Sarwan

Muriel Arnason Library wins Cultural Diversity Award

2012-02-05T00:08:00.000-08:00

Muriel Arnason Library was awarded the prestigious 2011 Langley International Festival Cultural Diversity Award for its Innovative projects. Read the news in Link or Langley Times:

Link Newspaper

Langley Times

Pictures by John Gordon

2012-01-26T04:24:00.000-08:00

Library celebrated Lunar New Year
Langley, BC, Tuesday, January 24, 2012: Muriel Arnason Library celebrated its 4th Annual Chinese New Year that was well attended. Around 225 people primary kids enjoyed multicultural craft and traditional food. Throughout the afternoon, children, adults and even grandparents created dancing dragon puppets and lucky red envelopes (complete with chocolate coins) to help mark Year of the Dragon.

Kids books

2011-04-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

Kids Reads

Exciting moments - the "Ambassador of Diversity Award" - click to read more

2011-02-05T20:42:00.000-08:00

SURREY – in front of dozens of dignitaries and a crowd of over 300 people – librarian Sarwan Singh Randhawa was awarded the prestigious 2010 Ambassador of Diversity Award for his exceptional multicultural services to the community at Langley International Festival’s first Multicultural Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony held at Sunrise Banquet Centre in Surrey. Read News:
The Link

2011-02-01T12:35:00.000-08:00

Muriel Arnason Library presents Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year 2011: Year of the Rabbit

Thursday, Feb 3rd    3:00pm-5:00pm

Mysteries of Easter Island: A Photo Journey

Thursday, Mar 3rd 7:00pm-8:00pm

Henna   - Thursday, Mar 17th 6:00pm-8:00pm

Crafts from Around the World
Tuesday, Mar 22nd      2:30pm-4:30pm

For more programs, click:   Programs at Muriel Arnason Library

Diwali Celebration at Muriel Arnason Library

2010-10-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

Posters:
Diwali: The Festival of Lights
Travel to India: An Informative Journey

News:
On Saturday, October 23, from noon to 3 pm, Muriel Arnason Library and the Township of Langley host the Township of Langley Libraries’ seventh annual Diwali, or “Festival of Lights”, celebration.

Diwali, which means “a row of lights”, is the most widely celebrated Indian festival, and marks the victory of good over evil and the beginning of the New Year in India. All are invited to experience the diversity of culture this celebration highlights through face painting, crafts, Mehndi, food, Indian music and some of the best Bollywood dance videos.

In addition, award-winning Langley photojournalist John Gordon will host a presentation documenting his recent trip to India. From 1 to 2 pm, John will share memories and eye-catching photos of his travels through Delhi, Rajasthan and Agra and his visits to the Red Fort, Birla Temple, and the beautiful Taj Mahal.

All Diwali activities are drop-in, free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served while quantities last.

For more information, please visit the Muriel Arnason Library, or call 604-532-3590. Muriel Arnason Library is located in the Township of Langley Civic Facility at 20338 - 65 Avenue.

EmbraceBC

2010-06-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

International Women's Day at Muriel Arnason Library

2010-03-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

Punjabi Canadian Diaspora Literature Symposium at UBC

2010-03-14T20:32:00.001-07:00

2009-12-25T08:03:00.000-08:00

ਆਪ ਜੀ ਨੂੰ ਨਵਾਂ ਸਾਲ - 2010 ਮੁਬਾਰਕ ਹੋਵੇ!!!
I wish you and your family a very Happy New Year - 2010.

Human Rights Day at Muriel Arnason Library

2009-11-23T10:31:00.000-08:00

On the evening of Thursday, December 10, over 70 people from different cultures gathered at the Township of Langley Civic Facility to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the adoption of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. The event was co-sponsored by Muriel Arnason Library and the Baha’i Community of Langley.
Full Story - Thanks to Langley Advance

Township of Langley Councillor Grant Ward addressing the audience

The Voices of Oneness Choir, led by Amy Stephens

Dr. Lee Brown – key speaker Refreshments and discussion in the Muriel Arnason Library

Muriel Arnason Library Diwali Celebrations

2009-11-21T16:15:00.000-08:00

LANGLEY, BC - On Saturday, October 24th, Muriel Arnason Library and the Township of Langley celebrated their 6th annual Diwali, the Festival of Lights. The festival was a colourful event where hundreds of people of all ages enjoyed Henna, crafts, face painting, a feature film on Diwali, and food in a festive atmosphere. Councillor Grant Ward and Mel Kositsky conveyed their wishes for a happy Diwali to the community.

Muriel Arnason Library was filled with people of all ages during the afternoon’s festivities. Adults could choose to have their hands decorated with Mehndi, or henna. Children painted diyas, or clay lamps, created lanterns, and did a variety of crafts. A feature film on Indian Diwali was showed that was well received.
2008 Diwali
Previous Diwali celebration pictures

Great classics and Fun Games for children

2009-07-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

Just open and enjoy:

http://www.bygosh.com/childrensclassics.htm

The following are good for easy learning:

http://www.childrensbooksonline.org/library.htm

http://www.primarygames.com/

2009-04-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Sarwan Singh Randhawa, TOL Councillor Mel Kositsky, Shar Dubas, Langley International Festival ED, Sandy Shih, Langley Community Services - Immigration Services Manager

Friday, March 20, 2009: United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination organized by the Muriel Arnason Library and Langley Diversity Committee was well attended. The theme of the discussion was ‘Intercultural Communication Awareness’. Several interesting stories were shared to educate the people and making them aware of how the miscommunication can create misunderstandings, and how a little more knowledge about other cultures can help to make Canada a friendlier place to live in.

