OBITUARY
It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Mohinder (Moe) Singh Herar on March 26, while vacationing in India. Moe is survived by his loving wife, a son and a daughter and their families. He came from a family of three brothers and one sister and was fortunate to be very close to all of them. Moe was a friend to all he knew, with a big heart and a friendly smile. Born on June 6, 1939, in Jalandhar, Punjab, he immigrated to Canada in the 1960’s. After staying in Mission, he moved to Kamloops where he worked for the Public Services Department. In the early 1980’s, Moe decided to move back to Vancouver, living in Port Coquitlam initially, eventually settling in Coquitlam. Moe retired from the Public Service Commission and afterwards took up Punjabi interpreting to help his community in the courts and hospitals. He made friends wherever he lived and enjoyed social gatherings with his whistling and singing. His love of tennis and badminton was well known to his friends and family and remained a big part of his life. His kind and friendly demeanor will be deeply missed. Funeral services will be held on April 1 at 1 p.m. at Riverside Funeral Home, 7410 Hopcott Road, Ladner. Sikh prayer ceremony will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Akali Singh Sikh Temple, 1890 Skeena Street, Vancouver.
B.C. EVENTS
(These are FREE listings. Email: EditorVoice@gmail.com)
Canada Cancer Society
Help us build our Daffodil Campaign in April in the City of Surrey and Abbotsford community. We are looking for volunteers to donate 2 to 4 hours on weekends throughout April. Please call 604-837-6837 to volunteer in Surrey, call 604-533-1816 to volunteer in Abbotsford.
Surrey-Newton Federal Liberal Association
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day was “Inspire Change.” Women will be gathering at the Grand Taj Banquet Hall at 8388 128th Street, Surrey, for a luncheon networking event that hopes to empower future leaders in our community to break down those barriers that prevent them from achieving their objectives. Following the featured speakers there will be a light luncheon and an opportunity for networking with female leaders from the community. This event is sponsored by the Surrey-Newton Federal Liberal Association in cooperation with the Young Liberals of Canada as part of their “Women’s Connections” series. On Saturday, March 29, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 ($15 for youth) and are available at the door. The featured speakers: Lawyer Puneet P.K. Sandhar, radio host Gurpreet Grewal, author Sedi Menachi, and fitness and weight trainer Sandy Dosanjh.
Vancouver International Auto Show
Presented by the New Car Dealers Association of BC, the 94th Vancouver International Auto Show at the Vancouver Convention Centre West from March 29-30.Show Hours: * Saturday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. * Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: General Admission: $15. Seniors (65+) and Students (valid ID required): $10. Children 7-12 (when accompanied by an adult): $4. Children 6 and under (when accompanied by an adult): Free. Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children 12 and under): $30. Multi-Day Pass (good for any 2 days): $25. For more info:www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com
Shree Mahalakshmi Temple
* Saturday, March 29: 6 p.m. – Shree Hanuman Japa * March 31-April 9: 6:30 p.m. – Chaitri Navaratri, Gudi Padva. 467 E 11th Avenue Vancouver. Phone: 604-874-0175. shreemahalakshmi@gmail.com
All Star Wrestling
At Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey with former WWE star, Native American TATANKA on Saturday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Alice Mckay Building, 6050 176 Street. * Jason Cage (Champion) vs WWE legend, Tatanka * Kyle Sebastian (Champion) vs Adam Ryder * Azeem The Dream & Christopher Ryseck vs Kenny Lush & King of The Yukon * Moondog Manson vs Cremator Von Slasher * Collin Cougar Meat Cutler(Champion) vs Matt XStatic * Riea Von Slasher & Iron Maiden vs Bambi Hall & Raven Lake * TKO Cody Smith vs Breaker Iton. Tickets: $20 Front Row; $15 Ringside Rows 2-4; $12 Bleachers. Information-604-710-0872. Tickets available at www.allstarwrestlingcanada.ca or www.allstar-wrestling.com. Also available at: Central City Comix-10221 King George Highway, Surrey. www.centralcitycomix.com. Comics Scene-8912 152 Street, Surrey. www.comicsscene.ca. Meet the wrestlers after the show at Rockwell’s Bar & Grill located in the Holiday Inn on the corner of 64th Avenue and 176th Street.
South Asian Seniors: Bingo
Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian adults / senior members as well as non-members to play bingo for the sake of fun and make some new friends on March 30, 2-3:30 p.m., at Shanti Niketan Hall, 8321 14oth Street, Surrey. Bring $2 with you to play two games. Members will explain the game to you. Tea & snacks will be served after the games. Contact Surendra Handa at 604-507-9945 for more details.
