You too can become mayor after working at Surrey City hall as was the case for current Surrey mayor Linda Hepner, who was recognized for 30 years of civic service at a council meeting on Monday, Jan. 11. City manager Vincent Lalonde put in a special request to do so at the top of the meeting, announcing the mayor has recently reached a “significant milestone” in serving the city for 30 years through her work both an elected official and as city staff. “Thank you for embarrassing me so early in the new year,” said Hepner with a smile. Hepner was first hired to the city as then-city manager Mike Jones’ executive assistant. She would go on to hold several titles, including business development officer, manager of corporate administration and manager of economic development. Then, in 2005, she was elected to city council and became Surrey’s mayor in 2014.
e is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved,” says Rajan Raniga, President of GSBC.
GSBC is a 100% volunteer run organization that has been been working to preserve Gujarati cultural and linguistic heritage through events, arts, and education serving 3,700 members throughout the province of BC since 1967.
Laadki itself has over 200 participants from the ages of 3 to 73 involved in various capacities as dancers, actors, singers, backstage and technical help – all volunteers who are putting their time and effort into creating this unique theatrical performance.
The star of the show is Priyanka Patel, a long-time volunteer with the GSBC who is pursuing her Masters in Psychology. She is also a dance veteran and local dance instructor with Shiamak Davar International. “It’s different than our usual variety show in that each item is individual to the choreographer’s style. We all need to work together in one cohesive group, and 200 people is a lot of people to work with,” exclaims Patel. “It has taken 6 months to put this production together.”
Laadki – The Musical takes place on January 24, 2016 at Hard Rock Casino Theatre (2080 United Boulevard, Coquitlam) at 4pm. For more information on Laadki – The Musical, please visit The Gujarati Society of BC’s facebook page, or call Kala Chauhan for tickets at 604-291-9070.
