 Here are some highlights from last night's Mission Candlelight Parade in Downtown Mission! If you missed it, you can still watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/live/kHKhA5_051M?si=aWY4-GLHoZUk2upo Thank you to Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce, volunteers, sponsors, and participants for keeping this tradition alive. Photo Credit: Bob Friesen Photography  Congratulations to all the recipients honoured (not all recipients were in attendance): Matthew Fisher | Shirley Hilton | Lukas Steele | Ron Leger | Sue James | Wayne Reardon | Patrick Michel | Jagjit Toor | Valeri Billesberger | Norman MacLeod | Bernie Fandrich | Darren Oike | Rick McKamey | Gerald Basten | Damon Matkovich | Wallace Mah | Some Mosogau | Nelson Drozdowich | Samarpal Brar | Alexander MacDonald The King Charles III Coronation Medal, commemorates His Majesty’s 2023 coronation and honours outstanding individuals in BC for their significant contributions or achievements. by Ellen Nguyen On July 26, 2024, singer-songwriter Tony Ivan O'Hara launched his latest album, Harder Times. Known for his soulful blend of blues, soul, and R&B, Tony’s music speaks to the heart - sometimes with humour and lightness, and other times with deep introspection and emotion. For more information about him and his tunes, visit tonyivanoharamusic.com.  A Lifelong Passion for Music
From an early age, Tony found solace and joy in songwriting. Growing up in an unstable home, music became his escape. After leaving for a foster home, he began sharing his talent, creating songs that made his peers laugh. In his late teens, Tony moved from foster care in Ontario to George’s River, Cape Breton, where he discovered a vibrant musical community. With encouragement from his family and friends, he started singing in a band and learned to play guitar. "Tony, when you were first playin', you were the worst guitarist I ever heard; but now you don't suck too bad," joked his friend, Mike Jessome. Tony took this as a challenge, working tirelessly to improve his skills. Finding a Home in Mission In the early 2000s, Tony settled in Mission. Immersing himself in the local arts scene, he quickly became a part of its musical fabric. From the Mission Folk Music Festival to open mics hosted by community legends like Roger Potter, Tony found his place among local musicians and friends. Liisa Nessim ran the Mission Coffee House (now hosted by Mark and Karen Humpage), while Deborah Handley led community choirs, and there were songwriting groups, blues jams at the Historic Dewdney Pub, and monthly blues jams organized by the Fraser Valley Blues Society. Fiddler/singer/ songwriter Jennie Bice also hosted her own open mic and later formed a strings group. Through these connections, Tony co-founded the award-winning band Roads Unknown with Michael Jantzen, Solomon Janzen, and Jennie Bice, and formed the blues duo Strong Bow & Wry with Bice. Before forming Roads Unknown, Tony played in the Fraser Valley-based blues/R&B band Lazerkatz. They recorded songs with Maple Blues Award-winning harmonica player Harpdog Brown (who passed away in 2022) and Chicago Blues Hall of Famer Jimmy D. Lane. Lazerkatz were runners-up in the 2015 Fraser Valley Blues contest. Tony’s current duo, Strong Bow & Wry, won the contest in 2023, earning a spot at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Roads Unknown released their first album, Where the Winds Blow, in 2021, and Tony and Jennie’s duo has toured extensively, with an album release planned for 2025. The Making of Harder Times In April 2024, Tony traveled to Toronto to record Harder Times. Opting for an “old school” approach, he and his band, led by guitarist and producer Tony Smith, recorded live with minimal overdubs, capturing the raw, authentic energy of his performances. The album features songs Tony has performed for years in the Fraser Valley, and for those who have often asked, “Do you have a CD?” - the answer is now a resounding yes. Connecting Through Song Tony’s music is deeply personal, yet universally relatable. Songs like “Mess with My Blues” showcase his playful side, while tracks like “Reason to Smile” and “Not Your Fault” - a song for abuse and trauma survivors - reveal his depth and compassion. Influenced by legends like Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Jimmy Rogers, and U2, Tony’s sound is a rich blend of classic and contemporary. He loves singers with “just a little broken” voices, finding authenticity in imperfection. Tony’s Vision and Future PerformancesTony’s goal is to create music that uplifts and comforts. “I hope to keep writing, singing, recording, and performing until I am no longer breathing, and I hope that doing these things will help me breathe a little longer than I would without them,” he says. Catch Tony hosting the Acoustic Open Mic every other Thursday at the Historic Dewdney Pub and performing with Strong Bow & Wry at Mic’d Up Murrayville on November 28th at Porter’s Bistro in Langley. You can also find his music on Bandcamp and Spotify. Tony Ivan O'Hara’s music is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and community - a must-listen for any fan of blues, soul, and authentic storytelling. by Ellen Nguyen She has long been a collector of unique pieces of art and when traveling, has been known to bring home large paintings on the plane instead of a carry on bag. Ashley is most drawn to art that is different, clever, and a little cheeky, and strongly believes that as long as you love a piece, it belongs in your home, whether it matches the curtains or not.  