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What's up in Burnaby? Events calendar - April 29

Saturday, April 30 Clothes2U Spring Fling giveaway event, 2 to 4 p.m., New West Evangelical Free Church, 7895 Canada Way (corner of Canada Way and 10th Avenue). Admission is $1 for people aged 12 and older.
Rhodofest
You know spring is in the air when the Burnaby Rhodofest returns. Several garden-related events are taking place in Burnaby in the coming weeks.

Saturday, April 30

Clothes2U Spring Fling giveaway event, 2 to 4 p.m., New West Evangelical Free Church, 7895 Canada Way (corner of Canada Way and 10th Avenue). Admission is $1 for people aged 12 and older. Free clothing, shoes, linens, toys, books, household and personal items for those in need, such as single parents, low-income, unemployed, homeless, students, and fire and flood victims. See Facebook Clothes2U New Westminster for more information.

South Burnaby Garden Club plant sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., All Saints Anglican Church, Royal Oak and Watling (one block north of Rumble.” Annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, bushes, shrubs, roses from the Burnaby gardens of SBGC members, recycled garden tools and more.

Sunday, May 1

The Burnaby Rhododendron and Garden Society silent plant auction, plant sale and spring bouquet contest, in conjunction with Rhodofest on Sunday, May 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Shadbolt Centre, Deer Lake Park. Info at brags.ca.

Monday, May 2

Bugs and bodies: an introduction to forensic entomology, 7 to 8 p.m., Burnaby Public Library, Tommy Douglas branch, 7311 Kingsway. SFU’s Dr. Gail Anderson, professor and co-director at the Centre for Forensic Research, School of Criminology, will talk about this fascinating topic as part of the Burnaby Festival of Learning. Note: this presentation isn’t for the faint of heart or children.

Basic job search strategies for newcomers, MOSAIC Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway, 6 to 8 p.m. What is the best way of finding work in Canada? What are employers looking for and how do you market your skills and experience? Free admission. Registration: 604-438-8214.

Tuesday, May 3

Basic resumes and cover letters for newcomers, MOSAIC Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway, 6 to 8 p.m. Bring your resume and get tips on how to edit it so it fits in with Candian styles and standards. Free admission. Registration: 604-438-8214.

Wednesday, May 4

Burnaby Rhododendron and Garden Society meet at 7 p.m., Discovery Room, Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Ave. (at Sperling). Paul Buikema will speak about pest management, including chafer beetle. Refreshments will be served and everyone is welcome. Info at www.brags.ca.

Permanent residency renewal workshop, MOSAIC Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway, 6 to 8 p.m. Learn about the procedures and requirements for renewing your Canadian permanent residency. Free admission. Registration: 604-438-8214.

Thursday, May 5

Edmonds Helath Watch program, 9:30 to 11:15 a.m., Arts Room at Edmonds Community Ctnre, 7433 Edmonds St. Drop-in blood pressure, massage, fun and fiteness, therapeutic touch, etc. A presentation will be done at 10 a.m. on “Why and when we forget.” Info at 604-297-4901.

Saturday, May 7

Lawn bowlers wanted, Burnaby North Lawn Bowling Club open house, 1 to 4 p.m., north end of Confederation Park at Willingdon and Penzance. Give it a try!

Darkness into Light, a five kilometre walk at Burnaby Lake. Walk begins at 4:30 p.m. Event is about support for mental illness and suicide prevention. Friends and families of all ages (including pet) are welcome to walk to show support. To register visit the Darkness Into Light Vancouver page on Facebook.

Tian Jin Festival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 3426 Smith Ave. Tian-Jin Temple’s annual festival includes food, fun gams for the whole family, interactive games and craft booths, a health clinic, authentic Taiwanese food, performances and prizes. Info: www.tianjintemple.org.

Spring Bazaar, plant sale and Japanese book sale, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nikkei Centre, 6688 Southoaks Cres. Food vendors will also showcase a selection of popular Japanese festival snacks, food and drinks. Event includes the larges Japanese book sale in town, with more than 30,000 prime condition used books, comics and magazines for a discounted prices. Info: www.nikkeiplace.org.

Sunday, May 8

Tian Jin Festival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 3426 Smith Ave. Tian-Jin Temple’s annual festival includes food, fun gams for the whole family, interactive games and craft booths, a health clinic, authentic Taiwanese food, performances and prizes. Info: www.tianjintemple.org.

Monday, May 9

Healthy brain workshop, MOSAIC Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway, noon to 2 p.m. Maintain a healthy brain. Learn strategies and set goals to reduce stress and recue your risk of Alzheimer’s. Language support available upon request. In partnership with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. Free. Register at 604-438-8214.

