Neighbourhood stories and photographs from Vancouver's historic Powell Street are the focus of a new book.
Monogatari: Tales of Powell Street is now available at the National Nikkei Museum and Heritage Centre in Burnaby.
A press release from the museum notes that the book shares the memories of Japanese Canadians who lived and worked along Powell Street between 1920 and 1941.
At the time, the community along Powell Street was the business centre of Vancouver's Japanese community - with markets, cafés and shops.
But life changed dramatically with the onset of the Second World War, when thousands were uprooted from their homes. Only a few ever returned.
Beth Carter, directorcurator of the National Nikkei Museum, said the book tells wonderful stories of shopkeepers, families and others who called the area home.
"It's an impressive history lesson that's brought to life through photographs and stories from people who lived down there," she said. "We wanted to put together a collection of what it was to live, work and play in the neighbourhood before the war. . It was a unique mingling of traditional Japanese culture with contemporary Canadian convenience."
A portion of proceeds from book sales will go to the Powell Street charity, the Living Room Drop-In Centre, run by Lookout Emergency Aid Society in the Downtown Eastside to support people with mental illness.
Monogatari: Tales of Powell Street costs $16, plus tax, and can be purchased at the museum at 6688 Southoaks Cres. or online at www.nikkeiplace.org.
PRIESTS SING
An inspirational music concert featuring singing priests from the Philippines is coming to Burnaby.
The Only in God concert is part of a tour by 10 Filipino priests from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City in the Philippines.
Their Burnaby stop is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 10th Avenue and Kingsway.
Tickets are $10 each and can be reserved by calling Gert at 604-544-2572 or Lilet at 604-439-7539.
(The above information came my way courtesy of The Busy Catholic blog - check out http: // busycatholic.blogspot.com for more details about the concert.)
Ring the bell
Interested in being part of a handbell choir?
A youth handbell choir and an adult handbell choir at Queens Avenue United Church in New Westminster are looking for new members.
Basic music reading ability is required.
If you're interested, call 604-597-3894 for more information.
See more about the local arts scene at Julie's blog, In the Spotlight, at www. burnabynow.com - click on the Opinion tab and follow the link under Blogs. Follow Julie at www.twitter.com/ JulieMacLellan.