Speaking on the issue, Sarwan Singh Randhawa said that people should not make judgements based on the colour, race or appearance. Giving an example, Sarwan said that as an iceberg has a visible section above the waterline and a larger invisible section below the waterline, and you can see only the part that is above the water, in the same way, a culture has some aspects that you can observe and others that you can only imagine or intuit. Like an iceberg, the part that is visible is only a small part of a much bigger whole.

“No culture is right or wrong, they just have different traditions and values,” he added.
It was also highlighted that learning a couple of words in other languages can make a big difference. A handout of commonly used words in 12 languages (wresources.blogspot.com) was also circulated.

Councillor Mel Kositsky, and Shar Dubas, Langley International festival ED, also shared their views on diversity. Sandy Shih from the Langley Community Services said that it is good to celebrate this day because there is a lot of diversity in Langley. A Chinese artist also showed the participants how to paint Chinese characters.
Roughly 60 people came by to check out the event and indulge in some refreshments.

2009-03-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Join us to sharing your views and creating an awareness to make the community more friendly and welcoming. Poster
Fir more info, visit Muriel Arnason Library or call 604-532-3590

Judi The Manners Lady Concerts at Muriel Arnason Library

2009-02-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

Judi The Manners Lady Concerts – Thursday, February 26
The Fraser River Presentation Theatre was electric with energy as children and parents packed the theatre’s seats for two free Manners Lady concerts, hosted by Muriel Arnason Library and the Township of Langley. Approximately 400 children, parents and teachers attended and enjoyed the two shows.

Judi taught a number of fun ways to show respect: good eye contact (“happy eyes”), firm handshakes, kindness, friendship, being a good listener, obedience to parents and authority, and multicultural hospitality—learning how to reach out to people from other cultures by learning to say “Hi!” in their language. This hospitality is part of The Manners Lady’s Vancouver 2010 Challenge, “Say Hello to all the World.”

Judi began her concert with the “Happy Eyes Song”, which was followed by several practical examples of how to show respect to elders. Her song “Beware of the Bad Manners Monsters” encouraged children to say no to bad manners. Children and adults alike learned the six steps to being a successful 2010 ambassador. Say Hello to All the World”, sung in 12 languages, made everyone smile, and at several points during the concert, the room filled with spontaneous laughter and cheers. Audience members even danced along to Judy’s song “The Golden Rules of Manners."

Sarwan Singh Randhawa, Community Librarian, thanked the Township of Langley, Langley School Board, teachers and parents for making the concerts so successful.

2009-02-22T05:43:00.000-08:00

The Muriel Arnason (Willowbrook) Library Celebrates World Cultures!
The month of March will be celebrated as world cultures month.
For details, call 604-590-3590.

Chinese New Year

2009-01-20T12:57:00.000-08:00

On Monday, January 26, Muriel Arnason Library hosted Celebrate the Year of the Ox, a family crafts program highlighting the Lunar New Year. During this popular program, over one hundred participants visited the library throughout the afternoon. Children, adults and even grandparents created dancing dragon puppets and lucky red envelopes to take home. The library provided chocolate coins for the children to place in the envelopes that they had made. The children also decorated a large paper dragon and took it on a tour of the library. Participants sampled traditional Lunar New Year foods and oolong tea.

A Heart-breaking Story

2008-12-19T11:36:00.000-08:00

The following story was shared by a Langley City resident Shahamat Atefi and his sister during United Nations Human Rights program at Township of langley Civic Centre on Sunday, December 14, 2008. Recollecting their memories, they told how their father was killed (for his beliefs) in Iran in the early 1980s when he (Shahamat) was only a year old, and his sister was 8.

Shahamat’s Sister’s Experience of Her Father’s Martyrdom

I was an eight-year-old girl when they martyred my father. Maybe if I had been older, the experiences that I encountered would be more vivid in my mind, but you must understand that they were heart-breaking occurrences for an eight-year-old girl to undergo.

Our house was situated in a small village in Fereydan, Iran. My father, Bahman Atefi, was a young farmer, about 30 years old. I remember that he always woke up early and went to work. My mother always said that he never brought home his worries. He was a peaceful man, quiet, reverent and understanding. He seemed wise beyond his years. I remember my father as a very joyous man, who always came home from a hard day’s work in the fields filled with warm smiles and hugs. I looked forward to his return each day, because he was a very bright and luminous person. He always urged us to prayer around the dinner table, and he made those moments precious with his melodious voice. I loved those evenings, but we were living in troubled times. After the revolution, many Baha’is in our village were harassed, but my father never worried. He had an unwavering trust in a higher power. Often, people from the village tried to talk my father into leaving the village, as he was a Baha’i and Baha’is were the object of relentless persecution and scorn. The government was a fanatical government, and they planned and implemented genocide against the Baha’is.

