Students at Westridge Elementary spent last Friday celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
Principal Dave MacLean told the NOW that parents worked to prepare students for the day. The school set up stations with samosas, sweets, bindis, bangles and mehndi. There was also a dress-up station with various traditional clothing, and a rangoli station, where kids could create traditional symbols of Diwali with dyed rice flour.
After lunch, the school put on a light ceremony and there were dance performances with students, parents and staff - all done in Bollywood style.
"It went fantastic," MacLean said. "It's so nice to see all the different cultures celebrating each other. We have about 13 different nationalities in our school."
Local MLA Richard Lee also made an appearance, wishing everyone a happy Diwali.
CHRISTMAS AT THE MANSION
It's that time of year again, when Seton Villa opens the doors of Overlynn Mansion for an annual Christmas fundraiser that benefits seniors. This weekend, the heritage mansion is open for guided tours, and proceeds go to Seton Villa, a nearby seniors' home.
"We are so pleased to announce our eighth year of Christmas celebrations at the Overlynn Mansion," said Fran McDougall, executive director of Seton Villa, in a press release.
"This has now become a must-attend event of the Christmas season for Burnaby and Lower Mainland residents."
Volunteers have decorated the mansion for Christmas, and there will be complimentary cookies and cider available. There will also be artisans selling their wares, door prizes, baked goods and poinsettias.
"Every year, I look forward to the sights and sounds of Christmas coming out of Overlynn as these amazing volunteers transform it to show in its full glory. Even more amazing is that donations collected and their hard work provide us the much needed funding at the Seton so our seniors can continue enjoying the quality of life they rightfully deserve," said Nick Kvenich, a director at Seton Villa.
Overlynn Mansion was built in 1909 for $75,000 for a local businessman, who was trying to lure more people to the area.
The home was built in the English arts and crafts style, and it's considered one of the best examples of its kind in the province. It was also the first heritage building in B.C. to have its interior protected.
In 1936, the estate was sold to a Catholic order that set up a convent and girls' school called Seton Academy.
In 1970, Action Line Housing Society bought the property and built Seton Villa, a high-rise care home for seniors just a stone's throw from the mansion. In 1995, the City of Burnaby declared it a heritage site.
The mansion is at 401 North Esmond Ave. in North Burnaby. The open house is Sat. Nov. 24, and Sunday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be complimentary apple cider and cookies.
Admission is by donation, and proceeds go to Seton Villa, which is operated by Action Line Housing, a non-profit society that provides affordable housing for seniors.
ODYSSEY OF THE MIND
Calling all creative thinkers. There's an information session on Odyssey of the Mind on Monday, Nov. 26 at Gilpin Elementary at 7 p.m.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international program promoting creative problem solving for students.
Teams led by coaches, usually parents or teachers, work together to solve problems using creative thinking skills.
Gilpin Elementary is at 5490 Eglinton St. For more information on the program, visit www.odysseybc.ca.
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