Belated birthday greetings to longtime New Westminster resident Marguerite Robertson, who recently celebrated her 106th birthday.
Robertson was born on May 13, 1907 and has lived in New Westminster since 1940. After arriving in New Westminster, her husband Dr. John Robertson joined the Rotary Club, and she joined the Rotary Anns where she met some good friends.
Nowadays, Robertson gives high praise to the New Westminster Public Library's seniors program, which goes into homes and nursing homes with books.
Robertson still reads three to four books every two weeks.
"I keep my mind active and try to make time for a walk each day," she said. "I have arthritis in my hands, otherwise I haven't a pain in my body."
Robertson's active lifestyle and positive attitude have been an inspiration for friends.
Youth awarded
The Royal City's future appears to be in good hands.
The City of New Westminster's youth services division recently recognized the accomplishments of youth in the community at the 2013 Youth Awards.
This year's winners are: Iqan Elmasri (community service); Jethray Tescon (youth leadership and visual and performing arts); Jordan Chin (athletics and sportsmanship); Madeleine Clarkson (humanitarian); Cory Macklin and Torri Rix (against the odds); and Last Door Youth Program (amazing advocate).
"This year we had 54 nominees which is big," said Dawn Kalenuik, a youth leader for the City of New Westminster. "The youth awards are just growing. These kids are getting more and more recognition."
The youth were recognized for a range of contributions. Tescon has started a youth break-dancing program at the youth centre, Clarkson is active in the Me to We program, Chin is a member of the New Westminster Hyacks football team and Elmasri volunteers at a number of places. Macklin and Rix shared the Against the Odds award, which is given out to people who have faced adversity and "come out on the other side," and the Last Door received the amazing advocate award for its recovery program for youth.
"It was a good night," Kalenuik said. "We want it to grow and grow."
Youth also demonstrated impressive planning and hosting skills, as four young people in Grade 8 to 12 hosted the May 8 event.
"The hosts did a great job," Kalenuik said. "They put together the whole thing."
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