One day, I woke up to the sound of crying. I entered the living room and I saw that my mother and my uncle’s wife were both crying. I was in shock, and my mother grabbed my hand and led me out of the living room. I asked, “What has happened?” She replied, “You were sleeping last night when two revolutionary guards entered our house and took your father and uncle to prison.” In that moment, in that childhood world, I felt everything stop and the world crumbled around me. My mother comforted me and said, “Don’t cry; nothing will happen; they’ll come back soon.” Days and weeks slowly passed, until one day my mother and my uncle’s wife took us to the prison to see my father and uncle. When we arrived at the prison, we had to wait a long time. The guards cursed us and belittled us. They taunted us and would not allow us to enter the prison to visit my father and uncle. My mother pleaded desperately to the guard, “At least let this young child see her father.” The guard looked at me indifferently and yelled, “She is NOT allowed.” I, becoming more anxious, started to cry and plead, but the soldier pushed me out of the way. My mother and I finally were allowed to see my father after much begging. When my mother met my father, she told him, “All the crops are rotting in the field; there is nobody to harvest them.” My father smiled a radiant and spiritual smile and replied, “The crops don’t matter. Take care of the children as best you can and raise them to the best of your abilities.” Before I could tell my father anything, our visit was over. Many months passed, with repeated attempts to visit my father being rejected.

One day, my mother sent my eighteen-year- old cousin to see if he could enter the jail, visit my father and bring us back word about he was doing. My cousin did not return until the next night. Later, he told us, “When I arrived at the jail, the guards took me and blindfolded me and then placed me in solitary confinement. In the middle of the night, I heard gunshots. The next morning, they let me out of solitary confinement and they told me to go to the village and tell the family to come and retrieve the dead bodies of five Baha’is that were shot in the night.” The guards had demanded that my father, uncle and three other Baha’is strip naked in the jail courtyard and run; they then shot them from behind. The guards used this excuse to say that they were forced to shoot because the men were running away. Interestingly, the death certificates left the reason for death as blank, because the Baha’is were killed in cold blood. When my cousin told my mother, she was in disbelief. She kept on saying, “They didn’t do anything, why should they be killed? They haven’t done anything wrong!” My mother and cousin went to the jail to retrieve the dead bodies, and it was true that my father and uncle were dead, killed in cold blood. My poor mother was left to fend for herself and four fatherless children in a country where women do not have equality and generally do not work outside the home. My father was 30 years old when he died. My siblings and I not only lost a father, my mother not only lost a husband, but the world lost a brave and stoic man that day.

I did not go to my father’s funeral service. I was so anxious and sick at heart that I could not. All I remember is slumping down outside my house, where my father had greeted me every day, and watching the village people pass me as I cried. They walked past a crying eight-year-old, in full knowledge of what had happened to her father, yet they walked past indifferent to my tears. My mother told me later that at the cemetery the guards came in a truck and threw all five bodies onto the ground. The bodies were in plastic garbage bags. The guards told all that were there that if anyone cried a single tear they would shoot them. The guards then dug a shallow grave and unceremoniously buried the bodies there. Years later, the government has built a road on the unmarked graves of my father, uncle and the three other Baha’is killed with them.

A week after my father’s martyrdom, one of the guards from the prison came to our house and demanded that my mother become Muslim. When she refused, she was told to either leave the village or face her husband’s fate. She packed up the few belongings she had, bundled up my two sisters and I and my one-year-old brother, Shahamat, and left for Isfahan, a major city in Iran.

Langley Commemorates UN Human Rights Day

2008-12-16T10:51:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, December 14: A diverse audience gathered at the Township of Langley Civic Center, 20338 65th Avenue, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. The event was cosponsored by the Muriel Arnason Library and the Baha’i Community of Langley.

Dr. Trevor McMorris Tate, a board member of the Greater Seattle UNA-USA Chapter, and Langley resident, gave a thought-provoking talk entitled “Human Rights Today: A Report Card”. The program also included two films, “A Question of Rights-The UN Declaration,” recalling the drafting and adoption of the historic 1948 UN Declaration, and “Mona,” a heart-rending dramatization about a courageous 17 year old young Baha’i woman who, with eight other women, was hanged by the Iranian authorities for teaching children’s classes.

Two local Baha’is of Iranian descent gave moving personal accounts of the persecution of family members for their Baha’i beliefs. Langley City resident Shahamat Atefi spoke emotionally about his father who was killed in Iran in the early 1980s when he was only a year old; likewise, Langley township resident Bijan Rasti recounted the story of his uncle who was arrested without warning and imprisoned for four years in Iran for refusing to recant his Baha’i Faith.

A most moving moment was when Mr. Rasti displayed exquisitely crafted prayer beads and a necklace that his uncle gave to him as a gift after his release from prison. He said his uncle had painstakingly filed and polished numerous date pits on the cement floor of his cell during the years of solitary confinement, using them to make the items and then dying them with the dregs from his teacup.

Much discussion and reflection followed during the reception on the serious and appalling human rights abuses that continue in the world today, and the challenges that still lie ahead to achieve the promises and hopes of the 1948 Declaration, sixty years on.

The event was chaired by Langley anthropologist, Dr. Marg Dorazio-Migliore, and the Township of Langley was represented by Councillor Mel Kositsky.

