Home Equity Explained + Poetry & Art Salon

Issue #479

Author

Carla McNeil
January 17, 2026

Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌞 Weather - Sunny

 😜 Rain Joke - How do umbrella's greet each other during the stom? ⛱️ 

 🗓️ New West Events - Picking up the pace, with more things worth checking out.

 🗞️ New West Local News - Home Equity Explained + Poetry & Art Salon

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Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 11.4 2015 - Record low -6.2 2024

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

January 17, 2026

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

🛍️ New West Craft at River Market – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🎸 Mechanics of Music Street Sessions – 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

🎂 Cake it Easy Turns One – 1:00 PM

😆 New West Improv's improv comedy jam! – 2:15 PM to 3:45 PM

💃 Secret Balboa Social – 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM

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

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

January 18, 2026

🎸 Weekend Jam with Sam – 11:00 AM

👍️ NWP Volunteer Appreciation Event – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🎨 Linocut Print Making at Arrieta Art Studio – 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

🍻 LGBTQIA2S Beer Social at The Terminal Pub – 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🎙️ Georgie's Local Sunday Night Open Mic! – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎲 Sunday Bingo – At Royal City Curling Club

January 19, 2026

🎨 Reflections of Migration – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

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

🧩 Steel & Oak Puzzle Mondays – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

💙 Colour Me Blue (In a Good Way) – 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM

🎨 Downtown’s Living Room at Anvil Centre – 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM

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

🍻 All Day Happy Hour – Mondays at Frankie G’s

Home equity can be a powerful financial tool — but understanding how to use it wisely is key. If you’ve ever wondered whether a reverse mortgage could support your retirement plans, this upcoming free, in-person seminar offers a chance to learn the facts in a relaxed, no-pressure setting.

Led by a credit professional, this session breaks down what a reverse mortgage is, who may qualify, and how it can (or may not) fit into your financial goals. The discussion will cover potential benefits, common misconceptions, and important risks to consider, helping attendees make informed decisions about their future.

Whether you’re actively exploring your options or simply curious about how reverse mortgages work, this seminar provides practical insights and plenty of time for questions. It’s designed for older adults, families, and anyone interested in understanding smart ways to access home equity without selling their home.

Event Details
📅 January 29, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre
💲 Free to attend

If knowledge is peace of mind, this session is a great place to start.

Settle into a cozy winter afternoon of words, images, and connection at the Poetry and Art Salon, hosted by Janet Kvammen, Poet Laureate of New Westminster. This free community gathering invites audiences to listen, share, and reflect through poetry readings and informal “Show & Tell” conversations with featured artists and writers.

This salon explores the theme of Winter Renewal, Reflection, and the Natural World, bringing together creative voices that inspire introspection and resilience during the quieter season.

Joining Janet are two remarkable guests: Jónína Kirton, an Icelandic and Red River Métis poet whose work weaves poetry, memoir, and lived experience, and Nancy Whiteside, a visual artist known for blending realism and abstraction, often inspired by the natural world and the mystique of corvids.

Whether you’re a longtime poetry lover, a visual arts enthusiast, or simply curious, this welcoming event offers a meaningful space to experience creativity, community, and conversation.

Event Details
📅 Sunday, January 25, 2026
⏰ 2:00 – 4:00 PM
📍 Anvil Centre, Room 417
💲 Free admission

Presented in partnership with the Royal City Literary Arts Society and the City of New Westminster.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ How do umbrella's greet each other during the stom? ⛱️ 

"wet's up, mate?" 💦 

Groan O' Meter

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