Inside this New West Spotlight Newsletter…

 🌥️ New West Weather - Sunny and Cold 🥶 

 Rain Riddle - For what reason did the raindrop join the chorus?

 (Answer at the bottom of the newsletter)

 🍰 Business Spotlight - Take the Cake

  🎀 Announcing Milestone Celebrations 🎁🎀 - New Feature Added - 😯 

  🗓️ New West Events - Busy Weekend!

🕵️‍♂️ New West Local News - Strong Cities Initiative + Inclusive Learning

 😀 Viral Meme

 📰 Advertise with New West Spotlight - Buy One, Get One Free

Read New West Spotlight Online

Take The Cake: Where Creativity Meets Community in Every Bite

Nestled in the heart of New Westminster, Take The Cake is more than just a bakery—it’s a creative space where desserts come to life and customers shape the menu. Known for its high-quality pastries, cakes, and desserts, the bakery adds an exciting twist to its weekly offerings: Saturday Taste Test Days.

Each Friday, the skilled bakers at Take The Cake create experimental treats by testing bold new recipes and flavors. On Saturdays, these special creations are available for customers to try and provide feedback. If you’re curious about what’s next in baked goods, Saturdays at Take The Cake are your chance to be part of the creative process.

At Take The Cake, baking is a blend of art and science. The team constantly draws inspiration from global flavors, seasonal ingredients, and feedback from their loyal customers. Their Saturday Taste Test Days are a testament to this commitment to innovation. Each week, the bakery debuts new potential menu items, from creative cookies and pastries to unique cake flavors and formats.

This interactive approach not only keeps the menu fresh and exciting but also allows customers to have a direct hand in shaping the bakery’s offerings. By trying the test items and sharing their thoughts, customers become collaborators in the bakery’s ongoing journey of culinary creativity.

While Saturdays are reserved for experimental treats, the bakery’s regular menu is packed with customer favorites, including:

• Cakes and Cheesecakes: Perfect for birthdays, weddings, and other special moments.

• Cheesecake Jar: 🥳 Coming Soon 🎉 - very light, no-bake, less sweet.

• Rich Chocolate Ganache Tarts: A must-try for chocolate lovers.

• Seasonal Fruit Pies: Made with fresh, local ingredients.

• Freshly Baked Cookies and Muffins: Great for a quick snack or a cozy coffee pairing.

The bakery is known for its willingness to push boundaries, offering adventurous flavors and unique dessert concepts. From zesty citrus-infused pastries to decadent caramel creations, there’s always something new and exciting to try.

Take The Cake isn’t just about creating delicious desserts—it’s also deeply committed to supporting the New Westminster community. The bakery plays an active role in local events and initiatives, bringing people together through the joy of sweet treats.

Each year, Take The Cake proudly sponsors the Lighting of the Firehall, a beloved community tradition that attracts approximately 1,000 local residents. The bakery contributes its famous shortbread and Christmas cake to the event, which has become crowd favorites, adding a festive touch to the celebration.

Take The Cake also lends its support to the Children’s Festival, donating hundreds of cupcakes for children to enjoy. A highlight of the event is the cupcake-decorating activity, where kids get to unleash their creativity while making their own sweet masterpieces. This hands-on experience has become a cherished part of the festival, spreading joy to children and their families alike.

The team at Take The Cake is always looking for meaningful ways to give back, whether it’s through sponsorships, donations, or community events. Their efforts are a reflection of their core belief: that a strong community is built through connection, support, and, of course, a little sweetness.

Stop By and Take The Cake

Whether you’re stopping in for one of their signature treats or looking to be part of the excitement on a Saturday Taste Test Day, Take The Cake has something for everyone. Be sure to mark your calendar for Saturdays—it’s the day when creativity and flavor come together most sweetly.

150-1110 Ewen Ave, New Westminster, BC V3M 5E4 - (604) 553-9188

Hours:

Take The Cake is proudly locally owned and operated in New Westminster, led by the talented Lalit Pant, a European-trained baker with over 20 years of experience. Lalit’s expertise has taken him across the globe, with notable stops in Dubai, UAE, Taiwan, London, England, and Europe, where he honed his craft and mastered the art of fine baking. While in London, Lalit achieved international recognition, winning two prestigious gold medals for his Chocolate Truffle Cake and a silver medal for his Black Forest Cake. His dedication to excellence and artistry ensures that every dessert at Take The Cake is a testament to his skill and passion for baking.

Celebrate Life's Big Moments in the New West Spotlight!

Do you know a New Westminster resident (or a former long-time New West resident) celebrating an incredible milestone? Whether it’s a 90th (or more!) birthday or a 60th (or more!) anniversary, let’s honor them in style!

Nominate your loved ones or friends to be featured in our daily digital newsletter, the New West Spotlight, and share their joy with the entire community. It’s a wonderful way to make their milestone moment even more special!

