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Submitted by the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce  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:
To secure a reservation or for more information, please visit https://www.sunflowerlodge.ca/ or contact Sunflower Lodge at [email protected] or (604) 826-0210.  Photo courtesy of Ellen Nguyen Photography. 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:
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:
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 [email protected]. 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.  Her parents were involved with choirs, community theatres, artists, musicians and anything else that inspired creativity. As a result, Jennie developed a love of all forms of artistic expression, but her first love has always been her fiddle.  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/.
On Saturday, February 8, the Harrison Festival Society will be welcoming Nova Scotia roots artist Charlie A’Court to the stage for the first time in Harrison.
Planted at the crossroads of roots and soul, Charlie A’Court possesses a mighty voice, fierce guitar work and contemporary songwriting that is loved by fans across Canada and beyond. His new album, “San Palarino” is an Americana-driven deep dive into the topics of growing older, gaining emotional well-being, and reflecting on the collective weight bearing down on humanity. Much of the album features co-writes with some of Canada’s top singer/songwriters including Matt Andersen, Terra Spencer, and Colin MacDonald (The Trews). The music is drawing directly from his influences like Martin Sexton, Melissa Etheridge, Hot House Flowers, and Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit. Charlie has always been recognized for exploring his musical horizons. As a six-time ECMA winner and eight-time Nova Scotia Music Award winner, Charlie has earned awards for Blues, Pop, and R&B/Soul Recordings of the Year, and on multiple occasions been recognized as Entertainer of the Year. A’Court has also received multiple Maple Blues Award nominations including Male Vocalist and Songwriter of the Year. Growing up in rural Nova Scotia, Canada, Charlie spent his youth learning to sing and play guitar, discovering singers like Otis Redding and Sam Cooke. It wasn’t long before he discovered the blistering blues guitar playing of B.B. King, and Buddy Guy. “These guys would wail in a way where every note mattered. They sang without apology and played guitar like it was their last day” recalls A’Court. Then there was Eric Clapton. “He really opened my mind as a musician. Through the 90s, Clapton’s music showed me that my music could balance between blues and adult contemporary songwriting.” All these influences go in to the quality songwriting and playing that will make for a special performance on January 8. Tickets are $28 and are on sale now. Kids 12 and under are free. For more information on tickets and the artist, please visit www.harrisonfestival.com |
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