NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS
Mission Possible jobs
BIA partners with Vancouver organization to hire people who face challenges
Tom Zillich
A new “Clean Team” has been hired in Newton in a partnership between the area BIA and Mission Possible, a Vancouver-based organization that aims to “transform lives through meaningful work.”
Hired for the job are people facing homelessness, poverty, substance use, mental illness and other barriers to employment, to help them “discover a renewed sense of confidence, opportunity and lasting change.”
In July the new Clean Team began their work in Newton Town Centre, home to nearly 530 businesses and property owners of Newton Business Improvement Association.
“So far, so good,” team member Abhishek said with a smile. “Some places are really clean and others have some garbage and stuff, but I’m doing my best to clean it up every week, getting it done.”
Mission Possible isn’t new to Surrey, but is to the BIA district in Newton, where longtime trash collector Kenneth Green retired in June. That’s when the BIA partnered with the Vancouver organization to employ its Clean Team.
“We’ve been doing work in Surrey for other customers, private customers, but this
is our first time working with this BIA,” noted Matthew Smedley, executive director of Mission Possible. “We run a social enterprise that does property maintenance work, so lots of property cleaning like pressure washing, graffiti removal, landscaping, those kinds of things, property upkeep,” he added.
“The people hired, they’re really on a journey back to permanent employment. They’re folks who have been excluded from work opportunities due to challenges they’ve been facing, and they’re trying to move their lives forward. Mission Impossible offers training, workshops being the key part of that, but then there’s on-the-job training as well.”
Launched as a faith-based humanitarian agency in 1992, Mission Possible has evolved into “a full-scope community economic development agency” — a charity focused on creating lasting change rather than exclusively meeting basic needs, according to its website.
“Our full team, right now we’ve got about 30 folks who are working in our social enterprises as our permanent team, and then we’ve got about 90 folks who are working with us on a part-time transitional basis,” Smedley reported.
With the new program in Newton, the organization is focused on hiring people in Surrey for the cleanup work, including
Abhishek and Conslata.
“I just moved to Surrey about two weeks ago. I like it,” Conslata said.
They wear MP Maintenance hats, wear orange safety vests and drive in a pickup truck with mpmaintenance.ca printed on the side.
“Over 1,200 folks last year came in our doors seeking an employment opportunity,”
Smedley said. “We were able to start 148 people, and the goal for us is really to grow those opportunities, to have more jobs, to have more people come in and get started with us, and then access permanent work.”
It’s a meaningful service, he said, “and for folks who are moving back into employment, doing work where they’re seeing the impact, cleaning up litter off the streets and beautifying a place, there’s a lot of pride that comes with that, right? They see the work and what they’re accomplishing, they’re becoming a contributor to the community, and those are really important things.”
Smedley said there’s a perception that people experiencing poverty and other challenges don’t want to work, and that’s not the case.
“People want an opportunity but sometimes they just aren’t able to get their foot in the door to actually get a job,” he explained.
“You know, it’s competitive in the workplace and if you’ve been out of work for years and you’ve been excluded because of different challenges you’re facing, getting a start is really difficult. So Mission Impossible is really about having a starting place for people to come in, get support, grow their confidence and their skills, and be able to transition into permanent work outside of our organization.”
INSIDE
ADDING COLOUR
Jag Nagra added vibrant new mural art to a Newton Athletic Park building – and built community in the process.
see page B2
GOING GLOBAL
Discover Surrey has opened a new office in Newton as it works to market the city worldwide. see page B3
GOLF SUCCESS
A Newton DJ’s charity golf tournament is going strong in support of Make-A-Wish Canada’s BC and Yukon chapter. see page B4
ACROSS GENERATIONS
A new playschool in Newton unites three generations in a ‘groundbreaking’ new model. see page B5
COMMUNITY BUILDING
The Arts Council of Surrey hosted a series of community markets at Newton Cultural Centre over the summer. see page B6
Mission Possible employees Abhishek and Conslata are members of the new Clean Team program in Newton. (Photo: Tom Zillich)
NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS
Mural painter adds colour to park with help of passers-by
Jag Nagra was commissioned to paint a mural on one of two buildings at Newton Athletic Park
Tom Zillich
While painting a colourful new mural at Newton Athletic Park, visual artist Jag Nagra says she had the best time getting to know the people who use the busy park, including some who helped her paint a building.
For 20 days in June and July, Nagra created “Community in Bloom” on a washroom/community room building at the park on 128 Street, along with assistants Mayuresh Ambekar and Kuntal Patel, as part of contract work for the City of Surrey.
