SEVEC AWARD
The Coquitlam-based Coastal Sound Music Academy wrapped up its season finale with a sold-out concert last Sunday at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. And artistic director Diana Clark was named a SEVEC ambassador of the year for her dedication to youth exchanges. Last month, the Coastal Sound Children’s Choir twinned with the Annapolis Valley Honour Choir from Nova Scotia; the two groups spent a week in each other’s communities.
WHAT A TRIP
Team BC of the Odyssey of the Mind competition returned home from Michigan State University this month with some top awards. The provincial group that included participants from Port Moody secondary, Rochester elementary and a UVic team made up of Gleneagle secondary alumni (Clayton Dowdell, Zoe Fajber, Leanne Felton, Sara McMahon, Don Stevens and Emily van der Veldon) battled teams from 14 countries. BC spokesperson Jennifer Martin said the UVic team took second place while Rochester earned 10th spot. As well, Team BC took gold in the float and banner contest and the coaches competition as well as for the Canada booth and display.
DELICIOUS
A new company that makes artisan pies, jams, granola and scone mixes has already started to roll in its support for the Autism Support Network, of which Jodie Wickens is the executive director. Gabi & Jules is the creation of Lisa and Patrick Beecroft, who are known locally for their boutique coffee shop, Caffe Divano, in Coquitlam city hall. The Beecrofts eldest daughter, Juliana, was diagnosed with autism. Gabi & Jules will support the Autism Support through its product sales and events, Wickens said.
HAIR BE GONE
Some long-haired students at Mountain Meadows elementary in Port Moody saw their locks chopped off this month for Wigs for Kids BC.
Principal Kate McMeiken said 10 students had their hair cut off during an assembly plus two parents and Karen Ross, who spearheaded the campaign. The hairdressing was done by Gleneagle secondary students in the ACE-It program. The drive also brought in nearly $2,600. “As the principal of this school, I am immensely proud of Mrs. Ross and her vision for this event. I am so pleased with the way in which our entire community embraced this Wigs for Kids BC fundraiser,” McMeiken said.
SHINY APPLE
Hats off to Jan Lashbrook Green of Port Coquitlam, this year’s recipient of the University of the Fraser Valley’s Teaching Excellence Award. The honour arrives just in time for Lashbrook Green, who retires this spring after dedicating the last four decades to education.
MS WALK $
A walk held at Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park last month to raise funds for people with multiple sclerosis brought in $62,000. The annual Scotiabank MS Walk on May 24 drew 230 participants, including Diana Watson, an MS sufferer and owner of Port Coquitlam’s Room to Move; Watson was featured on the front page of The Tri-City News.
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