Richmond Public Library welcomes The Year of the Dragon on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Brighouse Branch.
People are encouraged to wear traditional Chinese outfits. Families activities include games, a tea ceremony, performances, dragon crafts, exhibits, demonstrations, Chinese calligraphy and painting, riddles, and lucky money envelopes. Plus, the Richmond Orchid Culture Club will hold a mini orchid sale and exhibit. Find out your fortune for the Year of the Dragon, and enter the raffle draw. Celina Luk from AM 1470 Fairchild Radio will be the Master of Ceremonies.
Performances will include:
- Lion dance and martial arts - Shao Lin Hung Gar Kung Fu Association;
- Peacock dance - by Grade 1 students Ivy Qin, Sharon Zhao and Teresa Wang;
- Guzheng music - Sincere Lam Guzheng Ensemble;
- Chinese cooking demonstration - Bernice Taam;
- Chinese opera arias and Chinese New Year songs - Yemina Chung.
"The highlight of our celebration this year is the Chinese New Year Picture Exhibit, containing 22 colorful Chinese New Year pictures and videos that demonstrate how the Lunar New Year is celebrated throughout different regions of China.
These are on loan from the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China," said the library's coordinator of multilingual services, Wendy Jang.
PREPARING YOUR TAX RETURN
RPL is offering a free program, Tax Strategies for Canadians - Preparing Your Tax Return on Feb. 1 from 7-8: 30 p.m. at the Brighouse (Main) Branch.
According to Alphil Guilaran, executive director of the Financial Literacy Counsel, the goals of the program are the following:
- Help Canadians file taxes correctly;
- Maximize tax deductions and credits to reduce the taxes you pay;
- Provide a safe place for individuals and families to ask questions.
Participants can expect to learn proven tax strategies including understanding your tax return; deductions vs. credits; when you should incorporate; estate taxes; commonly missed or misunderstood tax slips. Guest speakers will be Alphil Guilaran and Jason Nakano.
"We provide a safe, non-sales environment in which people can learn valuable financial life skills," said Guilaran. In addition to being the executive director of the Financial Literacy Counsel, Guilaran and his team implement solutions for managing, preserving and transferring inter-generational wealth.
Nakano has been a chartered accountant for over 12 years.