“Newton Athletic Park is very active with community members and athletes, so I had a lot of engagement during the painting period with folks, and that’s what made the process so special,” reported Nagra, who lives in Pitt Meadows.
“I got to know the seniors who frequent the park very well, and on weekends during soccer or
cricket tournaments, a lot of people walking by would stop to talk,” she added.
“It really felt like a beautiful community project. The feedback was great. I also would sometimes have people ask me if they could paint with me and I said yes every time. Where I signed my name on the mural, I actually painted a series of white dots above my name to represent every person who helped, whether it was a few feet of background colour they painted, or even one brush stroke to try it out.”
Following a public art call, Nagra’s mural is one of two commissioned for the park this year, along with Ali Bruce’s work on a grey pavilion building. Surrey council approved their designs and contracts in February, with $55,000 in funding from the city’s Public Art Reserve via the Focus Newton project.
“Newton Athletic Park is a premiere destination for sports and athletics in the Lower Mainland, offering a wide range of sports facilities and amenities,” said a report to the council authored by Laurie Cavan, GM of Parks, Recreation & Culture. “Given the park’s wide pop-
ularity and use, it was recommended as a future site for public art in the Public Art Master Plan (2020-2029). Additionally, the extensive public engagement, as part of the Focus Newton campaign, expressed Newton residents’ desire for more public art in Newton.”
Nagra’s art has been painted and seen across Surrey in recent years, including a mural at the Community Savings Credit Union branch in Newton, Pride-coloured stairs, banners and mural at Guildford Town Centre, an art collaboration with students at Elgin Park Second-
Unique Glass Art & Local Creations
Studio Seventy Three is a not-for-profit gallery and working studio in Surrey, proudly supported by Community Living Society.
Home to 13 talented glass artists with 1–10 years of experience, the studio showcases stunning fused glass pieces handcrafted in-house.
You’ll also find an inspiring collection of work by 20 local artists-paintings, candles, jewellery, cards, blown glass, and more.
Discover our artists, shop one-of-a-kind gifts, or join a class!
Follow us online for updates and events.
We acknowledge that we work and learn on the unceded shared territories of the Coast Salish.
We acknowledge the q ícə y (Katzie), Semiahmoo and qʼʷa:nƛʼən (Kwantlen) First Nations who have been the stewards of this land since time immemorial.
112-7320-137th Street, Surrey, BC • www.studioseventythree.ca
ary and a Vaisakhi-themed bus operated by Translink.
At Newton Athletic Park, her new mural is designed to “integrate seamlessly into the park’s environment while delivering a vibrant experience,” Nagra stated. “Each of the four facades features a minimal but lively colour palette, chosen to evoke warmth, joy, and a connection to nature and community.”
Marigold flowers are painted on the east and west sides of the building, while the south side “celebrates the sports which are central to Newton Athletic Park’s identity” including a soccer cleat and ball, an elder riding a bicycle in traditional kurta pajama attire, tennis ball, cricket bat and basketball.
“Each subject in the mural is purposefully bold and eye-catching, ensuring the design remains visible and engaging, even from a distance,” Nagra stated.
“By incorporating large, clear elements and a striking palette, my goal is to provide a visual experience that welcomes park-goers and reflects their community with authenticity and pride.”
Visual artist Jag Nagra poses for a photo with a section of her new “Community in Bloom” mural on the washroom/ community room building at Newton Athletic Park in Surrey. (Jag Nagra/Contributed to Surrey Now-Leader)
NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS
Discover Surrey opens doors at new office in Newton
The office that markets Surrey to the world has found a home in Newton.
Discovery Surrey held an open house Thursday (Aug. 21) at #110-7455 132 St., to which the destination marketing organization moved in April after several years of temporary, smaller locations.
“Anyone can come and visit,” said Mary Ann Bell, interim executive director.
“Our goal is to promote Surrey and all the things to see and do, primarily to visitors, to have them come here, but also locals, to encourage locals to discover the city for themselves. We find that a lot of local residents don’t really know about all the fun things there are to see and do in Surrey — beaches, farmland, forest, city, huge restaurant population. There’s a lot.”
Discover Surrey employs six people at the new office, plus seasonal help.
“The core team definitely has grown,” Bell noted. “We’ve slowly added people since 2020.”
In June the organization launched a new Signature Experiences promotion involving eight Surrey businesses and the promise of
“unforgettable, locally crafted experiences” in the city.
Developed over the past two years, the eight curated “group tourism” experiences feature whisky, wine, birdwatching, cupcake making,
Bollywood dancing, “Spice Trail” restaurants, honeybees, a “Birds and Brews” adventure and sound healing.