India in my views

2008-12-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

I am just back from India, and have the following opinion:
-India is a great country with very rich resources and natural beauty
-People are very friendly and have warm hospitality
- I am sorry to say, but if we look the overall system, there is no system
- It is also disappointing to say that it will take minimum 50 years to have a civilized culture in India. Most of the things are unorganized - the examples can be seen at bus stands, banks, offices etc.
--At most of the places, there is no work culture
- The govt machinary is so slow that anyone from western countries would be depressed
- The people have created so many customs and traditions that it is hard to survive
e.g. people spend so much on marriages that is unbelievable, it is wasting of both time and
money
-- Still the stress level is low than western countries and one of the reasons is that people spend
more time with their families.

Enjoy with Your Children

2008-09-04T09:27:00.000-07:00

Audio Books
Open the link, click on eCOLLECTION logo and then on TumbleReadables - Click Here For (above tumblereadable sign). Select books or games- e.g. for books, click on storybooks and then View Online

Diwali: Festival of Lights

2008-08-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

The Muriel Arnason Library and the Township of Langley celebrated their 5th Diwali on Saturday October 18. The festival was a colourful event where hundreds of people enjoyed the beat of many cultures. As David Thiessen, Manager of Township of Langley Libraries stated in his welcome speech, “A joyful occasion like Diwali is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to celebrate the richness and diversity of Canada”. Township of Langley Mayor Kurt Alberts and Councillors Grant Ward and Mel Kositsky conveyed their wishes for a happy Diwali to the community.

The Diwali celebrations offered Langley residents an opportunity to enjoy a variety of multicultural activities such as Mehndi, face painting, music, dance, stories, puppet shows, food and crafts in a festive atmosphere. A variety show featuring thirty-eight performers from ten different cultures began with Canada’s national anthem, sung by Judy the Manners Lady. Among the performers was Shyama Pryia, a native dancer who entertained the audience with her unique dances. The Jusman Family juggled and played drums and piano, dancer Sonia performed Spanish dance, and two dancers demonstrated a variety of Mexican dances. Raks Almeh presented Middle Eastern Belly dance, while Dance Trance Dancing School & Talent Agency performed ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and lyrical dances. The Falun Dafa Association of Vancouver presented Chinese dances. Audience members also enjoyed lively Bhangra and Gidhha Punjabi folk dances performed by the Sada Virsa Sada Gurav Bhangra Club Abbotsford.

Muriel Arnason Libary was filled with people of all ages during the afternoon’s festivities. Adults could choose to have their hands decorated with mehndi, or henna. Children painted diyas, or clay lamps, created lanterns, listened to puppet shows and stories by Information Assistants Janis Glende and Nancy Bolton and had their faces painted.

Participants and guests alike were pleased to take part in such a lively and entertaining local event. At the end of the program, Manager David Thiessen and Community Librarian Sarwan Singh Randhawa thanked the audience, sponsors and performers.

Last Year's Diwali in pictures: Click here to see more

Inter-Cultural Communication

2008-08-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

Canada is a multicultural country, and it is hard to be fair with others as long as we don't know their cultures. Please post your views if you know about a special feature of any culture or religion.

I know it is not a universal rule what we are talking here, and does not apply to everyone, but each culture has some unique traditions that are followed by most of the people belong to that culture.
Here are a few things that I learned after moving to Canada:
1. Chinese often ask how much you make (mainly to their own people): One day I was talking to a Chinese staff member and I asked her why it is so, and she said that it is a very open in China that everyone knows how much others are making.

2. Koreans ask about the age: Koreans are very keen to know the age during communication, and the reason why they ask is, their way of dealing people changes at certain ages or put it this way, they have different level of respect at different ages.

I collected some facts for Korean communication: It is common in Korea to ask a person how old they are or whether or not they are married the first time you meet. Non-Koreans may consider these kinds of questions too personal or impolite. However, Koreans think of these kinds of questions as the first steps in getting acquainted rather than as being "nosy".Asking a person his or her age the first time you meet probably comes from the Korean custom of social ranking based on age. In Korea, checking a person's age helps you decide which speech level to use with that person in the future. For instance, if the other person is older than yourself, you will have to use honorific language with him or her even if you get to know that person well. Also, upon initially meeting someone, it is gradually acceptable to ask questions such as "Are you married?", "Where do you live?" or "What school did you graduate from?". In Korea, if someone asks you such questions, it is probable that he or she is interested in you and wants to get to know you better.

Have you eaten?: Koreans ask this question as How are you? Misunderstandings can occur in this situation because the Korean implication of this question is different from its literal meaning. Usually when Koreans ask whether or not you have eaten, they do not want to talk about food. "Have you eaten" is just a typical way of greeting people. So, even if you answer that you have not eaten, Koreans may not invite you for a meal. When asked this quesntion, it's fine to just say "yes".Another Korean greeting that may create misunderstanding is "Where are you going?" In this case too, Koreans are being friendly, but not necessarily curious about your destination. For this reason, you can answer simply by saying "yes" and you are not obligated to give a specific destination.

3. Indians' hospitality is great - they always offer something to their guests, but it is different in western culture, if you go to their homes, they will ask only one time - what you will take, and if you say no, they may ask you one more time - are you sure, and again if you say no - that's it - you have to stay without anything.

Let me share some of my experiences here in Canada - my first job in librarianship was with Kitimat Public Library as a Deputy Chief Librarian, and after one week, chief librarian (she) told me that another city Chief Librarian (he) invited us for the lunch. We drove for one hour to reach there, and after the lunch, she told me that we have to pay for our food - I know somehow he paid for us, but that was very disgusting for me. I had a long discussion after coming to Kitimat - when I asked why he invited us if ...., and she tried to convince me that it was fine.

