Friends held a surprise gathering Sunday to celebrate Niagara-on-the-Lake resident Barbara Ahluwalia’s 90th birthday.

She has been a prominent community volunteer and organizer for some 50 years.

Among her many other achievements, Ahluwalia was one of the people who helped get the Pumphouse Arts Centre and Newark Neighbours off the ground.

A fine athlete, she’s also been a champion tennis player and golfer here in NOTL.