Cheam Mountain Golf - Stay Active, Stay Safe

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Cheam Mountain Golf - Stay Active, Stay Safe

Plenty of room to social distance and stay active.

Plenty of room to social distance and stay active.

Cheam Mountain Golf course is an excellent golf centre for beginners to seasoned golfers. From the driving range, on-site professional (Kevin Stinson), various kids camps and their 18 hole par 3 golf course; you’ll find yourself forgetting about your day to day worries and enjoying the beautiful setting of the Fraser Valley, with Mount Cheam in the background.

With newer owners running the course and range, they have put a lot of work into getting the tee boxes, fairways and greens to a high quality and pleasurable golfing experience. Include the teaching available through Kevin Stinson and you’ll find yourself with a new or deeper desire for the game of golf. (We can say firsthand what it’s like to take a lesson with Kevin and appreciate how simple and effective he can help on all areas of your golf game).

In our current climate of COVID-19, there is plenty of room to social distance and stay active at Cheam Golf Course. They’ve put a lot of effective tools in place to keep everyone safe and active. Removing ball washers and instituting rules like no flag touching and removing rental clubs and carts; Cheam Mountain Golf is helping people stay safe and stay active. We can’t encourage you enough to get out there and try their course and range; you might even see one of us out there taking golf and photo shots too ;)

Follow them online:
https://www.facebook.com/golfcheammtn

Check out their website:
https://www.cheammountaingolf.ca

From their website:

Golf Course & Driving Range

Open 9am-8pm

Covid 19 Precautions

  • NO: Touching the Flags, Cash, Rental Clubs, Rental Pull Carts, Power Carts and Ball Washers

  • YES: Fresh Air, Exercise and Social Distancing!

*Power Carts Available for those physically unable to play without them.

Chilliwack Museum Moment: Celebrating Chilliwack: Togetherness and Well-Wishing in Chilliwack Progress Advertisements, 1891-2020

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Chilliwack Museum Moment: Celebrating Chilliwack: Togetherness and Well-Wishing in Chilliwack Progress Advertisements, 1891-2020

Photograph courtesy of the Chilliwack Museum and Archives, [1973.034.005]

Photograph courtesy of the Chilliwack Museum and Archives, [1973.034.005]

Advertisements have graced the pages of the Chilliwack Progress since its inaugural edition on April 16, 1891. Running alongside articles and stories published by journalists, advertisements are designed to draw our attention. Typically self-serving entities, advertisements invite us to purchase products and services and to attend events being held for the financial benefit of the person or company backing the advertisement. In Chilliwack, advertisements of all sizes and shapes have always filled the pages of the newspapers in any way possible, with some like this Thompson & Co. advertisement literally being published sideways.

While prominent in the world of advertising, these types of advertisements are by no means the rule in our local newspaper. Time and time again, advertisements in the Chilliwack Progress have reflected community spirit, used as a community platform to celebrate businesses and celebrate achievements by organizations throughout our City.  

Improvements at local amenities have been publicly applauded by businesses and neighbours. In 1951, the upgrades at CHWK radio were received with much community excitement, as the station moved from 250 to 1,000 watt transmission. Businesses took out advertisements – 22 in the December 5th edition alone – congratulating the station and mirroring local excitement about the announcement. Many enterprises merged their well-wishes with a mention of their involvement with the station, undoubtedly to capitalize on the news and in true business fashion, capture a sliver of public favour. The openings of Woolworth’s new location in 1969, Chillibowl Lanes in 1981 and (to a lesser extent) Vantage Foods in 2007 were met with similar enthusiasm, fanfare and advertising patterns. 

Significant anniversaries in education and community work were often marked in a similar way.  Businesses such as Hofstede’s Country Barn and Simpson Notaries amongst others published tributes to Sardis Secondary School upon its 50th anniversary in 2006. The 60th anniversary of the Chilliwack Lions Club was praised by Chartwell’s Seniors Housing, who used the advertisement to thank the club for their continued community work. The number of these types of advertisements has declined in recent years, likely in part due to the reduction in the number of pages published per print edition of the Chilliwack Progress, the digitization of media and the rising cost of advertising. 

Recently, the power of advertisements has been harnessed by community members in different ways. Not your typical anniversary or graduation congratulations, an advertisement in the Chilliwack Progress purchased by a local resident encouraged the sale of advertisement space to support local news through the COVID-19 pandemic. Another advertisement was aimed directly at two friends: issuing a friendly greeting and expressing anticipation to when a round of cards could be played. Both, while distinct in their own ways, demonstrate a willingness by the community to continue to use the medium to call the community to action and to bring individuals (metaphorically and at a later time respectively) together. 

