Seniors State of the City + Eagles Tribute

Issue #260

Author

Carla McNeil
June 12, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌧️ Weather - Cloudy with showers

 😜 Rain Joke - Why don’t owls go on dates when it’s raining? 🦉

 🔦 Business Spotlight - Dan’s Legacy

 💝 You’re So Sweet - Thank you, Meaghan R.!

 🗓️ New West Events - Lots to choose from

 🗞️ New West Local News - Seniors State of the City + Eagles Tribute

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

🎉 Join the Fun at the Queensborough Children’s Festival!
📅 June 14, 2025 | 🎈 Games, activities, and family fun for all ages!
👉 Click here for event details

When you first meet Barbara Coates, Executive Director of Dan’s Legacy Foundation, her warmth and drive are unmistakable. But it’s the story behind the organization that truly moves people.

Dan’s Legacy was founded in memory of a young man named Dan, who died of a drug overdose after struggling with trauma that no one around him knew how to address. After a horrific assault, Dan tried to numb his pain with drugs, but the recovery options available to him were neither age-appropriate nor trauma-informed. He was just 17.

“They kept asking him why he was using,” Barbara shares. “But the question should have been, ‘What happened to you?’”

That one shift in perspective has become the heart of Dan’s Legacy.

Meeting Youth Where They Are

Dan’s Legacy provides trauma-informed mental health support to youth aged 15 to 25, completely free of charge. Their unique approach includes not only long-term therapy, but also essential support like food hampers, clothing, and even cell phones and phone plans—small tools that help stabilize a young person’s life so real healing can begin.

The numbers speak for themselves: 16 one-on-one sessions over four months can be enough to help a young person understand their trauma, regulate emotions, and begin setting personal and career goals.

“A lot of these kids grew up in foster care. They’ve bounced around, experienced abuse, and left the system with zero life skills,” says Barbara. “We give them the tools to stop surviving and start living.”

Photo via Dan’s Legacy

From Soup to Social Enterprise

In 2023, Dan’s Legacy took its impact to the next level with the launch of Dan’s Diner—a social enterprise in New Westminster that teaches youth cooking skills while serving delicious, affordable meals to the community.

The ingredients? Donated surplus food from local grocery stores, rescued and repurposed into hearty soups, stews, and sandwiches by youth working alongside Red Seal chefs.

“The food’s amazing, and the mission behind it is even better,” Barbara says with a smile. “You’re not just getting a great meal—you’re supporting young people who are building real futures.”

Dan’s Diner is also a gang diversion program, part of the city’s broader effort to build safer communities. It’s a win-win: reducing food waste, providing affordable meals, and changing lives.

Interested in how they invest all the funding they receive? Check out the latest Financial Report.

How You Can Help

So what can New West Spotlight readers do?

“The number one thing is simple—just let people know we exist,” Barbara urges. “Chances are you know someone whose child or grandchild is struggling with mental health. We’re here for them, and it’s all free.”

Photo via Dan’s Legacy

Beyond that, Dan’s Legacy welcomes donations, volunteer advisors, and local businesses interested in getting involved through financial support or catering partnerships.

Dan’s Diner also takes orders for affordable event catering. Holiday office lunches, corporate meetings, and even weddings are on the menu, and you’ll be helping fund job skills training. Contact them at [email protected] to discuss your catering needs.

A Community That Connects

Barbara shared a touching story about a Christmas party where local seniors and youth came together at the Legion. At first, both groups sat apart, unsure how to interact. But a little nudge turned awkwardness into connection. Pool games broke the ice. Conversations flowed.

“The elders needed grandkids, and the youth needed grandparents,” Barbara said. “By the end, everyone wanted to do it again.”

It’s this kind of connection—between generations, between businesses and nonprofits, between neighbours—that Dan’s Legacy is all about.

So the next time you're craving a warm bowl of soup or wondering how to make a difference, remember Dan’s Legacy. They’re not just changing lives—they're rebuilding community, one meal, one conversation, and one young person at a time.

Learn more at DansLegacy.com. Or better yet, stop by Dan’s Diner and taste the difference yourself.

Supporting local businesses means supporting the heart of our community!

Address: 131 11th St #250, New Westminster, BC V3M 4C7

Already know, like, and trust this business? Be sure to support Dan’s Legacy and leave them a Google Review

🍁 Shop Local 🍁 

Thank you, Meaghan - you are so sweet!

