On July 15, Michelle Nex, coordinator of the huge Bocce tournament that is a staple of Kimberley’s JulyFest, took time out of her busy schedule to teach immigrants and newcomers how to play Bocce and Dave Clarke, JulyFest Coordinator, was on hand to describe the many events scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
Although the rules and scorekeeping for Bocce are straightforward, participants learned that luck and strategy are a big part of the game. Following Michelle’s excellent description of basics of the game, the adults and children who were out on this sunny Monday morning took part in their own mini tournament. The picnic lunch which followed was enjoyed by all.
Su Jin Lee, the winner of the event’s “door prize”, will be able to enjoy JulyFest from the comfort of her new lawn chair!
The Welcoming Communities: New Immigrants - New Residents Community Events and Networking Project, a joint effort of the Kimberley Library and CBAL will be hosting another event on August 12. Participants are invited to join members of the Kimberley Nature Park Society for a guided hike to the Nordic Centre. Immigrants and newcomers are welcome to enjoy this and other free events organized over the next year. Register by e-mail at KimberleyLibrary.Welcome@gmail.com or phone(250) 427-3112.
In addition to the Events and Networking Project, Welcoming Communities is also hosting the Kimberley Immigrant Welcome Centre which is now open in the upstairs meeting room of the Kimberley Public Library. The hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1-4 and Friday morning from 9-12. The Centre provides information and referrals to other community and government services. This can include information and assistance with employment opportunities, English as a Second Language classes, the Canadian citizenship process, obtaining social insurance numbers, a driver’s license, a BC Care Card and more. The settlement worker is also able to connect immigrants to local cultural and recreational activities to help build stronger bonds to the community.
And finally, immigrants and newcomers can look forward to learning more about growing food locally while gaining hands on experience and exchanging skills with local members of the community by attending the a “One World Garden Workshop”. Held at the Cominco Community Garden adjacent to the Cominco Gardens, the August 6 workshop is entitled Berries, Roots and New Shoots and will include a light meal. The workshop is free, but please register by e-mail at shannon@wildsight.ca or call (250) 427-2535 ext 223. All Welcoming Communities Projects are made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.