New Westminster's chief administrative officer has received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Mayor Wayne Wright presented the award to Paul Daminato at the Dec. 10 council meeting. Daminato is set to retire in January.
"I feel truly honoured and humbled that I was chosen to receive this prestigious award," he said in a press release.
"It has been a pleasure serving the city these last 30-plus years. I've had the privilege of working in a wonderful community with the best staff anyone could ask for and under the dedicated leadership of elected officials, past and present. I'm proud of how far we've come as an organization and city."
The citation from the Governor General of Canada reads in part: "I thank you for your dedicated service to your peers, to your community and to Canada. The contributions you have made to our nation are most commendable and deserve our praise and admiration."
Daminato, who has helped spearhead a number of initiatives aimed at revitalizing the city, has been New Westminster's city administrator for 10 years. He previously worked in parks and recreation.
"Paul's leadership and integrity have been an inspiration to staff, and his vision has guided us in working together to make our city great," Wright said. "We're all very proud of him - the award is well deserved."
Holy Trinity
Holy Trinity Cathedral is inviting the community to take part in a variety of events during the Christmas season.
The church held a Christmas concert on Dec. 16 that featured the choir of Holy Trinity Cathedral and members of the Royal Westminster Regiment in a program that included Christmas favourites both old and new.
The concert was a fundraiser for the church's breakfast program for the homeless in New Westminster.
If you missed the concert, there is still time to attend the Christmas pageant that's part of the regular Sunday service on Sunday, Dec. 23 at 10 a.m., as well as the Christmas service for families on Christmas Eve at 7 p.m. and the candlelight choral communion at 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Following Christmas, the church is holding a choral communion with carols on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 10 a.m.
On Sunday, Jan 6, a choral communion with carols and baptisms will take place at 10 a.m., followed by an Epiphany party (people are asked to bring treats to share).
Holy Trinity Cathedral is located at 514 Carnarvon St.
While parking is scarce at the church, Cynthia Ashton Styles notes the church is located close to the Columbia SkyTrain station.
"The cathedral is accessible from Columbia SkyTrain," she said. "You just go up Church Street."
Caroling at Quay
Royal City residents are invited to sing for the season.
The City of New Westminster is hosting a caroling at the Quay event on Friday, Dec. 21. The fun kicks off at River Market, which will be offering lantern making and other crafts from 3 to 6: 30 p.m.
Later, community members will stroll the boardwalk, and enjoy free hot chocolate, timbits and coffee from Tim Hortons at Lytton Square in Westminster Pier Park.
"Caroling sheets will be provided to sing along with our local choirs," according to an email from Ruby Campbell, the city's volunteer coordinator. "Light up your umbrellas and dress up your pooch for a fun, family night out at the Quay."
The city is hosting the event, but Rona, the Hyack Festival Association, Tim Hortons, River Market, Tourism New Westminster, the Downtown Business Improvement Association and Fraser River Discovery Centre are helping to promote the event and host a few activities.
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