Continue............

Family pictures

2008-07-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

2008-06-18T14:40:00.000-07:00

Children's Fun Stuff

2008-04-28T10:54:00.001-07:00

Sarbjit Kaur Randhawa and Vera Ward

2008-04-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Vaisakhi

ਖਾਲਸਾ ਪੰਥ ਦੇ ਸਾਜਨਾ ਦਿਵਸ ਦੀ ਸਮੂੰਹ ਜਗਤ ਨੂੰ ਲੱਖ ਲੱਖ ਵਧਾਈ ਹੋਵੇ

2008-03-18T03:02:00.000-07:00

In News
Librarian driving force behind diversity award - Thanks to Langley Advance

2008-03-12T00:18:00.000-07:00

Township of Langley Council Hounored Sarwan Singh Randhawa

Langley, BC Monday March 10: Township of Langley Council hounored Sarwan Singh Randhawa in a special meeting. At this time, Councillor Grant Ward, who is FVRL Board member and a strong supporter of the public libraries, said "Cultural diversity is fast becoming more inclusive in our Canadian fabric than ever before, highlighting its educational aspect as demonstrated by our librarian, Sarwan Singh Randawa, for which he was appropriately recognized and honoured again, for the second time, this year."

Township of Langley Library Manager David Thiessen said, “Winning the award is a very special honour. It truly is reflective of a lot of work, perseverance and dedication to community excellence by all Township Library staff. As such is it always worthy of commendation. However, this year,” said Thiessen, “winning the award was particularly notable, since for the first time since the event began the Marketing and Outreach Award was presented to the same recipient for a second time - the Township of Langley Libraries. In 2006 the Township of Langley Aldergrove Library won the award mainly due to the Public Services Librarian Sarwan S. Randhawa, and this year the Township of Langley Libraries as a whole won the award, again mainly with the efforts of Sarwan Singh Randhawa, now Walnut Grove Community Librarian”.

“So thank you, Sarwan, and all Langley Township Staff,” said Thiessen, for all your many efforts to celebrate and acknowledge the valuable contributions ethnic groups make in our community.

2008 Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Award - March 7th

2008-03-08T06:59:00.000-08:00

Township of Langley Libraries win Cultural Diversity award
Library’s Outreach Programs and Marketing Recognized Second Time

Friday March 7th - in front of dozens of dignitaries including BC Lieutenant-Governor Steven Point, MPs, MLA's, and members of numerous municipal councils (and almost 400 others) - the Township of Langley Libraries was awarded the prestigious 2008 Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Award for Marketing and Outreach at the 6th Annual Awards Ceremony held at Ramada Plaza and Conference Centre, Abbotsford.

Accepting the award on behalf of Township of Langley Libraries, Community Librarian Sarwan Singh Randhawa noted, “One of the goals of our library is to reach out to all members of the community, to leave no one out.” Sarwan went on to thank all of the Langley community service agencies, media, businesses and individual members of the community who work with the library and so enthusiastically support the library’s efforts.

The Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards Ceremony annually recognizes and awards best practices amongst Fraser Valley businesses and service providers in responding to, and being inclusive of, the diversity in the region they serve. The event - which spans the regions from Chilliwack to the Langleys - has been running 5 years and has become extremely popular, selling out its 400 seats every year well in advance.

2008-03-01T17:12:00.000-08:00

Walnut Grove Library Goes Global

World Languages

Punjabi Resources

Judi The Manners Lady at Walnut Grove Library

Chinese New Year celebrations

2008-01-25T05:03:00.000-08:00

Internet: New Trends
Books and Magazines

2008-01-07T10:46:00.000-08:00

Air Bud Spikes Back
I just watched Air Bud Spikes Back - what a wonderful movie!
The main attractions are a 6 year old cute child ‘Noah’ (Jake D. Smith), 14-15 old girl ‘Andrea’ (Katija Pevec), and a dog. Noah loves to play with his dog. Andrea's best friend, Tammy, moves away and Andrea tries to save money to visit her. To make it possible, Andrea and her brother Noah start a dog sitting service, but her business is derailed by animal mutiny that ends with her charges wrecking a flea market. Fortunately, new next-door neighbor Connor (Tyler Boissonnault) tips Andrea off about a volleyball tournament. The winners get an all-expense paid trip to Malibu, which is just a hop, skip and a jump from where Tammy now lives. The naturally klutzy Andrea trains hard and Buddy (dog) proves sufficiently adept to join the struggling team. When they were very close to win, two professional crooks Doug (Robert Tinkler) and Gordon (Malcolm Scott) who intend to steal a priceless jewel, decide to nab the dog and train him as a jewel thief. They kidnap the dog; but the dog manages to get himself free and helps the team to win the match.
If you want to watch a movie with your child/ern, It will be a good choice.

Here are a few more of the same kind:
Air Bud: World Pup, The Shaggy Dog, The Mighty Ducks

2008-01-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

Congratulations on the 340th anniversary of the birth of Guru Gobind Singh ji
Aap Ji Nu Guru Gobind Singh Ji de Gurpurab dian Lakh Lakh Vadhayian hovan Ji!
Life and Teachings
Videos

ਆਪ ਜੀ ਨੂੰ ਨਵਾਂ ਸਾਲ - 2008 ਮੁਬਾਰਕ ਹੋਵੇ!!!
I wish you and your family a very Happy New Year - 2008.

