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Mary Sanderson: Douglas Day celebrates Langley’s pioneers

Aldergrove centenarian Mary Sanderson shakes hands with “Queen Victoria” (portrayed by actress Debra Hinksman) at the Douglas Day banquet
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Douglas Day celebrates Langley’s pioneers Aldergrove centenarian Mary Sanderson (at right) shakes hands with “Queen Victoria” (portrayed by actress Debra Hinksman) at the Douglas Day banquet on Sunday.

Aldergrove centenarian Mary Sanderson (at right) shakes hands with “Queen Victoria” (portrayed by actress Debra Hinksman) at the Douglas Day banquet on Sunday. Mary Sanderson, who turned 100 earlier this year, was among the 260 pioneers recognized at Douglas Day.

Special residents who helped make the community the unique place it is today were honoured last weekend by the Township of Langley and the City of Langley.

More than 350 pioneers and guests gathered at the Langley Events Centre on Sunday, November 20, for the annual Douglas Day celebration. The event is held to commemorate the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia in Fort Langley on November 19, 1858, and recognize the appointment of Sir James Douglas as the first Governor of BC.

Douglas Day pays tribute to Langley’s pioneering families whose hard work, values, and traditions helped shape our community. During the celebration, Langley residents who are at least 70 years of age and have lived in the Township or the City for more than 60 years were invited to socialize, share stories and memories, and enjoy a meal together.

The 2011 Douglas Day event paid tribute to our British heritage and included special presentations, a visit from “Queen Victoria” and members of the Royal Engineers, and old-time musical entertainment from The Mad Celts.

This year, the Douglas Day banquet was presented as a luncheon one day later than normal, so it did not conflict with the municipal election on November 19. There are 260 people on Langley’s pioneer list, 190 of whom attended.

Douglas Day has been recognized in the Township of Langley since the 1920s and the banquet has been held annually for more than 60 years.

In 1946, the celebration of Douglas Day was established by Municipal bylaw.

While many municipalities in the Lower Mainland celebrated Douglas Day in the past, Langley is one of the few to continue the tradition.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

A Gift of Christmas - free community concert hosted by MP Mark Warawa, featuring musical talents of vocalists Andrea and Amaris, Crystal Hicks, opera soprano Alison Nystrom, and pianist Dennis Enns on Sunday, Dec. 18. Reception 1 p.m., concert 2 p.m. at Chief Sepass Theatre, Langley Fine Arts School, 9096 Trattle Street, Ft. Langley. RSVP 604-534-5955, or mark.warawa.a6@parl.gc.ca, please advise of any special accessibility or seating needs. Donations to Langley Food Bank gratefully accepted.

Christmas Crafts - Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2-3 p.m. at City of Langley Library, phone 604-514-2855. Design your own Christmas tree ornaments – one of which you can eat. All supplies provided. Drop-in. Info at website: www.fvrl.ca

Christmas Craft & Bake Sale - at Aldergrove United Church, #101-27336 Fraser Hwy, Aldergrove, Saturday, Dece. 3, 1-4 p.m. Refreshments available. Proceeds to Christmas Bureau. Info: Sandy 604-856-8872 or Pat 604-626-0032.

Christmas Cheer - on Monday, Dec. 12, 3-5 p.m., welcome Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus at the Muriel Arnason Library. They will read “Twas The Night Before Christmas”, and sing Christmas songs. Bring your camera to take pictures of your child with Santa. Enter a children’s Christmas book draw. Enjoy hot apple cider and cookies. This is a free, drop-in program, and appropriate for all ages. For any details, call 604-532-3590 or visit Muriel Arnason Library.

Holiday Craft Fair - 3rd Annual on Saturday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Parkside Centennial Elementary School, 3300 270 St., Aldergrove. Wide variety of amazing vendors, concession, Abbotsford Heat vs Chicago Wolves tickets sale, plus a book fair. Get your Christmas shopping done early all under one roof! Please bring non perishable food donation for the local food bank.