“The goal is to have visitors come and experience that, and they (operators) can also go
out to meetings and conferences and other events,” Bell explained. “A lot of them are mobile so they can take their experience out to different events. Some of them are really popular, sold out.”
Bell says there are a lot of free things to do in Surrey, including beaches, galleries and museums, and Discover Surrey wants “more things that people are paying for and see the value in paying for them,” she said. “That all contributes to the economy, builds it all up, and sets us up as a destination.”
Asked to pick her “top three” things to do in Surrey, Bell took time deciding.
“I would probably do Green Timbers Park, also maybe a bird watching tour with Kris Cu — super interesting, and Surrey has so many birds and unique birds, stuff that you don’t even realize. And I would probably go and eat at Kathmandu. They have a location on 120th and also a new one in Guildford, right across from the mall. So good, yummy.”
Check Discover Surrey’s events calendar for things to do in the city.
On discoversurreybc.com, Discover Surrey is described as “a non-profit partner-based organization funded through the Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT).” The tax, up to three per cent, applies to sales of short-term accommodation provided in participating areas of B.C. on behalf of municipalities, regional districts and eligible entities.
NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS
Newton DJ’s golf tourney makes wishes come true 2025
Tom Zillich
It’s 15 years and counting for a charity golf tournament that has grown in Surrey after first struggling to get off the ground.
Every August, the Friends United Beyond All Race (F.U.B.A.R.) Golf Classic is played at Guildford Golf & Country Club, where the “best ball” tourney took place again Sunday, Aug. 24 in support of Make-A-Wish Canada BC & Yukon Chapter.
Event planning is led by longtime Newton resident Al Lamons, aka DJ Alibaba, known for playing music at parties and events across Metro Vancouver over the past few decades.
“About 15 years ago,” Lamons says, “my partner Felix Banting and I started hosting the (tournament) at Guildford Golf & Country Club, thanks
to then-GM Brian Mossop and the support of the owners, Corey and the Anderson family, who’ve continued to allow us to carry on the tradition.”
“The golf tournament began as a way for us to transition from our nightlife events, like the legendary and original F.U.B.A.R. Long Weekend Parties, and to use our platform to do something positive. We saw an opportunity to give back to the community through charity.”
At first they faced a lot of rejection when approaching established charities.
“Many felt we weren’t big enough or didn’t want to be associated with our brand,” Lamons recalled. “That changed the day I walked into Make-A-Wish Canada BC & Yukon Chapter and met Kim Heron. From the moment we spoke, there was a connection,
and she welcomed the partnership. Since then, we’ve proudly supported (Make-A-Wish) through the golf tournament, our Friends United Beyond All Race F.U.B.A.R. Roller Jam, Splashdown waterpark family days, and various glow party events I’ve hosted at venues where I DJ.”
The first F.U.B.A.R. Golf
SUKH DHALIWAL
12992 76 Ave #202, Surrey, BC (604) 598-2200 https://www.sukhdhaliwalmp.ca/
Classic involved just 24 players, “mostly friends of Felix,” Lamons said. “From those humble beginnings, we’ve grown into something truly special, all thanks to the unwavering support of our family, friends, and extended community.”
Lamons, who has lived in the Chimney Heights area of New-
ton for 24 years, currently DJs in Richmond on Friday nights at The Flying Beaver, Saturday nights at Milltown Bar & Grill, and hosts VanCity Soul Skate on the third Sunday of every month (October to May), at the PNE. He also DJs corporate events and weddings, works with City Dream Centre and volunteers at Relate
Church in Surrey, on initiatives including food hampers, back-to-school supply drives and counselling services.
Registration deadline was Thursday, Aug. 14 for this year’s F.U.B.A.R. Golf Classic. Details are posted on friendsunitedbeyondallrace. com, or visit facebook.com/ FriendsUnitedBeyondAllRaceTM.
“Friends United Beyond All Race has always been a small, independent, community-based organization, powered by friendships and relationships,” Lamons says. “Some key people who’ve been with us since day one include Melanie Hopkins (who guided me when I had no idea how to run a tournament), my business partner Vera Friesen, Kary Blaney, Cara Watts, my Delta Orioles Social Club teammates, BJ Mechanical, and my good friend Sean Ramjagsingh from EA Sports, who has gone as far as giving private EA tours for Wish families.”
