OBITUARY
NATVAR JAMNADAS PALEJA
May 1, 1942 – January 25, 2015
It is with tremendous sadness we announce the passing away of Natvar Jamnadas Paleja on January 25 in Surrey, B.C.
He is survived by wife Bharti Natvar Paleja, son Shekhar Natvar Paleja, daughter-in-law Paula Ayer, granddaughter Sulekha Noreen Paleja, four Brothers and four sisters in India.
He will be remembered by Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre members of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey and his devoted family members. We all pray to the Almighty for his departed soul to rest in peace. Om Shanti. Surendra Handa, Coordinator, on behalf of all Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre members.
OBITUARY
JESSE KHANGURA
The Khangura and Sall families have suffered a huge loss with the death of their beloved Jesse Khangura.
With great sadness, the families announce that Jesse Khangura suddenly passed away at a very young age (33 years) on February 2. Jesse was a top American football player. Many universities from America and Canada chose Jesse for their scholarship program.
Jesse’s funeral will be held on February 8 (Sunday) at 11 a.m. at Riverside Funeral Home.
Final prayers will be held at Gurdwara Bear Creek, Surrey (140th Street and 84th Avenue)
Call:
Jit Singh at 778-889-4981 (Father)
Parminder Sall at 604-312-5128 (Mamaji)
B.C. EVENTS
(These are FREE listings. Email: EditorVoice@gmail.com)
Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen
On February 14, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Sukh Sagar Gurdwara at 347 Wood Street, New Westminster, Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen (GNFK) will be partaking in their 3rd annual One Billion Rising Celebration, this year joined by Global Girl Power in support of the global movement V-Day by Eve Ensler. V-Day is a global call to action started in 2012 to raise awareness on violence against women; people all over the world are encouraged to share their stories through dance, art, music, dialogue, service projects and community gatherings to express their outrage for injustices women suffer and demanding an end to violence against women. For the last two years GNFK has visited local shelters and provided women and children in need with roses and chocolates on Valentine’s Day following Guru Nanak’s philosophy to “Love all, feed all.” This year they have over 40 shelters on the list and will be taking donations of funds, chocolates or roses up to February 14. To donate you may do so directly to Sukh Sagar Gurdwara, email gurunanaksfreekitchen@gmail.com or call 604-218-1347.
Awaaz Orphan Foundation Society: Sounds of the Soul
Awaaz: Sounds of the Soul, an evening of ghazals, semi-classical, Sufi and folk songs, on Saturday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Executive Hotel’s ballroom, 4201 Lougheed Highway, Burnaby. For tickets and more info, contact 604-439-0940, 604-779-7970 or 778-862-2110. Ticket: $20, includes light refreshment. In support of Awaaz Orphan Foundation Society. www.awaaz.ca
UN World Interfaith Harmony Week
Saturday, February 7, 1-4 p.m., at Surrey City Centre Library, Room 120. The Surrey Interfaith Council is hosting an Interfaith Celebration to wrap up “World Interfaith Harmony Week 2015”. This year we will focus on the spirit of love and devotion, requesting people from various faiths and traditions to offer prayers and blessings by reciting, singing or chanting them. Participants appreciate the opportunity to have conversations with one another. Therefore, this celebration will provide ample time for that to take place focusing on the theme, “Acceptance and Respect for all Faiths.” Dr. Scott Dunbar will give a keynote address to provide focus for the small group discussions. He is an Associate to the UNESCO Chair in Interreligious and Intercultural Relations at Monash University, Australia, as well as a faculty member in Monash’s Centre of Religious Studies.
Sai Lakshacharan
All devotees are invited at Hindu Cultural Society and Community Center of B.C. (3885 Albert Street, Burnaby) to participate in Sai Lakshacharan Japa and Bhajans on Saturday, February 7 at 5 p.m. Program: 5:15-6:15 p.m. Bhajan / Kirtan. 6:30-7:15 p.m. Sai Japa. 7:30 p.m. Priti Bhojan. Contact: Rajubhai Parekh at 604-327-8259; Vijaybhai Dayal at 604-986-5958; Kantibhai Patel at 604-522-7989; or Temple at 604-299-5922.
