimer@elimvillage.com.

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