Summer is coming to a close, but don't fret. There are still many opportunities to get outside and enjoy the season while it lasts. Here are our top picks for weekend things to do on Aug. 23 and 24.
1 Drop by Nikkei Place on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a book launch with Chuck Tasaka. The popular author will be signing his new book, My Hometown, My Furusato: Family History of Greenwood-Midway, which narrates the lives and struggles of families in the Greenwood-Midway area. Some were pioneers from the late 1800s, while others were Japanese families forced to move to the area during the internment of the Second World War. The centre is at 6688 Southoaks Cres., and admission is free.
2 Why spend money at the grocery store, when you can get some sweet, baked goods at a local church and know the money is going back into the community? All Saints Anglican Church is hosting a garage and bake sale on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Besides the treats, you're sure to find some treasures. The church is at 7405 Royal Oak Ave.
3 Check out art work by master printmaker Anna Wong, on display at the Tommy Douglas library branch. The Vancouver School of Art grad studied Chinese brush painting and taught at New York's Pratt Institute. The library show features pieces from 1965 to 1982, mostly etchings and serigraphs. The library is at 7311 Kingsway and is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
4 Want to help your community, connect with others, increase your own happiness and make life seem more meaningful? There's no better way to do that than through volunteering, and there are tons of opportunities in Burnaby.
The Volunteer Burnaby website has posting from many local groups, often featured in our paper. Here are just a few examples: New Vista seniors' home needs people to help with gardening, knitting, tai chi, spiritual care, bingo and exercise. Burnaby Family Life needs volunteer child-care workers. The Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. needs help in the office and volunteers to transport injured animals. For full details on these opportunities, and many more, go to volunteerburnaby.ca.
5 The Burnaby Village Museum has a few family-friendly activities this weekend. On Saturday, there's a special effects makeup demonstration on from noon to 4 p.m., and an old-fashioned ice-cream making workshop on from 1 to 2:30 p.m. On Sunday, Aug. 24, Weaving Squamish Stories is on from noon to 4 p.m. and features First Nations weavers and storytellers sharing their culture. There's a tour the vintage carousel at 1:30 p.m., and there will be a pop-up library from 1:30 to 4:30. The museum is at 6501 Deer Lake Ave., and admission is free.
