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Community Shift for Social Change Film Series
Through the generous financial support of the Dr. Ambedkar Federation, the City Centre Library in Surrey is presenting the Community Shift for Social Change film series Saturday, October 18. Two documentary films will be screened that focus awareness on issues of social exclusion, but also inspire hope by showing how social entrepreneurship can empower people. * Rafea: Solar Mama, an award-winning film that shares stories of empowered women bringing the transformative power of light to their rural communities, focuses on the story of Rafea, a Bedouin woman who lives with her four daughters in one of Jordan’s poorest desert villages on the Iraqi border. * Revolutionary Optimists tells the story of how children living in the slums of Kolkata are empowered to become agents of change, bringing attention to the treatable health problems of the developing world. Both films will be preceded by short films, and will be followed by opportunities for discussion and connection. Our partners in this event include the Dr. Ambedkar Federation, Village Surrey Transition Initiative and the Surrey Urban Farmers Market. Doors open at 11 a.m., with refreshments and films are to start at noon. The event will be at City Centre Library, 10350 University Drive, Surrey. To register or for more information, call 604-598-7426 or visit www.surreylibraries.ca.
Diwali Fest
The Diwali Celebration Society presents “Unity in Diversity” at the 2014 Diwali Fest from now to Sunday, October 26 at various venues throughout Vancouver and Surrey. * Diwali Downtown Surrey – October 18 at Surrey City Hall: This is the first year for Diwali Downtown Surrey. This free event brings together the best of contemporary and classical Indian culture for the entire family. This year’s event will include over fifteen different music and dance performances as well as an Indian bazaar featuring South Asian crafts and food. * Chai House – October 23 at the Orpheum Annex: This ticketed event is an intimate cabaret performance highlighting a number of talented performers in music and dance. Chai House is for true lovers of Indian performance. * Diwali Downtown Vancouver – October 25 at the Roundhouse Community Centre: This is a free event that brings together the best of contemporary and classical Indian culture for the entire family. This year’s event will include over 15 different music and dance performances, an Indian bazaar featuring South Asian crafts and food, and a room-sized rangoli. * Diwali Workshops – Pre-Fest – now to October 26 at various venues in Surrey and Vancouver: The Diwali Workshops are extremely popular. New this year as pre-fest activities include workshops on yoga, the history of Diwali, and Ayurveda. Other workshops offered during the festival are rangoli design, diya lamp painting, Bollywood dancing, sari wrapping, and mehndi hand painting. For further details on these events and information on Diwali Fest, visit www.diwalifest.ca
Surrey Libraries: Celebrate Diwali
Join Surrey Libraries in celebrating Diwali at the Fleetwood Community Centre (15996-84th Avenue) on Saturday, October 18, 1-3 p.m. Drop in. Free. All are welcome. Entertainment: Bhangra & Gidha by Shan-E-Punjab Arts Club; Jaago; Bollywood dance workshop by DiwaliFest. Activities: Mehndi (by donation) by DiwaliFest; Sari wrapping workshop by DiwaliFest; Games for kids. Refreshments: chai tea, Indian sweets, samosas, jalebi, & pakoras. In partnership with Shan e Punjab Arts Club and Diwalifest. www.surreylibraries.ca
Watch and Discuss Films that Inspire
Surrey Libraries presents the Community Shift for Social Change film series Saturday, October 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at City Centre Library (10350 University Drive). Two documentary films, Rafea: Solar Mama and Revolutionary Optimists, will be screened. They focus awareness on issues of social exclusion, but also inspire hope by showing how social entrepreneurship can empower people. Both films will be preceded by short films, and will be followed by opportunities for discussion and connection. Doors open at 11 a.m., with light refreshments and films start at 12 noon and 2 p.m. This film series is in partnership with The Dr. Ambedkar Federation, Village Surrey Transition Initiative and the Surrey Urban Farmers Market.
To register or for more information, call 604-598-7426 or visit www.surreylibraries.ca.
