Royal City Farmers' Market is dedicating its Sept. 9 market to one of its founders.

Ilona Schachner, who was one of the market's first vendors, passed away in June. To ensure that shoppers are aware of Schachner's contribution to the market, organizers are erecting a stall in her honour and collecting donations in her name for the Canadian Cancer Society.

"Ilona was part of the reason that RCFM attracted as many high calibre vendors as it did in its first year," said an e-mail from Royal City Farmers Market. "With three other community markets opening the same year, it was challenging to find high-quality vendors. Ilona, along with Laila Axen from Arila Apiary, would go to the other markets she sold at and encourage vendors to give New Westminster and RCFM a try. She recognized the idea of building a community event. She loved New Westminster and was not only a well-respected member of the farmer market industry, she was also a proud business owner, with her shop, Vienna Treasures, on 12th Street."

The special market that's being dedicated to Ilona Schachner takes place in Tipperary Park near Fourth Street and Royal Avenue from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9.

MAYOR RETURNS TO WORK

Mayor Wayne Wright combined work and play during his recent summer vacation.

While visiting family back east, the mayor visited four different theatres and two waterfront parks, as the city has plans for a new theatre and waterfront park.

Now back at home, he's back to work - and play.

Wright's seventh annual charity lawn bowls tournament takes place at the New Westminster Lawn Bowling Club on Sunday, Sept. 12. The event, which has a 1920s theme, is raising funds for the Youth Center @ Moody Park and the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation.

FUNDRAISER ON

Eva Markvoort's legacy continues to inspire people to raise funds for cystic fibrosis.

The 25-year-old New Westminster woman lost her battle with cystic fibrosis in March. Beginning Sept. 7, Edward Chapman WOMAN and Circa Ici, in partnership with the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, are launching 65 Red Roses Passion for Fashion, a fundraising initiative that's intended to raise awareness and funds for cystic fibrosis researchers.

Earlier this year, 65 Canadian artists painted a single red rose for a piece of art that is now hanging in the front window of the Edward Chapman WOMAN flagship store at 10th Avenue and Granville Street in Vancouver. Until Oct. 30, every customer who donates $65 or more will receive a "65 Red Rose" coupon for $65 off future purchases at all Edward Chapman WOMAN and Circa Ici stores.

"Anyone who knew Eva knew how much she loved getting dolled up in beautiful dresses and shoes. She was glamorous and gorgeous and a total fashionista," said Nancy Lyall, a buyer for Edward Chapman WOMAN and Circa Ici.

Lyall's son is the co-director of 65redroses, the documentary film about Eva's life on the transplant list in 2007. Philip Lyall and Nimisha Mukerji were recently nominated for a Gemini Award for best direction in a documentary film for their work on 65redroses.

"Eva's love and legacy will continue to live in our hearts forever," said Martina Mechkova, director of the Lower Mainland Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "We are very grateful to Edward Chapman WOMAN and Circa Ici for joining us in the fight against cystic fibrosis in honour of Eva. The funds raised through this initiative will accelerate the research efforts in our quest to find a cure for cystic fibrosis."

CHURCH HISTORY

The New Westminster Historical Society's upcoming presentation will focus on the 150-year history of the Catholic Church in New Westminster.

The presentation takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the New Westminster Public Library's auditorium. With 2010 marking the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the Catholic Church in New Westminster, the presentation concentrates on images and stories of buildings associated with the Catholic Church in the community, including images of the early mission building, churches, schools, the convent, a relatively unknown monastery, a hospital, orphanages, a hall or two, and the cemetery.

Anecdotes will refer to results of a violent windstorm, the response after the Great Fire 1898 and the opening of the St. Peter's Cemetery.

A walking tour of many of the sites mentioned in the presentation will take place on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 1:30 p.m. from the corner of Fourth Street and Royal Avenue on the city hall lawn. There is no need to pre-register.