Movie: Red Ant Dream
Hari Sharma Foundation and South Asian Film Education Society (SAFES) present Red Ant Dream directed by Sanjay Kak (2013) Hindi with English subtitles. 120 minutes. Sunday, March 30, 5-8 p.m., 1800 Terasen Theatre, SFU Harbour Center, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. Red Ant Dream is a feature documentary on the revolutionary movement in India. It focuses on the Maoists in Bastar in Chattisgarh, tribals fighting mining corporations in Nyamgiri in Odisha, and peasants in Pumjab inspired by the revolutionary Bhagat Singh. Sanjay Kak will present the film and do a Q & A after the screening. Admission is free. RSVP Chin Banerjee:cbanerjee@telus.net
Surrey Libraries: Filing Personal Tax Return
Surrey Libraries are offering free clinics for those eligible, at City Centre, Guildford and Strawberry Hill branches. A volunteer from DIVERSEcity, trained by the Canada Revenue Agency, will help prepare & electronically file (if eligible) your tax return. You must be a Surrey resident and your income falls within these guidelines: Single Person: $30,000. Single parent with child: $35,000. Each additional child: $ 2,500. Couples: $40,000. Investment income under: $ 1,000. You have a simple tax return (no self employment, no bankruptcy, no forms for deceased, no capital gains / losses and no rental income). The clinics operate on a first come, first serve basis. For details, visit the Libraries or www.surreylibraries.ca
Richmond Library: Free Income Tax Clinics
Richmond Public Library, in partnership with the Family Christian Fellowship, is offering free Income Tax Clinic to help those with a low income file their income tax returns. The clinics take place on Saturdays: March 29, and April 5, 12, 19, and 26 between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. in Community Place Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch located at 7700 Minoru Gate. If you’re a single person with a maximum income of $30,000, a couple with a maximum income of $40,000, or an adult with one child and a maximum income of $35,000, then you qualify for this free service. Sessions are 45 minutes per person and couples must sign up for one time slot each. To register, call 604-231-6413 or visit the Brighouse 2nd floor information desk. Bring all relevant documents such as T4 and T5 slips.
South Asian Seniors: Filing Income Tax Returns Free
Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey informs South Asian seniors that during the tax filing period we can help you to file your income tax returns for the year 2013 free of cost from now to April 20 if you are living in Surrey / Delta. The eligibility criteria are as follows: 1. Single individual with annual income limit up to $30,000. 2. Couples with annual income up to $40,000. 3. Adult with one child annual income up to $35,000, add the income limit by $2,500 for each dependent child. Interest income not over $1,000 and this income will be included as total eligibility. With no investment income, no rental income and no partnership income, SIN card and photo identity will be required to prove the documents. If you are eligible then contact Surendra Handa at 604-507-9945.
Free Tax Clinic
Eligibility: Low income Permanent Residents who have been in Canada for 5 years or less. Locations: MOSAIC Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway; MOSAIC Vancouver, 2nd floor, 1720 Grant Street. Service dates: March and April. Appointments: Have your PR number ready and call required: 604 254 9626 (Vancouver) or 604 438 8214 (Burnaby).
Spring Break for Kids at the Library
This spring break, kids can explore the world of Science and LEGO Robotics at Surrey Libraries from now until March 31. At the Lego Robotics sessions, kids ages 6-12 can have loads of fun (and learn a bunch!) as they use Lego bricks to explore the world of robotics with Bricks 4 Kidz. At the Let’s Talk Science sessions, kids can explore the world of science with SFU’s science and technology students. Topics include Crime lab, bright lights, bugs and more! Topics and ages vary by branch. Free. For times and locations, visit Surrey Libraries or www.surreylibraries.ca
Hari Sharma Memorial Lecture 2014
Sanjay Kak: “Martyr and Witness: Reflecting on Kashmir”. And a Conversation on Kashmir with David Barsamian. Monday, March 31, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at 1420-1430 Segal Centre, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. Admission is free. RSVP for registration: Chin Banerjee: cbanerjee@telus.net. Hari Sharma Foundation, www.harisharma.org, supported by South Asian Network for Secularism and Democracy (SANSAD) and South Asian Film Education Society (SAFES).
Girl Empowered Leadership Workshops
Surrey Libraries has partnered with Plan in support of the Because I am a Girl campaign which is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of girls and women both locally and globally. The Strawberry Hill Library will be hosting free motivational workshops for girls ages 10-14 to help raise awareness of issues girls face and inspire them to create change of their own. Tuesdays, April 1-15 – 5-6:15 p.m.Snacks provided. Workshop Themes: * April 1: Because I am Me: Self Esteem and Speaking Out * April 8: Because I am Socially Responsible: I Want to Make a Difference * April 15: Because I am Cooperative: I Will Work as a Team. For more information, contact Jaskirat Sahni atjaskiratsahni@gmail.com. Register at the Strawberry Hill Library or call 604-501-5838. http://www.surreylibraries.ca/5252.aspx
Surrey Board of Trade: SFU President
Luncheon event featuring Professor Andrew Petter, President of Simon Fraser University. Keynote address will focus on the Surrey’s Economy and SFU’s role in its transformation. On Tuesday, April 1 at Eaglequest Golf Course (7778 152 Street, Surrey). Time: Lunch and Registration 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; Program 12-1:30 p.m. For further information, please contact Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade, at anita@businessinsurrey.com or at 604-634-0342.
