Burgers and Beers + Pride on Film

Issue #316

Author

Carla McNeil
August 07, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌧️ Weather - Cloudy with showers

 😜 Rain Joke - How does the rain greet you? 🙇

 🔦 Business Spotlight - Vici Learning

 💝 You’re So Sweet - Thank you, Verna S.!

 🗓️ New West Events - Another busy weekend

 🗞️ New West Local News - Burgers and Beers + Pride on Film

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

Vici Learning

Tucked just a half block from New Westminster Secondary School is a place where students don’t just catch up—they thrive. Vici Learning, founded by Sara Alhowar, is a learning center that’s redefining what tutoring looks like by focusing on more than just grades.

“We help students learn the way they learn best,” says Sara, who’s been tutoring since high school and officially launched Vici Learning in 2023. What began as a passion project and an education blog quickly evolved into a full-fledged support hub, thanks to community demand and support and the realization that New West needs a welcoming place where students can go to get school support without intimidation.

📚 More Than Tutoring—It’s Academic Coaching With Heart

At Vici Learning, every student receives a customized learning plan. The team offers one-on-one academic coaching and tutoring for grades K–12, as well as group study clubs for learners who thrive socially. But what sets them apart is their approach: they don’t just teach concepts—they help students build confidence, self-awareness, and advocacy skills.

“School is often the first big challenge a child faces,” Sara explains. “How they learn to navigate that can shape their entire personality. We’re here to guide them through that, not just with academics, but emotionally too.”

👧 From “I Don’t Care” to “I Love Math”

When asked which student touched her heart the most, Sara doesn’t hesitate. A local teen, once on the verge of giving up on school after a personal tragedy, went from barely passing to graduating—and now heading to college.

“I remember thinking, who is this kid?” she laughs. “He used to say, ‘I hate school,’ and now he texts asking to come study. That transformation… that’s why we do what we do.”

🏫 A Safe, Supportive Space to Grow

The Vici Learning space in Uptown was chosen for its accessibility—close to schools, transit, and centrally located in the heart of New West. But it’s more than convenient—it’s welcoming. Designed to feel joyful and calm, the center helps students feel safe enough to open up and engage.

Tutoring, after all, often begins from a place of vulnerability. “We’re not here to fix kids,” says Sara. “We’re here to listen, to guide, and to help them discover what they’re capable of.”

🎨 Creative Day Camps and Inclusive Partnerships

One of Vici’s most popular programs is their “Learn and Play” day camps for younger children. Through art, games, and storytelling, these camps sneak in literacy and numeracy lessons without kids even realizing they’re learning.

They’ve also partnered with The Cove Indoor Play to offer an inclusive environment where all kids—regardless of background or neurodiversity—can feel welcomed. “It’s about building curiosity and a love for learning, while having fun” Sara says.

✨ What Parents Need to Know

Results take time. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that tutoring should deliver instant results,” says Sara. “But learning is a process—and our goal is to help students become independent thinkers, find the intrinsic motivators, and fall in love with learning, not just pass the next test.” “But learning is a process—and our goal is to help students become independent thinkers, not just pass the next test.”

Vici offers a free 30-minute consultation to assess your child’s needs and provide direction. “We align our goals with both students and parents,” Sara notes. “Sometimes those aren’t the same, but we always find a way to meet in the middle.”

🎆 Meet Them at the Festival!

You’ll find Vici Learning again at this summer’s Hyack Fireworks Festival—running the popular Vendor Passport activity and hands-on learning games that are as fun as they are educational.

📍 Want to learn more or book a consultation?
Visit www.vicilearning.com to book a free session or explore their services.

Because every child deserves an education that meets them where they are—and helps them become who they’re meant to be.

Supporting local businesses means supporting the heart of our community!

Address: 773 6th St #103, New Westminster, BC V3L 3C6

Phone: +1 236-591-9436

Already know, like, and trust this business? Be sure to support Vici Learning and leave them a Google Review

🍁 Shop Local 🍁 

Thank you, Verna - you are so sweet!

