Keep Your Human Paws off Surrey's Salmon Please!

 Judging from an encounter I had yesterday while walking through our neighbourhood park, it appears we might very well need to do a little public awareness campaign on the importance of Surrey's many salmon spawning streams. I am fortunate to have one just steps from my back yard gate.

 Three men were walking along the trail through the park, one of them carrying a large fishing net. We started a friendly conversation and they told me they were on their way to scoop up the salmon  they'd spotted earlier.  

One of them said they done this before. I explained why it wasn't such a great idea and that we needed the salmon to lay their eggs and that it was hey, kind of important, ya know?  

The circle of life and all that jazz.

And besides, these fish are not what you might call 'fresh catch of the day'. They're banged up and so close to mush it would take a braver soul than me to chow down on one of these Coho.

  Talk about Ew!    

After our little chat they turned around and walked out of the park. I sincerely hope they won't try that again. 

  After all, a female salmon can lay up to 5000 eggs and that's a lot of fish in our coastal waters.

Have a Happy & Safe "Long" Weekend Surrey!

Although Canada Day isn't til Tuesday many of you are planning to take Monday off work and make it an extra long, long weekend.

 Have fun, stay safe and as my son's elementary school principal was fond of saying, 

"Make smart  decisions" 

Even if you're all grown up, that's still good advice. 

If you're travelling, take your time... 

If you're out on the water , please wear a life jacket

 and if you're having a drink or two, don't drive or go with anyone who has been.

It always breaks my heart when I hear about young people drowning or being in accidents on this first  true weekend of the summer.

So,  boys and girls, that's your public service announcement for today!

and ....

Have A Wonderful Canada Day.

 This is the best country in the world.

Celebrate being Canadian. 

Surrey always does Canada Day in style. 

Lots to see and do at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.

 Check it out!

Multi-Cultural Murals at the Newton Community Centre.

Can you see the Maple Leaf?

4 Things to do Today in South Newton!

Here's What's Happening Today 

in  

South Newton!

Hard to believe that  it's been a year since  DeSerres opened its doors on the King George in Newton.  If you still haven't  been, today's the day to pop-in and congratulate them. 

 DeSerres is an art, craft, toy, gift, home decor store all in one. 

It's gorgeous. 

The prices are great. 

The staff is friendly and helpful and  DeSerres is Canadian!!  

The Best Selection of Paint Supplies in Town!

Between 2-4 Cheer on your favourite team !
Frank Hurt Sec. School vs. Guildford Park Secondary School in a painting competition! Bring it on!

 Surrey Newton MLA Harry Bains and members of the Surrey Arts Council with Owner Marc DeSerres at last April's Grand Opening!

Gorgeous Decor throughout the Store.

Tons of Toys and Craft Supplies for Kids!

Triple - O !!

Sullivan Heights Dry Grad Fundraiser! 
Bottle Drive,

Moms hard at work sorting those bottle donations!

Jeep Drive-a-Thon, and Food Trucks!

One of the food trucks onsite today- Uncle Kebab!

One of the first Sullivan Heights Grads!

144th and 64th Avenue. 11-4 today!
 Support  Those Kids! They're going to the leaders of tomorrow!

Friends of the Grove meet around 10:30 this morning at the trees near the  Newton Wave Pool  for an informal chat and brainstorm session. Everyone welcome to pop in and share your ideas for making the bus loop area  and Rec Centre a more family friendly spot! 

And  finally, Surrey Fire Fighters and Hospice Society Thrift Store is holding a Lululemon Sale today at the store in Newton  just off King George and 72nd.  Let's Shop!

Lots happening in Newton

Summer in Newton saw the partial take-down of the derelict public market building at King George and 64th Ave.   We're still waiting to see how the developer will be dealing with the rest of the structure  which most residents of the neighbourhood say should  also meet the business end of a bulldozer.
The Welcome Home project appears to be progressing  so will keep you posted on that in the coming weeks.  Before I became involved in local issues, nearly 1,000   Newton  homeowners came out in force to oppose the project which would see hundreds of former inmates housed in a live/work facility, adjacent to the existing  Price Pro residence which houses people recovering from addiction. No one disagrees that a facility like this is useful. No one. The argument is that Newton already has so many correctional and social  service type  organizations  that it is in danger of becoming  Surrey's version of  Vancouver's downtown eastside.
 Newton needs business revitalization.  We  cannot continue  along this path.  Simply put, it is not healthy for the community. Every neighbourhood needs a healthy  and balanced economic mix if it is to thrive.
 Now we hear  that there may be yet another homeless shelter in Newton, even though Mayor Watts has promised that Newton will not be the home to any more social services.  We need a major economic boost. Newton needs  new businesses to set up shop in the neighbourhood. Too many are leaving.  We need to look at the long term livability of our community. South Newton needs help. How much longer is the largest community in Surrey (130,000 residents) going to be neglected?
 Promises of  a revitalized town centre and "Festival Street" are considered by many residents as merely lip service. No follow up has occurred.
 Let's get serious and take action  while there's still time to make a  difference