SHOPIFY Webinar - Get Your Business Online - Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce

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Shopify Webinar.jpeg

SHOPIFY Webinar - Get Your Business Online - Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce

During this time of social distancing and store closures, it is crucial now more than ever to have an online presence to still engage with customers and continue to grow your business.

Build the basics of your Shopify store in just 3 hours! In this workshop we will start from the very beginning. From creating our Shopify stores together from Account Settings to setting up your Payment Provider (how to get paid!)

Not sure what channels to sell on? We’ve got you covered! We will walk you through what channels to sell on depending on your product, adding products to your store as well as demystifying any questions around collections and best practices.

What the presentation will cover:

  • How to create a basic online store

  • How to start adding, grouping, and organizing products

  • How to start set up payment processing, taxes, shipping, etc.

  • How to apply a look and feel

  • How to add About Us, FAQs, and other info

Setup an Account:

  • Go to shopify.com

  • Onboarding flow/choosing the name of your store

Shopify has made some amazing changes to help merchants during these tough times. Some features include gift cards and a 90 day free trial for new merchants! Check out the full list of resources here.

Date and Time

Thursday Apr 16, 2020 
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM PDT

Location

REGISTER HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/get-online-with-shopify-tickets-102397092460

Fees/Admission

This is a FREE event.

Contact Information

Sarah Oostenbrink
Send Email

Belle Voci - ‘Lay a Garland’ YouTube Performance

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Belle Voci - ‘Lay a Garland’ YouTube Performance

The imposed restrictions of self isolation could have been ‘game over’ for renowned Fraser Valley singing ensemble Belle Voci, however, with a bit of innovation, ingenuity and using the latest in digital technology, the choir group have produced a remarkable video collaboration project that is bringing in appreciation and accolades from around the world.

"...especially in times of adversity, it is important to keep making beautiful music . We show our humanity by staying connected” , said the choir's Music Director Paula DeWit who was driven to find a way to overcome any obstacles and continue her lifelong passion for making music of the highest quality.

The ‘A cappella’ ensemble’s gorgeous performance of 'Lay a Garland' (by Robert Lucas de Pearsall) is almost absolute perfection and remarkably was recorded by the individual members using their phones at home. Using the latest technology, the audio soundtracks were extracted from the film content , worked on in a professional recording production studio, digitally mastered and then re-inserted into the finished video collage with all the singers performing ‘virtually’.

“Lay a Garland’ is a sublime madrigal, filled with passionate, anguished harmonies , a real visceral source of comfort during this dark time, “ says DeWit. “During our confinement, as we ‘stay at home’, our eyes don’t offer escape nearly as well as our ears. It is music that saves us and music that consoles us. . It is powerful to immerse yourself in the effortless beauty of this performance and through our headphones, our mind wanders to happier places where we find peace, strength and comfort.”

With listeners in Holland, France , the USA and UK within the first few hours of the video being released, the world wide relevance of this beautiful performance is there for all to experience .

Listen to the video here:

No matter how unpredictable the future feels, Belle Voci remain committed to delivering high quality music for all to enjoy and are already starting their next project!

ABOUT BELLE VOCI

Belle Voci is led by Music Director Paula DeWit and performs throughout the Fraser Valley. Its members hail from, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Langley, Abbotsford and Chilliwack. Celebrated a capella singers, Belle Voci, offer exciting selections of diverse Sacred Music, including renaissance polyphony, Greek Orthodox chant, traditional and jazzy interpretations of favourite pieces, and modern versions of melodies that have lasted throughout the ages.

The group was formed in 2009 and specialises in ‘A Cappella’ music which is a centuries old art form using nothing but the purity and beauty of the natural voice.

ABOUT LAY A GARLAND

'Lay a Garland’ was written by the English composer Robert Lucas de Pearsall in 1840. The text is taken from the Beaumont and Fletcher play The Maids Tragedy, and is spoken by a heartbroken woman who has been parted from her betrothed.

Monday Museum Moment: Chilliwack Radio

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Monday Museum Moment: Chilliwack Radio

Portrait of Casey Wells with original CHWK radio transmitting equipment, 1927 Photograph courtesy of the Chilliwack Museum and Archives, [PP503879]

Portrait of Casey Wells with original CHWK radio transmitting equipment, 1927
Photograph courtesy of the Chilliwack Museum and Archives, [PP503879]

Off the Ground and Into the Air: Early History of CHWK Radio

What comes first, the radio or the radio station? That is the type of chicken-or-egg question that Casey Wells and Jack Menzies attempted to solve in 1927. How do you sell a radio to the public without a radio station for them to listen to? 

If you are Casey Wells and Jack Menzies, the answer is simple: you build a radio station. 

