Many New West residents have gone all out and decked the halls – and more – for the holiday season.
If you’re touring around the city in search of Christmas light displays, here’s a few you may want to check out.
* 609 Robson Ave. (just off Sixth Street) This house is decorated to the hilt.
* 407 Third Ave. Adorned in green and red lights, this house says Christmas.
* 101 College Crt. Classically adorned in white lights, this house at the corner of First Street and College Court sparkles.
* 117 Seventh Ave: A longtime fave of many locals, this Glenbrook North home features a giant Santa head across the front window of the home.
Ambassadors ready for action
A new team of youth ambassadors will be keeping busy at events around town in the coming year – and preparing to go to battle with city council.
Joined by representatives of the 2016/2017 group, members of the 2017/2018 New Westminster Youth Ambassadors Team recently introduced themselves to city council. This year’s group includes Samantha Candelaria, Nik Filusz, Isabel Garcia, Chloe Hill, Anastasha Sabinin and MK Thaosiri.
During their time as ambassadors, the teens volunteer at a variety of events around town including Remembrance Day ceremonies, the New West Grand Prix and numerous fundraisers. They’ll also represent the city at events like parades.
“You do a tremendous amount of work. Everywhere I go I see you helping out with different organizations across the city,” said Coun. Bill Harper. “As youngsters, it’s a tremendous experience for you to be able to do that and learn those skills. They are the kind of skills that will last you all your life, being able to speak in public, being able to engage with people.”
At a recent council meeting, Mayor Jonathan Cote thanked outgoing ambassadors for all their contributions to the community,
“It was so wonderful outside council being able to connect with you over the year and see you at so many different events. Really I think you’ve done another year proud to the ambassador program,” Cote told the 2017 group. “It really has been wonderful to see how the ambassador program has developed over the years. Every year a new group of youth leaders in our community steps forward. To the new ambassadors, nice to meet each and every one of you this evening.”
In addition to crossing paths at various community events, Cote noted the ambassadors will likely meet up with council at the New Westminster Youth Ambassador Society’s annual lawn bowling fundraiser. The ambassadors may have beat council in this year’s contest but Cote joked that he’s started training early for next year’s game.
“You are really going to have to step up your game if you are going to win this year,” he challenged this year’s ambassadors.
Java Jazz closes
After opening Java Jazz Café on Sixth Street with a hope and a dream 15 years ago, Ed and Salve Dayao are aiming to simplify their lives.
The couple sold the café at 412 Sixth St. and closed the doors on Dec. 7. Having turned 60 this year, the couple wanted to simplify their lives.
“You see, we opened Java Jazz armed with just a dream – not knowing anything about running a business, but with strong determination and passion, we lasted 15-and-a-half years,” she said.
Along with food, Java Jazz also served up live entertainment. Performers include Ed and Salve, who left the Philippines in the mid-1970s and eventually settled in Vancouver, once performed as the in-house entertainment at the Westin Bayshore for many years.
The couple may have closed the doors to Java Jazz, but the music is still alive. In the few weeks since they closed the business they’ve already performed at a number of events and are set to sing Christmas carols at Save-On-Foods in Royal City Centre on Dec. 23 and 24 from noon to 4 p.m.
