New West Pickle Ball Club + Karen Tam’s New Artwork

Issue #145

Author

Carla McNeil
February 18, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌧️ Weather - Rain

 🌧️ Rain Joke - What do you call rain that leads to floods in the city? 🏙️

 🔦 Business Spotlight - Heartberry Soda

 💝 Testimonials - Thank You, Mavis P.!

 🎫 Enter The Draw Today - Free Tickets to Bevies & Bites

 🗓️ New West Events - 3 full days

 🗞️ New West Local News - New West Pickle Ball Club + Karen Tam’s New Artwork

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

 🔈️ ANNOUNCEMENT - When you scroll down to the bottom of the newsletter and click on unsubscribe here, you can now manage your subscription. The option to receive the newsletter once per week instead of every day is now available!

At the intersection of Indigenous heritage and craft beverage innovation, Heartberry Soda is redefining the soda experience. Rooted in traditional Indigenous knowledge and sustainable foraging practices, this unique beverage company creates low-sugar, low-calorie sodas infused with the natural flavors of wild plants. Each small-batch creation reflects the cultural richness of the land while offering a refreshing, nutrient-rich alternative to mainstream sodas.

Founded by Nadine Jopson, Heartberry Soda is more than just a beverage—it's a celebration of Indigenous traditions and a commitment to ethical harvesting. The sodas feature real fruit and wild-foraged ingredients whenever possible, honoring the natural gifts of the land while respecting traditional knowledge passed down through generations. The packaging also incorporates translations of key ingredients, further reinforcing the connection between language, culture, and the environment.

Jopson’s journey into craft soda brewing was sparked during the pandemic while participating in hide-tanning classes that used natural materials like bark and minerals. This hands-on experience deepened her understanding of native plants and their uses, inspiring her to explore plant-based medicines and infuse their healing properties into handcrafted sodas. Today, Heartberry Soda is not just about great flavors, but also about honoring Indigenous traditions, respecting the land, and preserving ancestral knowledge.

Heartberry Soda is one of the many generous contributors to the Rotary Club of New Westminster’s 5th Annual Bevies & Bites event, joining fellow beverage vendor Pacific Breeze Winery in supporting this community initiative. The event, set for February 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM, is a FUNdraiser dedicated to supporting local food programs, ensuring no one in the community goes hungry.

Attendees at Bevies & Bites will have the opportunity to sample Heartberry Soda’s innovative flavors, which are designed for both sober-curious individuals and those looking for a low-sugar cocktail mixer. The event is a perfect setting to experience these wild-foraged, plant-based sodas while also enjoying a variety of delicious food and drinks from other local vendors.

Heartberry Soda isn’t just about providing an alternative to mainstream sugary drinks—it’s about creating a product that resonates with Indigenous communities and beyond. Given the high prevalence of diabetes in many Indigenous populations, the brand prioritizes low-sugar, health-conscious recipes while still delivering bold, natural flavors.

By supporting Bevies & Bites, Heartberry Soda is continuing its mission to uplift community initiatives while introducing more people to the beauty of ethically harvested, Indigenous-inspired beverages. Guests at the event will not only get a taste of Heartberry Soda’s refreshing, nutrient-rich flavors, but they’ll also be supporting a cause that helps provide food security for those in need.

The Rotary Club of New Westminster’s 5th Annual Bevies & Bites event is shaping up to be a must-attend experience for food and drink lovers. Hosted at Royal City Centre, the event will showcase a wide range of local beverage vendors including Granville Island Brewing Co., Yellow Dog, Steel & Oak, Red Truck, and many more. Attendees can also enjoy delicious bites from Freshslice Pizza, Dan’s Diner, White Spot, Eatfitco, Vadapav Mirchi by Geeta, and Bak’d Cookies.

Beyond food and drinks, the evening will feature a 50/50 draw, a silent auction, and a chance to mingle with fellow community members, all while supporting a meaningful cause. Each ticket includes beverage and food tastings, along with a souvenir tasting glass to remember the night.

Tickets are available online, with an option to purchase without fees by contacting [email protected].

With Heartberry Soda and Pacific Breeze Winery among the standout vendors, Bevies & Bites is set to be a night of exceptional flavors and community spirit. Whether you’re looking to sample unique Indigenous-inspired sodas, handcrafted small-batch wines, or locally brewed craft beers, this event offers a little something for everyone—all while giving back to a great cause.

From the wild-foraged flavors of Heartberry Soda to the award-winning wines of Pacific Breeze, Bevies & Bites celebrates local craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and community generosity.

Raise a glass, savor the flavors, and support a great cause at the 5th Annual Bevies & Bites!

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for today - Record high 12.6 2015 - Record low -2.9 2018

Thank you, Mavis - you are so sweet!

We’ve got two free tickets to the New West Rotary Club Bevies & Bites event on February 22, 2025. Entering the draw is super quick and easy!

