The weather we’ve been having lately has prompted me to search my brain a bit to find indoor things we can do here at Chez Arbo. My Nana used to be a whiz with the crafty stuff and I have extremely fond memories of either receiving something she had made, participating in making something with her, or going and checking out what other people had made together with her. I was also a Brownie and a Girl Guide (and later a Pathfinder and a Ranger leader) and so some of …

A few years ago, I was invited to help out at the SPCA Thrift Shop’s Annual Coat Drive. I bundled up in my warmest clothes, and met the familiar faces of Roni and Colleen from the thrift shop, along with a few other helpers, on a freezing night in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. I helped to hand out 600 plus jackets to some of the neediest people, sang along with some of the cheesiest Christmas carols, and said “Merry Christmas” to more strangers than I could count. 
It was one of the most eye …

A theatre represents the heart of a community; a single performance can unite strangers and evoke a sense of belonging and understanding. New Westminster cannot lose its beloved Massey Theatre. During this period of economic breakdown and resulting budget cuts, we must continue to recognize what is integral to our city’s livelihood. Moreover, we cannot turn a blind eye to the many benefits this particular stage has provided to the students in our district. We must make every effort to preserve and save an aging building that has presented its users with so many opportunities throughout its sixty years of history.

The Royal City Photography Club is a fledgling club in existence since January 2009 and it has already doubled its membership. It is a lively and enthusiastic group of photographers with skills ranging from novice to professional and everything in between that meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at the Centennial Community Centre.  The club has members’ nights where work is showcased, and there are monthly photo challenges. Members can also submit images to any of the Photographic Competitions the club is invited to enter and there are organized club …

There’s a lot of debate over whether to get the H1N1 vaccine out there. Those of us in New Westminster who choose to vaccinate should know there’s a vaccine clinic tomorrow (Nov. 4) at Royal City Centre  in the Community Room from 9am-1pm.
Here’s who’s eligible:

Children six months of age to under five years old
Health care workers, starting with priority groups that deliver critical and frontline health care services
Household contacts and care providers of infants under six months of age
Household contacts and care providers of people who have weakened immune systems
People …