A song and a dance with kids
| News |
By LeRae Haynes
The Celebration of Children this month had several unique features and performances, and the Mcee talent of City Councillor Laurie Walters, dressed as ‘Minnie Mouse’ was a highlight of the Success by 6 event.
Laurie holds the Community Services portfolio with city council, and her areas include Heritage and Museum, Arts and Culture, Special Events and Grants-in-Aid.
(Photo: City Councillor and avid community volunteer Laurie Walters was a featured highlight at the recent ‘Celebration of Children’ hosted by Success by 6. This talented and versatile city official has been immersed in a wide range of community events.)
She said that being the Mcee for the Success by 6 event was a fun opportunity to show her passion for the arts, especially with children. “Highlights for me that day were dancing with the kids to the music, and watching the children be entertained by other youth was awesome,” she explained. “To provide a venue where kids watch other kids perform can be a trigger for them to want to engage in music and dance themselves. Performing Arts are so vital for children to have in their lives, whether they are performing or watching a performance.”
Laurie is dedicated to promoting the arts, has appeared in several plays, was the Artistic Director for 8 Studio Theatre productions, and said that she agreed to be the Mcee for the Celebration of Children because is sounded like fun.
“I am aware of the Success by six program and am very happy to see it develop in our community,” she continued. “Hanging out with children is very rewarding to me, and I had a great time at the Celebration.”
Family and a commitment to her community are very important to Laurie and evident in her life and work. She said that dressing up as Minnie Mouse at the event gave her the opportunity to be a ‘character’ and interact with kids, teens, young people and families. “One of my favorite roles as a city councilor is when I can attend functions and events especially anything to do with children and youth---they are our future! I think that there is a time and a place to have fun and let your hair down (in this case it would be having my ‘mouse ears’ on) and there is a time when I have to be more serious, like during budgeting, and being part of decision-making for our community,” she explained.
“I have lived worked and played in Williams Lake for over 35 years (now I am really aging myself!)
“I am proud of this community. It is the people that shape a community, and that makes Williams Lake such a wonderful place to hang your hat.”
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
