Lauren Vanags was crowned Miss New Westminster 2017 at the Hyack Festival Association’s 46th annual Evening of Stars awards gala.
Retiring Miss New Westminster 2016 Emma Ciprian presented Vanags with the $1,000 scholarship and a tiara at the gala held at Douglas College.
In the six months leading up to the event, ambassador leadership team members develop their “best SELF” through service, education, leadership and fun. In the coming year, members of the New Westminster Hyack ambassador leadership team will serve the community and represent the city.
Scholarships were also awarded to Kiara Dale for being named Hyack Princess 2017. She also received the Miss Friendship Scholarship.
Grace Flaman received the Bernie Legge Scholarship and Award, as well as the scholarship for Top Communicator. Kiara Ferris won the Top Talent Award and the Top Essay Award, while Tina Lemieux received the Alumni Award and Madelyne Lemieux took home the Royal City History and Knowledge Award.
Retiring Hyack Ambassador Gabriella Sali accepted the Hyack Spirit Award, as well as a new $500 scholarship for her dedication and involvement throughout the past year.
Any youth aged 16 to 19 who are interested in learning more about the Hyack ambassador program are invited to attend an informal session on April 2. To reserve a spot, call Lili De Capite at 604-375-1370.
Sapperton senior grateful for snow angels
A local senior is grateful for snow angels who have banded together to keep her sidewalk snow-free.
Ninety-two-year-Thelma, who asked that her last name not be published, is grateful for the snow angels in Sapperton
“Since early December, many neighbours on Kelly Street have been shovelling snow and ice off our sidewalks. It is rare to have so much snow for so long at a time. It’s snow angels like these that make the surprise of a snow a happy one!” she said in a note sent to the Record. “Sapperton is truly a unique neighbourhood, with shining examples of ‘shoulders to the plough – or shovel – how-how.’ Thank you to our merry band of good neighbours.”
During December’s snowfalls, many New West seniors reported trouble getting out and about because of treacherous conditions created by snowy or icy sidewalks.
Help for folks with Parkinson’s
People who are living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers are invited to attend an upcoming falls prevention workshop.
The workshop is on Monday, March 6 from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. in Royal City Centre Mall (in a space across from Shoppers Drug Mart). The presentation will tackle two topics: the four pillars of falls prevention (home safety, exercise, vision and medications); and tips and tricks for falls prevention.
The event’s speakers are: Ronda Field, physiotherapist, falls and injury prevention with Fraser Health and Ashley Kwon, coordinator of patient safety and injury prevention, Fraser Health. Caroline Wiggins, education and support services coordinator with Parkinson Society of British Columbia, will also attend.
The event is being organized by Rock Steady Boxing New West. Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more, but receipts can be issued for donations for less than $20 if attendees complete a donation form at the event.
RSVP by March 5 to [email protected] or 604-525-2631.
Thrift sale returns
If you’re planning to do some spring cleaning – or looking for some new-to-you treasures – you’ll want to jot down April 8 on the calendar.
The Century House Association’s annual thrift sale is on Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale, which takes in several rooms in Century House, incudes clothing and linens, small appliances, kitchenware, knick-knacks, toys, DVDs and CDS, plants, jewelry, books, a children’s boutique and more.
Everyone is welcome to attend the thrift sale, which raises funds for the Century House Association. If you’re looking to get rid of some stuff around the house, donations can be dropped off at Century House (620 Eighth St.) from Saturday, April 1 to noon on Friday, April 7.
New Westminster facility celebrates a milestone
Buchanan Lodge is celebrating a milestone and looking to a bright future.
Owned and operated by the Salvation Army and financially supported by Fraser Health, the 112-bed complex care facility held its 20th year celebration on Feb. 27. About 70 people attended the event, which featured a presentation about the building’s 20-year history, a short video and speeches by special guests, including Lt.-Col. Brian Venables (divisional commander of the Salvation Army B.C. division), Brian Dust (who was the building’s architect and has served as chair of Buchanan Lodge’s community council for 20 years) and Mayor Jonathan Cote.
“It is very significant,” executive director Famella Altejos said of the anniversary. “This place has been operating for 20 years now.”
The celebration also included a special volunteer presentation that recognized the efforts of Bev McLeod, a dedicated volunteer who has been helping out at Buchanan Lodge since it opened.
“I want to emphasize our values – it’s the compassion, humility, respect, integrity, service and trust. Those values are what make us really special and unique,” Altejos said of values shared by staff, physicians and volunteers at Buchanan Lodge. “There are so many people involved in the provision of that finest care to our residents.”
Today, Buchanan Lodge has received accreditation with commendation from 2015 to 2019 and has a lengthy waiting list.
“I would say we have a bright future ahead, with the help of everyone that supports us and makes it the wonderful place that it has been and is today,” Altejos said. “We are also a Christian-based organization. We are blessed to have everyone supporting us, everyone helping to make this place great for the residents. Fraser Health has been supportive, as has the Salvation Army divisional headquarters, of our operations and the residents’ needs.”
As the facility celebrates its 20th year in Sapperton, it’s also hard at work raising funds for facility improvements, including new flooring in the residents’ hallways and dining area. For more information, visit www.buchanan-lodge.com.