Transmission equipment could be challenging to come by in 1920s Chilliwack, but luckily, Casey had a lead. He had been a fan of radio transmission since the sinking of the Titanic and had been amazed that help could be called over a long distance with “just a little spark going through the air”. Casey knew of a ham radio operator in Mission named Earl Streeter and with a bit of persuasion (and capital from his father), Case was able to coax Streeter into selling him his entire operation. Consisting of wire, a surplus transmitter from a submarine from the Great War and more, the set up was loaded up into his Model-T. Soon, Casey was on his way back home to Chilliwack with the parts of what would become Chilliwack’s first radio station in tow. 

Casey and Jack set up the radio station on the second floor of Menzies Hardware, then located on Wellington Avenue. A small fledgling station at the start – their transmitter operated with just 5 watts – Casey hosted an hour-long session each day, running a mixed program that included music, chat and broadcasting local news. In their excitement to create the station, the duo did not obtain a license until after the radio station was already in operation, drawing some light ire from the Dominion of Canada’s Marine and Fisheries Department. Nonetheless, CHWK was off the ground running and they received their permit. 

For a period of time, Casey was the only employee at CHWK and alternated his time between the radio station and working at Menzies. Balancing these duties was a challenge, however years of perseverance and dedication (not to mention the hiring of additional employees like Jack Pilling, a radio repair man and fill-in host for CHWK when needed) made the CHWK radio venture profitable. 

The station has undergone several changes over time, including multiple changes in ownership, a change in call sign, a switch from AM to FM and vastly improved transmission capabilities. Today, what used to be CHWK radio operates as Star FM under ownership of Rogers Media Inc. 

Here’s a recent talk from the previous Station Manager at 89.5 The Drive, Kevin Gemmell:

Klaassen Farms - Now Hiring

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Chilliwack Blueberries

Klaassen Farms - Chilliwack Blueberries - Now Hiring

Chilliwack Blueberries is open for frozen blueberries sales at their Farm Store (51211 Chilliwack Central Road - map below) and currently hiring for the summer positions.

Positions Available

  • Delivery Driver

  • Sales Associate

  • Line Inspector

For information on these positions & to learn how to apply, visit www.facebook.com/pg/chilliwackblueberries/jobs/

Store Hours & Products

Store is open Wednesday & Friday next week and the rest of April.

What’s available for purchase?

Frozen Duke Blueberries – Locally Grown
Dukes are a variety of blueberry and they are super sweet and plumb.

*only accepting debit/ credit at this time*

http://www.chilliwackblueberries.com/about/

http://www.chilliwackblueberries.com/blog/ for recipes

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Tips for Working from Home

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Tips for Working from Home from a Professional

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From someone that has worked from home for over 13 years, I know what it’s like to try and get stuff done when the TV, kids or your warm bed is still calling your name.

In September of this last year, I finally stepped out from the home office and moved into Cowork Chilliwack BUT, given the current times, I’ve quickly had to re-adapt to some old practices. I put them down in a list, because lists make it easier (see lesson three).

  • Get Dressed & Ready for the Day

It’s important to feel like you’re getting ready for something. Showing up in comfy clothes (or no clothes) doesn’t help you get in the mindset to get work done. Show up to your home office dressed and ready. It’s time to get stuff done.

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  • Have a Designated Space

You might have a home office or den; use it. Clean it up so you can focus on your work. If you don’t have one, then make a space that’s as free of distractions as possible for your work space for the day.
For me, I have 3 kids, and if I worked upstairs I would get nothing done. I had a basement office where I could go, close the door and have my own space to work. I taught my kids that if that door was closed, they couldn’t bug me. It worked most of the time.

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  • Make a List

I love having a list of things I know I want to accomplish that day. Even putting ‘Make a List’ on a list and crossing it off is somewhat satisfying.
I love pen and paper. I have two notebooks that I use for lists - one is the day to day tasks & meetings notes book and the other is for bigger projects.

I also love to use https://teuxdeux.com it’s a couple bucks a month and it syncs with all devices but the mobile app is the best when you cross a list item off because you see a flying cat…and nothing says a job well done like a flying cat.

  • Conference Call with People

We have so much amazing technology at our finger tips. Use it to call people to brainstorm, connect, go over ideas, problem solving etc. Just don’t leave people a voicemail. Voicemails are the worst. Seriously, send me a text or an email; NOT a voicemail.

  • Right Timing

For myself, I am very productive in the mornings. I like early starts to the day and find that my productivity level begins to wane as noon approaches. I try to book my meetings from lunch and afterwards, so that I can find a way to get up and moving to force my body and mind to keep with it.