Aldergrove Library wins Cultural Diversity Award

2007-11-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

2006 Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Award - Board Meeting
Councillor Grant Ward, Township of Langley, congratulated Aldergrove Library and Sarwan Singh Randhawa on winning the 2006 Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Award for Marketing and Outreach. He highlighted FVRL’s Diversity Value: We value and celebrate diversity as integral to an inclusive, vibrant community. Then he highlighted how Aldergrove Library has worked to achieve that, particularly through the efforts of Sarwan Singh Randhawa, Public Services Librarian. Programs in Panjabi and Hindi, the Diwali Festival, Chinese New Year, and Let’s Speak English all have served to draw various ethnic groups to the resources FVRL has to offer.

Sarwan Singh Randhawa expressed his thanks to the Board for the support, encouragement, and motivation he has received, particularly from Councillor Ward and Library Manager Grace Makarewicz. FVRL is a wonderful library system, he stated, and he is proud to be part of it.

Mayor Fassbender congratulated Sarwan on his hard work and thanked him for it, adding that Sarwan is representative of the kind of people who are part of FVRL.

Aldergrove Library wins Cultural Diversity Award - News
Aldergrove Library was awarded the 2006 Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Award for Outreach Programs and Marketing at the 4th Annual Awards Ceremony held February 24. Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards recognizes the best practices among Fraser Valley service providers and businesses in responding to the diversity of the valley. Aldergrove Library is one of six libraries in the Langley Township area, and one of 24 libraries belonging to the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL). FVRL manager Grace Makarewicz says, "We respect and value cultural diversity as integral to an inclusive and vibrant community - it's all part of our mission to connect people to the world of information and ideas".

Accepting the award on behalf of Aldergrove Library, Public Services Librarian Sarwan Singh Randhawa noted, "One of the goals of our library is to reach out to all members of the community. I would like to thank all of the Langley community service agencies, media, businesses and individual members of the community who work with us and so enthusiastically support our efforts". He said that media played a major role for making Aldergrove Library an Award winning library.

Aside from offering books and materials in many languages, the Aldergrove Library has computer and Internet training classes in Punjabi and Hindi, children's story times in Punjabi and English, a popular annual Diwali "Festival of Lights" celebration which draws hundreds of people, and, this year, it co-sponsored a Chinese New Year celebration.

In spring of 2006, the Aldergrove Library is launching a new outreach program called Let's Speak English aimed at people who are learning English as a second language. For more information on this and other programs, contact the Aldergrove Library or visit Fraser Valley Regional Library's website at http://www.fvrl.bc.ca/.

Shri Guru Nanak Dev - the Founder of Sikhism

2007-11-24T13:12:00.000-08:00

The founder of the Sikh religion, Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, known popularly as Guru Nanak, was born in 1469 in the Punjab region of India (now in Pakistan).

The central message of Guru Nanak is that everyone should respect all religions. For him, love and respect - not just tolerance for those of other faiths - is the cornerstone of a democratic society. Nanak's whole life and his teachings symbolised inter-faith harmony. Nanak's mission was to help transform people's attitudes by freeing them of hatred and mistrust, bias and prejudice on grounds of religion.
To know more about Guru Nanak's teachings, open the following:
http://www.theholidayspot.com/guru_nanak_jayanti/teachings.htm

Watch videos:
http://www.srigurugranthsahib.org/?gclid=CLyexdqt_Y8CFRm9hgod7BcBWw

Intercultural Harmony Society

2007-11-21T09:39:00.000-08:00

Vision
To promote intercultural exchanges and create opportunities for terms of cross cultural understanding

Goals
To foster community engagement and pluralism
To promote advocacy and awareness in social justice, third world issues, multiculturalism and combat racism with an educational approach
For more information: http://www.bcharmony.org/
or
http://bcharmony.blogspot.com/

Aldergrove Library Diwali Celebration

2007-11-19T09:09:00.000-08:00

On Saturday October 13th, Aldergrove Library and Aldergrove Community Centre celebrated their 4th annual Diwali (festival of lights) with a huge success. It was well organized, well presented, and well received. Hundreds people participated, clapped, cheered, and danced to the beat of many cultures. There were around 50 dancers from 7 different cultures who performed 22 dance items to entertain the community. Grace Makarewicz, Manager of Langley Libraries welcomed the audience. Langley Township Councillors Grant Ward, and Mel Kositsky conveyed their wishes to the Indo-Canadian community for a happy Diwali.

For pictures: http://www.pictopia.com/perl/gal?process=gallery&gallery_id=23873&provider_id=634

The Diwali celebration offered local residents an opportunity to enjoy a variety of multicultural activities such as Mehndi, face painting, music, dance, food and crafting in a festive atmosphere. Cupcake the Clown entertained the children with balloons, surprises, magic and games. The entertainment program was started with Mexican dances by Sonia and Maricela (Intercultural Harmony Society), and followed by an Aboriginal dance by William Visser. Gurdip Arts Academy performed girls and boys Bhangra and Punjabi Dhol. Raks Almeh presented Middle Eastern Belly dance, and then Dance Trance Dancing School & Talent Agency performed ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and lyrical dances. Langley Family Services performed Japanese folk dance. Native Indian dancer Shyama Pryia entertained the people with her unique dances. The audience started dancing when Sada Virsa Sada Gurav Bhangra Club Abbotsford performed Punjabi folk dance Bhangra. There were a number of chances when our audience danced in groups. Performers and sponsors were honoured during the festival, and prize draws were popular.