Sai Japa
All devotees are invited at Shri Satya Sai Baba Community Centre, 2510 East Pender Street, to participate in Sai Japa / Bhajans on Saturday, October 18 at 5 p.m. Contact: Sureshbhai Desai at 604-523-9360, Rajubhai Parekh at 604-327-8259, Vijaybhai Dayal at 604-986-5958 or Kantibhai Patel at 604-522-7989.
Diwali Celebration: Muriel Arnason Library
On Saturday, October 18, 1-3 p.m., Muriel Arnason Library and the Township of Langley are celebrating their 11th annual Diwali. Everyone is invited to experience diversity of culture through crafts, face painting, Mehndi, Indian music, sari wrapping demonstrations, and refreshments. Also learn a few basic steps of Punjabi folk dance, Bhangra. All Diwali activities are drop-in, free and open to the public. For more information, call 604-532-3590, or visit Muriel Arnason Library, located in the Township of Langley Civic Facility at 20338 – 65 Avenue.
Surrey Skill Share Fair
The Surrey Skill Share Fair is a one-day festival about teaching and learning all kinds of useful, handy, and practical skills. The Surrey Skill Share Fair is on Sunday, October 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Surrey Nature Centre, 14225 Green Timbers Way. The Fair is free to attend. The public is invited to participate in specific workshops or ongoing demonstrations. Some workshops may have a materials fee. More information: www.skill-share.ca or info@skill-share.ca.
Parenting Your Senior Parents
Richmond Public Library will host a free program on “Parenting Your Senior Parents” on Monday, October 20 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, Community Place, 7700 Minoru Gate. To register, visit any branch of Richmond Public Library, call 604-231-6413, or register online at www.yourlibrary.ca/events. Learn different approaches to dealing with the challenges of seniors who want to stay independent and remain at home. Information on home services and nursing homes will be provided. Presenter is Patricia Cruz, home care manager with 23 years’ experience in seniors’ services.
MOSAIC Settlement Services
Canadian Citizenship Preparation: October 20 & 21, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Tommy Douglas Burnaby Public Library, 7311 Kingsway. Call Roja at 604 522 3722, ext. 155.
Celebration of Light – Diwali in Mission
Tuesday, October 21. Food, entertainment, fun at the Clarke Theatre at Heritage Park Centre in Mission. This year the theatre lobby will be transformed into a marketplace where patrons will be able to purchase jewelry and other accessories, sample foods, and have their hands painted by a henna artist. Photobooth picture fun is also available. Dinner, which is free, will be served in the cafeteria starting at 5:30 p.m. and features a vegetarian meal and sweets. Entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. with the Korean Drummers and includes performances by the students of Dashmesh Punjabi School, a local dance group and the University of the Fraser Valley Bhangra team. Event by Mission Community Services Society (MCSS). For more information and sponsorship opportunities, call MCSS Settlement and Integration Department at 604-826-3634.
Langara College: Vancouver Mayoral Debate
Langara College in partnership with the Globe and Mail in hosting a debate between the five candidates for Vancouver’s 2014 mayoral race. The event will be moderated by columnist Gary Mason, and livestreamed on the Globe and Mail website. Wednesday, October 22, 3:30-5 p.m., at Langara College, 100 West 49th Avenue, Student Cafeteria. Participants: Bob Kasting, Independent; Kirk LaPointe, Non-Partisan Association (NPA); Gregor Robertson, Vision Vancouver; Colin Shandler, Independent; Meena Wong, Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE).
Benefest for Tibet
A benefit concert for Tibetan refugees at UBC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, Vancouver, on October 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets: $25. The Dalai Lama will be giving a very special teaching on wisdom and compassion on October 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and in the evening, an eclectic mix of well known musical delights is set to go on stage to raise money for the Tibetan refugees. “Benefest for Tibet” fuses together some of Canada’s hottest acts, for a musical experience that’s bound to satisfy a wide array of tastes. From rock to rap, electronic to world fusion, there’s a sound in the mix that pleases everyone.
