Romance Scam Alert + Exhibit Opportunity

Issue #498

Author

Carla McNeil
February 05, 2026

Inside the New West Spotlight

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February 05, 2026

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

💗 Chronic Conditions Self-Management Program – 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM

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

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

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

🔢 Effective Tax Strategies – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

🎨 Brush Hour Paint Night - Mushroom Forest – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

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

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

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

February 06, 2026

🧒 Toddler Time (12-36 months) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

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

🍼 Baby Social (0-23 months) – 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

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

📚️ French Reading Buddies (6-9 years) – 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM

🍸️ Cocktails and Conjuring at the Flapper Lounge – 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

🎲 Friendsday Night Board Games – 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM

🎲 Howe Sound Hitmix Bingo – 7:00 PM

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

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

February 07, 2026

🌿 Ocean Wise Invasive Removal and Planting Event – 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

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

❤️ Love New West at Anvil Centre – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

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

⚽️ U14 Girls New West Soccer Club Fundraiser Event – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

🧘 Awaken the Heart Sound Journey – 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

🎭️ PechaKucha Night - New West - Volume 38 – 8:00 PM to 10:00

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

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

Stay informed and share this with someone you care about

With Valentine’s Day approaching, the New Westminster Police Department is reminding residents to stay alert to online dating scams. While many people use dating apps and social platforms to make genuine connections, scammers often take advantage of this season by posing as romantic interests to gain trust and exploit it.

These scams can unfold slowly or move very fast. Common warning signs include someone expressing strong feelings before meeting in person, having vague or overly polished profiles, pushing conversations off dating platforms quickly, or eventually asking for money, gift cards, or financial help. No matter how convincing the story may seem, requests for money from someone you’ve only interacted with online are a major red flag.

Protect yourself by keeping personal and financial information private, taking time to verify who you’re communicating with, and trusting your instincts if something feels off. If you believe you’ve encountered a scam or suspicious behaviour, report it to the New Westminster Police Department at 604-525-5411.

Staying informed helps keep our whole community safer — please consider sharing this reminder with friends and family.

Calling all local artists! 🎨 The New Westminster Public Library is inviting creatives to share their work with the community through its month-long exhibition program. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your art in a welcoming, highly visited public space and connect with residents who value creativity and culture.

Selected exhibitions will be displayed for one month at the library, offering artists meaningful exposure and a chance to be part of New Westminster’s vibrant arts landscape. Artists working in a variety of mediums are encouraged to apply.

All proposals must be submitted through the Library’s online application form. Please note that submissions will not be accepted after the call closes, so interested artists are encouraged to apply early.

To learn more about exhibition guidelines, eligibility, and how to submit your proposal, visit nwpl.ca/art.

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