Participants and guests alike were pleased to take part in such a lively and entertaining local event. At the end of the program, Manager Grace Makarewicz and Community Librarian Sarwan Singh Randhawa thanked the audience, sponsors and performers.

~~~SPONSORS~~~
A & W Aldergrove
Aldergrove Star
Langley Advance
McDonald’s Aldergrove & Seven Oaks Abbotsford
Otter Co-Op
Super Canadian Pizza Ltd.

~~~Performers~~~
Dance Trance
Gurdip Arts Academy
The Intercultural Harmony Society
Langley Community Services Society
Raks Almeh: Middle Eastern Belly Dance Troupe
Renuka Goodapati
Sada Virsa Sada Gaurav Bhangra Club Abbotsford
Shyama Priya
White Buffalo (William Visser)

The Legend of Santa Claus

2007-11-19T09:07:00.000-08:00

Sarwan Singh Randhawa

The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around 280 A.D. to a wealthy family in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey. His parents died, and he inherited a considerable sum of money, but he kept none of it. He gave away all of his wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick.

Nicholas was chosen a bishop by the people of Myra at very young age. But life was not always good for him. He along with many others was thrown into prison for not worshipping himself as a god as declared by the Roman emperor Diocletian. He was released in 313 AD when Diocletian resigned and Constantine came to power. He then returned to his post as Bishop of Myra continuing his good works until his death on December 6, 343.

After Nicholas died, he was canonized as a saint. Much admired for his piety and kindness, he became the subject of many legends. Over the course of many years, Nicholas's popularity spread and he became known as the protector of children and sailors. His feast day is celebrated on the anniversary of his death, December 6, a holiday in many countries. This was traditionally considered a lucky day to make large purchases or to get married.

Many stories are told of his generosity as he gave his wealth away in the form of gifts to those in need, especially children. Legends tell of him either dropping bags of gold down chimneys or throwing the bags through the windows. One of the best known of the St. Nicholas stories is that he saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery or prostitution by their father by providing them with a dowry so that they could be married.

By the Renaissance, St. Nicholas was the most popular saint in Europe. Even after the Protestant Reformation, when the veneration of saints began to be discouraged, St. Nicholas maintained a positive reputation, especially in Holland. During the Protestant Reformation, German Protestants depicted the Christ child, "Chriskindl", as a giver of gifts. This helped merge the association of St. Nick with Christmas. Later, this association with Chriskindl was translated to Santa's other name: Kris Kringle. In England he came to be called Father Christmas, and in the Netherlands, the saint's name, Sinter Nikolass, became shortened to Sinter Klaas.

The American version of the Santa Claus figure received its inspiration and its name from the Dutch legend of Sinter Klaas, brought by settlers to New York in the 17th century, and the name evolved into what it is today - Santa Claus. As early as 1773 the name appeared in the American press as "St. A Claus”. A popular author, Washington Irving gave Americans detailed information about the Dutch version of Saint Nicholas in his book “History of New York” published in 1809 under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker. This Dutch-American Saint Nick achieved his fully Americanized form in 1823 in the poem “A Visit From Saint Nicholas” more commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke. It was further elaborated by illustrator Thomas Nast, who depicted a rotund Santa for Christmas issues of Harper's magazine from the 1860s to the 1880s.

Finally, from 1931 to 1964, Haddon Sundblom created a new Santa each Christmas for Coca-Cola advertisements that appeared world-wide on the back covers of Post and National Geographic magazines. This is the Santa we know and love today with a red suit trimmed with white fur, leather boots and belt, long white beard and a pack of toys slung onto his back.

In these days, Santa Claus is a symbol of hope, faith and trust. People believe that he is a jolly, happy and really fat (in good sense) guy, who visits on Christmas Eve, entering houses through the chimney to leave presents under the Christmas tree and in the stockings of all good children. In addition, children are taught that Santa rewards the good children and leaves the bad ones empty-handed.

Diwali: Message Behind the Celebration

2007-11-19T09:01:00.000-08:00

/ Sarwan Singh Randhawa

The original form of Diwali is Deepawali, which literally means "rows of lighted lamps" and the celebration is often referred to as the Festival of Lights. It has been celebrated for ages and grows in attraction by the year. Everyone enjoys the goodies, the shine, glamour, and the endless enthusiasm for living that suddenly grips people around this time. But there is much more to Diwali than feasting and merrymaking. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Dipawali is essentially a festival for householders. The preparations, the rituals, the entire celebration focuses on the home and family, spanning out to cover the community as a natural extension. This is an occasion for everyone, irrespective of age, colour, caste and religion.

Diwali is held in memory of mythological and historical stories, which say that the evil demons were slain by many God incarnations. As on this day Lord Rama returned to his kingdom after fourteen years of exile. People rejoice because Lord Rama had conquered Ravana, a cruel king. He had conquered evil, and good had triumphed. Among the Sikhs, Diwali came to have a special significance on the return to its sixth master, Guru Hargobind who had been captive in the fort of Gwalior under the orders of Mughal emperor Jahangir. Guru ji also got 52 Hindu rajas (small kings) released from the prison of the king.