I Belong, peer support group for LGBTQ immigrants and refugees. Takes place in a transit-friendly area near Royal Oak (location provided upon registration), 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Meet new people, make friends and participate in fun activities in a safe, culturally-sensitive space. I Belong is a free program that values diversity and self-determination. You know what is best for you; we are here to listen to what you have to say, not tell you want to do. Free. Language support is available upon request. Registration: 604-254-9626.

Tuesday, May 10

Planning financially for your new arrival, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Tommy Douglas Library, 7311 Kingsway. Are you expecting a new arrival or know someone who is planning for a new family. The library and Credit Counselling Society want to help you consider any expenses that can arise along with your new bundle of joy. Info and registration at 604-522-3971, in person or at www.bpl.bc.ca/events.

Wednesday, May 11

Burnaby Historical Society presents Lisa Codd, curator of Burnaby Village Museum, with her talk on the history of Barnet Village at the Carousel Pavilion, 7 p.m., 6501 Deer Lake Ave.

Thursday, May 12

Teen Makerspace: Zombie Cookies. Anyone in grades 6 to 9 are welcome to come and create their own zombie cookies. Supplies and instruction provided for this free program. Tommy Douglas Library, 7311 Kingsway, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Are you expecting a new arrival or know someone who is planning for a new family. Info and registration at 604-297-4809, in person or at www.bpl.bc.ca/events.

Factors to consider when choosing a career, a workshop to explore the importance of the assessment of your values, interests, transferable skills and personality style, 1 to 3:30 p.m., Bob Prittie Metrotown Branch, Burnaby Public Library, 6100 Willingdon Ave. Also covers mentoring, networking, conducting research meetings and provides a framework and strategies for career exploration. This free workshop is presented in partnership with the Immigrant Services Society of B.C. Register at 604-436-5400 or www.bpl.bc.ca/events. For info about the program contact Sabine Schreiber at 604-395-8000 ext. 1276 or sabine.schreiber@iss.bc.org.

Renting it Right, a free online course created by the Justice Education Society and the Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC) that helps tenants find the right rental options, understand the rental process and learn about tenant rights and responsibilities, 2 to 4 p.m., MOSAIC Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway. Computers and support for those with low computer literacy skills provided. Free. Register at 604-438-8214.

Edmonds Health Watch program, 9:30 to 11:15 a.m., Arts Room, Edmonds Community Centre, 7433 Edmonds St. Drop-in blood pressure, massage, fitness fun, therapeutic touch, etc. A presentation will be done at 10 a.m. on “Hearing Helper.” Info at 604-297-4901.

Friday, May 13

Gardening for Newbies, 1 to 2 p.m., Tommy Douglas Library, 7311 Kingsway. Join the library and Victory Gardens to learn how to set up your own vegetable garden. This hour-long demonstration will give you the tools to get started so you can enjoy a summer bounty. Info and registration at 604-297-4809, in person or at www.bpl.bc.ca/events.

B.C. Housing and Rental Assistance workshop, MOSAIC Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway, 2 to 4 p.m. Step-by-step directions for applying for subsidized housing: confirming your eligibility, applying for the Housing Registry, nonprofit and cooperative housing providers, etc. Free. Computers and support for those with low computer literacy skills provided. Free. Register at 604-438-8214.

Understanding arthritis, 7 p.m., McGill Branch of Burnaby Public Library, 4595 Albert St. The Arthritis Society will be presenting this informative workshop. Everyone is welcome. Free, but space is limited. Register online at http://bpl.bc.ca/events/, by calling 604-299-8955 or in person at the library.

Saturday, May 14

Knit2gether, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tommy Douglas library, 7311 Kingsway.  Come knit, crochet and stitch with friendly, helpful people. A limited supply of yarn and needles are available for beginners to try. Everyone is welcome - all ages, all skill levels.

CWL – St. Francis de Sales and Nygard are having a fashion show, 1 to 3 p.m., St. Francis de Sales Church hall, 6610 Balmoral St. Tickets are $10. Refreshments and prizes. Fashions available for purchase after the fashion show. Call Christine at 604-526-5079 or Marilyn at 604-430-1865 for advance purchase.

Used bicycle drive and bike clinic, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Holy Cross school, 1450 Delta Ave. in northwest Burnaby. You can drop off your used bikes and bike parts, tools, helmets, light and accessories to be refurbished for distribution to low-income people in Greater Vancouver. You can also bring in your current bike for a free checkup. Info at http://www.pedalpower.org/pedals-for-the-people.htmlor 778-836-7122.

Sunday, May 15

Butterfly Tribute Memorial, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Burnaby Hospice Society offices, 4535 Kingsway. Free event includes music, reflection and meaningful ritual, open to anyone in Burnaby who has experienced the loss of a loved one. A time of refreshments and mingling will follow. Call 604-520-5024 by May 5 to register.