For others, you might be an afternoon person or a night owl. Find the right time that helps get you energized and productive.

  • Take Breaks

Things suck right now - not going to lie. BUT take breaks and give yourself some time to breathe. Play a game with the kids, make a snack, workout, open your windows for some fresh… do something to give your mind a break.

  • Don’t Day Drink

Although it’s fun, I say wait until Happy Hour: 3 or 4pm, depending how early you’d like it start. Day Drinking will shut down your productivity, give you “really good ideas”, and probably make you want to nap. Work for your Happy Hour and you’ll be happier for it.

  • Reward System

It’s easy to procrastinate and get distracted. Things like social media can suck an hour away before you know it. Set a reward system for focusing; read/write this many pages, work for 50 minutes, send 4 e-mails, finish this project, etc, and then reward yourself with a break such as a 7 minute social media break, a coffee, a quick video game time, check the news...

I have more tips, but it got sunny outside and I’m going to go pretend like I’m on the golf course right now.

Stay safe, stay home (as much as you can) and stay strong.

Thanks Chilliwack,
Matt

Time for a Gut Check

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Government of Canada Supports Hockey Project Aimed at Promoting Healthy Weights for Men

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and healthy eating, plays an important role in the well-being and quality of life of Canadians and helps prevent chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Excess weight is a top risk factor for developing chronic diseases and significantly compromises the health of Canadians. In Canada, men (particularly those who are middle-aged) are almost 35% more likely than women to be overweight or obese. 

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The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has invested up to $2.5 million over three and a half years to help expand Western University's Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) program across the country. This program aims to motivate Canadian adult males to eat healthier foods and become more physically active by incorporating participants' passion for hockey into the initiative.

Hockey FIT is a 3-month, off-ice, healthy lifestyle program for men who are overweight or obese, between 35 and 65 years of age, and fans of their local hockey team. The program is offered free-of-charge as part of a federally-funded research study. 

Hockey FIT has recently moved to Western Canada after successfully launching in 16 communities across Ontario. In your community, Hockey FIT has partnered with the Chilliwack Chiefs and Club XO to implement and deliver the program.

The program curriculum includes an education component focusing on healthy eating and the importance of physical activity, as well as an exercise component, involving aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises. Connecting to participants' passion for hockey, the program incorporates activities like stick handling drills to promote being active and includes the opportunity to go behind the scenes at the team's home rink.

SIGN UP HERE: www.hockeyfansintraining.org

Quotes and Quick Facts from Newswire Media Release April 2019

(SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada; https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-supports-hockey-project-aimed-at-promoting-healthy-weights-for-men-825913645.html)

"The Government of Canada knows that physical activity is a pillar of healthy living. That's why we are committed to supporting and encouraging initiatives like the Hockey FIT program that get Canadians moving and keep them active through physical activity and sport. This program is encouraging men across Canada to take their love of hockey and turn it into an opportunity to improve their health by moving more and eating healthier foods."

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health

"Canadian men live an average of four years less than Canadian women—with an even greater gap for Indigenous men and men living in rural settings or with lower incomes. Finding innovative ways to encourage men to get more active, improve their diets and achieve and maintain healthy weights is important to help change this trend. Programs like Hockey FIT are an example of turning a passion into a path to improving one's health and well-being."

Dr. Theresa Tam
Canada's Chief Public Health Officer

"Men are under-represented in health promotion programs and visit their doctor less than women; this may be associated with worsening health indicators in men compared to women in Canada. Our research suggests that men associate physical activity with sport and athleticism and prefer health promotion programs that incorporate competition in the company of other men. Given Canada's love of hockey and that junior hockey in large and small communities across the country is often a rallying point, Hockey Fans in Training will engage men who are fans of their favourite junior hockey team to participate in adopting a healthy lifestyle and improve their health. Our partnerships cut across public and private sectors to provide a range of innovative tools and technologies to support long term health change in Canadian men, which we believe will positively impact their families too." 

Dr. Robert Petrella
Professor, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University

Quick Facts

  • Excess weight is one of the top risk factors for developing chronic diseases. In 2014, almost 62% of Canadian men were overweight or obese (versus 46% of Canadian women).

  • Hockey FIT is supported through the Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention – Multi-sectoral Partnerships (MSP) program, which supports projects across the country for a wide variety of populations including children and youth, women, Indigenous Peoples and new Canadians. Past and current partnerships of the MSP program include ParticipACTION, Smart Moms, Farm to School and Walk or Run to Quit — all with the goal of lowering the risks of developing chronic diseases by improving access to the information, resources and services all Canadians need to make healthier choices.

