- New West Spotlight
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- ABBA Christmas + Economic Forum 2025
ABBA Christmas + Economic Forum 2025
Issue #075
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Be In The Know with New Westminster news and events.
Inside this New West Spotlight Newsletter…
🌥️ New West Weather - Mainly Cloudy
Rain Riddle - Why did the man go outside and put ketchup in the rain? (Answer at the bottom of the newsletter)
🗓️ New West Events - a few events to choose from! 😆
🕵️♂️ New West Local News - ABBA Christmas + Economic Forum 2025
😀 Viral Meme
📰 Advertise with New West Spotlight - Buy One, Get One Free
Read New West Spotlight Online
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Local New Westminster Weather
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Historical Records for today - Record high 14.0 2014 - Record low -1.1 2021
Nestled on 12th Street here in New Westminster, Collected Treasures is a cozy, welcoming new shop brimming with charm, potential, and determination. Despite its inspiring concept and a heartfelt passion for providing the community with unique finds, the store’s opening has been met with an unexpected hurdle: a national postal strike.
Owner Jennifer Guasch opened the doors just two days before the strike began, leaving much of her carefully selected inventory stranded at the border. “It’s been tough,” she admits, “but the community has already shown a lot of support, and it keeps me motivated.”
The vision behind Collected Treasures is simple: to create a warm, inviting space where customers can explore, relax, and discover something special. From quirky knickknacks to thoughtful gifts, the shop has something for everyone—though many items are still on their way due to shipping delays. When asked what makes her most proud, [Name] shared, “I want this store to feel like a little haven where people can take their time, whether they’re shopping for a gift or just looking for a moment of inspiration.”
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Choosing a location for her dream shop was no accident. The walkability and community-oriented vibe of 12th Street made it the perfect spot. “It feels like a neighborhood where people truly care about each other,” she explained. “I’ve already had so many friendly faces stop by just to say hello or offer encouragement.”
Even with the challenges, Collected Treasures is finding its footing thanks to local interest and word-of-mouth buzz. The store’s small but growing inventory is already catching the attention of shoppers, and [Name] is eager to expand once her full stock arrives. She’s also looking forward to participating in local events, like craft fairs and neighborhood markets, to deepen her ties with the community. “There’s such a great spirit here,” she said. “I can’t wait to get more involved.”
While Collected Treasures works through its opening hiccups, there are plenty of ways you can support this budding small business: stop by to explore the treasures already in stock—even if you’re just browsing, your presence helps create a lively and welcoming atmosphere; follow the shop’s Facebook page and share posts with your friends, as every bit of visibility counts; and keep an eye out for new items that are arriving soon, with the shop set to be fully stocked after the postal delays are resolved.
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Do stop by to say hello!
Walking into Collected Treasures feels like stepping into a storybook—every corner tells a tale of creativity and care. Whether you’re searching for a unique holiday gift, a little something for yourself, or just a friendly conversation, this store is worth a visit. Let’s rally around this new small business and show that the New Westminster community always supports its own. Drop by Collected Treasures this week—you might just find your next favorite thing!
For more updates, follow Collected Treasures on Facebook or visit the shop in person at 819 12th Street. Let’s help this heartfelt store thrive in its new home!