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 29.9 2019 - Record low 8.3 2017,2018

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

June 12, 2025

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

🖼️ Archives Open House – 2:00 to 4:00 PM & 6:00 to 8:00 PM

🏓 Intro to Pickleball Drop-in – 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

🍅 Farmers Market – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

🚶 Walk with the Mayor – 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

📝 SFU Writer's Studio Writing Consult – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

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

🎵 June Revue Music and Awards – 7:00 PM at Massey Theatre

🎙️ 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

🎭️ Comedy Exposed – 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM

🎥 Moonlight Movies Series: School of Rock – 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM

June 13, 2025

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 (Almost) Summer Social: A Gathering of Destination Teams – 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

🍔 Between 2 Buns – 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎉 DSU MSA EID SOCIAL – 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM

🔈️ Vancouver Battlezone 2025 – 4:00 PM to Sun, Jun 15, 5:30 PM

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

👩‍🍳 Culinary Kitchen – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

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

🎸 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

🎲 Famous Players – RedBar Lounge @ Starlight Casino

🎲 Board Night Game – Phantom Alley

Drop by and say, “Pick up the coveted pen! 🤩 

June 14, 2025

🛍️ Thrift and Craft Fair – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

🎉 Queensborough Children's Festival – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

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

🕹️ Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo 2025 – 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

🎨 Art Explorers with Clarissa Banos ( for 6yrs+) – 1:00 PM at Kinder Books

🧵 Rug Tufting – 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🔍️ River Basin Days – 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

🔈️ Vancouver Battlezone 2025 – 4:00 PM to Sun, Jun 15, 5:30 PM

🚲️ Youth Cycle Express: $2 Drop-in for Youth – (For youth ages 13 - 18) 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM

🙏 Byzantine Night – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

🎭️ PechaKucha Night (New West) - Volume 36 – 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

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

🎲 Famous Players – RedBar Lounge @ Starlight Casino

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

An Invitation to Connection, Conversation, and Community

Century House will be buzzing with warmth and purpose on Wednesday, June 25, as Mayor Patrick Johnstone hosts a very special edition of his “State of the City” address—dedicated entirely to our valued seniors.

This event isn’t just about updates and policies—it’s about people. It’s about you, and the vital role older adults play in shaping a vibrant, caring New Westminster.

From safer streets and walkable neighborhoods to affordable housing, accessible health care, and welcoming gathering spaces, this is a chance to hear how the city is growing with seniors in mind. The Mayor will share how far we’ve come and where we’re headed—toward a city that works for every generation.

💖 What to Expect:

  • 1:00 p.m. – Arrive, say hello, and meet the Mayor

  • 1:20 p.m. – A thoughtful 20-minute talk from Mayor Johnstone

  • 1:40 p.m. – Your turn: ask questions and share ideas during a live Q&A

  • 2:00 p.m. – Stay a while to mix, mingle, and connect over conversation

This hour is all about community, listening, and celebrating the strength and wisdom of our seniors. Whether you’ve been in New West for decades or just recently made it home, your voice matters here.

The event is free, and everyone is welcome. Come with your questions, your stories, or simply your presence—we'd love to see you there.

Need help registering? You can sign up online here or simply call Century House at 604-519-1006.

One of Canada’s most celebrated tribute acts is making its way back to New Westminster! On Sunday, June 16, Take It To The Limit – The Ultimate Eagles Tribute takes the stage at Massey Theatre for an unforgettable night of timeless hits and powerful performances.

Presented by Moon Coin Productions, this show has dazzled audiences from coast to coast, earning standing ovations and five-star reviews wherever it goes. With rich vocal harmonies, iconic guitar solos, and all the energy of a live Eagles concert, it’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more.

🎸 From “Hotel California” and “Life in the Fast Lane” to “Desperado” and “Take It Easy,” you’ll hear all your favorite Eagles songs performed by a stellar lineup of Canada’s top musicians and vocalists.

This is more than a tribute—it’s a fully immersive concert experience that captures the heart and soul of one of the greatest bands in rock history.

📅 Event Details

📍 Location: Massey Theatre, New Westminster
📆 Date: Sunday, June 16, 2025
🎟️ Tickets: Buy Tickets Here
🎤 Presented by: Moon Coin Productions

🎟️ Don’t Miss Out – Tickets Are Selling Fast!

Tap below to grab your seats for a night of Eagles classics, soaring harmonies, and rock nostalgia that’s sure to leave you singing all the way home.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️Why don’t owls go on dates when it’s raining? 🦉 

Because it’s too wet to woo. 💦🦉 

Groan O' Meter

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