  • Through this project, PHAC's MSP Program is piloting a new funding model where Hockey FIT will be eligible for incentive payments beyond the initial investment for this project, based on measurable improvements in the health of participants, including cardiorespiratory fitness, healthy weights and blood pressure. This innovative approach is a first for the Government of Canada in the area of public health.

  • The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is also providing funding to Western University for the Hockey FIT program through a separate grant agreement.

Circulating Through Chilliwack: The FVRL Chilliwack Branch  

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Circulating Through Chilliwack: The FVRL Chilliwack Branch  

2010.005.1845 Chilliwack Library from Salish Park, no date.

The Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) and the Chilliwack Library were at the forefront of library experimentation when first opened in August 1930. Created through a $100,000 grant ($1,550,000 in 2020, accounting for inflation) provided by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the library system was to accommodate citizens from Ladner to Hope with headquarters originally located in Chilliwack. The system was designed to consist of more than just libraries: it would include a main book distribution, deposit stations and a travelling van (the first in Canada) to reach citizens located in rural areas. In the months prior to the opening, the Chilliwack Progress reported the network would be one of the most comprehensive on the continent once opened. 

The first Chilliwack Library location was at the corner of Nowell and Maxwell Streets and the library enjoyed much fanfare in the first few days following its opening. School aged children were treated to readings of Kipling and refreshments on the Thursday and Friday before the library opened for full service on Saturday. The first Saturday of operations was particularly busy, with over 375 books being checked out in one day alone. This contributed to the more than 1,000 library cards that were signed in the first few days of service at the branch, an impressive number for the reported combined 8,263 people reported to be living in the City of Chilliwack and Township of Chilliwhack in the 1921 British Columbia Municipal Census. The first three books checked out were “Clemenceau” by Martlet, “Concerning Man’s Origin” by Sir Arthur Keith and “Our Face from Fish to Man” by William K. Gregory.

Growing collections and demand for library services in Chilliwack spurred relocation of the library. A new facility, financed by both City and Township governments, was built at the corner of Wellington Avenue and College Streets in 1949 where Cyrus Centre is today. In 1981, the library relocated once more to its current facility at Salish Place, waiving all overdue book fees for a week to mark the occasion. 

Spring Break Art Camps at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre

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Spring Break Art Camps at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre

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A vacation of imagination! The Centre’s Spring Break Art Camps let your kids unleash their creativity with an exciting range of artistic activities that are sure to leave your kids entertained!

There’s no better way to fill those two weeks than with artistic exploration, and with The Centre’s inspirational array of classes and activities, and a flexible class schedule, this is a fantastic opportunity for your child to explore their creative side!

Packed with a fun selection of art classes designed to excite and inspire creativity, the Spring Break Art Camps are the perfect way to entertain your children over the school break. The camps are running from March 16 to 20 and 23 to 27,and are filled with a wide selection of activities that include everything from arts and crafts to performance, music, and dance. Anime Illustration explores the incredibly popular style of art and teaches kids how to draw their own characters, A-Pickin’ & A-Grinnin’ and iUke offer an opportunity to pick up a provided instrument and learn the basics, while Cosmic Kids and Disney Crafts are a great opportunity for those crafty kids in your life to get creative. Your kids can also learn how to use fibre materials to make fun items in Weaving and Macramé, or even discover the basics of Cross Stitch. 

And again this year classes are being offered for older kids aged 11 to 13; Art Journaling - where students will learn many mixed media techniques to fill their journal; Start Drawing! - where aspiring young artists will learn how to take things they see every day and put them on paper; and Create Your Own Graphic Novel - where they will learn dynamic figure drawing, colour theory and the art of inking! 

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With 51 classes to pick and choose from, your kids will not only have the chance to try new things but to also explore and learn more about the activities that already interested them.

The Spring Break Art Camps are an easy way to inspire your child’s imagination, so make your kids’ spring break something extraordinary and let them explore their creativity!

Camps will run from 8:30 am to 4:15 pm with supervised breaks, Monday to Friday, between March 16 and March 27, 2020. Each day is split into six blocks of 65-minute sessions, with four different classes running in each time slot. Choose one class per time slot, and your child will take part in that activity, at that time, for the full week. Sign up for a single class, two per day, or for a full week of fun and creativity! Each class costs $37.50, and registering for a class means your child will participate in that activity at that time from Monday to Friday, meaning you get 5 fantastic and creative sessions for just $37.50!

Create Your Own Graphic Novel for 11–13 year-olds runs from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in the first week – March 16 to 20. Art Journaling for 11–13 year-olds will run from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in the second week – March 23 to 27, 2020. These two classes are $112.50 each for the week - 5 fantastic and creative 3-hour sessions. 

