Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌧️ Weather - Light Rain

 😜 Rain Joke - Why did the rain go to art school? 🎨 

 🔦 Business Spotlight - Studio 66

 💝 You’re So Sweet - Thank you, David F.!

 🗓️ New West Events - Variety

 🎟️ Enter The Draw Today - Free Heritage Homes Tour Tickets

 🗞️ New West Local News - New West School + My Son Pinocchio Jr.

 😆 Meme of the Day

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

Located in the heart of New Westminster, Studio 66 is a welcoming salon dedicated to providing top-quality hair and beauty services. Owned by Leanne Frewin, the salon has built a reputation for excellence, customer care, and a friendly, relaxing atmosphere.

Challenges of Running a Salon

Leanne shares that one of the biggest challenges of owning a salon is managing costs while maintaining affordability for clients. “The price of everything keeps going up, and I don’t want to be the most expensive salon—I want to be reasonable,” she explains. Balancing expenses while providing excellent service is a constant focus for Studio 66.

Misconceptions About the Beauty Industry

Many people assume that salon owners make a huge profit, but Leanne clarifies that it’s not always the case. “People think if I raise prices by $2, I’m being greedy, but the reality is that overhead costs are significant.” She also notes that customers sometimes believe they need to switch salons if one stylist doesn’t work for them. “We always encourage clients to come back and try a different stylist—we’re happy to accommodate their needs.”

Where to Find Studio 66 Online

Studio 66 maintains an active online presence with a website, Facebook, and Instagram. The salon also offers online booking, and Leanne is currently transitioning to a new booking system to make scheduling even easier for clients. All links to staff bios, services, and promotions can be found on the website and Google profile.

Rebuilding Studio 66’s Google Presence

A few years ago, Studio 66 experienced a wave of fake negative reviews unrelated to the business, which significantly impacted its Google rating. “I’m working hard to rebuild our presence,” Leanne says. She is now actively encouraging satisfied clients to leave honest reviews and regularly updating the salon’s Google Business Profile.

Exciting New Services and Promotions

Studio 66 is introducing new service bundles focused on treatments like conditioning, scalp care, and color enhancements. These packages will be announced on the website and social media soon.

Final Thoughts from Leanne

Leanne invites new clients to visit Studio 66 at least once. “If someone comes in, I know they’ll love it and want to stay. It’s a great place with a fantastic team.”

Location: 446 6th Street, New Westminster
🌐 Website: Studio-66.info
📞 Contact: (604) 544-4914
📱 Facebook & Instagram Pages @ Fijanails and Studio 66 - Follow Studio 66 📍

🍁 Shop Local 🍁 

Read New West Spotlight Online

May 20, 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

📖 Storytime (3-5 years) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

📚️ Young Readers Book Club (9-12 years) – 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

📝 New West Chamber AGM 2025 – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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

❤️‍🩹 Women's Health and Fitness – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

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

🎭️ Trivia Tuesdays at Notorious Grey Fox – 7:00 PM

🎸 Georgie's Local Tuesday Night Jam Session – 7:00 PM

May 21, 2025

👮 May Police Board Meeting – 9:30 AM

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

📝 CRA & Service Canada Drop-in Clinic – 10:00 AM to 3:00 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

👶 Babytime (0-23 months) – 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM

📝 Work BC Employment Services Drop-In – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

🎒 After-School Drop-In (5-12 years)  – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

📖 Pyjama Storytime (All ages) – 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM

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

🏃 Run Club  – 7:00 PM

🎭️ Drag Trivia with Scarlett Rose – 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

🧘 TWILIGHT & TEA Sound Bath Meditation – 8:00 PM to 9:20 PM

May 22, 2025

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

👶 Babytime (0-12 months) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

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

💑 City LOVE Scavenger Hunt Date Night For Couples - New Westminster Area – 1:00 PM

🏓 Intro to Pickleball Drop-in (add every thurs until June 26) – 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

🍅 Farmers Market – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

👨‍🌾 Gardening: Invasive Species – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

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

🥍 Salmonbellies Home Opener – 7:00 PM

☕️ Councillor Cafe - Queensborough Edition with special guest MLA Steve Kooner – 7:00 PM to 9:00 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

Win FREE Tickets to the

Heritage Homes Tour Event! 

We are giving away two tickets to the New Westminster Heritage Homes Tour event happening on May 25, 2025. Entering the draw is super quick and easy!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE DRAW

🕓 Entries close Thursday, May 22 @ 2:00 PM
🎫 Don’t miss out—enter now!

 🏫 Pride Flags and Budget Cuts: New Westminster School District Faces Backlash Over Priorities

The New Westminster School District (NWSD) is facing public scrutiny after announcing a controversial initiative to install new District Pride logos and intersex-inclusive Progress Pride flags in all its schools, just weeks after revealing a projected $2.3 million budget shortfall for the upcoming academic year.

The district’s May 14 communication to parents outlined the intention to create “safe and welcoming” spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families. Central to this effort is a new logo, co-designed by a former student, that will be placed at the main entrance of every school, alongside indoor Pride flags. According to district leadership, these visual symbols are meant to reinforce the district’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity.

However, this move comes as NWSD simultaneously prepares to implement wide-reaching cuts, including reductions in staffing, school budgets, and technology investments. Many parents have questioned the timing and priorities of the district, arguing that educational essentials like speech therapy, coding programs, and classroom technology are being sacrificed for symbolic gestures.

Critics argue the district's focus on identity politics and gender ideology diverts attention and resources from foundational academic goals. They also express concern about what they see as the politicization of the classroom, particularly for young children.

The controversy has reignited debates about the role of social activism in education. While the district frames the inclusivity initiative as a necessary step for equity, some parents believe it crosses a line into ideological indoctrination.

As public schools across British Columbia grapple with rising costs and ideological divisions, New Westminster’s latest decisions spotlight the growing tensions between representation and resource allocation in modern education.

Check the full story here

🌟 New Westminster Hosts Magical Family Night with “My Son Pinocchio Jr.” 🌟 

Families in New Westminster—get ready to be swept off your feet! On Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 8:00 PM, The Stage Musical Theatre Academy invites you to experience the heartwarming magic of Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr. at the Laura C Muir Performing Arts Theatre.

This enchanting musical flips the script on the classic fairy tale, telling the timeless tale of Pinocchio through the eyes of Geppetto, the lovable toymaker. Audiences will laugh, cheer, and maybe even shed a tear as they follow Geppetto’s touching journey to understand what it truly means to be a father.

With a dazzling blend of humor, heartfelt storytelling, and toe-tapping musical numbers, this family-friendly production is more than just a show—it’s a celebration of growth, love, and finding your way home.

🎬 Starring the Talented “Puppeteer” Ensemble
Proudly hosted by The Stage Musical Theatre Academy, this production shines a spotlight on the incredible talents of local youth performers. It’s the perfect opportunity for the community to come together and support the next generation of theatre stars.

📍 Join Us at the Laura C Muir Performing Arts Theatre
Located at 700 Royal Avenue, right in the heart of New Westminster, the theatre sets the stage for an unforgettable evening of live entertainment. Be sure to arrive early to grab the best seats and soak in the excitement before the curtain rises!

✨ Don’t miss this magical night that promises to delight kids and adults alike. Whether you're a theatre fan, a Disney lover, or just looking for a special night out with the family—this is a show you won’t want to miss!

Get Your Tickets Now

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️Why did the rain go to art school? 🎨 

✏️ It wanted to learn how to draw a crowd! 🖼️ 

Meme of the Day

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