Dhahan Prize for Punjabi literature
Celebrate Punjabi language and literature at a free public reading by the winners of the Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature on Friday, October 24, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at SFU Surrey, Room 5380. The reading will be followed by a reception with the writers. The reading will include English translations from Punjabi, allowing book lovers access to these stories. $25,000 first prize winner Avtar S. Billing from India / USA, and runner-up Zubair Ahmad from Pakistan will read from their books. RSVP to contact@dhahanprize.com. Learn more at www.dhahanprize.com.
Good Will Walk against Violence
Good Will Walk against Violence, organized by United Sikhs (www.unitedsikhs.org), a UN affiliated, international NGO, on Saturday, October 25, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., from the Totem Poles (Stanley Park) along the Seawall to the Komagata Maru Memorial, Coal Harbour, Vancouver. The 4 km walk’s slogan is ‘End the Silence on Violence.’ Register at:
www.unitedsikhs.org/gww/register
Telegu Community: Deepavali Celebrations
Vancouver Area Telugu Association (VATA) is organizing the Diwali Celebrations on Saturday, October 25 at Royal Palace Banquet Hall, 7845 Edmonds Street, Burnaby. Gates open at 5 p.m. Early bird draw for people arriving before 5:30 p.m. Program starts at 6 p.m. and includes performances by children of various age groups, talented musicians as well as adults, Carnatic music, fusion music, classical Bharatnatyam dance, Tollywood and Bollywood dance medleys, singing, great food and much more. Guests include Consul General of India in Vancouver, local MPs and MLAs. This is an excellent opportunity for new comers whose mother tongue is Telugu to meet with fellow Telugu speaking people, get to know them and make new friends.
Celebrate Diwali in Richmond
Come to a family-friendly, fun-filled event featuring dance, music, children’s activities, refreshments and more. On Saturday, October 25, 12:30-3:30 p.m., at Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond. For more details: Suresh Kurl -stkurl@telus.net or Alan Hill -ahill@richmond.ca. In the spirit of Diwali, bring a donation of canned food for the Richmond Food Bank.
Career Choices for Students
With Lawyer Susanna Chow. If you’re a high school or university student thinking about pursuing a career as a professional lawyer, then you’ll want to come to Richmond Public Library’s free chat sessions with a working professional. The session “Law School & Beyond”, takes place on Saturday, October 25 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Brighouse (Main) Branch Library in the 2nd floor Community Place, 7700 Minoru Gate. For more information, call 604-231-6413 or go to:
Sikh Research Institute Canada
4th annual fundraising luncheon on Sunday, October 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Grand Taj Banquet Hall, Surrey. This year the theme focuses on Sikh Character with key presenters – Harinder Singh & Inni Kaur. Harinder Singh, CEO and Co-Founder of SikhRI, is a world renowned Sikh scholar. Inni Kaur, member of the Board of Directors of SikhRI, is a published poet, author and an accomplished painter. This free event is open to the public, however pre-registration is recommended due to limited seats. RSVP at www.SikhRI-fundraiser.eventbrite.com. We welcome your donations and support to ensure we can continue our programs for 2015. For more information, contact: Lali K. Pawa at info-canada@sikhri.org or 604-505-0502.
Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies
A few major events at the CICS:
* “From Lost Childhood to Uncertain Future”- An exhibition commemorating the 30th anniversary of the anti-Sikh pogroms in Delhi. Launch date is Monday, October 27 at 4 p.m. and the exhibition is available for viewing until November 13th. At the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, Room F125.
* Commemorating the 1984 Anti-Sikh Pogroms, a symposium and academic response. On Saturday, November 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, Room F125.
* That Land Beyond the Waves – A Play Performance on the Komagata Maru on Saturday, November 1 at 7 p.m. and matinee performance on Sunday, November 2 at 2 p.m. at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium. Tickets: $15 general; $10 for students.