Start Drawing for 11–13 year-olds runs from 1:00 to 3:00 pm in the second week – March 23 to 27, 2020 and is $75 for the week - 5 fantastic and creative 3-hour sessions.

The Centre’s Spring Break Art Camps for Kids are available for kids age 5–13, and with sessions broken into categories for 5-7, 8–11, and 11-13 year-olds, your children will get the perfect art experience catered to their age. 

To learn more about class schedules, descriptions, registration and more, make sure to either drop by The Centre and pick up a Spring Break Art Camps brochure, visit chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or contact The Centre Box Office at 604-391-SHOW(7469).

Chilliwack Bowls of Hope Society - John Martin, Chilliwack MLA

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Chilliwack Bowls of Hope Society - John Martin, Chilliwack MLA

John took some time to visit with Mike Csoka from Chilliwack Bowls Of Hope Society to learn about the great work they do for students in our community.

If you’re interested in donating or volunteering with Chilliwack Bowls of Hope, learn more here:
https://chilliwackbowlsofhope.com

The First Kingfish // 
Vedder River Steelhead Derby

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The First Kingfish // 
Vedder River Steelhead Derby

Nitrate negative taken by Cec Bradwin: "Steelhead Derby". According to the Chilliwack Progress from December 31, 1962, Helen Petkovich won the women’s competition.Photograph courtesy of the Chilliwack Museum and Archives, [2010.060.02117].

Nitrate negative taken by Cec Bradwin: "Steelhead Derby". According to the Chilliwack Progress from December 31, 1962, Helen Petkovich won the women’s competition.

Photograph courtesy of the Chilliwack Museum and Archives, [2010.060.02117].

Hosted annually on Boxing Day almost every year, the Vedder River Steelhead Derby is a Chilliwack classic. First held in 1937-1938, the event was originally conceived by George Rannie and Jack Pilling, with the support of the Chilliwack Fish and Game Club (later renamed the Chilliwack Fish and Game Protective Association). In future years, the Association assumed derby management, which continues to this day. The date and duration of the Derby has changed over time, shortening from a months long Derby to a one-day affair and the dates changing over time to coincide with steelhead runs.

45 entrants who had qualified in the elimination contests held in the late fall-early winter met at the Vedder Crossing Bridge on February 6, 1938 for the first Vedder River Steelhead Derby. Officially launched by the ringing a gunshot at 7 am, fishermen and women scattered brusquely on foot (as per Derby rules) along the banks of the Vedder River, eager to claim their fishing grounds. Contestants had 4.5 hours to both catch and submit their steelhead for weigh-in at the Derby weigh stations. With the echoing of a second gunshot at 11:30 am, the competition closed and no more fish could be submitted or weighed. Some contestants who chose fishing grounds further away from the Vedder Bridge were forced to run to the station to beat the gun.

A crowd of approximately 750 people attended the awards ceremony at the Bridge, where prizes were handed out in a number of diverse categories. The W.S. Simpson Cup, a trophy bestowed upon the female angler who caught the largest steelhead, was awarded to Kay Nelmes, who also received a casserole and watch for her efforts. Armed with a bamboo rod during the competition, Carl Wilson claimed first overall in the Derby with the heaviest fish, a catch weighing 12 lbs 9 oz. With the catch, Carl won the Ferguson & Furnell cup, $125 ($2,246.71 in 2019, accounting for inflation) and boasting rights. As a result of winning the championship, Carl became known as “Kingfish Carl,” a title claimed by the winner of the Derby. The title of “Kingfish” continues today with the King Fish Trophy, given to anglers with the heaviest steelhead catch.

Be sure to check out the Chilliwack Museum and Archives to learn more about our community’s rich history:
https://www.chilliwackmuseum.ca

And their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/ChilliwackMuseumArchives


James & Jamesy | O Christmas Tea Ticket Contest

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James & Jamesy | O Christmas Tea Ticket Contest

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CONGRATULATIONS TO JULEE MELE - you’ve won and we’ve emailed details about your tickets! Enjoy the show!

Here’s your chance to win a pair of tickets to the O Christmas Tea performance at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, put on by James & Jamesy.

How to enter:

1) Tell us below who you would take to the show
2) Follow James & Jamesy online

Do this by December 9th at 9pm and we will announce the winner on December 11th at Noon!

For more info about James & Jamesy and their shows:
https://www.jamesandjamesy.com

James & Jamesy | O Christmas Tea

Small Business BC Awards - Nomination

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Small Business BC Awards - Nomination

We are beyond thrilled to let you know that we’ve been nominated for a Small Business BC Award. Someone(s) out there was too kind to nominate us for the Premier's People's Choice award.

