In the Community

Coquitlam Optimist Club is offering $175 in prizes and an opportunity to win scholarships with values up to $2,500 in Optimist International's 2012 Oratorical Contest. The Oratorical Contest is open to students under 18 years of age as of Dec.

This weekend marks the start of a two-week spring break for most Tri-City families, and if you're staying in town there are lots of great events promising fun for the whole gang.

Spectators are welcome at the fifth annual Battle of the Books later this month in Port Moody. Everyone is invited to cheer as School District 43 middle school students compete to see who knows the most about their books.

Four Tri-City students will get a closer look at the hidden world of human DNA during a spring break work-experience with B.C. gene researchers.

THE FOX ROCKS Leadership students at Port Coquitlam's Terry Fox secondary spread the anti-bullying message last week by working with Minnekhada and Kwayquitlam middle school students at Hyde Creek recreation centre.

SFU Philosophers' Cafe is back at Port Coquitlam's Leigh Square later this month to talk about the F-word.

Port Coquitlam teens can celebrate Teen Tech Week 2012 in March by participating in Fraser Valley Regional Library's (FVRL) Picture This photo contest.

They start with exercises by standing up and singing "Mi, mi, mi" in unison. Next comes the parachute, where voices are raised the higher the fabric goes.

Welcome to the weekend, folks. Whatever the weather, there is something to keep you and yours busy, and keep the winter blues at bay.

Port Coquitlam residents have a week left to nominate fellow citizens for the Volunteer Recognition Awards , which honour people who have helped make their community a better place.