Golfers and organizers at the 2024 Friends United Beyond All Race (F.U.B.A.R.) Golf Classic tournament at Guildford Golf & Country Club in Surrey. (Contributed to Surrey Now-Leader)
NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS
New playschool opens inside seniors care home
Tom Zillich
Operators of a new playschool in Surrey boast a “groundbreaking model” that brings together three generations — grandparents, parents and children — under one roof, “creating a vibrant and nurturing inter-generational environment.”
In Newton, Tiny Scholars Playschool opened July 2 inside Amenida Seniors Community, a care home for seniors focused on Korean culture and cuisine.
The facility is a Primacorp Ventures subsidiary located at 13857 68 Ave., Surrey.
“Tiny Scholars is a beautiful model of inter-generational care, where children thrive through play, seniors find renewed purpose, and families reconnect in meaningful ways,” claims Dr. Peter Chung, company chairman, in a news release.
The playschool has room for up to 41 children in “an intentionally designed space” where multicultural and multilingual inclusivity is promised.
“One of the most unique aspects of Tiny Scholars Playschool is its location within Ameni-
da Seniors Community,” the news release says. “Parents dropping off their children can greet resident grandparents in the hallway, and children have the opportunity to see or be welcomed by their own grandparents, building natural inter-generational bonds through daily routines.”
Tours can be booked on the website tinyscholars.ca, which advertises open house dates on Aug. 17 and 24. Tiny Scholars currently operates a facility in Abbotsford, and is expanding into Calgary and New Westminster.
Following its Surrey launch, the organization
plans to expand its new model to accommodate up to 150-plus children by 2026, company officials say. “Future plans include developing language-focused and culturally-tailored classes such as Korean-language immersion groups and other ethnic-specific offerings.”
Save the dates: BIA’s Spooktacular, State of Newton events in October
Surrey Now-Leader Staff
A pair of Newton BIA-hosted events are planned this fall.
The business improvement association’s 7th annual State of Newton lunch is on Thursday, Oct. 2, and the Halloween-themed Spooktacular Newton returns Saturday, Oct. 25.
Transportation and transit will be a focus of State of Newton with TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn welcomed as keynote speaker at Bombay Banquet Hall, 7475 135 St. Buffet lunch will be served at the
event, free to attend (register in advance on newtonbia.com/program-listings/state-of-newton).
“State of Newton is an opportunity for the business community to engage in a dialogue that showcases the upcoming investment opportunities, highlighting the incredible importance of Newton within the City of Surrey,” the website says.
Later in October, the BIA and Envision Financial partner to host the Spooktacular event, held on 137 Street (between 72A and 74 Avenue) from 11 to 4 p.m., free for
all ages, rain or shine.
With trick-or-treating, mini golf, haunted train rides, kid fun zone, face painting, food trucks, bouncy castles and games, Spooktacular Newton promises something for everyone.
“Don’t miss the special dance performances by City Entertainment,” says a post on the BIA’s website.
“And don’t forget to grab your pumpkin by donation on your way out, all proceeds to Surrey Food Bank. Be sure to come in your
costume.”
Vendors can apply to set up at the eighth annual Spooktacular, with no application fee. Applications close Oct. 6 on newtonbia.com.
Newton BIA is led by executive director Philip Aguirre and creative director Nasrin Baji.
The 2024-25 board of directors are Stephen Chodos (Value Industries), Jaspal Brar (Group 7 Insurance), Suman Basnyat (S Basnyat & Co. Inc.), Harry Lamba (The UPS Store), Kamil Lotfali (Sunstone Holdings), Jay Blaschuk (Sourc -
es BC), Jodi Leech (Studio 73), Chris Phillipson (Chalo! Freshco), Rawad Najjar (Kings Cross), Anjali Murray (Community Savings) and Mohit Moudgil (Raymond Immigration).
Newton is named after E.J. Newton who in 1886 settled at what is now 72 Avenue and 124 Street.
“The BC Electric Railway stimulated Newton’s growth and helped to establish the corner of 72 Avenue and King George Boulevard as a Town Centre,” the BIA’s website notes.
practice makes possibilitiesTM
Kumon Centres of:
Surrey - Newton Crossing 604-595-1468
Surrey - Strawberry Hill 604-759-5700
Delta - Sunshine Hills 778-263-0335
Call your nearest location to schedule a Free Assessment!
Play time at a Tiny Scholars Playschool facility similar to the one just opened in Newton. (Primacorp Ventures/Contributed to Surrey Now-Leader)
NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS
Outdoor art markets build community in Newton
Tom Zillich
The Arts Council of Surrey was busy hosting markets at Newton Cultural Centre this summer.
