 Sharon Syrette received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Premier of BC for her outstanding leadership and dedication as a Spirit of BC volunteer, leaving a lasting legacy of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and inspiring community celebration. Sharon Syrette is a passionate advocate for community history, a seasoned writer and editor, and a tireless educator who has dedicated her life to preserving stories and empowering others to share theirs. Recognized in 2008 as a Freeman of the City by the Mayor and Council of Mission, Sharon’s commitment to service and storytelling is both extraordinary and inspiring. Since retiring, Sharon has embraced an active role as a writing coach and Indigenous family tree network facilitator, guiding others in tracing their heritage and penning their memoirs. Her specialties - heritage research, oral history, genealogy, and community storytelling - reflect her lifelong dedication to uncovering the untold stories of everyday people, especially women whose contributions have often been overlooked in historical records. Born and raised in Coombs on Vancouver Island, Sharon graduated from Qualicum Beach Secondary School and the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Education degree. Her early career took her to Tanzania, East Africa, where - just 22 years old - she served as head of the English department at Iyunga Boys’ School. Returning to Canada, Sharon taught in public schools in Ontario and BC and spearheaded “Stay in School” initiatives for youth. Sharon’s commitment to community extends far beyond the classroom. Since settling in Mission in 1975, she has played a pivotal role in numerous initiatives, including co-founding the Valley Women’s Network in the 1980s and preserving the Church of the Holy Cross, a national historic site at Skatin FN (formerly Skookumchuck). Her work with the Mission District Historical Society’s Heritage Places branch led to the creation of a website showcasing profiles of historical people and places in the Mission/North Fraser area. An engaging speaker and facilitator, Sharon has volunteered extensively with groups such as the Fronya Women’s Resource Centre, Mission Transition House, and SD#75 Siwal Si’wes Aboriginal Advisory Council. She was also an inaugural member of Mission’s Cultural Resources Commission. Sharon continues to share her knowledge through monthly Coffee Chat: Tracking Indigenous Roots sessions for the BC Genealogy Society and as the volunteer leader of Family Ties: Connecting Our Generations, an Aboriginal genealogy project. Sharon has also guided the publication of numerous community anthologies, including Reflections: Our Canadian Experiences (2017) and Kaleidoscope: Small Bright Pieces (2019). As co-editor, she contributed to Spirit in the Land: Our Place of Prayers (2008) and Courage to Speak: Honouring Elders’ Voices (2019). Most recently, she co-edited Deedee's Indigenous Dream, published in February 2023. Today, Sharon dedicates much of her time to genealogy, memoir writing, and preserving the stories of the Fronya Women’s Resource Centre and Mission Transition House Society, with a goal to release a comprehensive community history for their 50th anniversary in May. A self-described “elder mother,” Sharon treasures her large extended family and hosts monthly Sunday dinners with her partner, Harold Peters. She has also ventured into social media, launching a bi-weekly blog, Words, Wisdom and Writing Tips, and an author website at www.sharon-syrette.ca, where her publications are available. For Sharon Syrette, storytelling isn’t just a passion; it’s a way to connect generations, honour heritage, and inspire others to embrace their histories and voices.
 Join Opening Nite Theatre for a ferociously fun adventure with Jurassic Park the Panto! Running January 10, 11, 12, 30, 31, and February 1 at the Clarke Theatre (33700 Prentis Ave.), this laugh-out-loud romp blends science, magic, and hilarity for the whole family. Evening performances begin at 8 PM, with a Sunday matinee at 1 PM. Don’t miss out—get your tickets today at www.openingnitetheatre.com!  Get ready to move, stretch, and connect as the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation presents an exciting and inclusive community event designed to promote heart health and wellness. Whether you're a seasoned athlete, a casual jogger, or simply enjoy a relaxed walk, there’s something for everyone at Step Up 4 Cardiac Health.
What to Expect:
Prizes and Competitions: Add to the excitement by competing in fun categories such as:
Event Details: February 9, 2025 @ 9:00am Abbotsford Centre Don’t miss your chance to step up for your heart and your community! For more information or to register, visit www.fvhcf.ca/stepup  Submitted by Mission Hospice Society The Mission Hospice Society was founded in 1985 as a non profit society by Lilian Dudfield to provide compassionate care and support to the dying and the bereaved. Hospice emphasizes “care not cure ” for the terminally ill and the provision of social, emotional and spiritual comfort for the patient, family and friends throughout the final stage of illness, at the time of death and during bereavement.
The programs and services of the Mission Hospice Society are free. We offer bereavement support services including one on one sessions with our Bereavement Coordinator. Mission Hospice also has a widows support group, children and teens support group and grief support. "Compassionate Friends" is also offered, which is a support group for bereaved parents. The Mission Hospice Society is part of the Palliative Care Team at Mission Memorial Hospital which cares for patients diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses and, in partnership with Fraser Health, the Society provides programs, services and funds all patient care comfort needs in the Christine Morrison Hospice. Together, we strive to facilitate and create a wonderful and loving experience for all who pass through Hospice and your support allows us to continue this work. The Mission Hospice Society depends on the financial donations and support of our community, we invite you to be a part of our 40th year providing compassionate care and bereavement services to our community. In addition to this milestone we will also be celebrating our 20th annual gala. For more information, to become a gala sponsor, or to get your tickets, please email [email protected] or call 604-826-2235.  Congratulations to the award recipients and honourable mentions in this year's Peggy Staber Memborial exhibit! Explore the many beautiful art pieces inspired by this year's theme, Blue. The exhibit runs until January 18 at the Mission Arts Centre, 33529 First Avenue, open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Hounourable Mention (Child Category) Alessandra Robinson for "In the Deep" - Mixed media Jade Singbeil for "Blue City" - Watercolour and pastel Best in Show (Child Category) Jackson Copeland for "Cool Wave" - Clay Hounourable Mention (Youth Category) Jake Giesbrecht for "The Climber" - Ink Kaede Fujita for "Feeling Blue" - Coloured pencil Best in Show (Youth Category) Renee Bi for "Freedom of Dance" – Oil Hounourable Mention (Adult Category) Jacquie Pierce for "Crow in a Parking Lot" - Acrylic Robyn Plummer for "Record Snowfall" - Acrylic and modelling paste Best in Show (Adult Category) Nancy Arcand for "Whispers of the Abyss" - Clay Sculpture with mixed media |
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