Family Storytimes - Children ages 2-6 and their caregivers are invited to join library staff for a half- hour program of stories, songs, puppets and rhymes. At Walnut Grove Library, Thursdays, Nov. 24 - Dec. 15, 11:30 a.m. - noon; and at Fort Langley Library, Thursdays, Dec. 1 - 15, 10 - 10:30 a.m. Registration is required for these free programs. To register, please visit or call your local library.

Singalong Songfests - join in or listen while the A-Tones celebrate “the old tunes” with singalong songfests in Abbotsford, Mondays, 1-3 p.m. All ages, genders and ethnicities are welcome. Song lyrics are provided. Sessions include pop songs from the past, gospel, folk music, blues, country, standards, old-timers and requests. Seasonal and holiday songs as the dates dictate. Instruments are invited (piano & organ available) at the ASA Drop-in Centre, on Cyril St. Info: Ed, 604-853-8624 or e-mail songbag@bigstring.com

Mom’s Morning Out - Tuesdays 9-11:30 a.m. Free babysitting for 0-2 in the nursery and free pre-school program for ages 3-K. Meet other local Moms, have coffee/snacks, learn from discussion, have fun with different activities. Meet at Aldergrove Alliance Church; 26291 - 28 Ave. Info: 604-856-3447 or check out www.aldergrovealliance.org. (Meeting until Dec. 6 and then resuming Jan. 10).

Rick Valiant’s Songs of Sinatra - Wednesday, Dec. 28, Cascades Casino Summit Theatre, Langley (604-530-2211). Tickets $32.50 at www.ticketweb.ca and Casino Guest Services.

Jay And The Americans - Friday, Feb. 24 at Cascades Casino Summit Theatre, Langley (604-530-2211). Tickets $50 at www.ticketweb.ca and Casino Guest Services.

Christmas Arts & Craft Show - part of the Circle Farm Tour’s Country Christmas event at Woodside Gallery, 2226 Lougheed Hwy., Harrison Mills, Sat., Nov. 26 and Sun., Nov. 27, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Meet local artists and shop for hand made pottery, jewelery, Xmas decorations, gifts, Native Art, original prints and more. Info: Dehlia 604-615-7770 or see www.woodsidegallery.ca

Matthew Good - Friday, Nov. 25 at Clarke Theatre in Mission (604-820-3961). Advance tickets $42.50 at Ticketmaster, by phone 1-885-985-5000 or online at www.ticketmaster.ca

Ukrainian Soul Food – Perogies, cabbage rolls and borsch available on Friday, Nov. 25, fundraiser from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Ukrainian Cultural Centre, 13512 - 108 Ave., Surrey. Eat-in,  take away, or ready for your freezer. Info: 604-531-1923 or 604-581-0313.

Family Storytimes - Children ages 2-6 and their caregivers are invited to join library staff for a half-hour program of stories, songs, puppets and rhymes. At Murrayville Library, Wednesdays, Nov. 16 - Dec. 14, 10:30 - 11 a.m. and at Aldergrove Library, Wednesdays, Nov. 9 - Dec. 7, 10:30 - 11 a.m. Registration is appreciated for these free programs; visit or call library.

Whonnock Weavers and Spinners Show and Sale - Sunday, Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Whonnock Lake Centre, Maple Ridge. There will be quality hand-woven, and hand spun articles for sale, including original clothing, linens, baskets, accessories, holiday decorations, and toys. Guest artists featuring iron, pottery, wood turning, jewelry and glass. Admission is free, serving homemade refreshments, and on-site demonstrations.

Darren Lee - Elvis impersonator “direct from 11 record breaking years on the Las Vegas strip” performs at at Chilliwack Cultural Centre, Nov.26, 8 p.m. Tickets $35 at www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or 604-391-SHOW (7469) and at Chilliwack Cultural Centre, 9201 Corbould Street, and at Grand Villa Casino, Scala Lounge, Dec. 4 at 3 and 7 p.m. Tickets $40 at casino guest-services and www.ticketweb.ca

Mrs. Claus Breakfast - great family event on Dec. 3 at St. Andrew’s United Church, Ft. Langley. Have breakfast and take your child’s picture with Mrs. Claus. Two seatings, 9 and 10:30 a.m. $5.50 adult, $3.50 child. Family of 4 is $15. Children under 1 are free. No tickets at the door, presales only. See www.mrsclausbreakfast.ca for more details on how to buy tickets or contact Gaylene at 604-882-9094.

