Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, in collaboration with Abbotsford Division of Family Practice, is thrilled to announce “Health Talks 101: A Day of Medical Enlightenment” a free public information forum taking place on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Garden Park Tower in Abbotsford. 

This informative event will provide attendees with valuable insights into various aspects of health and well-being, delivered by leading medical professionals. “Health Talks 101” aims to empower the community with knowledge, fostering a proactive approach to health management. 

The day will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including: 

• Dr. Shahana Alibhai: A family physician, at Foundry, and author specialising in emotional health, Dr. Alibhai will offer expert advice on mental well-being and coping strategies. 


• Primary Care Network (PCN): Representatives from the PCN will discuss how this collaborative network of family physicians and healthcare professionals works to provide patients with comprehensive and coordinated care. 
• HPV Education & Screening: Information on HPV prevention and early detection will be available, emphasising the importance of proactive health measures. 
• Dr. Harbir Sian: An experienced optometrist with expertise in ocular disease, pediatrics, and primary care, Dr. Sian will share valuable insights into maintaining optimal eye health and the critical role of optometry. 

Seating is limited, so early registration is highly encouraged. A light lunch will be provided for all attendees. 

​Event Details: 
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025 
Time: 8am 
Location: Garden Park Tower, Abbotsford 
Cost: Free 
Registration: www.fvhcf.ca/healthtalks 

​The Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of Sunflower Lodge, an innovative farm-to-table restaurant dedicated to sustainable, locally sourced cuisine. The highly anticipated event will take place on Feb. 27th, 2025, from 12 – 3:00 PM, offering guests a first taste of its ethically cultivated, seasonally inspired menu.

Sunflower Lodge’s ethos is simple yet profound: “Our ingredients are selected for their quality, nutrition, and ethical cultivation, and sourced locally from our own organic farm as well as the wild bounty of the forests, rivers, and ocean that surround us. We embrace the rhythms of nature, and through a blend of classic and modern techniques, we elevate each dish, allowing the simple beauty and complex flavors of our food to unfold.”

For $40 per person, attendees will be treated to an exclusive tasting event featuring a curated selection of small plate bites, designed to showcase the Lodge’s culinary philosophy. Each ticket also includes a handcrafted mocktail or coffee, ensuring a warm and inviting experience for all guests.

Rather than a traditional sit-down service, the event will offer an open and interactive format, allowing guests to explore the space, engage with the team, and experience the artistry behind each dish. Attendance is limited to 80 guests to maintain an intimate and immersive atmosphere. Reservations can be made for a 12:00 PM arrival, but guests are welcome to arrive anytime between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

As part of the celebration, Sunflower Lodge will be holding a special draw for a Five-Course Tasting Menu for Two, valued at $170, giving one lucky guest the chance to return for an extraordinary dining experience.

“We are beyond excited to open our doors and invite the community to experience what Sunflower Lodge is all about,” said Rayne Beveridge, founder and head chef. “This event is a reflection of our passion for real food, real connections, and the bounty of the land and waters that surround us.”

Join us as we celebrate the opening of Sunflower Lodge and embark on a journey of flavor, sustainability, and culinary craftsmanship.

Event Details:

• 📍 Sunflower Lodge – 7494 Mary St. Mission, BC
• 📅 February 27, 2025
• ⏰ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• 🎟️ $40 per person (includes mocktail/coffee and small plate bites)
• 🎁 Special Draw: Five-Course Tasting Menu for Two ($170 value)

 
To secure a reservation or for more information, please visit https://www.sunflowerlodge.ca/ or contact Sunflower Lodge at sunflowerlodgebc@gmail.com or (604) 826-0210.

The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation (FVHCF) proudly hosted the 8th Annual Step Up 4 Cardiac Health event on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Abbotsford Centre.
 
The event saw an incredible turnout, with over 100 participants and more than 40 dedicated volunteers coming together to raise just over $13,570.00 and counting, for cardiac care in hospitals across the Eastern Fraser Valley.
 
Liz Harris, Executive Director of FVHCF, shared, “This year’s event was a tremendous success! We were thrilled to see such strong community participation and enthusiasm. A special highlight was two new recruits from the Abbotsford Fire Fighters Charitable Organization, who completed the challenge in full turnout gear—each weighing approximately 50 pounds—demonstrating their commitment to heart health and our community.”
 
FVHCF extends its heartfelt gratitude to EcoTex Healthcare Linen Services, the returning Presenting Sponsor. Their unwavering support, along with contributions from their family and staff, has been instrumental in making Step Up 4 Cardiac Health a success.
Additional thanks go to 4Q Performance, who led an energetic warm-up session and participated as a Bronze Sponsor, alongside KPMG and our Friend Sponsor, the Rotary Club of Abbotsford-Matsqui. Thank you to Natural Elements Yogafor hosting a free yoga session as well.
 
