With the arrival of some sunshine – finally – it’s no surprise that us web-footed West Coast residents are anxious to be outdoors soaking up much needed vitamin D.

Well, the team at the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce is no exception, and I’m not referring to their recent golf tournament – which was plagued by a few bursts of liquid sunshine but primarily overcast skies.

This time out, the forecast for the chamber’s outdoor event is sun, sun, and more sun.

The event I’m speaking about is the monthly Open Late For Business session being hosted this time out by the Langley Community Farmers Market.

It’s a little bit of an unusual move, but this chamber event is being held outside – specifically in the Kwantlen Polytechnic University parking lot – on Wednesday, July 11.

It seems fitting that this event is one of the first function under the reign of new chamber prez Angie Quaale, who just so happens to also be the co-chair of the farmers market.

Hosted on a monthly basis by interesting chamber-member businesses, these Open Late For Business sessions present an opportunity for attendees to connect with Langley’s business community in a casual and fun environment. So, in keeping with that goal, “The Langley Community Farmers Market board of directors invites you to join us for an after-hours summer picnic,” Quaale said.

“Enjoy snacks, beverages, and treats prepared by the farmers market vendors.”

The networking event is set for next Wednesday, between 4 and 6 p.m. While admission is free, parking is $2 – which can be reimbursed for those who RSVP in advance and then visit the market tent.

Those interested in attending can make reservations at 604-530-6656.

Outreach working

Speaking of business organizations reaching out and being active in the community, I want to return the spotlight to the recent Walnut Grove Family Day Festival, which by all accounts was a resounding success.

Despite overcast skies, most of that June 23 event was free of rain. And while I think the threat of showers kept many people away, this new event – hosted jointly by the Walnut Grove Business Association and Langley Sunrise Rotary Club – attracted an estimated 1,500-2,000 people and generated almost $4,300 for less fortunate students in Walnut Grove.

That’s pretty impressive, as WGBA prez Moe Wetzel said.

“We canvassed many of the attendees for feedback and ideas on how we can improve next year, and we are committed to making it better and even bigger,” he said.

“We are already working on ways to attract a more varied age of participants, including ideas for the 50-plus and seniors in our community,” Wetzel said, expressing gratitude for all those who helped and who attended.

Those interested in being involved in the organization of the 2013 event are encouraged to email laurie@wgba.ca.

In the meantime, while I’m mentioning the co-hosting Langley Sunrise Rotary Club, I’ll also kudos to Rotarian Grant Gilmour.

He recently received a community service award from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC for his volunteer efforts in this town, such as this.

S. Grant Gilmour, CA, co-owner of Gilmour Knotts Chartered Accountants, has volunteered with the Rotary Club of Langley Sunrise for over 14 years.

In 1998, he lead the club’s “Dictionary Project,” which saw dictionaries delivered to every Grade 4 student in the Langley School District. This project is on-going, and every September the club hand delivers 1,600 dictionaries to Grade 4 students at 35 local schools.

The venture has branched out to other Rotary Clubs across the country, including 15 in Western Canada.

Gilmour’s contributions as a Rotarian have also reached beyond North America. In 2010, he played a leadership role in the delivery of $400,000 in medical supplies to a hospital in Iligan City, Philippines. In addition to his ongoing work with Rotary, Gilmour volunteers as a cub scout leader.

“The philanthropic work of volunteers like Grant helps enrich communities and the lives of others. He is truly deserving of this award,” said Richard Rees, FCA, CEO of the ICABC.

The award recognizes chartered accountants for outstanding contributions to the community and to volunteer organizations. The award was presented on June 20, at the institute’s annual member recognition dinner.