In the Community

I recently read a book I think everyone should read. It is Still Alice by Lisa Genova. I heard good things about it, so when I saw it at a library sale, I scooped it up.

As the holiday celebrations come to an end, many of Richmond's citizens are looking at the hole burned in their wallets and are scratching their heads wondering where their extra savings went.

When the ancient Romans chose January as the name for the first month of the year, they were honouring their god Janus, guardian of doorways (whence our word janitor, originally meaning doorkeeper).

Newcomers to Richmond will receive enhanced immigrant settlement services to help them settle into their new lives and gain employment. More than $2 million in funding for SUCCESS and Chimo Crisis Services has come in from the B.C. government.

When 17-year-old Teddy went missing in the early hours of the morning, his owner was frantic looking for the blind and partly deaf dog. After a 90-minute search, 78-year-old Anne Hudson followed the sound of barking to a water-filled ditch.

For all the promise of joy, peace and harmony that comes with the holiday season, the reality for millions of people is that the season is anything but a celebration.

During this season, it is good to know that Canadians continue to be generous.

It was a banner week for those of us who live at the intersection of culture and immigration, although not much of the news was very uplifting.

Last week I went to Steveston-London secondary's annual Breakfast with Santa. For those of you who don't know, Breakfast with Santa is a fun, festive tradition meant to get students and staff into the holiday spirit.

Christmas has little to do with the gifts we receive. I hope my wife will forgive me for that statement, as she's spent most of her free time these past weeks helping out jolly Old St. Nick.