If you are struggling with Parkinson's disease, there's a local group that can help.
The Burnaby chapter of the Parkinson's Support Group usually meets at Confederation Seniors Centre on the second Monday of each month.
For April, they've changed the schedule slightly, so please take note. There is a meeting on Monday, April 16 (the third Monday) from 1 to 3: 15 p.m.
The group will gather and share tips on coping skills and gentle movement. The cost is $2 per person. Caregivers are also welcome.
Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease. It's caused by the death of dopamine-producing cells. The brain needs dopamine to control movement, which is why Parkinson's symptoms typically include tremors, rigid muscles and impaired balance.
There's no known cure, but there are medications that can ease the symptoms.
SFU bestows honorary degrees
This spring, Simon Fraser University is handing out six honorary degrees to a mix of people, including a philanthropist, a lawyer and a dentist.
Here's the list recipients:
? Jack Uppal: a leader in the South Asian community who hired new immigrants and sponsored others.
? Saida Rasul: a dentist who has worked with groups like the United Way, Outward Bound, Leadership Vancouver and more.
? Louise Mandell: a Vancouver lawyer and one of Canada's most important conceptual thinkers and influential actors in aboriginal and treaty rights law.
? Harry Arthurs: one of the country's most distinguished educators and jurists who's made contributions to legal theory, education and practice, particularly in labour law.
? Yosef Wosk: This is the man who created SFU's Philosophers' Cafes and founded the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars. Wosk is a Vancouver philanthropist, scholar, educator, rabbi, community leader and businessman.
? Glenda Gray: A South African pediatrician who pioneered work in preventing HIV transmission from mother to child.
The honorary degrees will be handed out at Simon Fraser University's spring convocation ceremonies, which will be held from June 12 to 15.
LOCAL PIPE BAND PLAYS AT VOGUE
The Simon Fraser University Pipe Band will be at Vancouver's Vogue Theatre on Sunday, April 15 at 2 p.m.
It's one of two special 30th anniversary concerts the band is holding; the other show will be in New York City on May 4.
SFU's world-renowned band is billing the show as one that will appeal to "both diehard fans and new fans," according to pipe sergeant Jack Lee.
"This is a special year for the SFU Pipe Band," Lee said.
"Very few pipe bands have been able to maintain themselves as world championship contenders for 30 years running, and we are proud of the band's accomplishments."
The band has claimed six first-place titles at the Glasow world championships, an annual contest for pipe bands.
For tickets to the Vancouver show, go to www.sfupb.com. Tickets are $31.50.
For more about the New York trip, see www. sfuinnyc.com.
Do you have an item for Here & NOW? Send ideas and suggestions to Jennifer, [email protected]. You can also follow her on Twitter, @JenniferMoreau, and check out her blog online at www.burnabynow. com.