Monday, May 16

Bonsor Health Alert program, 9 to 10:45 a.m., second floor at Bonsor 55+, 6533 Nelson Ave. Drop-in blood pressure, massage, light exercises, etc. A presentation will be done at 9:45 a.m. on “Hearing Helper.” Infor at 604-297-4956.

Tuesday, May 17

All About Asian Vegetables, 7 to 8:30 p.m. In honour of Asian Heritage Month, join us for a presentation by the Hua Foundation where you can learn how to grow, cook and buy Asian vegetables. You will also find out about the history of Chinese-Canadian farmers in BC. Tommy Douglas Library, 7311 Kingsway. Info: 604-522-3971 or www.bpl.bc.ca/events. Register online or by phone for this lecture.

Thursday, May 19

Compassionate Friends meets at 7 p.m. This sharing circle is a grief support group for parents and grandparents who have experienced the loss of a child at any age, from any cause. For location information, call 778-222-0446. For chapter information, go to www.tcfcanada.net. 

Author Visit: Frank Townsley - British Columbia: Graced by Nature's Palette. British Columbia is one of the world’s most breathtaking places. Join painter and photographer Frank Townsley, author of British Columbia ~ Graced by Nature’s Palette, as he shares some incredible images capturing British Columbia’s landscapes, flora and fauna. Townsley will discuss photography, the regions of our province, and the stories behind some of his inspiring shots. Books will be available for purchase - cash only. Tommy Douglas Library, 7311 Kingsway. Info: 604-522-3971 or www.bpl.bc.ca/events. Register online or by phone for this lecture.

Edmonds Health Watch program, 9:30 to 11:15 a.m., arts room at Edmonds Community Centre, 7433 Edmonds St. Drop-in blood pressures, massage, fun and fitness, thera0perutic touch, etc. Nurse Wendy will do a presentation at 10 a.m. on infection control. Info at 604-297-4901.

Saturday, May 21

Meditation for Emotional Intelligence, 1 to 3 p.m. Toxic emotions affect not only your relationships, but also your brain. Master Sunita will share the tools of Self-Compassion Healing Meditation to ease, nurture and enrich relationships and other aspects of your life. Tommy Douglas Library, 7311 Kingsway. Info: 604-522-3971, or www.bpl.bc.ca/events. Register online or by phone for this lecture.

Wednesday, May 25

New to cycling, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Tommy Douglas Library, 7311 Kingsway. Looking for a new bike and feeling overwhelmed by the choices out there? The Bike Doctor will help you find the best ride for commuting, play or sport. Info: 604-522-3971.

Friday, May 27

Forest Grove Elementary School spring fair, 5 to 8 p.m., 8525 Forest Grove Dr. Admission is free.

Saturday, May 28

Ikebana: the art of Japanese floral design. In honour of Asian Heritage Month, the library is presenting Joan Fairs, a local business women and Sangetsu Sensi (teacher) for an hour long lecture and demonstration, Tommy Douglas library, 7311 Kingsway. Info and registration 604-522-3971, www.bpl.bc.ca/events or at in person at the library.

Monday, May 30

I Belong counselling support group of LGBTQ immigrants and refugees, takes place in a transit-friendly area near Royal Oak (location provided upon registration), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Share your experiences in a safe, culturally sensitive space. Explore opportunities to make positive changes to your life. I Belong is a free program that values diversity and self-determination. You know what is best for you; we are here to listen to what you have to say, not tell you want to do. Free. Language support is available upon request. Registration: 604-254-9626.

Tuesday, May 31

Retiring without debt. Retiring at 55 might be a dream for many but the reality may be that you need to work until 65 or beyond. Join the Burnaby Public Library and the Credit Counseling Society to learn about debt-elimination options so you can enter your golden years without the shackles of debt, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Tommy Douglas Library, 7311 Kingsway. Info and registration 604-522-3971, www.bpl.bc.ca/events or at in person at the library.

Thursday, June 2

Librarians Choice at McGill: Good Reads, 7 to 8:30 p.m., McGill branch library, 4595 Albert St. Summer is around the corner! Come and join the librarians at the McGill branchy for an evening of book reviews of titles you may want to bring on summer vacation. Tea and refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome. Free, but space is limited. Register online at http://bpl.bc.ca/events/, by calling 604-299-8955 or in person at the library.

Saturday, June 11

Knit2gether, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tommy Douglas library, 7311 Kingsway. Come knit, crochet and stitch with friendly, helpful people. A limited supply of yarn and needles are available for beginners to try. Everyone is welcome - all ages, all skill levels.

Thursday, June 16

Compassionate Friends meets at 7 p.m. This sharing circle is a grief support group for parents and grandparents who have experienced the loss of a child at any age, from any cause. For location information, call 778-222-0446. For chapter information, go to www.tcfcanada.net.