Surrey Board of Trade
The Surrey Board of Trade is asking business leaders, their staff, and the community to meet Surrey mayor and Council candidates in advance of the November 15 election. Two free sessions will take place. * City Councillor All Candidates Dialogue. Date: Wednesday, October 29. Time: Registration – 5:30 p.m.; Panel session – 6-8:30 p.m. Location: Eaglequest Golf Course (7778 152nd Street, Surrey). Admission: Free – advance registration is requested. * Mayoral All Candidates Lunch. Date: Tuesday, November 4. Time: Registration – 11:30 a.m.; Panel session – 12-1:30 p.m. Location: Eaglequest Golf Course (7778 152 Street, Surrey). Admission: Free – advance registration is required. To register for these events, call Jo-Ann Huber at 604-581-7130.
Mandala Arts & Culture
The 5th Annual Dance Festival: “Gait to the Spirit 2014” – Celebrating Classical Dance of India: October 31 to November 2 at Scotiabank Dance Centre (677 Davie Street). Tickets are $25 (General) / $22 (Students, Seniors). Available at Banyen Books (604-737-8858 or at 3608 West 4th Avenue). Sunday Matinee Performance is Free (pay what you can). Master Class: Saturday November 1 at 1:30 p.m. Information about the festival and registration for Master Classes: 604-874-8985. www.mandalarts.ca
LCA of BC: Jalaram Jayanti
All invited to 215th Jalaram Jayanti celebrations with bhajans and kirtans on Saturday, November 1 at 4:30 p.m. at VHP Temple, 3885 Albert Street, Burnaby. Priti Bhojan after Arti.
* All invited to 215th Jalaram Jayanti celebrations with bhajans and kirtans on Sunday, November 2 at 10:30 a.m. at Laxminarayan Temple, 8321 140th Street, Surrey. Priti Bhojan after Arti. For further information contact: Vasantbhai Lakhani at (604) 987-1925.
Does your child need practice reading?
October-December: Sign them up for the Coast Capital Savings Reading Buddies program at Surrey Libraries. Your child can improve his / her reading skills in a safe and supportive environment over weekly after school meetings. Trained high school students offer their time and expertise by ‘buddying up’ with a child to read together and engage in fun literacy activities. Free. * Fleetwood Library: October 21 — December 2 (Tuesdays). 4-5 p.m. (none November 11). Register at the Library or call 604-598-7351. * Guildford Library: October 14 — November 25 (Tuesdays). 3:30-4:30 p.m. (none November 11). Register at the Library or call 604-598-7378. * Newton Library: October 14 — November 25 (Tuesdays). 4:30-5:30 p.m. (none November 11). Register at the Library or call 604-598-7413. * Strawberry Hill Library: October 1 — November 5 (Wednesdays). 3:30-4:30 p.m. Register at the Library or call 604-501-5844. * Cloverdale Library: October 22 — November 26 (Wednesdays). 3:45-4:45 p.m. Register at the Library or call 604-598-7326. * City Centre Library: October 8 — November 12 (Wednesdays). 3:45-4:45 p.m. Register at the Library or call 604-598-7437. * Semiahmoo Library: October 21 — December 2 (Tuesdays). 3:45-4:45 p.m. (none November 11). Register at the Library or call 604-592-6913. Go to: http://www.surreylibraries.ca/4941.aspx
Financial Literacy Workshops
October-November: Surrey Libraries has partnered with Vancity and Credit Counselling Society to help you boost your financial skills and learn how to protect yourself against fraud. * 75 Ways to Save on Household Expenses by Credit Counselling Society: Guildford Library – Tuesday, October 7, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Register at 604-598-7366. Fleetwood Library – Thursday, October 30, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Register at 604-598-7346. * Seniors Financial Abuse Prevention by Vancity: Guildford Library – Tuesday, October 14, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Register at 604-598-7366. * Identity Theft & Fraud by Vancity: Fleetwood Library – Thursday, October 16, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Register at 604-598-7346. Guildford Library – Tuesday, November 18, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Register at 604-598-7366. * Raising Financially Fit Kids by Credit Counselling Society: Semiahmoo Library – Tuesday, October 21, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Register at 604-592-6908. * Understanding Contracts by Vancity: Guildford Library – Tuesday, October 28, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Register at 604-598-7366. More topics and sessions in November. Go to: www.surreylibraries.ca