Arundhati Roy in Vancouver
Celebrated author and Booker Prize-winning novelist Arundhati Roy will be making her first Vancouver appearance on Tuesday, April 1 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Roy will read from a range of her works and will speak about her journey in writing and activism at St. Andrew’s-Wesley Church in downtown Vancouver, and is supported by SFU’s Surrey Campus Library, SANSAD and the Hari Sharma Foundation. Tickets are $25 for general seating and $20 for students, available through the Tickets Tonight box office and online at indiansummerarts.com. The box office opened on February 5. Tickets and event seating are available on a first come, first served basis. Roy’s books will be available for purchase at the venue and she will also be available for book signings after the event. Roy will also speak on April 2 at the British Columbia Library Conference.
8th Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Sakura Days Japan Fair in partnership with the Japan Fair Association of Vancouver on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6, 10 a.m.-5p.m., at VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street (37th & Oak), Vancouver. This fun two-day celebrates the cultural arts and age old traditions of Japan, allowing everyone to try their own hand at origami, calligraphy, ikebana and other Japanese arts and crafts demonstrations. Purchase advance tickets. Experience the special ritual of the Japanese tea ceremony, Japanese festival food, sample premium sake, guided Tree Talks and Walks to the cherry trees, and haiku readings. Experience Japan through performances including Japanese classical dance, taiko drumming, the Cherry Blossom Dance, soothing tones of shakuhachi (bamboo flute), martial arts performances, anime, the Kid’s Tent and more. Presented by Japan Fair Association of Vancouver (JFAV) and hosted by VanDusen Botanical Garden. For more info, visit www.vcbf.ca
Surrey Libraries: Know Your Legal Rights
April 7-11 is Law week. To keep you informed of your legal rights, Surrey Libraries have partnered with People’s Law School to provide free information sessions. Get answers to any questions you may have. Registration required. * Consumer Law & Scams to Avoid: Tuesday, April 8, 7-8:30 p.m. Semiahmoo Library. Register at 604-592-6908. Wednesday, April 9, 7-8:30 p.m. Guildford Library. Register at 604-598-7366. * Immigration Law: Thursday, April 10, 7-8:30 p.m. City Centre Library. Register at 604-598-7427. * Landlord & Tenant Rights: Tuesday, April 8, 7-8:30 p.m. Guildford Library. Register at 604-598-7366. * Power of Attorney: Thursday, April 10, 7-8:30 p.m. Ocean Park Library. Register at 604-502-6449. * Wills & Estates: Monday, April 7, 7-8:30 p.m. City Centre Library. Register at 604-598-7427. Thursday, April 10, 7-8:30 p.m. Fleetwood Library. Register at 604-598-7346. www.surreylibraries.ca
MOSAIC’s 3rd Annual Job Fair
April 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Croatian Cultural Center, 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. A record 50 employers participating. Includes organizations in the areas of business, trades, finance, hi-tech, retail, foodservice, hospitality and more – even the police and the City of Vancouver will be recruiting. Most of the organizations indicated they have multiple positions to fill and all are hoping to meet some great candidates. In attendance for the first time will also be the skills and trades sector, with 16 organizations looking to fill positions ranging from welders and glaziers to engineers and estimators. Job postings call for apprentices and journeymen through to supervisors, managers and directors. The Job Fair is open to all job seekers and admission is free.
UFV: Research Lecture Series
At the University of the Fraser Valley on Wednesday, April 9 at 5 p.m. – at Abbotsford Campus Lecture / Theatre Room B101 – featuring a talk by Dr. Amandeep Sandhu, BC Regional Innovation Chair in Canada-India Business and Economic Development at UFV. Dr. Sandhu will be discussing How the Globalization of Service Jobs Will Determine Your Career and Life through the ‘now rising practices of outsourcing white collar jobs.’ This talk is free, all community members are invited to attend and refreshments will follow the lecture and discussion. There will also be an opportunity to networking with businesses and business organizations from the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland.
Khalsa Diwan Society: Vaisakhi Day Celebration
Saturday, April 12: The timeline: * 7-9 a.m. – Kirtan * 9-9:30 a.m. – Reception for dignitaries * 9:30-10:30 a.m. – Speeches * 10:45 a.m. – Ardas. * Parade departs from Ross Street Gurdwara Sahib at 11 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m.