What we need you to do is go to this link:

https://sbbcawards.ca/award/peoples-choice/around-chilliwack/

And click the VOTE NOW button on the bottom left.

Thanks so much for your help. We look forward to continuing to promote small business in Chilliwack and all of the amazing things that happen in this beautiful community!

People Around Chilliwack - First Five Episodes

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People Around Chilliwack - First Five Episodes

Screenshot from video with Metric Civil.

Screenshot from video with Metric Civil.

The video series ‘People Around Chilliwack’ is a mini-replacement of our podcast. The premise is simple: 5 questions in under 1 minute. We’ve had 5 videos come out so far and people seem to really enjoy them.

In case you missed any of the first five episodes, we’ve posted them all in one place for you to watch.
Have any recommendations for who should be interviewed next? Let us know.
Contact us here: https://www.aroundchilliwack.ca/contact

Enjoy!

Special thanks to Michael Berger for the name suggestion of ‘People Around Chilliwack’!

O Christmas Tea - James and Jamesy - Chilliwack Cultural Centre

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O Christmas Tea

O Christmas Tea - James and Jamesy - Chilliwack Cultural Centre

There’s an upcoming show happening in Chilliwack and we’re pretty excited about it. We often hear from people that they don’t know what’s happening in Chilliwack. We love British style of humour, like the classics of Monty Python and Mr. Bean. James and Jamesy, the comedic duo brings a fresh take on this style of humour and we couldn’t be happier about it. The upcoming show from James and Jamesy is coming to the live stage of the Cultural Centre.

WHEN & WHERE:
December 13 at 7:30pm
Chilliwack Cultural Centre

Here’s what ‘O Christmas Tea’ is about:
A Christmas wish comes true with catastrophic repercussions.

Combining British propriety with an unabashed love for the unexpected, London’s 3-time Impresario Award-winning duo steep an astonishing show reminiscent of classic British pantos. Rich in wordplay, comic physicality, and cleverly crafted interactive elements—this show is uproarious fun, yet it is the duo’s boundless imagination and endearing chemistry that provide the real magic and heart of this play.

Read more here: https://www.jamesandjamesy.com/o-christmas-tea/

Tickets are available from the Chilliwack Cultural Centre here.

From their website:
”James & Jamesy create multi-award winning theatrical performances with extended characters, rich emotion, and fantastical trips of the imagination. With roots in physical comedy, clown, and dance, their immersive performances remind adult audiences of the children they once were – and still are.”

Check out the trailer below:

Chilliwack Museum Moment: S’í:lhqey

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Photograph courtesy of the Chilliwack Museum and Archives, [2004.052.2186]

Photograph courtesy of the Chilliwack Museum and Archives, [2004.052.2186]

Chilliwack Museum Moment: S’í:lhqey

A part of S’ólh Téméxw (our world), the areas known today as Chilliwack Landing and Five Corners are located on the traditional land of the Ts’elxwéyeqw (Chilliwack) and Pelólhxw (Pilalt) tribes of the Stó:lō people.  The Stó:lō people, the People are the River, are a part of the Coast Salish peoples and have been here since time immemorial. 

Stó:lō elders and community members share lessons about the history and creation of S’ólh Téméxw through sxwōxwiyám (creation and transformer stories) and sqwélqwel (true news and family histories). These accounts, as well as the shxwelí (life force) which resides in all living and non-living things, connect current generations of Stó:lō to the land and to their ancestors.  

Stl’á:leqem (supernatural creatures), such as the s’í:lhqey, have and continue to be reported by Stó:lō elders and community members in Chilliwack and the Five Corners area. Living in winding channels and marshlands, s’í:lhqey are normally described as serpents with two heads. S’í:lhqey have the power to cause a person’s body to twist and become sick until death if a person runs upon seeing the creature. 

Learn more about s’í:lhqey through the Five Faces, Five Corners: The Social Experience of Chilliwack’s Downtown exhibition at the Chilliwack Museum and Archives, located at 45820 Spadina Road. The exhibition will run until April 18, 2020. 

*Captions for the images are included below.

Learn more about the current exhibit here: https://www.chilliwackmuseum.ca/exhibitions/current-exhibits/ 

Caption from the first image:
A double-headed Snake “They made it on a 3ft wide post. The one head pointed down and the other up. The middle was round like a tub. It was like a big snake only the head like a horse’s head - long and smooth - a long mouth - long ears like a horse’s - it’s got a note and teeth in its mouth, like an alligator. They had it painted, lots of red Indian paint - on the eyes - the ears were long like a horse’s, only they were feathers.”