The Saturday events included live performances, demonstrations and concession stand, with the last market of the month held Aug. 16 at 13530 72 Ave., Surrey.
“Our August 9th market was a really good time,” reported event planner Cory Woodcock. “The weather was really great, and we had some exciting additions to the roster that helped make the day really special.”
Surrey’s Mobile Library was there to help get people signed up for library cards and loan out books.
“One of our vendors for this session, Mike Sasaki, held a hand-carving demonstration in the morning, showing folks how he carves his spoons and scoops,” Woodcock reported. “He even went into detail about his tools and techniques. It was a real treat.”
Also, the market featured dancers from The Paul Tavai-Latta Polynesian Dancers & Co. of Surrey. “They were able to give us a wonderful show as well as teach attendees some dance moves so they could dance along. It was brilliant,” Woodcock said. The vendors made the most of every minute of the day, he added, “exchanging ideas and building relationships with each other when they had a free moment, which was so lovely to see.
We had our ACS table with event
posters and flyers, and copies of our Spotlight on the Arts magazine for visitors to peruse. Our YACOS coordinator, Desmond, continued his book sale to help raise funds for more youth programs, and our ACS Kids Zone table featured a colouring station for kids.”
Inside Newton Cultural Centre, the gallery features Port Kells Art Club (PKAC) and their exhibit, “PKAC Celebrates 63 Years,” until Aug. 28. For more details visit artscouncilofsurrey.ca.
Share your neighbourhood news
Got something to share with the neighbourhood?
Are you organizing a community event? Do you know a local volunteer who deserves to be recognized? Did your child’s team
achieve something special?
Do you have a community improvement initiative that you want other folks to know about?
Whatever your Newton community news, we’d love
to help you get the word out. Send your story tips and suggestions to newsroom@ surreynowleader.com – be sure to include “Newton community news” in your subject line.
Paul Tavai-Latta Polynesian Dancers & Co. at a market held at Newton Cultural Centre on Saturday, Aug. 9. (Contributed to Surrey Now-Leader)
Paul Tavai-Latta Polynesian Dancers & Co. teach dance steps at a market held at Newton Cultural Centre on Saturday, Aug. 9. (Contributed to Surrey Now-Leader)
Vendors brought their wares to resident at an outdoor market at Newton Cultural Centre Aug. 9. (Contributed to Surrey Now-Leader)
Art for sale at a market at Newton Cultural Centre Aug. 9. (Contributed to Surrey Now-Leader)
NEWTON COMMUNITY NEWS
Cricket World Cup star inspires kids at Newton park Liam
Plunkett and Corné Dry led TD Young Wickets clinic
Anna Burns
More than 100 young cricketers filled West Newton Community Park for a free one-day clinic led by former England cricket World Cup champion Liam Plunkett and South African-American cricketer Corné Dry.
Plunkett told Black Press Media he is passionate about growing the sport of cricket across North America. He partnered with Boundaries North and TD Bank to start TD Young Wickets.
“We did the first camp in Toronto, a month back, and it was very successful at introducing kids to the game,” Plunkett said. “And at the end of the day, it’s about learning something and seeing them leave with a smile on their face.”
On Aug. 16, the sold-out clinic ran from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at West Newton Community Park (5886 131 St.) and received help from Team Canada athletes and local coaches from The Stallions Academy.
Clinic-goers each received a free Quick Kit, which included a cricket bat, wicket,
set of bails, rubber cricket ball, water bottle, hat, T-shirt and guide.
Mick Ramos, senior manager at TD Bank, said that the kids learned how to play the game from “some top-tier professional talent.”
At the end of learning some skills and running drills, the clinic concluded with a match.
“Our hope is just to inspire the next generation of cricket talent, not only in Canada, but here in Surrey as well,” Ramos said.
Giving back is an integral part of TD Bank, Ramos added.
“At TD, we feel that we
thrive when our communities thrive, and we put that into action by giving back to our communities. And that’s exactly what we’re doing here today with the TD young wickets program,” Ramos said.
“So it’s part of a cross-country network of clinics that we’re hosting. We had one in Toronto last month. We got one in Edmonton coming up next weekend. So Surrey is the middle stop on the tour.”
To learn more about TD Young Wickets visit, td.com/ ca/en/about-td/sponsorship/ td-sports/tdyoungwickets
-With files from Tom Zillich
Young players had a chance to try their hand at cricket at TD Young Wickets at West Newton Community Park on Saturday, Aug. 16. (Anna Burns/Surrey Now-Leader)
TD Young Wickets at West Newton Community Park in Surrey on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025.
