A new president has taken the helm of the New Westminster Hyack Festival Association and will be supported by some new faces and familiar folks from around town.
Bryn Ward was sworn in as the association’s 2018 president at an official ceremony on Jan. 10 at the Inn at the Quay. She’s selected “Rooted in Tradition. Blossoming into the Future” as Hyack’s 2018 theme.
“I am eternally grateful to have had the amazing opportunity to raise my daughter Shane in our Royal City. Named by Queen Victoria after her favourite part of London and once the capital of mainland B.C., New Westminster is a magical city, rich in heritage and culture that encourages us to blossom, take root and grow,” she said in a press release. “The definition of blossom is to grow, evolve, develop, progress, come into one’s own.”
Ward, whose daughter Shane was Hyack Princess in 2016, said it’s been incredible to see New Westminster Hyack Ambassadors blossom into confident and well-spoken young women by serving the community and representing the city.
“Our city has evolved, grown and modernized so much in a very short time,” she said. “The marriage of traditional and modernizing makes New Westminster a very unique and special place indeed.”
The city’s past and the present will be incorporated into Hyack’s new float, which will be unveiled in the spring. The Pacific Dogwood tree, which is B.C.’s floral emblem, will be showcased on 2018 Hyack Festival pins and its parade float.
Joining Ward on the association’s board of directors are newcomers Trudy Jenkins, Theresa Henry-Smith, Cam Bates, Virginia (Ginny) Bociek and Rocky Suffron, and returning to the board is 2007 Citizen of the Year Rick Molstad. David Brett (past-president 2017), Lili De Capite (president-elect), Becci Dewinetz, Penny McIvor, Ryan Ferrer (secretary), David MacGrotty (vice-president), Gloria Munro (treasurer), Brenda Adam and Brunella Battista (executive director) are continuing their terms with the board.
“This year, the Hyack Festival Association promises exciting upgrades to their most loved events and many additions to delight families and friends in our beloved community, involving more local businesses and new opportunities to celebrate all that New Westminster has to offer,” said a press release from the association.
New West families invited to get cookin’
Family Services of Greater Vancouver is inviting local families to get cooking with their kids starting this weekend.
Family Cooking Together is a program for New West parents and kids aged six to 12, but grandparents and caregivers are also welcome. For the next four Saturdays, families can get together in the kitchen and cook up something yummy to eat.
The program takes place on Jan. 20 and 27 and Feb. 3 and 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Centennial Community Centre, 65 East Sixth Ave. It’s free, but you need to register by calling Sima at 604-525-9144 ext. 3636 or by sending an email to [email protected].
Supporting seniors
If you’re concerned about seniors, you’ll want to mark this date down on your calendar.
The Seniors Services Society is holding its annual Coldest Night of the Year event on Feb. 24 at Westminster Quay. The event raises money to support the society’s seniors housing programs.
“Seniors are finding it harder and harder to find safe, appropriate and affordable housing in our area,” said Brian Dodd of the Seniors Services Society. “Many are finding themselves homeless for the first time in their lives.”
See www.cnoy.org/location/newwestminster.