“This *SEEL-kee was seen by two brothers who were searching for their “power” to be in Indian doctors, down at *koh-KWAH-puhl. They saw it in a pond they used to *qoh-QIY-ah; it was down behind where the Chilliwack Exhibition Grounds are now.”

“My grandfather told me not to go there when shooting ducks - you away - Indians you know - when you see it - you pull your hair out of your head - like that - and blow it at him - and when you do that you are hurting him, - but when you see him, don’t turn around, or if you do, you are going to twist all up. That’s what my grandfather told me.”

Caption from the second image:
“A great big serpent - it’s got a head at both ends and it swims around in that slough - (where the Chilliwack Court House was later). To kill it, the man swam out to it and grabbed it and threw grass into its mouth, which killed it.

When it died, and after it rotted away, the man who got his power - because he had killed this big serpent - did what the serpent had told him. He burned the bones and then painted a picture of the serpent across the front of his big house, over the door. He marks the place where all the bones beyond - he pictured the shape of that serpent over the door to protect that house.”

The ‘power’ of the *SEEL-kee to destroy usually caused its victims to writhe and twist in pain until the collapsed. This was the punishment meted out, according to legend, to a raiding party who came from the cost to attack the house.

Caption from the third image:
Chief Joe was hunting at a big pond, south of Little Mountain, east of Chilliwack City, near where Prest Road is now.

“He heard this thing flying - it came right down into that lake - just like a duck - when he got to that lake he found out it wasn’t a duck. He said it was like a big tub floating, and while he was watching its head came up and started talking. It talked like a duck - like a Mallard. It was not long before another head came up - he had two heads - and how that thing could fly I don’t know; but the Indian said that thing could fly from lake to lake. I don’t understand, but that’s a great thing you know: but if you tell a white man he wouldn’t believe it, you know, but my grandfather, Chief Joe of *koh-KWAH-puhl, he saw it twice, it came right over him and it came down on to the lake just like a boat. He said it was just like a tub - then one head came up and it started talking - then the other head came up - like a duck’s head on a long neck.”
“That’s a *SEEL-kee - that’s what they called it.”

Captions provided from: Wells, Oliver N. Myths and Legends: STAW-loh INDIANS of South Western British Columbia. Vancouver, BC: Frank T. Coan Ltd, 1970.

PechaKucha Chilliwack 2019

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PechaKucha Chilliwack 2019

Come and learn more about the untold stories of Chilliwack's creative economy. The 5th annual PechaKucha Chilliwack is a free event and will feature local speakers each with a unique story to tell delivered in a very unique format.

PechaKucha 20x20 is a simple presentation format where you show 20 images, each for 20 seconds. The images advance automatically and you talk along to the images.

It will be fast-paced, insightful and inspirational and the members of the Chilliwack Creative Commission would like to invite you to attend. Please reserve your spot today as we expect to have a full house.

Get your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pechakucha-chilliwack-2019-tickets-71325461375?fbclid=IwAR1Ucgn5hsoWWC_vsh_tM_K676FpVi8oXLuNIzyOcgoOLWFHOBksY1a4drw

Brought to you by:

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The Chilliwack Creative Commission, a committee of CEPCO, is a one-stop resource for film, interactive and digital media in Chilliwack.

Annual Chilliwack Agriculture Tour 2019

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Annual Chilliwack Agriculture Tour 2019

The Chilliwack Agricultural Commission is an ad hoc committee of the Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation. The Commission, which was formed in 1999, recognizes the importance and value of Chilliwack’s diverse agricultural sector and has successfully promoted agricultural growth, development, education and awareness in Chilliwack by leading the following projects and events:

  • Annual Chilliwack Agriculture Tour (17 years)

  • Agriculture Sector Strategy

  • Agriculture Education Opportunities Study

  • Slow Moving Farm Vehicle Signs

  • Housing for Seasonal Farm Workers Bylaw

  • Sardis Secondary School Greenhouse Renovation

  • Agriculture Plastics Recycling Pilot Project

  • University of the Fraser Valley Agriculture Development Plan

  • Chilliwack Agricultural Area Plan

  • Agri-food Directions to 2020 Report

  • Agriculture Centre of Excellence at University of the Fraser Valley

The Town Butcher - Online Ordering Now Available

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The Town Butcher - Online Ordering Now Available

It is finally here!!! The Town Butcher launched their online delivery and pickup service. For orders $50 or more you can have delivery for $5 anywhere within 20km of our store.

They have delivery days for Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays. You can also customize your order and pick it up at the store.

Be one of the first 50 customers with orders over $50 and you will be entered to win a gift card to The Town Butcher for $200.

Place your order online NOW!
https://thetownbutcher.myshopify.com

Find out more about the Town Butcher here:
https://thetownbutcher.com