Countdown to First Day of School!

One of the most rewarding parts of being a parent was the time I spent volunteering at my son's elementary school.
I joined the Parent Advisory Committee the moment he stepped into his first Kindergarten class.

With the first day of school looming on the horizon, I'd like to encourage all parents, moms AND dads to get involved in whatever way they can.  It's a great way to connect with people in your neighbourhood and parental involvement has been shown to help students academically.
Most schools now have websites with a link to their PAC, so there's really no reason to stay out of the loop!

Surrey's Bad Rap....why does it continue?

Back in the 80s, there was an advertising campaign encouraging people to purchase homes in the Richmond area. The tagline was:
 "Living in Richmond means never having to say you're Surrey"

It was a play on the line from   the movie Love Story. I recall it being quite controversial at the time.
Lots of Surrey folks were insulted.  I wasn't a Surrey resident at the time and in New Westminster we kind of nodded in agreement. Surrey wasn't the jewel of the Vancouver area.

Fast forward to last week when someone on facebook  posted a 'joke' that's goes like this....

A couple in Surrey are planning on naming their newborn Adolf Hitler. 
They should be ashamed of themselves. Surrey is no place to raise a child.

 Not much has changed.

So here's my question. 
Why does Surrey continue to be the butt of jokes,  the area of Metro Vancouver which is considered the least desirable place to live? 

Free Family Fun plus Movie Night at Sullivan Heights Park Sunday!

Just a super quick post to tell everyone in Southeast Newton
( you know, Panorama, Sullivan, Hyland, the Ridge, however you refer to our neighbourhood)
that Vancity is sponsoring a....
 FREE event on Sunday August 12  at Sullivan Heights Park 144th and 64th Ave
They'll be all sorts of goodies and the evening will end with a showing of Aladdin so bring the  kids and have some fun in your own community!
.Click for details here