Ask a Dietician + US Flag to be Retired

Issue #257

Author

Carla McNeil
June 09, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

 😜 Rain Joke - ⚡️Why did the thunder always hang out with the rain?⚡️ 

 🔦 Business Spotlight - Queensborough Children’s Festival

 🗓️ New West Events - Lots to choose from

 🗞️ New West Local News - Ask a Dietician + US Flag to be Retired

 📧 Did someone forward you our New West Spotlight? You can Subscribe Here!

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Get ready, New West families—one of the city’s most heartwarming and community-driven events is returning on June 14th! The Queensborough Children’s Festival, hosted by the Queensborough Special Programs Committee (QSPC), is set to bring families together with a full day of fun, creativity, and connection at the Queensborough Community Centre from 10 am to 3 pm.

What makes this festival special isn’t just the packed lineup of entertainers, activities, and food. It’s that the entire thing, from planning to execution, is powered by passionate volunteers, not city staff. In fact, this year’s growing event has been single-handedly organized by one extraordinary volunteer who simply wants to create a more connected, joyful community for local families.

“It’s all about building a sense of community and giving kids a chance to have fun,” says Erica Wong, the festival’s organizer, who also chairs the QSPC. “We don’t charge for anything. There are no tickets. Everything is free.”

But don’t let the word “free” fool you—this festival delivers big.

Expect roaming entertainers like Music with Marnie, Merlin the Magician (complete with balloon animals), and the musical storytelling of Zox of the Forest. Kids can also take part in obstacle-style circus play with the Vancouver Circus School, or climb aboard rideable electric pandas.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s even a Young Entrepreneurs Marketplace, where local kids aged 6 to 14 sell their own handmade goods. Bring cash—these budding business owners will be set up for in-person sales only.

In between performances and crafts, families can enjoy food vendors, nonprofit booths, and cultural activities. Students from Queensborough will perform piano, and 4 Elements Martial Arts will be showcasing Tae Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu demos. It’s a celebration of youth, creativity, and local talent—and everyone is invited.

“Last year, the event was smaller. This year we’ve doubled the length and the number of activities. We’ve gone from two entertainers to three, with more booths and more participation,” says Erica. “It’s exciting, but I could really use some help.”

If you’ve ever considered volunteering, this is your chance. With the event growing year over year, the QSPC is actively seeking more members and day-of volunteers, not just from Queensborough, but from all across New Westminster.

And speaking of growing, the festival is also going greener. Families are encouraged to walk, bike, or take the Q2Q ferry. Parking is limited, and public transit is a great option for anyone who wants to skip the stress and arrive ready for fun. The event is planned for rain or shine. Families are asked to bring a picnic blanket for outdoor performances or a bright smile and an umbrella if it rains. Either way, it will be a memorable day.

One request: If you’re able, please bring a nonperishable food donation. Don’t Go Hungry, a local food support organization, will be collecting items during the event. They operate out of the back of the community centre every week, and the festival provides a great opportunity to support their important work.

Whether you’re coming to catch a performance, cheer on a young vendor, or simply enjoy time with your family, the Queensborough Children’s Festival promises an unforgettable day. It’s a labour of love from local volunteers—and it just might be one of the best free days out in all of New West.

👉 To get involved, donate, or volunteer: message the Queensborough Special Programs Committee on Facebook

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Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 22.5 2024 - Record low 8.6 2017

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

June 09, 2025

🧘 Peace, Be Still Monday Meditation – 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM

👶 Mom + Baby Meet Up at Cove Indoor Play – 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

🕺 Groove and Move – 3:15 PM to 5:15 PM

🧩 Puzzle Mondays at Steel and Oak – Starts at 5:00 PM

🙋‍♀️ How to become a vendor class – 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

🎙️ Begbie's Open Mic – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🏈 Sunday and Monday Night Football – at the Terminal Pub

June 10, 2025

🗣️ English Conversation Circles All Levels – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

✏️ Sketch For Fun (50+ years) – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

📱 Bring Your Own Device Tech Cafe! – 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

📚️ BYO Book Club – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🍺 🎲 Beer and Board Games – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎶 New West Community Choir – 6:45 PM to 7:45 PM

❓️ Trivia Tuesdays at Howe Sound New West – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎭️ Vancouver Vs Valley Roast Battle - Benefit Show – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

June 11, 2025

🤸 Gym Program – 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

💰️ Financial Aid (Welfare) Worker at NWPL – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

👶 Mom + Baby Meet Up at Cove Indoor Play – 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 CaRT Peer Navigators – 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

🎙️ State of the City on the Road: Youth Edition – 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

🎞️ Climate Film Night: Juice – 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM

❓️ Trivia Night at Georgie's Local  – 7:00 PM

🏃 Run Club  – 7:00 PM

🎭️ Charity Drag Bingo with Justin Abit – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

👦👧 Connect Youth (13+) – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

🎤 Open Mic Jam at Bully’s Studio – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

❓️ Trivia Night at Frankie G’s – 7:30 PM

🗣️ French 4 Everyone – 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🏆️ The Fraser River Hall of Fame – at Aria Convention Center

Image via NWPL Website

Navigating the complexities of healthy eating can be challenging, especially for those managing picky eaters, cooking for one, or adjusting to a new dietary diagnosis. To help address these everyday nutrition concerns, the New Westminster Public Library will host a special session featuring registered dietitian Whitney Hussein.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional guidance on topics such as planning balanced meals, adapting to special diets, and finding practical ways to incorporate nutritious food into their daily routine. Whether you're struggling with food sensitivities or simply want to make better choices, this interactive session promises helpful insights for adults of all backgrounds.

The session will take place in person at the library’s Main Branch in the iConnect Lab and will also be streamed live via Zoom. All registered participants will receive the Zoom link ahead of time. However, it’s worth noting that the event will not be recorded, so those interested are encouraged to attend live to benefit fully from the discussion.

Event Details:

  • 📅 Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025

  • 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: Main Branch - iConnect Lab, 716 6th Avenue, New Westminster, BC, V3M 2B3

  • 💻 Also available live on Zoom (registration required)

This adult-focused session is part of the library's ongoing efforts to promote science-based health and wellness solutions within the community.

The iconic American flag that has long hung inside Queen’s Park Arena in New Westminster will soon be taken down, following a decision by city council this week. Positioned among championship banners and a vintage scoreboard, the flag has been a familiar sight for decades, but will now be replaced by the flag of the City of New Westminster.

The decision follows concerns raised during a recent youth hockey tournament, where some felt the presence of the American flag during the Canadian national anthem sent the wrong message to young athletes. Council member Daniel Fontaine expressed discomfort with the optics of Canadian children saluting a foreign flag during “O Canada,” especially when American teams rarely compete at the venue anymore.

According to Fontaine, the move is intended to reflect the local identity of the arena as a civic space rather than an international one. While the American flag can still be displayed temporarily for special events involving U.S. teams, its permanent presence is no longer seen as appropriate.

There is no set date for the flag’s removal, but staff are expected to take it down in the coming weeks, doing so with minimal ceremony—a gesture described as being in line with Canadian modesty.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️⚡️Why did the thunder always hang out with the rain?

Because it loved to make a big noise! ⚡️

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