The 2017 New Westminster Hyack Ambassador Leadership program is in full swing.
The 2016 team welcomed the 2017 Hyack Ambassador candidates at a recent meet-and-greet evening at Thornebridge Gardens, where the new candidates were introduced to their sponsoring community organizations and local businesses. The mandate of the program is: Be a Hyack Ambassador and develop your best SELF through Service, Education, Leadership and Fun.
The 2017 Hyack Ambassador candidates are: Grace Flaman (sponsored by Royal City Rotary); Maddie Lemieux (Save-On-Foods New West); Kiara Ferris (NW Firefighters Charitable Society, IAFF 256); Lauren Vanags (Key West Ford); Tina Lemieux (Westland Insurance); and Kiara Dale (Team Dave Vallee.)
The candidates are embarking on a six-month leadership training and mentoring program from business professionals within Telus, RCMP, Toastmasters, Tourism New Westminster, Kal Tire, G & F Financial, Red Tiger Martial Arts, Sense of History and more. The Evening of Stars gala, which features awards and recognition and the installation of the 2017 Hyack Ambassador leadership team, takes place on Feb. 18, 2017.
Local citizens are invited to meet and support the program at the upcoming November Vintage Craft Fair at Holy Trinity Cathedral Hall (514 Carnarvon St.) on Nov. 5. Funds raised at the fair will be used to assist with program expenses and the post-secondary scholarship fund.
Election reminder
New Westminster school trustee Jonina Campbell surprised some folks around town when she announced last week that she plans to seek the B.C. Green Party nomination in New West for the next provincial election.
If her announcement has you wondering how the Greens did in the May 2013 election, here’s how the local candidates fared on the last election day. NDP candidate Judy Darcy topped the polls with 13,170 votes, followed by Liberal Hector Bremner at 8,997 and Green Terry Teather at 2,252. Trailing behind were Conservative Paul Forseth with 1,318 votes, independent James Crosty with 1,038 and Libertarian Lewis Dahlby with 190 votes.
Walking the walk
Some Douglas College students recently toured New West alongside Mayor Jonathan Cote to investigate ongoing initiatives that will improve their urban environment.
Students are researching environmental and social issues facing the city, including waterfront revitalization plans, sober houses and congestion issues, as part of a 13-week interactive writing course. Following the Oct. 7 tour, the students had a chance to question Cote about the issues.
“One of our course units focuses on the role and importance of public spaces in a community. Since this is one of the mayor’s areas of expertise, he seemed a natural fit. We are immensely fortunate that he has volunteered to lead students on this walking tour,” said Douglas College instructor Jasmine Nicholsfigueiredo in a press release. “It’s an incredible opportunity. Students might very well learn to see their surroundings in unexpected ways.”
This venture is just one of many ways Douglas College students get active within their own cities.
Throughout the term, students will participate in a variety of collaborative sessions with New Westminster’s chief administrative officer, as well as Frank Cunningham from the University of Toronto’s Innis College, and Nicholsfigueiredo, who will guide them in researching public life and public streets.
“Douglas College students are a significant part of our community and as the city plans for the future, their engagement in our cities future is important,” said Cote, who looked forward to showing students where the city’s focus is going to be in the coming years and allowing them to better understand the urban challenges and opportunities faced in New Westminster.
Save the date
Saturday, Nov. 5: The Century House Association’s popular craft sale takes place at Century House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event includes pottery, books, jewelry, hand quilting, original artwork, a variety of crafts, as well as a white elephant area, raffles, an afternoon tea and a bake sale.
Do you have an item for Around Town? Send ideas to Theresa, [email protected].