Submit the details through our quick Google Form here, and we’ll include their celebration on their big day.

Let’s come together to celebrate the amazing people who make New West such a vibrant and cherished community. Start sharing those milestone stories today!

January 25, 2025

🧘 Gentle Yoga & Gratitude by Laura O’Reilly – 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM

⛰️ Blustery Fraser Canyon – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

 🕹️ Global Game Jam - 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

🏮 Lantern Making Workshop – 11:00 AM at Kinder Books

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🙋 Choc ou ajustement culturel? – 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

🎆 Lunar New Year Art Workshop (6-8 years) – 1:30 PM to 2:45 PM

🎆 Lunar New Year Art Workshop (9-12 years) – 3:15 PM to 4:30 PM

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

🍳 Perogies for Peace – 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

🎲 Music Bingo – 5:45 PM / 6:30 PM / 7:15 PM

👑 The Grand Finals Night of The Miss Filipinas Worldwide – 6:00 PM Anvil Theatre

🤼 365 Pro Wrestling – 6:30 PM

 💃 Jazz Cats Social - Joe Abbott's Swing Team! – 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM

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

🎭️ Masquerade Ball – at Club Eden

🍻 Rotary Bevies & Bites - Early bird pricing ends January 31st

January 26, 2025

⛰️ Blustery Fraser Canyon – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

 🕹️ Global Game Jam - 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Literacy Week Celebration – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

📚️ Family Literacy Week Book Giveaway – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🎨 Cindy's Creative Cafe and Karaoke – 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

📱 Teens Teach Technology – 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

👕 Clothing Swap in New West – 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM

🥁 Global Tea Series – 3:00 PM

💃 Robbie Burns Event – 4:30 PM at Legion Branch #2

🎲 Board Game Monthly – 5:00 PM

🏈 Sunday and Monday Night Football – at the Terminal Pub

January 27, 2025

🧩 Puzzle Mondays at Steel and Oak – Starts at 5:00 PM

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

🏈 Sunday and Monday Night Football – at the Terminal Pub

🎲 Family Literacy Week Bingo (all ages) – All Day

📖 Lunar New Year Storytime (Cantonese) – 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM

 🌇 City Council Votes to Align New Westminster with Strong Cities Initiative

New Westminster has taken a step toward addressing hate, extremism, and polarization by joining the Strong Cities Network, a global alliance of local governments and leaders dedicated to tackling these challenges. The decision was approved during a council meeting on January 13, with a 5-2 vote in favor of a motion proposed by Councillor Nadine Nakagawa.

The Strong Cities Network (SCN) is an independent global coalition launched in 2015 at the United Nations. It brings together cities, municipalities, and regional governments to address hate and extremism at the local level. The initiative emphasizes the unique role cities play in both understanding and responding to the impacts of these issues within their communities.

Local governments are often at the forefront of providing essential services and interacting directly with residents. This gives them a critical vantage point for addressing how broader societal tensions manifest in urban environments, where communities and infrastructure are often disproportionately affected by hate-fueled violence and extremist acts.

SCN aims to empower mayors, councils, and other local leaders by fostering collaboration and building connections between cities worldwide. This network seeks to elevate the role of local governments in shaping proactive strategies for preventing and responding to hate and polarization in their regions.

By joining SCN, New Westminster aligns itself with a growing number of cities that are committed to creating safer, more inclusive communities through coordinated action and shared expertise.

Click Here For More Information on the Strong Cities Initiative

 🧑‍🏫 Inclusive Learning: Workshop Helps Educators Embrace Culturally Responsive Teaching

Early childhood educators in the community are invited to participate in a transformative workshop titled "Authentic Indigenous Solidarity: A Holistic Approach for Early Childhood Educators." This 5-hour session, designed to empower participants with culturally responsive education tools, will take place on [insert date].

The workshop offers an immersive experience, combining interactive activities and somatic practices to help educators explore their role in decolonizing the classroom. Participants will engage in self-reflection, address the impact of colonial wounds, and learn to connect with the Land as a source of healing and growth. Practical strategies will be provided to help educators create inclusive, community-driven environments and navigate complex conversations around Indigenous history.

The event will be led by Candace Linklater, a Moose Cree First Nation member, educator, and advocate for Indigenous children's rights. Currently pursuing her Ph.D., Linklater is the founder of Relentless Indigenous Woman Co. and a prominent social media voice on Indigenous issues. Her work emphasizes creating safe spaces for Indigenous queer youth and reimagining colonial education systems.

Attendees will receive a 5-hour professional certificate and enjoy a provided lunch. Sign-in begins at 8:15 AM. This workshop is an opportunity for educators to deepen their understanding of authentic Indigenous solidarity and walk away with actionable tools for positive change in their classrooms.

Get Your Tickets Here

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

💧 For what reason did the raindrop join the chorus ? 🎼 

 ⛈️ Thunderous was the sound of it’s voice. 🗣️ 

Meme of the Day

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