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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.
What's On! Mission | In the Community by Ellen Nguyen & Joyce Smith  In 1999, during a time of crisis, the Fraser Valley Humane Society emerged from a deep need within the community. From its humble beginnings, FVHS has evolved into a vital lifeline for the animals of the Fraser Valley, particularly cats. As FVHS marks its 25th anniversary, the organization reflects on its journey, celebrates its achievements, and looks forward to continuing its mission. A Shelter Born from Need When FVHS was established, Mission lacked a shelter to care for cats. While nearby cities had SPCA facilities, Mission only had a pound that did not accommodate felines. The city’s sprawling neighborhoods, interspersed with farmland, made it a frequent dumping ground for unwanted cats. The sight of cats crossing roads at night, once cherished pets turned feral, was common and heartbreaking. FVHS set out to change this, and for the past 25 years, it has tirelessly provided a safe haven for these animals. Our Mission: Compassionate Care and Happy Endings At FVHS, every cat that enters its doors receives top-tier care. The knowledgeable staff, passionate volunteers, and dedicated veterinarians work together to ensure each cat is rehabilitated, housed, fed, medicated, and socialized. From the moment a cat arrives, it undergoes a thorough veterinary examination, receives necessary treatments, and is provided with a high-quality diet tailored to its needs. Each cat is spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being made available for adoption. The “Kitty Keepers” at FVHS are experts in their field, ensuring that every adoption is a cause for celebration. Milestones and Memories Over the years, FVHS has achieved significant milestones, including the 2005 Spay & Neuter Campaign, which reduced unwanted litters by spaying and neutering hundreds of cats. Recognized with the District of Mission Community Service Award in 2003, FVHS’ adoptable cats have also been featured in Pet Lovers Digest and hosted successful fundraisers, from bake sales to Beer & Burger nights. This year, they celebrated their grand reopening at their new location on Mission Way, marking another exciting chapter in their journey. Stories of Survival and Love Among the many cats cared for by FVHS, a few stand out as symbols of resilience and hope. Dodge, a large gray tabby, became a favorite at Cedar Grove Animal Hospital after surviving a gunshot wound. Despite the metal fragments lodged in his face, Dodge remained sweet and affectionate, capturing the hearts of everyone who met him. His story is a testament to the cruelty some animals face and the unwavering commitment of FVHS to provide the care they need, no matter the cost. Another memorable story is that of The Buster Brown Care Group, a small rescue group that eventually merged with FVHS. Founded by a grieving individual after the loss of her brother, the group cared for over 120 animals, providing essential veterinary care to those in need. Without the generosity and support of Dr. Colleen Federici and her caring staff, Buster Brown could not have afforded to help so many. Their dedication laid the groundwork for what FVHS has become today, and their legacy lives on in the work FVHS does. Our Services and Programs FVHS offers a range of services and programs, including:
Join Us in Our Mission Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, support is crucial to FVHS's continued success. Check out fraservalleyhumanesociety.com to learn more or visit us at #24 – 32929 Mission Way. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit our website to stay updated on our latest news and events.
What's On! Mission | Looking Back by Ellen Nguyen | Photos provided by Janis Schultz  Charlie with wife, Yvonne Charles Albert Miller, affectionately known as “Pompa” by his grandchildren, was a man whose life was intricately woven into the fabric of the Fraser Valley. Born in Eastbourne, England, on October 21, 1902, Charlie's journey to British Columbia began in 1903 when his parents, Marcia Elizabeth and Albert George Miller, brought him to Ruskin. There, his father purchased 160 acres of land, laying the foundation for the Miller family's deep roots in the area. Charlie’s early life was marked by hard work and resilience. His first paid jobs were at Heaps General Store and later at a shingle mill. In 1921, Charlie and his father opened their own sawmill, known as "Riversiding," on the family's land. The mill operated until they logged out all the timber on the surrounding 1,000 acres, at which point they sold the equipment. This period instilled in Charlie a strong work ethic and a deep connection to the land, qualities that would define his later years. In 1925, Charlie married Blanche Yvonne Antaya, and they soon started a family. Their daughters, Jacqueline, born in 1926, and Charmaine, born in 1928, grew up in the Ruskin area, initially living in the house Charlie’s parents had settled into upon their arrival in 1903. In 1932, after Charlie secured full-time employment with BC Electric, he built a new home on what was then known as Miller Road. The family eagerly moved in before the interior was even finished, excited to begin this new chapter. The house, a blend of Charlie's carpentry skills and Yvonne’s eye for charm and convenience, became a cherished home for the Miller family. Charlie's career with BC Electric, later BC Hydro, spanned over three decades. He worked as a carpenter at the Ruskin generating station, constructing outbuildings that have since been lost to time. He genuinely enjoyed his work, and his dedication to the job was evident in everything he did. Charlie’s love for the outdoors was equally strong. Throughout the 1930s to the 1950s, Charles and Yvonne were active members of the Mission area, particularly through their involvement in the Mission Rod and Gun Club. Charles served as the club’s president for many years, earning a reputation as an outstanding naturalist. An avid fisherman and hunter, he often spent his free time in the woods and on the rivers of the region, passing on his passion for nature to his grandchildren. After retiring in 1963 and the death of his wife in 1977, Charles moved from Hatzic, where they had been living, back to Ruskin to live with his daughter Jacqueline. He devoted himself to chronicling the area's history, capturing the stories of early pioneers and the native Salish Indians. His books, The Golden Mountains (1973) and Valley of the Stave (1981), are treasured for their detailed accounts of the region’s history and are essential reading for anyone interested in the Fraser Valley. The Miller home, with its rich history and significance, still stands today, protected under a "Heritage Revitalization Agreement" signed in 2010. Charlie Miller passed away in September 1988 at the Pleasant View Home in Mission, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, community service, and a deep love for the Fraser Valley. His story is not only a tale of one man’s life but also a reflection of the pioneering spirit that helped shape the Fraser Valley.
What's On! Mission | Giving Back Submitted by Mission Community Foundation  In early 2020, Mission Community Foundation was advised that it had been named the primary beneficiary of Jack Heptonstall's estate. The estate consisted of 120 acres in a prime location in Hatzic Prairie. Jack left the Foundation his property with instructions to sell it and create six funds from the proceeds. It was his desire to forever memorialize the family name in the community where he lived with his sister, Barbara, and loved all his life. In 2023, the Mission Community Foundation received $3 million from the Heptonstall estate. To date, we have received approximately $7,227,000. The following funds are now available for use: Jack Heptonstall Bursary: Available to students entering scientific fields of study. Barbara Heptonstall Bursary: Available to students entering nursing. George Cox Heptonstall Bursary: An adult bursary for individuals aged 19+ who live in Mission and want to return to school to improve their marketability. William & Edith Heptonstall Bursary: An educational bursary open to any field of study. Elsie Dale Bursary: An educational bursary open to any field of study. Heptonstall Family Fund: A granting fund for registered charities in Mission. The Mission Community Foundation would like to acknowledge this incredible gift and how it will support the City of Mission, FVRD, and surrounding areas. This bequest will be a game changer for the Foundation, as it exponentially expands the existing endowment, enhancing the Foundation's ability to help students, registered charities, and nonprofits in Mission. If you’d like to make a meaningful difference for Mission, please consider including the Mission Community Foundation in your will. Your donations are tax-deductible. To learn more, visit missioncommunityfoundation.org
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