MUST ROCK!
The Access to Music Foundation, a B.C. program that helps with music education in public schools, handed over about $1,000 worth of instruments at last Friday's Youth Must Rock fundraiser at Port Coquitlam's Terry Fox secondary.
The instruments, along with $1,700 from ticket sales and cash donations collected at the Jan. 30 event, will go to Minnekhada middle's Must Rock course, taught by David Erickson.
OPPAL VISIT
Law 12 students at Coquitlam's Pinetree secondary got a talk from a former judge and past MLA last week.
Wally Oppal, the chancellor of Thompson Rivers University, stopped by the City Centre school to speak about the legal system and government.
FREEDOM, GALLERY
Former Port Coquitlam city councillor Michael Wright was honoured for his 33 years of civic service with a gallery in his name.
Last Thursday, the city hosted a farewell dinner for Wright, who lost his seat to Coun. Laura Dupont in the November municipal election. The Living Room in the Gathering Place, in Leigh Square Community Arts Village, is now known as the Michael Wright Art Gallery.
Mayor Greg Moore also awarded Wright with a Freedom of the City award. Among those at the dinner - which was sponsored in part by Telus and CP Rail - were city councillors, MLA Mike Farnworth and other Tri-City community leaders.
SCHOOL STUFF
Students and staff at Coquitlam's Eagle Ridge elementary officially opened their new playground last month with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
As well, Ecole Maple Creek middle teacher Harriette Chang brought a few students to Coquitlam city hall this week to promote the ninth annual Real Acts of Caring Week, Feb. 8 to 14.
"Our goal is to make others feel good inside by committing kind acts," they told city council at its Monday meeting, "but what we have discovered over the years is that we probably feel even better inside than they do by committing these acts."
FOR THE BABES
Winvan Paving's Franco Pastro, Carol Weismiller and Stan Weismiller celebrated the road company's $15,000 donation to the Royal Columbian Hospital with foundation official Barbara Becker.
The money will be used for the purchase of an ultrasound machine for the neonatal intensive care unit at RCH, which serves Tri-City residents. The gift is part of a $65,000 pledge by Winvan.
Winvan Paving, whose controlling interest has been with the Weismiller family for more than 30 years, has been an RCH supporter since 1998.
FINALIST
A Coquitlam firm got a moral boost in its business recently when it was placed on a shortlist for a Best in BC Small Business Award for International Trade.
Founded last May by Shawna Iverson and Heather Wilson, Branded Athletics (brandedathletics.com) makes custom apparel, primarily socks.
Among its clients is the Toronto Rock lacrosse team; their gear will be featured at the home game in Toronto on Feb. 14.
The winners for the business prizes will be named Feb. 26 in Vancouver.
GO GLOBAL
A new program to support international students in School District 43 was launched last weekend with a fundraiser for Share Family and Community Services.
Students, including Ming Xia, a nine-year-old girl visiting from Beijing Fangcaodi elementary, were on hand for the event, as well as Senator Yonah Martin, Mayor Richard Stewart, Coun. Brent Asmundson and SD43 school trustee Barb Hobson.
The Canadian International Student Society is partnering with Share to create a welcoming environment for international students.
The group promotes Canadian cultural experiences by encouraging student participation in local cultural events and tourism and providing opportunities to volunteer for local charities.
Siyi Wang, of Dr. Charles Best secondary, was the winner of the Outstanding Volunteer Award. In all, students collected 150 lbs of food for Share, plus $100 in cash, toys and clothing, which were handed over to Share's Jake Moir during the event's closing ceremony.
GALA GAL
A new chairperson has been named for the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation's Evening of Caring gala.
Foundation reps elected Lorri Stewart - a Seaspan operator and board director of the Plimsoll Club - to steer the 25th annual fundraiser, to be held this year on Sept. 26 at Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam.
5 YEARS YOUNG
A five-year anniversary for a Port Coquitlam seniors' residence was celebrated with song and dance last week.
Astoria Retirement Living on Kelly Avenue hosted a party on Jan. 28 with residents, community leaders and well-wishers.
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