Christmas music is at the top of many minds, given that seasonal favourites seem to follow us wherever we go – work, school, the mall, and on and on. So, what I thought I’d do is list of some favourite Christmas anthems that, perhaps, you’ve never heard (or haven’t heard quite as often), as opposed to the ones you’re tired of.

The day Shelley Rothenberger came to sketch my portrait, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Like most of the subjects of the New West Artists Perfect Strangers show, I had never sat for a painter before. I was one of 25 New Westminster citizens, chosen to represent a broad cross-section of people, including the mayor, a local historian, and a barista. Each subject was randomly paired with a member of New West Artists, an upstart artist-run group supporting both career artists and emerging talent.

British Columbia tot pop stars Bobs & Lolo are coming to New Westminster for a free concert to kick off Royal City Centre’s Christmas activities this year.

New Westminster author and nominee for the Governor General’s Literary Award JJ Lee will talk about his new book The Measure of a Man at the New Westminster Public Library on Thursday, December 1 at 7 pm.

Halloween is just around the corner, so here’s a handy dandy list of events for everyone (and we do mean everyone) in the family. The pets in your life will be snout over tail for the Petrifying Pooch Parade, the horror fan will scream with joy for the Haunted Hall and you can even get a chance to PUMP yourself up with a Halloween workout!

Local author JJ Lee’s new book, “Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit” is so much more than its title suggests.

Movies capture our imaginations, and take us to another world. But, sometimes that world can look strangely familiar, especially living here in New Westminster: A myriad of films and TV series have been filmed here in New West.

On October 21 and 22, New Westminster will be the place to be for documentary film, with the launch of the first annual New West Doc Fest at Douglas College. A fundraiser to help with the cost of running this festival is coming up on September 28th at Heritage Grill.

If you are an avid reader like me, then you might be on the look out for a Book Club to join. I love the two book clubs that I belong to. They challenge me to read books I would have never have read before, ever. If you are interested there are a few book clubs around town.

Today’s topic is suggested by my neighbour Sloane, who emailed this suggestion: I had an idea for the next New West Wed: Summer Festivals! Which one is your favourite and why. I know there are ads in the newspaper and stuff but I always feel like I miss the smaller ones. And maybe someone might have a reason that would convince me to try others?

In New West, we certainly know how to celebrate! This year there are two days of Easter fun! There is, of course, the annual Antique Car and Easter Parade on Sunday, but with the re-opening of the River Market this year, there are now festivities on Saturday for everyone to enjoy, especially if family lunches and dinners take you out of the action in Queen’s Park on Sunday.

I must admit that I only vaguely recall hearing about Lit Fest New West before.  When I saw that the 3rd annual event is coming up on Friday, April 15th and Saturday, April 16th I was a little embarrassed that I hadn’t attended previously.  Being an avid reader, sometimes writer, and long time New West resident it seems like the kind of thing that should have been on my radar!
So, reading the blurb on the Arts Council website I immediately added it into my iPhone calendar so as not to miss this …

Bloom Art Studio at River Market is a safe place for kids to get messy – without driving parents crazy. At home, I like to craft with the kids, but I’m always a little leery of anything truly messy. It’s fun, but I always worry about the cleanup. In a space like Bloom, the kids are free to play with colour and form in a space that’s designed to handle mess.

Many afternoons or weekends over the past 12 years living on the Quay, I have seen amazement on the faces of children and elderly people pointing out on the river as they share tales of the past with a very knowledgeable person at one very special point on the waterfront. The place is the Samson V and the person is Mark MacKenzie, the smart man who devotes himself to the care of this wonderful ship.

Jarrah Hodge checks out the 65 Red Roses Benefit concert featuring Dan Mangan, Hannah Georgas, David Vertesi, and The Zolas.

I’m always searching for licensed places in New Westminster to fulfill roles in my life. I hang out at the Heritage Grill with some regularity because I like live music. I have spent more than one evening at the Terminal Pub because I want to watch a game. I have stopped in at Frankie G’s once or twice for trivia. My soccer team has been hitting the Dublin Castle after practices. And sometimes I want to go somewhere dark and quiet, with comfy chairs, a decent wine list, a pretty …

The Van Dop Gallery is kicking off a series of open houses to celebrate the season. The first one is this weekend, November 27th and 28th and features new works by Carole Arnston.
“All art is but imitation of nature” (Author Seneca the Younger).
Winter is near and Carole Arnston, the West Vancouver oil painter, is revealing new works that use a seasonal palate at the Van Dop Gallery’s Spirit of the Season Grand Opening Nov 27 & 28 from 11am-5pm.
Best-known for her large- scale floral abstractions and landscape vistas, Arnston’s series: …

A while back we partnered with River Market to host the P.S. New West poetry contest. River Market selected the winners and gave them the prizes, but their email to me with the winners’ names got lost in my email inbox. I just rediscovered the note today (oops). My inbox is a scary, scary place. Anyway, a bunch of you have been asking me about the winners, and here (belatedly) is who won. Sorry about the delay!

Urban Academy will host its fourth annual Christmas Magic at the Manor Craft Sale on Saturday and Sunday, November 20 and 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The popular sale will raise money to support the non-profit school’s activities, including its Art, Drama, French, and Music programs.
What makes the sale extra-special is that it’s held in what used to be Robson Manor—a Victorian-style home that has been converted into a JK-Grade 10 school (with plans to expand to grade 12). Parent volunteers put in countless hours emptying out all …

Milan, Paris, London … and New Westminster? Well, it may be a little while before the Royal City is commonly thought of in the same rank as those other famous bastions of fashion! But there are nevertheless more people working the fashion and modelling industries here in New West than you might think. Models, photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, wardrobe stylists, you can find them all here, ranging from experienced professionals to aspiring beginners and even quite a lot of people who do it just for fun!

BOO! Ah, autumn. I love it! The leaves… the smell… the pumpkins… the little ghouls! Halloween is one of my favourite events of the year, with a bit of something for everyone. Now that my son is getting to an age where he gets it (wear this, knock on door, say “tickoteet”, present candy holding device and be rewarded!) I’m started to realize how fun it can be. With a 150+ years history, New Westminster offers a lot in the way of creepy spots and stories, outside of the knowns like …

The New Westminster Public Library is proud to announce our fabulous new catalogue called Bibliocommons, which you can find at http://newwestminster.bibliocommons.com. Bibliocommons went live on October 5th 2010 and we’re proud to be the first library in British Columbia to do so.

Theatre does not have to be a faraway and inaccessible activity that happens mysteriously somewhere else. But rather, theatre created by those living in the same community can be something that brightens the cultural landscape on the most direct level possible. It takes a city already enriched by its own history, and makes sure that the history goes on for current and upcoming generations of those interested in artistic expression.

This is from the local #NewWest knitting group, Knit 1, Take 2, that we’ve written about before. They’re takin’ it outside! There sure is lots going on in this city on the 29th!
Needles will be flying this Sunday in Queen’s Park as New Westminster’s community knitting group, Knit 1, Take 2, celebrates national Knit in the Park Day. Knitters of all levels will gather near the covered picnic area from 12-4 pm on Sunday, August 29th, for knitting, laughs and some yarn-inspired fun. Everyone …

Summerfest in Grimston Park was a great success! Thanks to everyone who came. The turnout surpassed our expectations. We estimated that we had about 500 people at the movie alone, and maybe 1000 over the course of the afternoon. Our sleepy little West End park was packed with happy families!