Friday
The Consulate General of Japan is pleased to present Parallel Paths – Japanese Diplomacy and Nikkei Heritage: World War Two Period. This is the third forum in a series of 6 forums tracing the parallel histories of the Japanese consulate in Vancouver and the Japanese community will be held on Friday, June 27 at 7 pm, Steveston Buddhist Temple, 4360 Garry Street, Richmond. Keynote speaker Dr. Henry Shimizu will talk about the treatment and detainment of Japanese Canadians during the war period as well as life at the internment camps based on his experience. Consul General Okada will explain about the situation at that time from the Japanese perspective. Following the speakers, there will be a panel discussion and a Q&A session. This is a free public event. Details: http://www.vancouver.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/documents/125/parallel_path_3.pdf. Registrations appreciated: [email protected].
Saturday
The Multicultural Heritage Festival which features an eclectic mix of performances and demonstrations from around the world is returning in an expanded format. Presented in partnership with Vancouver Cantonese Opera, the event will take place on the City stage at the Minoru Plaza outside the Richmond Cultural Centre on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29. After the success of its Richmond debut last year, the festival is moving outdoors and adding a second day of music, dance and martial arts, celebrating diversity through an impressive representation of cultures. Canadian artists from China, Great Britain, India, Japan, Russia, Thailand and the Ukraine will share the stage, bringing colour and vibrancy to this free event. The event takes place from noon until 5 p.m. each day, at Minoru Plaza outside the Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate. For more information, call 604-764-8181 or visit www.multiculturalheritage.ca
Upcoming
Join Mel Sylvestre and the Richmond Food Security Society for a talk on seed saving and production, including how to improve and adapt varieties to local conditions. The talk takes place on Thurs. July 10th or Wed. August 13th at the Brighouse (Main) Branch Community Place, Richmond Public Library, 7700 Minoru Gate. To register, visit any branch of Richmond Public Library, call 604-231-6413 or register online at www.yourlibrary.ca/events. As the Perennial and Biodiversity Coordinator at UBC Farm, Mel Sylvestre teaches students how to grow, harvest and store crops cultivated for seed suitable for the local area.
Richmond Public Library will partner with lawyer George Li to offer a free workshop in Mandarin on how to keep your Permanent Resident status, and the qualifications for applying to be a Canadian Citizen. The program takes place on Fri. July 11th from 2-3:30 pm at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, Community Place Room, 7700 Minoru Gate. To register, visit any branch of Richmond Public Library, call 604-231-6413, or register online at www.yourlibrary.ca/events. Mr. Li is a lawyer who has represented clients at all levels of court and tribunals in British Columbia and Canada. He has also volunteered his time for legal aid organizations, including the Law Society of British Columbia, AM1320 Radio Station, Fairchild TV, and SUCCESS.
Ongoing
Volunteers needed: Richmond Lions Manor Care Facility (located near Costco) is looking for reliable and caring volunteers, for a variety of positions, to assist seniors in the community. If you have an hour or two a week available please contact (Ms) Terry Krahn at 604 675 2590 Ext 21857 or [email protected]
Learn to cook low cost, nutritious and tasty meals while enjoying the company of new friends. Community Kitchen program is held at South Arm Community Center, The Caring Place, Gilmore Park Church and Cambie Community center. To join please call (778)885-5165.
Seniors keen on fishing and socializing can check out the Richmond Golden Rod N’ Reels. Monthly meetings are held at the Japanese Cultural Centre in Steveston and start at 10 a.m., followed by lunch at a favourite restaurant. For more information, visit richmondgoldenrodsandreels.com. or call John at 604-275-3717, or Bert at 604-857-0117.
Richmond Hospice Association Library is open Tuesdays from 2 to 5 p.m. at The Caring Place, Suite 310, 7000 Minoru Blvd. Come and meet the librarian and see the resources for bereavement support. For more information, call Janice at 604-279-7140.
A support group for the visually impaired meets on the second Wednesday of every month at the Japanese Cultural Centre from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The group is to meet with others who have similar sight problems - it could include those who have overcome and are able to give some simple assistance. Periodically, there are speakers from CNIB, Handidart, city hall, etc. It’s an informative group with loads of laughs too. There’s coffee and cookies provided. For more information, contact Edith Petersen at 604-276-0059.
The Richmond Garden Club meets on the fourth Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Minoru Sports Pavilion, 7191 Granville Ave. All novice and experienced gardeners are welcome as our guests. For more information, call Gary at 604-278-8159.
Looking for something to do on the weekends? Come enjoy an afternoon movie and coffee social on the second and fourth Saturday of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. at the South Arm Community Centre, 8880 Williams Rd., Seniors Lounge. Bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Richmond Food Bank. No cost or registration required. For show titles, call South Arm at 604 718 8060.
Volunteers are needed for the executive board of the new CARP Chapter starting in Richmond. Meetings will be held on the first Thursday of the month, starting on Sept. 5 at Minoru Place Activity Centre from 1 to 3 p.m. CARP - A New Vision of Aging for Canada is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization, which advocates for all issues important to aging Canadians. For more information, contact April Lewis at 604-536-8717 or [email protected].
Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a non-profit weight loss support group. Find more information about the Richmond chapters by calling Lynda at 604-856-8014 or email [email protected].
The Richmond Gospel Choir meets on Sundays, from 1-2 p.m. at the Parish Hall of St. Alban church, 7260 St. Alban’s Rd. We extend a warm welcome to those who would like to share the joy of singing. Everyone is welcome, male and female ( all ages). There are no auditions for this group. This is your opportunity to sing with a livley,enthusiastic group! For more information, contact Kevin Zakresky at: [email protected].