St. Mark Concert Series
A non-profit event: Steve Maddock in a concert of hot jazz for a cool season on Sunday, February 8, 2-4:15 p.m. at Mark Ocean Park, 12953 20 Avenue, Surrey. Arts & Entertainment, Benefits, Music. Teens, 19+, Seniors: Cost $15.
Richmond’s Children’s Arts Festival
The Children’s Arts Festival is held at the Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, February 9. The Children’s Arts Festival grows this year to include the new Sonic Garden featuring live musical performances and art activities all day long. The festival is also adding an international flavour with two performances by the world renowned Beijing Shadow Play Art Troupe. Children can also join Governor General’s award winning author / illustrator Barbara Reid in creating the festival’s first ever digital book. She will present two plasticine art workshops for children ages 6-10 years. General Festival Admission is $5 per person. Admission provides drop-in access to all of the performances and Imagination Stations. In addition, admission includes access to magic shows, family improv theatre and a special reading by author Brandee Bublé. Tickets for Barbara Reid’s workshops and the Beijing Shadow Play Art Troupe performances are $15 per person, which includes festival admission. Kids will also love the Creativity Classes, where children can try something new including Aboriginal Beading, Groove Dance, Dynamic Poster Prints, and much more. Classes are $10-15 per participant and also include festival admission. All activities offer highly interactive and high quality artistic activities for children 12 and under, and are led by local professional artists who enjoy working with children and are passionate about their art. Full details can be found at www.childrensartsfestival.ca. You can also register for classes and purchase tickets at www.richmond.ca/register or 604 276-4300. Families are also encouraged to help fill the Cowell Auto Group Community Car on site by bringing a non-perishable food item. All donations will go to the Richmond Food Bank.
GVHBA’s Annual Free Seminar
GVHBA’s 21st annual free seminar for new homebuyers is now being held at two locations on two dates. Seating is limited. Register today at gvhba.org. What are the new lending rules? How much can be withdrawn tax-free from RRSPs? How about legal considerations, closing costs and home warranties? With so many factors to consider when buying a home, it is no surprise new home purchasers need help de-mystifying the process, and the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association’s (GVHBA) annual free seminar for new home buyers is the place to get all the answers. Back by popular demand, GVHBA’s 21st Annual Seminar for New Home Buyers is now being offered at two locations, on two different evenings to provide convenience and choice to homebuyers. Locations are now on transit friendly locations with easy access via Skytrain: * Tuesday, February 10: City of Surrey, City Hall, 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey * Thursday, February 12: SFU Downtown Campus, Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. The free seminars run 6 to 9 p.m., with an exhibit area, featuring new-home builders and home-related products and services open from 6 to 7 p.m. prior to the presentation from 7 to 9 p.m. Although this seminar is free, pre-registration is required. Register online at www.gvhba.org or call 778-565-4288. In lieu of a charge, attendees are asked to bring a food item for the Surrey Food Bank.
Israeli Peace Activist in Surrey & Vancouver
Israeli academic and longtime peace activist Dr. Jeff Halper is coming to the Lower Mainland on February 10 and 12 to speak about the future of Israel and Palestine. The three events are at the end of a cross-Canada multi-city speaking tour. On February 10 he will speak at Northwood United Church in Surrey, and on February 12 at the University of British Columbia and the Peretz Centre in Vancouver. All events are free, with admission by donation. The United Network for a Just Peace in Palestine and Israel (UNJPPI) is also organizing the tour. A number of local organizations are sponsoring the Lower Mainland events. Dr. Halper’s speaking schedule: * February 10: Northwood United Church, 8855 156 Street, Surrey, 7:30 p.m. * February 12: University of British Columbia, noon – 1:30 p.m. / The Peretz Centre, 6184 Ash Street, Vancouver, 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 604-781-7839, email halperbctour@gmail, or visit www.ijvcanada.org or www.unjppi.org
Carnival Cultural Club
The Carnival Cultural Club is celebrating its 20th anniversary on February 14, at the Royal King Palace, 8158 128th Street, Surrey. This will be a family fun day with a parade, music, games for children, face-painting, food and much more. Visit our website www.carnivalfiesta.com for details and tickets.
