"Since I was probably 10 years old, I always wanted to be a drug dealer. Because my dad was a drug dealer ... I just thought I’d be like my dad."
- 19-year-old male
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Gangs, drugs and crime. These choices can be very destructive. But did you know there are a number of things parents or caregivers can do to mitigate the risk that their child will engage in criminal behaviour, drug use or gang involvement? Are you interested in becoming a more effective parent, guardian or community member? If your answer is "Yes", then mark May 16, 2012 in your calendar.
Chief Constable Bob Rich of the Abbotsford Police Department cordially invites you to attend the 30 minute film premier of "Operation Lodestar: Parenting Matters" on Wednesday May 16, 2012 @ 7 pm at the MCA Auditorium - 32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford. This event is another step in APD’s continued commitment to our community in developing a comprehensive anti-gang strategy that emphasizes prevention. During this event, APD will debut its latest film, followed by an approximately one hour forum in which audience members may ask a panel of experts about parenting issues or concerns they may have. The panel includes Dr. Dave Currie, Dr. Susan Goldsmith, Dale Pretty and Iona Snair (bios below).
No RSVP is necessary. Free admission. Open to all adults.
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Panel Bios:
Dr. Dave Currie is a relationship warrior. He is President of Doing Family Right, an organization designed to teach people the truths that challenge relationships for the better. He is an international speaker, columnist, life coach, and crisis counselor in a host of life, marriage and family issues. Dr. Dave hosted 6 seasons of Marriage Uncensored and Marriage Uncensored with Dave & Christie, a TV Talk Show that grew to million viewers per week across North America. Married 37 years to Donalyn, they have parented 4 adult children, all now happily married.
Dr. Susan Goldsmith graduated with her doctorate from the University of Victoria. She has over 20 years of experience, which includes work as a school psychologist, therapist at mental health facilities, and a Registered Psychologist in private practice. After 20 years, she treats children, teens, adults and couples.
Dale Pretty is a School Psychologist with the Abbotsford School District. He completed a Masters degree in Applied Child & School Psychology from the University of Calgary in 2008. He completed his Undergraduate degree in teaching from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Prior to becoming a School Psychologist Mr. Pretty was a teacher throughout various local area high schools.
Iona Snair has been involved in youth work for the past 30 years in a variety of forms - including directing drop-ins,counselling youth on probation, foster parenting and training youth workers. Presently she and her husband are educating young youth workers through Lifeteams: School of Youth Outreach - a program of Youth Unlimited. They live in Abbotsford with their two sons, Eli and Sasha.
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Abbotsford Olympians Swim Club free swimming offer
Abbotsford Olympians Swim Club are currently offering a FREE MONTH of swimming and a limited number of TWO FREE MONTHS on a first come first served basis (just pay $33 Swim BC insurance fee), limitations apply. As long as you can swim 25 metres (1 length of the pool) and are comfortable in deep water, you are welcome to come along. Programs offered at Matsqui Rec Centre to children aged 5-17 years. Please call 604-825-1856 or visit the website www.abbotsfordolympians.com .
Name the New Library Contest
Help us name the new community library at Abbotsford Collegiate. Name the new library and win an iPad! Contests ends on June 15, 2012. Submit your entries at www.abbotsford.ca/librarycontest. The winning name will be announced on Canada Day by Mayor Banman.
Annual Rotary Strawberry Sale
The Rotary Club of Abbotsford-Sumas is holding its 16th Annual Strawberry Sale starting May 1st. 5 kg pails are $35.00; 13.5 kg pails are $59.00. Call 604-852-7704 or order online at www.abbotsfordsumasrotary.org
Emergency Preparedness Week: May 6 - 12
All BC Schools are invited to join in a national exercise: Friday, May 11 at 1:15pm for the National Emergency Preparedness Week "Drop, Cover & Hold On earthquake drill". Check out the website for further details. www.getprepared.gc.ca/epw/index-eng.aspx
Eureka Outdoor Camp
A unique program in BC, Eureka Outdoor Camp has been active since 1980. Each year, over 100 children are able to attend the camps where staff have a greater understanding of some of the challenges associated with disabilities that range from ADHD, Asperger's, Learning Disabilities, Tourettes Syndrome and other neurologically based disabilities that result in difficulties in forming friendships and navigating their way through the social challenges of school and outside activities. Check out their website for details at www.eurekacamp.ca
Scouts Canada registration for all youth
Scouts Canada is hosting a Registration Evening in Abbotsford for the 2012/13 sessions that begins in September 2012. The registration event will be held at the Ag Rec Gallery, Exhibition Park at 7:00pm on May 22, 2012. Scouting programs are open to boys and girls from 5 - 26 years old. Beaver Scouts 5-7; Cub Scouts 8-10; Scouts 11-13; Venturer Scouts 14-17; Rover Scouts 18-26. Scouts Canada will be accepting applications for Volunteers at this event as well. For further information please contact Jane at 604-855-3846 or email to jariddell99@gmail.com
Sign up for Girls only hockey ages 5-17
Abbotsford Female Hockey Association registration dates and times: Returning players - May 23rd at MSA Arena 6:30-8:00pm; New players - June 6th at MSA Arena 6:30-8:00pm. Open to all skill levels. Contact AFHA Registrar Sarah at 604-859-8907 for more info or check out www.abbotsfordfemalehockey.com
Now On / Upcoming at The Reach Gallery Museum
See new and upcoming exhibits and events for residents and families at The Reach Gallery Museum at www.thereach.ca
"Story to Tell" - SWIS speaker series - starting May 3rd
Theis series kicks off this Thursday at The Reach featuring our own Superintendent, Kevin Godden, speaking about his - and his family's - journey immigrating to Canada, and Dardane Shushka, a SWIS and Settlement Worker with Abbotsford Community Services. More information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/AbbotsfordSchoolDistrict
Multicultural Spring Festival - May 24th
Spring into "Around the World in Three Hours" on Thursday, May 24th from 6:00-9:00pm at the Gladwin Language Centre located at 210 - 2580 Cedar Park Place, Abbotsford. Come have fun and learn about cultural spring festivals from around the world. Enjoy multi-cultural performances and a fashion show. Taste ethnic food, try on ethnic clothing and take part in ethnic activities.
Walk for Down Syndrome Awareness - June 23rd
This event will be held from 10:00am - 1:30pm on Saturday, June 23rd at Mill Lake at the picnic shelter on Bevan Avenue in Abbotsford. Festivities include: mini golf; Tim Horton's; face painting; door prizes; bouncy castles; giant dry slide (weather permitting); silent auction; lunch; as well as the walk around beautiful Mill Lake. For registration information check out www.fvdss.org