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17th Annual Shakti Awards Nomination
The Shakti Awards were founded in 2000 in honour of International Women’s Day to recognize and celebrate women who have displayed Shakti – strength and energy – in their community, locally and / or globally. The women who have displayed Shakti (strength and energy) amongst us represent an inspiring account of positive social, cultural and economic change in the world. The Shakti Awards are an opportunity for us to recognize these women, quite often the unsung heroes, and share their vibrant stories. If you would like to nominate a woman that embodies Shakti, use the information below and email your nomination to shaktisociety2000@gmail.com no later than February 24. The Shakti Awards will be presented at the Shakti Awards Dinner Gala on Saturday, March 9 at Bollywood Banquet Hall at 6:30 p.m. We are expecting approximately 500 attendees. Tickets are $50 each. For tickets, donations and sponsorship enquiries, call 604-307-8796. Please note that nominations must be submitted via email. Submissions sent through other means, (social media, in-person or phone/text messages will not be considered). * Categories: Academic Achievement Award (High School or University / College student); Public Service / Volunteer Award; Business Entrepreneur Award; Artistic Achievement Award; Sports and Recreational Award; Resilience Award – A woman who has overcome adversity and has used her personal journey in a way to inspire and motivate others to be positive despite challenges and setbacks. * Nomination Information: Name; Age; Address, phone number(s) and email; Name, phone number and email of nominator; Brief summary of reason for nomination – how the nominee’s accomplishments relate to the stated category, the impact of their role, and why they should be chosen to receive a specific award; Identify how the nominee will contribute to Shakti: Empowerment of Women, Children and Families Society.
3rd Annual Women’s March
What: Resist! Persist! March On Vancouver. Where: The march will go from the Vancouver Art Gallery Square on the north side to the Law courts. When: Saturday, January 19, 10 a.m.-noon. Last year’s march was one of positivity, inclusivity and diversity. The goal was to continue the fight against white nationalism, misogyny and xenophobia, and to reject the hate that damages those in our communities which includes not only women but as well as Muslims, Jews, racialized people, Indigenous people, migrants and those with precarious or no legal status, the LGBTQ community and the disabled.
2019 Motorcycle Show
January 18-20 at Tradex – Fraser Valley Trade & Exhibition Centre, Abbotsford. Hours: Friday 12-9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: Adults – $15; Juniors (6-14) – $12; Seniors (65+) – $11; Children (5 and under) – Free with adult purchase; Family Pass – $40 (2 adult and 2 junior passes); SHE Rides Night – ½ price ladies only after 5 p.m. on Friday Night.
Greater Vancouver Bangladesh Cultural Association
Cultural event Pitha Utshob on Sunday, January 20 at 4-9 p.m. at Punjab Banquet Hall, Unit 215 – 8166 128th Street, Surrey. Diverse selection of traditional pithas (cakes) of Bangladesh. Hosted by GVBCA. Showcase your talents. Reserve your stall / table. Contact Monir Zaman at 1-306-521-0210.
South Asian Seniors: Fall Prevention, Healthy Lifestyle
Vedic Seniors Parivar Center of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian adults / senior members as well as non-members to attend a presentation – Fall Prevention & Living Healthy Lifestyle – by Amit Kumar, director, consultant, occupational therapist with Life Skills Therapy, on Sunday, January 20, 2-3:30 p.m., at Shanti Niketan Hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple, 8321 – 140th Street, Surrey. There will be a question and answer session. Tea and light snacks will be served. Contact Surendra Handa, Coordinator, at 604-507-9945 for further details.
Abbotsford: The Dark Shades Event
Friday, January 25: Charity event supporting local women’s shelter Sara for Women. This husband and wife song-writing team, Saint Soldier & Rózsa, are releasing their music video for “Dark Shades,” a song addressing the disturbing realities of domestic abuse. In attendance include abuse survivors, Sara for Women, Mayor Henry Braun, Abbotsford Police Department’s Chief Mike Serr, Domestic Violence Unit and Victim Services, and Specialized Victims Assistance – Abbotsford Community Services. The Reach Gallery Gallery Museum, 32388 Veterans Way, Abbotsford. Doors will open at 7 p.m. with an entry donation of $10. For more information, contact: Manager Charlie Rattan at (604) 308-2156 / charlierattan@gmail.com. Saint Soldier: saintsoldierhiphop@gmail.com
Museum of Surrey Punjabi Exhibition: Public Input
Museum of Surrey is gearing up to feature Punjabi stories of Surrey as its first major community-led exhibition in the new feature gallery. This dynamic cultural showcase will run October 2 to December 22, shining a spotlight on the unique story of the Punjabis here in Surrey. In addition to having exhibitions, programs and events that attract visitors from all over the province, the recent 15.7 million-dollar expansion allows for the facility to be a ‘people museum’ – a community hub that celebrates the people and communities of Surrey. The Museum encourages Surrey Punjabis to be part of history in the making by adding their input to the exhibit. Community sharing sessions will be held throughout the city in January and February for people to share stories and photos of personal objects to be considered for display. The remaining info sessions are scheduled as follows: * January 26, 12:30–4:30 p.m., Fleetwood Community Centre, Room 5 * February 1, 1– 5 p.m., Guildford Town Centre Mall * February 5, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Newton Senior Centre, Room 3 * February 10, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Grandview Aquatic Centre classroom * February 17, 12–4 p.m., Museum of Surrey, Program Rooms 1 and 2. Contact email Colleen Sharpe, curator of exhibits, at colleen.sharpe@surrey.ca or call 604-592-6959 for more info. The site, located at 17710 56A Avenue in Surrey, is also home to Heritage Square, where the Anderson Cabin, 1881 Town Hall and Anniedale School are situated. Free admission to Museum of Surrey is sponsored by the Friends of the Museum and Archives Society.