Canadian Cancer Society Fundraiser
Spring cleaning for your mind, body & soul: An exciting interactive event, supporting small local businesses, community organizations, groups and clubs that promote health and wellness for all ages. Up to 35 exhibitors, eight demos, children’s activity zone and live Spring Shave from 3-4 p.m. Everyone welcome. Date: Sunday, April 13. Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Venue: River Market at Westminster Quay. Free admission. * Demos & activities for all ages * Gift bags for first 100 families. * Spring Shave & Raffle with all proceeds donated to Canadian Cancer Society.
Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar: Vaisakhi Celebration
Saturday, April 19: Parade Route: The Vaisakhi Parade is scheduled to begin at about 9:30 a.m. at the Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, located at 12885-85 Avenue. It will conclude there at about 4 p.m. Main Stage Timeline: * 11-11:45 a.m.: Traditional Sikh hymn singers * 11:45 .am.-12:45 p.m.: Ceremony honoring community volunteers * 12:45-1:30 p.m.: Speaker series.
For more information about the event including the parade route visit: www.surreyvaisakhiparade.ca.
Annual Plant, Bake and Craft Sale
Plants in Real Time: Check out the Reality of the BC Fuchsia and Begonia Society, at the VanDusen Botanical Garden Floral Hall, 37th Ave and Oak Street, Vancouver. Saturday April 19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Face painting for kids of all ages. China painters. Unique vendor items. Prize draws. Home baking. Refreshments. Great variety of plants. Some hardy fuchsias. Vendor tables available: call Sylvia and Derek at 604-277-2905. For information call Sandy & Ruth at 778-881-0175 Everyone welcome. Wheel chair accessible.
South Asian Women’s Networking Group
BYOBF Network 2-Year Celebration at Ginger 62, 1219 Granville Street, Vancouver on Thursday, April 24, 8-10 p.m. Tickets: $20 Early-bird, $25 Regular. Ticket includes complimentary canapes and a networking reception. For more information: http://byobfnetwork.com. The BYOBF Network is Metro Vancouver’s first South Asian women’s networking group that provides the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded professional women who also share and celebrate each other’s success.
Vancouver Satsang Cultural Society
2014 South Asian Heritage Musical Celebration. Come and celebrate the struggle and successes of Indians from Canada, Guyana, Trinidad, Surinam, Mauritius and Fiji on Saturday, May 3 at 6 p.m. at 2215 Pender Street East in Vancouver. Free admission. Dinner included. Contact Chamaylee at 604-945-9510 for complementary tickets.
Mother’s Day Celebrations: Charitable Society
Fun filled celebrations with live entertainment during Mother’s Day weekend: Saturday, May 10 at 6 p.m. at Riverside Banquet Hall, 14500 River Road, Richmond. Tickets: Adults: $25. Tables of 10: $225. Children under 12: $10. Gujarati style meal. Cash Bar. All net proceeds to serve homeless in Vancouver and less fortunate in India and Uganda. For more info, contact Vasant Lakhani at (H) (604) 987-1925.vasantlakhani@gmail.com. www.indoafricacharity.com. www.vasantlakhani.com
Quran Memorization Competition
Muslim Association of Canada is holding the 12th Annual BC Quran Memorization Competition: * Preliminaries: Saturday, May 17 * Finals: Saturday, May 24. At MAC Masjid & Community Centre at 2122 Kingsway, Vancouver. The competition is open to participants of all ages, males and females, from all parts of the province. Participants may register for both memorization and recitation. Sponsors needed for the Quran Competition Awards – call 604-434-7526 or email: mac.centre.vancouver@gmail.com. Registration deadline: May 10 at 11:59 p.m. Information and registration: quran.islamicinfocenter.org.
7th Uganda Medical Mission
Indo-Africa Charitable Society (Canada). Venue: Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited – Lugazi: medical, dental & eye camp from August 4-15 to provide primary examinations and treatments to needy Ugandans. Donation: US$650 (non-refundable) or equivalent in other currencies per person. Register by May 31 by contacting Vasant Lakhaniv(H) (604) 987-1925, vasantlakhani@gmail.com, www.indoafricacharity.com,www.vasantlakhani.com. All participants arrive by August 3 committed fully till the end of the mission.
Canada India Education Council
Presents “The Business of Education” dinner event at Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver, on Friday, June 6, 5-9 p.m. Learn about BC’s new education quality assurance standards (EQA) and examine the confluence of ‘business’ with education. How do we measure ‘ROI’? BC is committed to increasing international students by 50% by 2016. Interesting in attending / sponsoring? To view the agenda / speaker profiles, visit: http://canadaindiaeducation.com/bc/
