Good morning, Thursday.

Along with the heat 🥵 I was stunned to look at my calendar and see we have a stat holiday coming up. (Already?!) That being said, just a reminder that if you’re going anywhere this weekend to check ahead to make sure places are open. And while there are a lot of things to do in New West over the Victoria Day long weekend, if you’re planning on hopping on a ferry, plan ahead for that too.

Otherwise: drink plenty of water, seek that shade, and stay safe!

SPONSORED BY CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER

Mayor’s Food Bank Challenge

The mayors of New Westminster, Burnaby, Vancouver, North Vancouver, and West Vancouver are challenging their communities to help the Greater Vancouver Food Bank feed people in need.

Donate today and help Mayor Patrick Johnstone prove that New Westminster is the best at taking care of their own!

🗞 In other news

Dangerous driving. New West Police say a suspect has been arrested after people in the Uptown area reported spotting someone erratically driving a taxi cab yesterday afternoon.

Smoke en route. Wondering why our sky is looking a little smoggy? Wildfires burning in places like Alberta are partly to blame. (CityNews Vancouver)

Vape rates. According to data from Health Canada’s Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs survey, the number of Canadian teens using e-cigarettes ranks among the highest in the world. (CBC)

Child luring investigation. A 10-year-old girl was the victim in an attempted child luring that happened last week, according to Coquitlam Mounties. The suspects, two women, allegedly asked the child to get into a vehicle, offering her treats. The child got away after spotting a bylaw officer. (CTV Vancouver)

Cone zone reminder. With summer on its way, the Work Zone Safety Alliance is reminding everyone of the rules about driving in construction zones. Penalties range from disobeying a traffic control device ($121) to using an electronic device while driving in a work zone. ($368)

Label checking. A recent poll from Research Co. has found that Canadians aged 18 to 34 are more likely than their older counterparts to consider paying a premium for produce and groceries that are organic or free from genetically modified organisms.

Scammed. The Better Business Bureau is out with a warning after an international student, based in Vancouver, lost close to $6,500 in an employment scam.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Oliver Booth

According to the New Westminster Museum and Archives, Oliver Booth was a long-time city employee who ended his time working for New Westminster as its superintendent of the board of works. Check out this historic snapshot here.

🗓️ New West events

Submit your event: details and rules can be found here. 

Ongoing

• Romance and Roses. New West artist Marney-Rose Edge aims to bring beauty, falling in love, and romance to the forefront of our conversations. On until May 28. Gallery hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am to 2pm. Queen’s Park.

• Hidden Fragments: Layers of Discovery. Six artists recently met at a workshop where they discovered new methods of working with discarded paper and paint. Be sure to check out their work. On until June 9. Plaskett Gallery, Massey Theatre.

• Bike donation drive. On until June 30. Cap’s New Westminster. 434A Columbia St.

Today (May 18)

• Baby and Me yoga and tea. Presented by Move New West. Visit its website for more details and to register. 10:45am. 239 6th St.

• International Museums Day. The New Westminster Museum & Archives will be hosting an evening of gallery exploration and hands-on fun. 5pm. Anvil Centre, 2nd floor.

• Perkele Power. Workout to focus on strength, cardio, and mobility. 5:30pm. Queen’s Park.

• Community bike ride. This 12km ride will take you past the New West Farmers Market, and the Agnes Greenway. Email [email protected] if you’d like to book a spot. 6pm. Meeting place: Century House.

  Dueling Pianos. Dinner, dancing… and dueling pianos, of course. 7pm. Union Jack Pub.

• Hidden Wonders. The man who fooled Penn & Teller twice brings his show, Hidden Wonders, to a new hidden performance space. Tickets start at $50. 7pm. Secret location.

• Karaoke Night. 7pm. Georgie’s Local Kitchen and Bar. 250 Columbia St.

• Trivia Night. Free entry. 7:30pm. Sapperton District Tap House.

Friday (May 19)

• Hidden Wonders. Tickets start at $50. 7pm and 9:30pm. Secret location.

• Dance Party. 9pm. Georgie’s Local Kitchen and Bar. 250 Columbia St.

Saturday (May 20)

• Flash weekend. Reservations must be made directly with artists. Rates and times vary. New Edge Ink.

• Hidden Wonders. Tickets start at $50. 7pm and 9:30pm. Secret location.

• Dance Party. 9pm. Georgie’s Local Kitchen and Bar. 250 Columbia St.

• Sapperton Saturdays. DJ KC will spin live every Saturday night. Entry is free. 10pm. Sapperton District Taphouse.

Sunday (May 21)

• Family storytime. This edition features guests from Gardens4Kids. Parent participation required; this event is for children of all ages. RSVP required for this free event. 9:30am. Second floor, River Market.

• Flash weekend. Reservations must be made directly with artists. Rates and times vary. New Edge Ink.

• Paint night: Cactus Sunset. This local favourite tends to sell out fairly quickly, and for good reason: your ticket includes all the supplies you’ll need to create a masterpiece, guidance from a local artist, and a glass of wine or a beer. $43. 1pm. Paddlewheeler Pub.

• Hidden Wonders. Tickets start at $50. 3pm and 7pm. Secret location.

Monday (May 22, Victoria Day)

• Baby and Me yoga and tea. Visit the website for more details and to register. 10:45am. 239 6th St.

Tuesday (May 23)

• Chamber of Commerce AGM. The chamber will toast to new beginnings. An RSVP is required as space is limited. Free for chamber members, $20 for guests. 5pm. Plaskett Gallery, Massey Theatre.

• Name that Tune! This is a weekly event. Call or email ahead to book your table and have some fun. 7pm. Hops: A Northwest Pub.

Wednesday (May 24)

• State of the City. The mayor will be giving his annual address during a luncheon. Tickets start at $34. 11:30am. Starlight Casino.

• Rainbow Connections Cafe. Coffee, conversations, and community building can be found here. 3pm. Eighth and Eight Spaces.

• Trivia night. 7pm. Georgie’s Local Kitchen and Bar. 250 Columbia St.

• Trivia night. Brought to you by IQ 2000 Trivia. 7pm. Paddlewheeler Pub.

• Trivia night. Time TBD. Frankie G’s.