Among the event’s standout moments were:

• Mayor Ross Siemens celebrating his daughter Alex, who claimed the Most Laps – Female title with 22 laps (each lap consisting of over 750 steps).
• Micheal leading the Men’s category with 20 laps.
• Quinn winning the Youth Division with 15 laps.
• The “Heart Hustlers” from the Cardiac Unit at ARH earning the award for Best Costume.

 
The Top Fundraiser Award, which includes a $200 voucher donated by Kintec Footwear, is still open for contributions until February 28. Donations can be made via the JustGiving page:
👉 https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/stepup4cardiachealth2025
 
FVHCF would also like to acknowledge our generous community partners:

• Hugs in a Mug for providing coffee and snacks and gift cards for prizing
• Boston Pizza Abbotsford, Cobs Bread, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Abbotsford Canucks, and the Abbotsford International Airshow for their generous contributions.

 
A huge THANK YOU to our volunteers—this event would not be possible without your dedication and support!
​
If you would like to contribute to Step Up 4 Cardiac Health, please contact our office at 604-851-4890 or email info@fvhcf.ca.
 
About Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation:
FVHCF raises funds for vital equipment and programs funded or endorsed by Fraser Health, serving the communities of Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Hope, Agassiz, and Harrison Hot Springs.

Jennie brings music to life with her fiddle, weaving stories and emotions with every note.

Fiddler, singer, actor, composer, educator, and recording artist Jennie Bice thrives in a wide range of musical styles, from Celtic and roots to blues, jazz, and rock. Her dynamic presence lights up every stage she graces.
Jennie’s musical journey began at age four, playing fiddle around the family piano in her art-filled London, Ontario, home. Surrounded by choirs, theatre groups, and creative energy, she developed a lifelong love of artistic expression, with the fiddle as her first passion. She honed her skills in orchestras, ensembles, and fiddle contests but found her groove playing in bands during her University of Windsor days. There, Jennie joined diverse groups spanning Celtic (Celtic Cross), folk (Dharma Bums), country rock (Lynn and the Rebels) and blues genres, including a formative stint with blues singer Thomas Buck Nasty, who ignited her love for improvisation.

While earning her B.A. in dramatic studies, Jennie performed in stock theatre, comedy groups, and touring musicals, developing a deep appreciation for stagecraft. A serendipitous trip to BC introduced her to the vibrant West Coast music scene. After a chance meeting with a guitarist at the Irish Heather pub in Vancouver, Jennie formed Celtic rock band Prydwen. When their tour brought them to Mission Folk Festival, Jennie enjoyed the community so much she decided to make Mission her home.

In Mission, Jennie has become a pillar of the arts community, serving on boards for the Mission Arts Council and Folk Festival, co-chairing the Children’s Festival, and promoting cultural initiatives. She shares her passion for music through teaching, leading workshops like her Saturday group “Jennie and the Many,” which inspired her music book, The Kitchen Fiddler – Ingredients for a Jam. This unique book blends fiddle tunes, jam session advice, and recipes from her kitchen jams. Jennie also launched “Bow by the River,” a fiddle camp in partnership with the Mission Folk Festival, where participants perform on a festival stage. She brings music to local schools, running a lunchtime fiddle club at E.S. Richards Elementary and dreaming of more such groups.

Onstage, Jennie performs with bands such as Roads Unknown, Tractorgrease Folk, and The Doolins. Her most active duo, Strong Bow & Wry with Tony Ivan O’Hara, blends roots, rock, funk, and blues with her signature fiery fiddle. The duo represented BC at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2024 and is set to record its debut album in Toronto in 2025.

Jennie continues to embrace theatre as the musical director and performer in Opening Nite Theatre’s annual pantomimes. She also runs ONTS “Theatre Camp for Kids” during the summer. Don’t miss her in Jurassic Park: The Panto, written and directed by Camille Atebe, this January! Tickets are available at openingnitetheatre.com.​

Stay tuned for Jennie’s latest projects on her Facebook page or visit her website at www.jenniebice.com.

The Mission Community Foundation is excited to announce that scholarships are now available for Grade 12 students and adults residing in Mission. Applications for both categories will open on January 27, 2025, and close on February 28, 2025. Please note that no extensions will be provided, so all applications must be submitted by the deadline.

In an effort to streamline the application process, the Mission Community Foundation has introduced an easy-to-use online application portal. Students and adult applicants can access the portal directly at Mission Community Foundation Scholarship Portal, making it easier to apply.

“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to both the students and adults of Mission,” said Shelley Carter, Board Chair at the Mission Community Foundation. “These scholarships are designed to support individuals in pursuing their educational goals, whether they’re finishing high school or continuing their studies as adults. We encourage all eligible applicants to apply and take advantage of this opportunity.”

The Mission Community Foundation has long been dedicated to supporting the community's educational pursuits, and these scholarships reflect that commitment. Whether for Grade 12 students or adults looking to further their educational and career goals.
​
For more information and to apply, please visit the Mission Community Foundation scholarship portal at https://www.missioncommunityfoundation.org/scholarship/annual-bursary-and-scholarship/.