Don't forget - this Thursday is the grand opening of the new Microsoft store at Metropolis at Metrotown, and the free Kelly Clarkson concert at Swanguard Stadium to celebrate takes place Friday.
Those wishing to attend the concert should line up in the mall's grand court on the lower level beginning at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, according to an online post from Microsoft.
The store's grand opening festivities begin the next morning at 10:30 a.m., and tickets for the free concert will be distributed when the store opens at 11 a.m.Click here for more information.
Recycle those yoga mats
Have a yoga mat kicking around that’s a little worse for wear? You can recycle those mats at MetroZen between Nov.9 and 16. The mats will be donated to the B.C. SPCA.
“Mats we collect will be donated to the B.C. SPCA where they will have a second life giving the rescued animals something more comfortable to lie on,” stated a press release from the studio. “There are a myriad of reasons why a good number of the animals cannot have a bed made of cozy blankets, so an old yoga/pilates mat is just the ticket.”
Yogis and Yoginis who drop off a mat can take a class at the studio for $10 plus GST and can enter a draw for a new yoga mat and bag.
For those looking for new mats, MetroZen stocks two environmentally friendly brands - the PRO, which Manduka guarantees for life, and the eKO Lite, which is a biodegradable mat made from non-Amazon harvested natural tree rubber.
The yoga studio is at 111-6125 Sussex Ave. For more information, go to metrozen.net/about-you/recycle-your-mat.
Doing business with the city
Wondering how to get those plum municipal contracts? The Burnaby Board of Trade is offering businesses the chance to learn about the process at the City of Burnaby purchasing workshop. The workshop on Nov. 19 will teach business owners how to respond to competitive bid documents.
The city's purchasing department is hosting the interactive "how-to" workshop to help small and medium businesses improve their submissions to bid opportunities.
The free workshop takes place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in council chambers at city hall, 4949 Canada Way. To register, call 604-412-0100, sign up online by clicking on the events tab at bbot.ca or email the board of trade.
Future Burnaby auto techs awarded bursaries
Two Burnaby students have the New Car Dealers Foundation of B.C. to thank for helping drive their futures forward.
Alvin Chen and Meng Yu Chen each received a $500 education grant from the foundation through its bursary program, CarCareerBC.
Both are attending BCIT - Alvin is enrolled in the automotive technician foundation program and Meng Yu is enrolled in the automotive service technician program and works at North Shore Acura.
In all, nine BCIT students received bursaries from the foundation. In 2013, more than $30,000 in education grants was awarded to individuals throughout B.C.
BCIT aerospace program soars
BCIT is flying high after receiving an award from the B.C. Aviation Council.
BCIT's aerospace program was given the Robert S. Day Award "for its outstanding contribution to the promotion and development of aviation in B.C., and whose programs graduate 200 job-ready personnel annually," according to a press release from the council.
The Silver Wings Awards were presented on Oct. 30 at the annual awards gala, as well as $10,000 in scholarships for students in the fields of flying, engineering and aviation management, the release stated.
Christmas is a'coming
Local businesses know that planning for the holidays begins long before December. Is your company involved in any interesting charitable efforts this holiday season? Are you planning any special events? Be sure to let the Burnaby NOW know about it, and I'll include a mention in our business column. Just be sure to give us plenty of notice - at least two to three weeks. Email the NOW the pertinent details.