The celebration of this festival has a deep meaning. It comes on the darkest night of the year. In Hindu philosophy darkness is compared to ignorance and lighting the lamp has significance of losing ignorance and gaining knowledge. The lighting of Deevas in every house brings brightness and joy and hope of finding light in darkness, achieving knowledge where there is ignorance, and spreading love where there is hatred. Illuminating the house with colourful lights means that the mind should be decorated with spiritual accessories such as peach, love, tolerance, generosity, etc. A bath in starlight before sunrise, is accepted as purifying soul and body. Such cleaning and focus on newness are symbolic of the casting off of the last year's sins and hope for a fresh new year.

It is most important and colorful of the Indian Festivals that has both the traditions of Thanksgiving and Christmas. We give thanks to God and share good will with fellow human beings. The event signifies renewal of life, of "light over darkness", and working toward inner enlightenment. On the day of Diwali, people go house to house to exchange gifts and sweets. By exchanging gifts and sweets, people are advised to forget old grudges and wipe the slate clean, and have good wishes and pure feelings for others. On this day, the businessmen close their books of old accounts and start new ones that denotes the giving up of bad habits and cultivating new attitudes.

Thus, It is a celebration of joy, brightness and happiness, and is associated with victory of good on evil, sharing, caring, forgiving, and loving sentiments. From darkness we enter into light, and light empowers us to do good deeds and bring us closer to divinity. It gives us the message that no matter how dark the times, we shall keep the light of our minds turned on and with a conscious mind, we shall try to find a way out. A strong will power improves life, and success in some aim boosts one's confidence and opens up doors to new and higher goals. It promotes social and practical purposes of sharing, caring, forgiving, and loving sentiments. This gives a message to fight with social evils as we have so many like drugs, prejudice, violence etc. Let us hope to fight these underlying demons with illumination of our inner lights.

Diwali: Festival of Lights

2007-11-19T08:41:00.000-08:00

Sarwan Singh Randhawa

Diwali that means rows of lights is referred to as the festival of lights. It falls on the last day of the last month of the Lunar Calendar. As many festivals are celebrated in India, and some of them are celebrated in some parts of the country only but Diwali is one of the happiest of the great Indian festivals that is celebrated all over India and most parts of the world. It is one of the grandest celebrations of Indo-Canadians. It is most important and colorful of the Indian Festivals that has both the traditions of Thanksgiving and Christmas. We give thanks to God and share good will with fellow human beings.

Diwali comes in late October or early November. It comes on the darkest night of the year. In Hindu philosophy darkness is compared to ignorance and lighting the lamp has significance of losing ignorance and gaining knowledge. It is a celebration of joy, brightness and happiness. Interestingly Diwali festival coincides with Halloween as it is celebrated in October/November every year. As the Halloween in the western world is traditionally associated with spirits and the dead, the Diwali is associated with victory of good on evil, sharing, caring, forgiving, and loving sentiments.

Diwali is held in memory of mythological and historical stories, which say that the evil demons were slain by many God incarnations. As on this day Lord Rama returned to his kingdom after fourteen years of exile. People rejoice because Lord Rama had conquered Ravana, a cruel king. He had conquered evil, and good had triumphed. Among the Sikhs, Diwali came to have a special significance on the return to its sixth master, Guru Hargobind who had been captive in the fort of Gwalior under the orders of Mughal emperor Jahangir. Guru ji also got 52 Hindu rajas (small kings) released from the prison of the king.

The celebration of Diwali is marked by the lighting of innumerable lamps in every courtyard and the bursting of crackers. Sweetmeats, new clothes etc., are there as in other festivals. Every home is cleaned, beautifully painted and decorated with flowers, garlands and colorful lamps. People go house to house to exchange gifts and sweets. They try to forget old grudges and wipe the slate clean. The time for rejoicing is mainly early morning and late night. These hours of darkness bordering the waking hours are preferred as lights and crackers are the highlights of the festivities and these need darkness to have their illuminating effect. Hence people rise early and go late to sleep. At night every building is lit with little lamps to attract the blessings of the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi

In Hindu culture, this festival also seen as renewal of life. In Hindu custom Light signifies the goodness. This is a five days festival; each of the five days in the festival of Diwali is marked with a significant 'puja' of a certain God/Goddess. All the business people start new business calendars and celebrate their new year. They worship Goddess Lakshmi to bless their new account books. At temples, there are a lot of devotional music, singing and dancing as well as lots of food.

All Sikh temples, homes and businesses are generally illuminated during the week of Diwali celebration. Special prayer is made for the prosperity and well being of every one on the earth. The best and most attractive Diwali is celebrated at Golden Temple, Amritsar. The worshippers float multi-colored light candles on the water at the Golden Temple. The Gurdwara, hold a grand fireworks display. Lot of sweets and food are served.

Thus, the theme behind celebrating Diwali is “good conquering the evil”. From darkness we enter into light, and light empowers us to do good deeds and bring us closer to divinity. Therefore Our Diwali festival promotes social and practical purposes of sharing, caring, forgiving, and loving sentiments. This gives a message to fight with social evils as we have so many like drugs, prejudice, violence etc. Let us hope to fight these underlying demons with illumination of our inner lights.

Sarwan Singh Randhawa

2007-11-18T22:19:00.000-08:00

Thanks for visiting my blog

Sarwan