Parkside Centennial Elementary Holiday Craft Fair - Saturday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Parkside School Gym, 3300 - 270 St., Aldergrove. Great opportunity for local artisans, crafters and home based businesses. Limited number of tables available to Direct Sales company consultants. Vendor spots available for $25 per table. Email parksidepac@gmail.com to reserve.

Earth Formed and Water Rendered - Fraser Valley Watercolour Society and Fraser Valley Potters Guild art show at Langley Centennial Museum, Fort Langley until Tuesday, Dec. 20. Wide range of traditional watercolour paintings as well as pottery done by local artists. Hours Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. and Sunday 1-4:45 p.m. at 9135 King Street, Fort Langley. Info: Carol Portree 604-850-9694 or Anne White 604-855-5363.

The Jim Cuddy Band - performs Sunday, Jan. 8 at Clarke Theatre, Mission (604-820-3961). Advance tickets $45 at all Ticketmaster Locations, by phone 1-885-985-5000 or online at www.ticketmaster.ca

Langley Amateur Radio Association - meets first Thursday of month (unless otherwise advised) at 7 p.m. at Brookswood Firehall #5, 20355 32nd Ave., Langley. Coffee and sweets provided. Info, email: Don dondee@shaw.ca

Knitting Circle - Aldergrove Library, 1st and 3rd Thursdays of month, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Dec. 1. Feeling at loose ends? Why not gather up your project and join other adult knitters who are open to learning and sharing ideas. You’ll be glad you did.

Adult Chess - Aldergrove Library, 2nd Wednesday of month, 7–8:30 p.m. (Dec. 14) Chess! The best game in the world! Must already know how to play chess. Bring a board and timer if you have them. Warm-up games begin at 6:30.

Fraser Valley Woodworkers Guild - meets on the first Wednesday of the month to share ideas, expertise and experience. Check www.fvwwg.ca for time, location.

Aldergrove Art Club - every Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. at Aldergrove OAP Hall, 3015 - 273 St. Everyone welcome. Info: 604-856-8349.

TOPS - Take Off Pounds Sensibly, a non profit weight loss support, group meets Monday night in Aldergrove. Info: Susan at 604-856-1138.

Abbotsford Quilters Guild - meets 2nd Tuesday monthly at Ross Road Community Church, 3160 Ross Rd. Meetings at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Info: www.abbotsfordquilters.org

Square Dancing - Langley’s Murrayville Hall, 21667 - 48 Ave. on Sundays at 1 p.m. Hosted and taught by callers Tyler Wagner (604-817-9350) and Wendy Krueger (778-878-4244). Beginners from 1 till 2:30 p.m., 2:30 till 4 p.m. for more experienced dancers.

Partnership Bridge - at Aldergrove OAP Hall, 3015 - 273 Street, Fridays at 7 p.m. except 2nd Friday of month. Newcomers welcome. Admission $3. Info: 604-856-3029.

Langley Meals on Wheels - seeking volunteers for Food & Friends programs in Aldergrove and Walnut Grove.  Opportunity to volunteer in community. Info: 604-533-1679 or email info@langleymealsonwheels.com

Fraser Health Crisis Line - recruiting volunteers to provide assistance to people in the region who are experiencing emotional distress. No previous experience needed; extensive training and on-going support is provided. Pick up an info package at Options Community Services, 9815 - 140 St., Surrey or e-mail claudiak@scss.ca

Langley Elks #259 - volunteers wanted to assist with our community ventures to support our children’s charities. Join us at meetings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 8 p.m. at Langley Elks Plaza, #6 4044 - 200B St. Langley. Info: Ray Wojtas 604-533-7517 or Dave Sallenback 604-856-3559.