Youth Awards Nominations + Online Auction Ending

Issue #162

Author

Carla McNeil
March 07, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

 ☁️ Weather - Cloudy with showers

 😜 Rain Joke - Why was the cloud embarrassed? ☁️

 🔦 Business Spotlight - Great Wall Tea Company

  🗓️ New West Events - Variety

 🗞️ New West Local News - Youth Awards Nominations + Online Auction Ending

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

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 11.4 2014 - Record low -1.9 2024

Sip, Savor, and Support Local: Discover New Westminster’s Premier Loose Leaf Tea Shop

For the past 15 years, the Great Wall Tea Co. has been steeping something special in the heart of New Westminster.

Founded in 2010 by Lauren Bowler and Sean Smith, the shop was born from Lauren’s deep passion for tea and her desire to share it with the New West community. In 2018, Jimmy Kim joined as co-owner, bringing a vision for growth while maintaining the intimate, customer-first experience the shop is known for. That vision expanded in 2022 with the opening of a second location at Lougheed Mall, allowing even more people to experience their exceptional teas and warm hospitality.

What keeps customers coming back? The variety, the quality, and, above all, the service. Whether you’re looking for a calming chamomile, a bold black tea, or a unique seasonal blend, the knowledgeable team is always ready to help you find the perfect cup. Plus, all teas are gluten-free and vegan-friendly, so there’s something for everyone.

Drop by and have a sip!

Beyond tea, Great Wall Tea Co. is deeply rooted in community giving. Their partnership with Pottery Works at the Lougheed location provides a platform for artists overcoming disabilities, with a high percentage of sales directly supporting the organization. They also contribute to local fundraisers and collaborate with beloved New West businesses like El Santo, Steel & Oak, and Moodswing, proving that great tea and great community go hand in hand.

Exciting things are always brewing here! This summer, expect to see some refreshing new beverage options and more exciting local partnerships. Whether you’re a seasoned tea connoisseur or just looking for a cozy new spot to explore, stop by and experience the warmth and quality of this beloved local gem. Your perfect cup of tea—and a welcoming community—awaits!

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

March 07, 2025

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

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

🍔 Between 2 Buns – 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

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

🕺 Mark Dizon's Drop-In Class – 5:00 PM to 6:15 PM

🧘 Yoga with HIM in New West – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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

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

🎶 The Superpunk Super Tour - New West Minster – 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

🎲 Board Night Game – Phantom Alley

🎭️ Mama Mia – Massey Theatre

🍸️ Cocktails and Conjuring – The Flapper Lounge

March 08, 2025

🍾 ROTARY Community Bottle-Drop – 9:00 AM to 12:00

⛑️ Awakening Through Trauma - The Workshop – 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Settlement Service Drop-In – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

🇬🇭 Ghana Independence Day Party – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

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

❓️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

🏙️ Our City, Our Homes – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🕊️ Build a Birdhouse – 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

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

🔍️ River Basin Days - The Five Senses – 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

🏆️ Awards Night – 5:00 PM to late

⛪️ Byzantine Night – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

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

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

🎭️ Mama Mia – Massey Theatre

March 09, 2025

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM

🎨 ADHD Expressive Art Therapy – 11:00 AM

🌃 The Universe is Calling – 12:00 PM

🖋️ Indigenous Brilliance Writing Circle – 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

⛸️ Public Skate – 1:15 PM to 2:45 PM

🥞 12th Street Food Crawl – 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM

🎼 Messa Di Gloria – 2:00 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 2:00 PM

🎨 Artist Salon with Dizz Mcgruber – 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

👯‍♂️ Condom Packing Party in New West – 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

🎨 Screen Printing – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

 🏈 Sunday and Monday Night Football – at the Terminal Pub

🥊 UFC 313: Pereira vs Ankalaev  – Match Eatery & Public House - New Westminster

Nominations are Closing Soon - March 15, 2025

The New West Youth Awards are back, celebrating the outstanding young people who make a difference in our community! These awards recognize the passion and dedication of youth aged 13–18 in New Westminster—whether they’re leading change, giving back, excelling in sports, embracing the arts, or championing sustainability.

We also honor those who support youth through the Adult Ally Award, recognizing businesses, organizations, and individuals who uplift and empower the next generation.

What Do Nominees and Winners Receive? Nominees will be invited to a special award ceremony on Thursday, May 1, 2025, where they’ll receive a New West Youth Legacy Package filled with exciting swag. Winners in each category will receive a $100 honorarium and a signed Letter of Recognition to support future opportunities.

How to Nominate Know an inspiring young leader, artist, athlete, or community champion? Nominating them is easy! The online nomination form will be available starting January 2025. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • The nominee’s name, address, phone, and email.

  • Their school and current grade.

  • A short story explaining why they deserve the award.

  • Your contact info and relationship to the nominee.

Submit your nomination and help celebrate the incredible youth in our city! Nominations close on March 15, 2025.

For more details, contact Youth Services Coordinator Paolo Zenone at [email protected] or 604-515-3801.

Award Categories

  • Leadership – Recognizing youth who inspire and drive positive change.

  • Community Service – Celebrating selfless volunteers making a difference.

  • Athletics – Honoring young athletes who mentor and uplift others.

  • Arts & Culture – Showcasing creative youth who enrich the community.

  • Sustainability – Applauding environmental advocates leading sustainable change.

  • Adult Ally – Recognizing adults, businesses, or organizations supporting youth success.

Let’s celebrate the next generation of leaders and changemakers! Nominate an outstanding youth or adult ally today.

Visit newwestyouth.ca/youthawards to submit your nomination!

Ending Soon - March 09, 2025

The countdown is on! The Royal City Rotary Annual Online Auction is coming to a close, and bidding ends on March 9. Don't miss your final chance to score incredible deals while supporting important community projects!

With 500+ unique gifts and experiences, there’s still time to find a hidden gem or outbid the competition on your must-have item. Be sure to check the "Just Added" category—you might find a last-minute surprise!

🔥 Featured Deal: New West Spotlight – Auction Item #9003!

Calling all New Westminster businesses! Want to put your business in the spotlight? Bid on this exclusive New West Spotlight package, which includes:
✅ Three full months of daily exposure in the popular New West Spotlight newsletter
✅ Your business logo front and center to 2,600+ engaged subscribers
✅ A clickable link directing readers to your website, social media, or special promotion
💰 Value: $900 – available ONLY through this auction!

This is an unbeatable opportunity to boost your business—but only if you bid before March 9!

💡 Haven’t placed a bid yet? Now is the time!
💡 Have your eye on something? Don’t let it slip away!
💡 Know someone who loves a great deal? Share this with them before it’s too late!
💡 Last batch of new items is being added TODAY.

Let’s finish strong! Visit the auction now and place your final bids before it’s too late.

Thank you for supporting "To the Heart of the Matter"! ❤️

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

☁️ Why was the cloud embarrassed? 😅 

😅 Because it saw the sky’s bottom!

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