The April 18 picnic at Kinder Morgan’s tank farm terminal went off without a hitch. Roughly 20 people came out with tablecloths, picnic baskets and musical instruments. They sang, they ate and they took a lot of photos, since the event was organized in defiance of Kinder Morgan’s policy to call police on people taking photos by the oil storage facility.
“The guards didn't even try and hassle us,” said organizer Mary Sherlock. “We sang them some songs and offered them food, but they didn't partake. All very mellow - just as I wanted.”
People walking on the nearby trail stopped to join the group, and drivers honked in support. Sherlock organized the event after hearing how Tim Takaro, SFU professor, received a call from RCMP after he was taking photos by the tank farm.
“All in all it was a very pleasant event, and the message given was: We will not be bullied,” Sherlock said.
So far, the picnickers have not received any calls from police.
Help Nepal
Retired Burnaby fire captain Eoin White has launched an online fundraising campaign to support his efforts to send money to Nepal. White, who runs a Mount Everest trekking company, has a large network of Sherpa and Nepalese people in the country, which was hit by a devastating quake that’s killed more than 7,000 people. The NOW featured White in our May 6 issue, as he’s hosting a fundraising party at his home, but now he’s increased his goal to $35,000 and has set up a page online to donate. To help, go to www.fundaid.ca/nepal. In the first 24 hours online, he raised $5,000 and counting.
Talk with Dr. Wong
He’s one of the Burnaby NOW’s most popular columnists, and now people can hear Dr. Davidicus Wong in person on Tuesday, May 12, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the Bob Prittie Metrotown library branch. Dr. Wong will talk about managing symptoms and proper screening tests one should consider at various ages. The event is free, but space is limited, so register by phone at 604-436-5400 or online at www.bpl.bc.ca. The library branch is at 6100 Willingdon Ave.