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

February 18, 2025

🗣️ English Conversation Circles – Tuesday Mornings – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

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

💃 Weekly Bellydance Classes with Katarina and Juliana – 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

🗣️ English Conversation Circles – Tuesday Afternoons – 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

💻️ Tech Café – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

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

🎨 Acrylic Pouring – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

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

👮 Police Board Meeting – 6:00 PM

🎷 Jazz at the Anvil: Frazey Ford – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

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

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🎭️ Road House Comedy – 8:00 PM

💰️ Heart of the Matter online AUCTION (Feb 15 to Mar 09) – Royal City Rotary Club

February 19, 2025

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

🎨 Lino Cutting – 10:00 AM to 1:00 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

👶 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

📚️ Reading Buddies (6-9 years) – 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM

🎤 Razzle Dazzle Divas – 4:00 PM to 6:00 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 hosted by Scarlett Rosé – 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 9:30 PM

February 20, 2025

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

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

📖 Tigrinya Storytime – 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

🍵 Sweetheart Tea – 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

🧵 Rug Tufting – 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM

🚺️ Empower ME - Women's Health and Wellness Event – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🎙️ Table 29 Karaoke – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

🧑‍🌾 Gardening: Common Garden Mistakes – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

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

🎤 Razzle Dazzle Divas – 7:00 PM

🎹 Dueling Pianos – 7:00 PM

📕 ESL Class – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

🎨 Bee's Knee's Burlesque – 7:00 PM to 9:30 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

🧘 FREE Strength & Stretch Yoga @ Vista Royale – 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Pickleball enthusiasts in New Westminster and the Lower Mainland have found a home in the New West Pickleball Club, a vibrant and welcoming community for players of all skill levels. Whether you're new to the sport or an experienced player, the club offers a space to connect, compete, and foster lasting friendships on and off the court.

Founded in 2022 by Debby Morgan, Marion Bonner, Hazel Padula, Kelly Cannon, and Bernita Boersma, the club emerged from a shared goal: advocating for more pickleball opportunities in New Westminster. Despite persistent efforts to secure more court time at community centers and outdoor facilities, progress was slow. Recognizing the need for an organized voice, the founders set out to establish a formal club, leveraging experience from the successful launch of the Nanaimo Pickleball Club in 2010.

Before officially forming, the group partnered with the non-profit organization RE-Food to host a fundraising tournament, raising $1,500 for the cause. Inspired by this success, they expanded their efforts, bringing on key members Vandy Britton and Liz Hoath to strengthen the club's advocacy. In discussions with New Westminster Parks and Recreation, they were advised to align with provincial and national pickleball organizations to enhance their influence. This led to affiliations with Pickleball BC and Pickleball Canada, as well as official recognition as a not-for-profit club by the BC Government.

Starting with just 15 members, the New West Pickleball Club has flourished, now boasting 170 dedicated members. As the club continues to grow, it remains committed to fostering community, increasing access to courts, and sharing the love of pickleball across New Westminster.

A new public art installation in downtown New Westminster will celebrate the city's Chinese Canadian community and recognize its historical contributions.

The City of New Westminster has commissioned artist Karen Tam to create a public artwork for Agnes Street Commemorative Park, a new green space at 824 Agnes St. The park, located on the former site of the Chinese Benevolent Association of New Westminster, will serve as a tribute to early Chinese settlers who played a vital role in the city’s development.

Mayor Patrick Johnstone emphasized the importance of this recognition, noting that historical records document at least two former Chinatowns in New Westminster, including one near Agnes and Eighth Streets. He expressed gratitude for Tam’s work, which will provide visitors with an opportunity to reflect on the lives and stories of early Chinese residents.

Tam’s artwork, Grove of Wild Bamboo and Sweet Peas, was selected by a panel in 2023. Inspired by archival photographs and documents, the piece will feature a series of panels resembling traditional Chinese hand-scroll paintings, paper-cutting, and latticework, weaving together a visual narrative that connects the past, present, and future.

The park’s construction is being funded by Brookfield Properties as part of a community amenity contribution linked to a residential redevelopment at 810 Agnes St. Work is expected to begin in 2026, with the park slated for completion in fall 2027.

Tam, an award-winning artist from Montréal, sees the project as a way to build connections between history, art, and community. She expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, calling it both a celebration and a tribute to the resilience of Chinese Canadian families in New Westminster.

The installation is part of the city’s broader Chinese reconciliation efforts, which began in 2009 and led to a formal apology in 2010 for past discrimination against the Chinese community. The park will also feature interpretive displays and narratives acknowledging this history.

Founder of the Canadians for Reconciliation Society, Bill Chu, welcomed the progress, viewing the park as a meaningful step in recognizing historical wrongs and fostering a shared sense of identity and community.

New Westminster was the first city in Canada to officially apologize for its past discriminatory practices toward Chinese Canadians. In 2011, the city repealed discriminatory bylaws dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, furthering its commitment to reconciliation.

As New Westminster moves forward with these initiatives, the new park and Tam’s artwork will serve as a lasting tribute to the strength and contributions of the city’s Chinese Canadian community.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ What do you call rain that leads to floods in the city? 🏙️ 

😱 Rain of terror. 💧 

Groan O' Meter

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