Surrey Board of Trade Business Lunch
“Transportation and Ridesharing in Surrey”: BC’s Transportation and Infrastructure Minister, Claire Trevena, will be speaking at a Surrey Board of Trade business lunch on Monday, January 28 at 11:30 a.m. at the Civic Hotel, 13475 Central Avenue. Trevena will discuss transportation issues and plan for Surrey, and the region, including the new ridesharing legislation. Registration and Lunch: 11:30 a.m. Program: 12-1:30 p.m. Keynote speaker’s estimated start time: 12:30 p.m.
Surrey Board of Trade: Surrey Hot Topic Dialogue Series
The hot topic dialogue on Tuesday, January 29 will be Surrey’s transition to a municipal police force from the current Surrey RCMP. This Surrey Hot Topic Dialogue will bring up key discussion points regarding: The costs and benefits of a municipal police force; costs and benefits of keeping the RCMP; transparency of existing transition process; provincial government approval process; training and infrastructure required for a municipal police force – and more. Panelists include: Kash Heed, former BC Solicitor General and Public Safety Minister as well as a Chief Constable of the West Vancouver Police Department; Fraser McRae, former Assistant Commissioner and Officer in Charge of the Surrey RCMP; Bob Rolls, former Deputy Chief Constable of the Vancouver Police Department. Rolls will reference his work on the Richmond Policy Study; Mike Larsen, Chair Department of Criminology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). Location: Civic Hotel Autograph Collections, 13475 Central Avenue, Surrey. Time: Registration and Breakfast: 7:30 a.m.; Program: 8-9:30 a.m. Admission: Free, registration required. Seats are limited.
Muriel Arnason Library: Year of the Pig
Celebrate the Year of the Pig at Muriel Arnason Library on Saturday, February 9, 2-3 p.m. Everyone is invited to join the library staff and some special artists to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Come and enjoy the Chinese dance and music, displays, make a craft and a lucky envelope, and taste some New Year’s foods. This is a free, drop-in program. All supplies are provided. Muriel Arnason Library is located in the Township of Langley Civic Facility at 20338 65th Avenue. Phone: 604-532-3590.
Newton BIA: Notice of AGM
Annual General Meeting of 2019 and elections for next year’s executive positions. All businesses and property owners within the Newton BIA area are invited to attend (no charge). Coffee and light refreshments will be served throughout. 11:30 a.m. – Doors open. 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. – Registration / Networking. 12 p.m. – Annual General Meeting. Location: Newton Cultural Centre, 13530 72nd Avenue, Surrey. When: Thursday, February 21, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Registration is required. Call for nominations: Being involved in the Newton BIA is a highly rewarding and fun experience which provides members with an opportunity to engage with peers, professionals and the community. Nominating for a Board Member position shows your willingness to be a crucial part the Newton BIA team for 2019. You are committing to attend a minimum of one Board meeting a month. Nominations are now open. Nomination deadline is February 11. You are required to be present at the AGM in order to be voted in.
New Mental Health Initiative: Youth Volunteers Needed
On behalf of the South Asian Mental Health Alliance and Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, this is an open call for South Asian youth in Greater Vancouver, ages 14 to 21, interested in receiving Mental Health First-Aid Training, a professional certification developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. The goal is to create a volunteer team of mental health Youth Ambassadors who will raise awareness around mental health, and will work together to de-stigmatize its discussion and treatment within the South Asian community. In addition to mental health first-aid training, our volunteer Youth Ambassadors will receive training in public speaking and presenting so that they may effectively educate others about mental health. If this volunteer opportunity interests you, email harmanspandher@gmail.com, or call or text Harman S. Pandher at (778) 835-7898.
George Mackie Library: Practice English, Learn Skills
Practice English and learn skills for the Canadian workplace. Meet at the George Mackie Library in Delta on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. to practice English, learn workplace vocabulary, become familiar with the Canadian labour market and develop networking skills. Each session includes tips and assistance with resume writing, job search skills, websites and Canadian workplace expectations. Taught by a TESOL-certified and experienced teacher, this program is being offered in partnership with Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society. Bonus: PICS refers students, if interested, to further education at local colleges or universities. To register, call 604-596-7722 or drop in at the library.
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