I first saw Ashley Burnett’s artwork in a store window in Downtown Mission and had to find out who the artist was. Her artwork explodes with color, while her dynamic lines draw you into the beauty of her subjects. Ashley Burnett, a local painter based in Mission, has been capturing the hearts of art enthusiasts with her vibrant and dynamic creations. Living in Hatzic with her husband, their 4-year-old son, and their dog, Catalina Winemixer, Ashley's journey into the world of art is both inspiring and refreshing. Ashley and her husband relocated from Coquitlam to Mission nine years ago for financial reasons. However, what started as a practical decision soon turned into a love affair with their new surroundings. They found themselves enchanted by the natural beauty, welcoming community, and the relaxed pace of life that Mission offers. Despite having no formal fine arts education or training, Ashley has always been passionate about visual design and creating things. From a young age, she was the kid who would rearrange her bedroom furniture and redecorate her walls late into the night. Her innate love for bright colours and unique designs has always been evident. In 2024, Ashley began to take her art more seriously, pursuing shows, art collectors, and a stronger social media presence. It was a question from a good friend that sparked this change: "If you could have any job, what would it be? What are you most passionate about?" Despite having put painting on the back burner while navigating motherhood, the pandemic, and her 9-5 job, Ashley's immediate response was, "Painting. I would be a painter." Her friend's simple reply, "Then you should probably go be a painter," set her on a new path. Since that pivotal conversation, Ashley has dedicated herself to painting every chance she gets. She recently participated in the Sip and Stroll Art Walk in Mission, and has several upcoming shows, including the Small Shop Market in Fort Langley in September and The Under $100 Art Show in Vancouver in November. Locally, Ashley's work can be found at Goldenball Mercantile in Downtown Mission. For those who can't make it in person, her vibrant creations are also available online at www.instagram.com/ashleybpainting.
 The Fraser Valley is home to one of the world’s most breathtaking and diverse fisheries, offering incredible opportunities for anglers of all levels. My recent adventure with fishing guide, Ron Houniet of Fast Lane Guiding was a day to remember. Joined by my son and his girlfriend, we embarked on an unforgettable journey on the mighty Fraser River. The day was filled with the sight of bald eagles, the shimmering movement of salmon in the water, and the unmatched thrill of reeling in two sturgeon—both nearly eight feet long! Learning about these prehistoric giants, their conservation, and the sustainable practices in place to protect them made the experience even more meaningful. The Fraser Valley Angling Guide Association, established in 1999, is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to ensuring sustainable fishing practices and promoting the Fraser Valley’s world-class fisheries. This includes maintaining a collective voice with provincial and federal governments, providing industry-leading training for guides, and participating in essential conservation efforts. Their contributions to the Juvenile White Sturgeon Monitoring Program have been extended until 2026, ensuring future generations can enjoy this iconic species. FVAGA guides and members are known for their professionalism and expertise. Members adhere to stringent standards, ensuring safe and memorable experiences. They also actively participate in conservation efforts, such as fish tagging and environmental assessments, showcasing their commitment to preserving the Fraser River’s ecosystem. Our guide shared fascinating insights about sturgeon, salmon, and steelhead trout populations, emphasizing how FVAGA members play a crucial role in gathering data for scientific research. This hands-on approach has contributed over $800,000 annually in in-kind conservation efforts. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a curious beginner, the Fraser Valley Angling Guides Association ensures a top-tier fishing adventure that leaves you with more than just great catches—it leaves you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for this natural treasure. For more information about FVAGA or to book your next Fraser Valley fishing trip, visit their website at www.fvaga.com to plan your next adventure.
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