Punjabi Language Celebration
Punjabi Language Education Association’s (PLEA) 12th Annual International Mother Language Day on February 21, 1:30-4:30 p.m. at North Delta Recreation Centre, 11415 – 84th Avenue, Delta. * Information sharing about the continuous efforts to have Punjabi language education in BC’s public schools, colleges and universities. * A critical look at the Language Education Policy of BC’s Education Ministry created in 1994.* The audience will also be given time to voice their opinions and engage in an open dialogue. * Punjabi learners will share poetry, songs and their ideas. * PLEA cordially invites everyone to come and be part of the annual celebration of Punjabi language. * Free event. Refreshments. For more information, contact: Balwant Sanghera at 604-836-8976, Sadhu Binning at 604-437-9014, Parvinder Dhariwal at 778-838-1121 or Paul Binning at 778-889-8255.
Pharmacy Career Event
SFU Surrey Campus, 250 – 1345 102nd Avenue, on February 24, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Connect for Immigrants Program & BC Pharmacy Association, Canada, presents an event for internationally educated professionals or students interested in pursuing careers as pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy-related fields. Registration is required in order to attend this event. This event is complimentary and sponsored by SFU Surrey, the BC Pharmacy Association and Back in Motion: Skills Connect for immigrant program. Register today as spaces are limited. Link: http://www.bcpharmacy.ca/international. Presenters: Dr. Shakeel Bhatti, PharmD, CPhA Board Member; Mohamed Hasanine, Agassiz Pharmacy, Pharmacy Owner; Sandi Hutti, Coordinator, UBC Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program; Nadeem Zia, President, OpenDoor for Success Association; Bal Dhillon, Director, Pharmacy Technician Society of BC.
‘Literacy for Life’ Adult Program
“Literacy for Life” is a free adult program that is being held on Friday nights from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. from now until May 15. The first 6 weeks (January 16-February 20) will take place at the Richmond Public Library, Brighouse (Main) Branch in the 2nd floor Community Place, 7700 Minoru Gate. Weeks 7-12 will take place at Kwantlen Polytechnic University Learning Center, Richmond Campus, 8771 Lansdowne Road. To register, visit any branch of Richmond Public Library, call 604-231-6413 or register online at www.yourlibrary.ca/events. This program is free and offered in English. The first 6 weeks of this program focuses on improving participants’ reading, writing and computer skills with instructors from FIRST Society (Filipinos in Richmond Support Team). The last 6 weeks participants will learn skills to improve job prospects or explore further education opportunities with tutors from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Participants must have intermediate-level speaking and listening English skills. This program is sponsored by the Community Adult Literacy Program of the Province of British Columbia. If participants attend all 12 sessions they will be awarded a KPU Certificate of Completion.
SAFA: International Women’s Day
SAFA is presenting International Women’s Day (IWD) with a South Asian focus in partnership with the Langara School of Nursing. This event will take place on March 8. This year’s theme is “Make It Happen” through education, empowerment and awareness. The day promises to be one of education, promise and fun. You can participate in this conference via poster or oral presentations. Informational providers have the opportunity to come and share their resources and information via information booths. Registration fee for service provider is $50. For further information, contact Prav at Pdhaliwal@langara.bc.ca. / Suki at Sgrewal@langara.bc.ca / visit www.safa.ca / Call 778-688-3996.