aul Daminato has found a fine way to Prelease the stress that comes with being the city's senior administrator.
Having been a runner for many years, Daminato decided to get some variety and train for triathlons about four years ago. In October, he'll be taking part in a triathlon in New Zealand as part of the Canadian triathlon team.
"I qualified in a race last year that allowed me to compete on the national scene," he said. "There are elite athletes, as well as guys and gals like me. We compete in our own age groups."
Since completing his first triathlon about four years ago, Daminato has competed in about three or four a year. He competed in a triathlon in Kelowna on Aug. 19.
"It went well," he said. "I came in fourth in my age group."
Mayor Wayne Wright is impressed with Daminato's success in triathlons. He suspects he took up the sport to deal with work-related stress - and he's not too far off the mark.
"I have always exercised as a way to deal with stress," Daminato said.
"I have been a runner for a long time. The reason I got into triathlons was to get out of running alone - I find the cross training much easier on the body."
As an added bonus, the combination of running, swimming and cycling is easier on the body and offers more variety.
"It's a really interesting sport," Daminato said.
POETIC VISIT
B.C. NDP leader Adrian Dix recently visited the Royal City but it had nothing to do with politics.
Dix attended the Aug. 8 Poetry in the Park gathering, which featured poets Janet Kvammen and Renee Saklikar. Dix is married to Saklikar, a New Westminster native and a writer/poet.
"It was a nice surprise to have the leader of the Opposition in the audience, appreciating the poetry and supporting the arts in general," said Candice James, founder of Poetry in the Park.
Poetry in the Park takes place on Wednesday evenings starting at 6: 30 p.m. at the Queen's Park bandshell.
The event attracts poets from near and far; the Aug. 15 event included a visit from Laura Schultz, a poet who resides in Los Angeles.
LEARNING THE ROPES - AND HOSES
Girls got a chance to check out firefighting as a potential career at Camp Ignite.
The firefighting and mentorship camp for girls aged 16 to 18 came to New Westminster on Aug. 11.
Participants received an orientation into high-angle rescue, an informational lunch donated by the Justice Institute of B.C., and a fitness component offered by the City of New Westminster at Canada Games Pool.
Camp Ignite is designed to introduce young women to the profession of firefighting, provides skills and coaches them on how to purse a career in firefighting if they so desire.
The camp, which also included events hosted in Vancouver and North Vancouver, included firefighting skills, fire extinguisher use, search-andrescue techniques, work with ropes and notes and CPR training.
New Westminster firefighter Kathy Ius, who was the first female firefighter hired in New Westminster, is a director with Camp Ignite.
HELP IMPROVE CITY GUIDE AND WIN PRIZES
New Westminster families can win prizes by offering input on the Kids New West Summer Activity Guide.
The guide is designed to give families with kids up to the age of 12 ideas for fun and affordable activities they can do during the summer.
It's produced by the New Westminster early and middle childhood development committees.
The committees are seeking feedback on the second edition of the Kids New West Summer Activity Guide. Comments can be sent to info@kid snewwest.ca.
Residents who have been using the guide are reminded to fill out the ballots for the summer activity guide challenge and return them by Sept. 9.
"Lots of prizes to be won for those who have participated," notes Betina Ali, a community program developer for the school district. "Ballots can be dropped off at Centennial and Queensborough community centres, the children's department of the public library and at the Queen's Park Arenex. Winners will be contacted by Sept. 14."
If you're still looking for things to do before the kids head back to school, the guide has a variety of suggestions, including: visit Friendship Gardens and watch the ducks splash in the pond; learn about the history of lacrosse by visiting the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame at Centennial Community Centre; check out the new Hume Park playground; ride your bike along the Millennium Trail in Queen's Park or take a longer ride on the Central Valley Greenway; and go swimming at Moody Park or Hume Park outdoor pools, which will soon close.
SHARE SOME RIVER KNOWLEDGE
Fraser River Discovery Centre is on the hunt for volunteers who will help lead its popular school programs during the upcoming school year.
Docents will help educate students about the history, environment, culture and industry of the Fraser through six different school programs that run on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays throughout the year.
Through a variety of hands-on activities, such as mock archaeological excavations, science experiments and games, children learn about the river's environment, social and economic importance to the province and its people.
No special background or experience is required to be a docent and training is provided. Anyone who has an interest in working with children, a desire to learn about the Fraser River, and a weekday morning or afternoon to give to the centre is encouraged to volunteer.
"Many of our volunteers say that being a docent is a lot of fun because the school children are so excited to be exploring the centre," said Shannon King, education coordinator. "Their enthusiasm is infectious."
By expanding the docent team, Discovery Centre will be able to offer more school programs and keep the group sizes small.
People who are interested are invited to attend an information meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 5 from 1 to 2: 30 p.m. Training sessions will be held throughout September.
Pre-registration is encouraged. Call the Discovery Centre at 604521-8401 or info@fraser riverdiscovery.org by Sept. 4.
The Fraser River Discovery Centre, which is an interpretive centre connecting communities in discovery and celebration of the living, working Fraser River, is located at 788 Quayside Dr.
Until Sept. 2, the Discovery Centre is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and as of Sept. 5, the centre will be open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission to the galleries is by donation.
Do you have a tidbit for theresa mcmanus? send it to tmcmanus@royalcityre cord.com