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 26.4 2018 - Record low 13.6 2015

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

August 07, 2025

👶 Babytime (0-23 months) – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

🍼 Baby Social (0-23 months) – 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM

📝 Resume Clinic with BCNSP – 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM

📰 Make Your Own Paper (11-18 years) – 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🍅 Farmers Market – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

🌱 Sprout Club – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

🚲️ Bike New West – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

🎙️ Karaoke Night at Georgie's – 7:00 PM

🎙️ Colossal Thursdays Karaoke at The Terminal Pub – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎤 Open Mic Jam at Notorious Grey Fox – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

August 08, 2025

🔍️ Unique Survival Scavenger Hunt - New West – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

📝 Information Session for Job-Seekers – 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM

🗣️ English Conversation Circles – Friday Sessions – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

📖 Teen Anime and Manga Meetup (11-18 years) – 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

🏀 Court Nights Basketball – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🎲 Friendsday Night Board Games – Doors open at 6:00 PM

🎉 Fiesta Latina Night – 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🖌️ Brush Hour Paint Night - Lakeview Sunset – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

🎲 Hitmix Bingo - Howe Sound – 7:00 PM

🎙️ Weekly Karaoke Every Friday – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🪩 Karaoke Party – 7:30 PM at Starlight Casino

🎸 Live Music at The Terminal - Mike Van Eyes – 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM

🎙️ Karaoke Friday Nights at Notorious Grey Fox – 9:00 PM until Close

🎲 Board Night Game – Phantom Alley

August 09, 2025

🔍️ Unique Survival Scavenger Hunt - New West – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

🗣️ Spanish Conversation Drop-in – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

🗣️ English Conversation Circles – Saturday Sessions – 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

🎭️ Drag Brunch Fundraiser – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

🎨 New West Craft – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🛍️ Hyack Square Market Days – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

💃 Andrea Lynn – 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

🎶 Uptown Live Summer Series – 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

🎨 Origami with Yuki Anthony (3-6 years) – 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

⛸️ Summer Youth Skates – 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

🎨 Origami with Yuki Anthony (Ages 7-12) – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🕹️ Drop-In D&D Nights @ New West Youth Centre – 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM

🕺 Saturday Dance Party at Georgie's – 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

🍔 Burgers, 🍺 Beers & 🗣️ Big Ideas

Looking for a way to spice up your Tuesday night with good food, cold beer, and great conversation? The New Westminster Progressives have just the ticket — literally.

On Tuesday, August 19, the NWP team is throwing a community-friendly Summer Burger and Beer Night at Kelly O’Bryan’s Restaurant & Pub, right in the heart of downtown New Westminster. From 6 to 9 p.m., you’re invited to pull up a chair, grab a burger, and raise a glass with City Councillors Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas, along with the passionate folks driving the New West Progressives campaign.

For just $30, guests will enjoy a satisfying burger-and-beer combo while getting the rare chance to connect directly with local leaders in a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. This isn’t a formal town hall — it’s a casual evening filled with great eats, meaningful chats, and the kind of small-town community vibe that makes New West special.

Whether you're a longtime supporter, a curious resident, or just someone who really loves burgers (and who doesn’t?), this is your chance to hear fresh ideas, ask questions, and share your thoughts on how to help New Westminster thrive.

Tickets are limited, and with a menu that includes classic comfort food and a chance to talk shop with elected officials, they’re expected to go fast. Plus, refunds are available up to seven days before the event — so there's no reason not to grab a spot today.

👉 Seats are limited — grab your tickets today and be part of the conversation shaping New West’s future!

Arts New West and the New West Film Society are teaming up to host a special Pride Month film event on Friday, August 15, at Douglas College’s Laura Muir Theatre in New Westminster.

The evening features a screening of Who Am I Now, a locally made romantic drama exploring identity, emotional discovery, and queer love. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the film starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5, and all proceeds support a local organization serving the LGBTQ+ community.

The film follows Erin and Alex, two women whose new friendship evolves into something deeper. As Alex begins to embrace her feelings, Erin faces internal struggles that threaten to pull them apart. Their journey explores the complexities of connection, vulnerability, and self-acceptance.

After the screening, attendees can stay for a Q&A session with filmmaker Louise Lathey and one of the lead actors, offering insight into the film’s creation and message.

Part of the Pride on Film initiative, this event brings community members together to celebrate queer storytelling and representation through cinema. The program aims to foster dialogue and connection while spotlighting local talent.

Please note that the film includes mature content, such as nudity, sexual situations, coarse language, alcohol use, and mild violence. Viewer discretion is advised.

For questions or accessibility details, contact: [email protected].

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ How does the rain greet you? 🙇 

With a “puddle” of joy! 🙋 

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