December 10, 2024
👪️ Family Playtime Drop-in (Quayside) – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
📖 Storytime (2-5 years) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
🔦 Light Experiments – 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
🎅 Meet & Greet Santa Claus – 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
🎅 Pet Holiday Photos – 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
🍕 Holiday Pizza Party w/ Councillors Tasha Henderson and Ruby Campbell – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
💡 Lights and Science – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
🍺 🎲 Beer and Board Games – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
🕺 Zumba Fitness – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
❓️ Trivia Tuesdays at Howe Sound New West – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
🛍️ Markers Alley Market – Massey Theatre
December 11, 2024
👪️ Family Playtime Drop-in (Quayside) – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
👪️ Uptown Playtime Drop-in (Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces) – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
💰️ Financial Aid (Welfare) Worker at NWPL – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
👶 Babytime (0-23 months) – 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
🏫 After-School Drop-In (5-12 years) – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
📔 Intergenerational Holiday Card Making – 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
🛍️ Shine Bright Alluring Antiques Crawl – 6:00 PM to 8:00 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
👦👧 Connect Youth (13+) – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
🛍️ Markers Alley Market – Massey Theatre
🎲 Charity Drag Bingo with Justin Abit – 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
December 12, 2024
👪️ Family Playtime Drop-in (Quayside) – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
👶 Babytime (0-23 months) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
🍼 Baby Social (0-23 months) – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
🎤 An Abba Christmas – All-ages Stage Extravaganza
🎸 Holiday Ukelele Tuneups – 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
🏺 Shine Bright Thrifting for Treasures Crawl – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
🎙️ Karaoke Night at Georgie's – 7:00 PM
🎙️ Colossal Thursdays Karaoke at The Terminal Pub – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
🛍️ Markers Alley Market – Massey Theatre
🧮 Tax Benefits and Credits for Temporary Residents with CRA – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
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Celebrate the magic of the season with ABRA Cadabra: An ABBA Christmas at The Massey Theatre on December 12th. This dazzling all-ages production, presented by Moon Coin Productions, promises an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and festive fun.
The event features a spectacular live band, stunning vocals, energetic dancers, and all-new costumes paired with dynamic multimedia effects. Audiences will be treated to timeless ABBA hits such as "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia," alongside a sprinkling of holiday classics. It's an interactive show designed to keep everyone moving, laughing, and singing along!
ABRA Cadabra, a Vancouver-based tribute band, has spent over two decades thrilling audiences worldwide. Known for their vibrant performances at prestigious venues, including Singapore's Esplanade Theatre, Vancouver's Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and Florida's Universal Studios, they have captivated fans across cultures and generations.
Come dressed in your holiday finest and bring the whole family to experience the sparkle, joy, and nostalgia of an ABBA-inspired Christmas celebration.
For more information, visit www.iloveabba.com or follow them on social media (@TributeToABBA on Facebook and Instagram).
🧿 Economic Forum 2025: A Day to Plan New Westminster’s Future Together
Mark your calendar for February 6, 2025, as the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Downtown New West BIA, hosts the highly anticipated Economic Forum at the Anvil Centre. This all-day event serves as a platform for the community to come together and envision the future of New Westminster over the next five, ten, and fifteen years.
Key questions will be addressed, such as: What do we want for housing, business, industry, infrastructure, and amenities? How can we tackle the challenges facing the city while leveraging its unique features? With a new provincial government in Victoria and a local government crafting a new five-year economic plan, this is an opportunity for residents, businesses, and stakeholders to collaborate and share their ideas directly with decision-makers.
The forum will feature an engaging lineup of speakers, including industry leaders and community voices:
Gary Pooni of the Pooni Group
Todd Yeun of Beedie Industrial
Angelene Prakash of the Downtown New West BIA
Natalie Miller, community leader and wife of Canucks star JT Miller
Ian Totenson of the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association
The event will be emceed by celebrated local journalist Charmain de Silva. Speakers will focus on topics like community visioning, sustainable development, philanthropy, and future-proofing New Westminster to meet upcoming challenges.
In addition to thought-provoking discussions, attendees will enjoy networking opportunities, a catered luncheon, and a chance to collaborate with local leaders.
This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of community sponsors: Title Sponsors Beedie Industrial and the Pooni Group; Gold Sponsors Vintop and Edgar; Bronze Sponsors FortisBC and Custom Realty. Community Partners include the Downtown New West BIA, the City of New Westminster, and Media Partner The New West Record.
⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️
☔️ Why did the man go outside and put ketchup in the rain?
😹 Because it’s raining cats and hot dogs. 🌭🐶
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