The Reality of Retail - Shopping Around Chilliwack

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Showroom at GP Home Furniture

Showroom at GP Home Furniture

The Reality of Retail - Shopping Around Chilliwack

Let’s take a moment to talk about what it takes to run a retail store in a small community.

Running a retail store is not easy. There are great times where you can’t keep a certain product on the shelf as it sells out so fast, or that a sale seems to hit people just right where they come buy from you, but in reality, retail is hard.

We wanted to take a few moments to share a few things about retail that you might not know and may help you see things a little differently the next time you stop into a local business.

Blossom Floral Designs Shop

Blossom Floral Designs Shop

“Local business owners run their business because they have a passion for what they do.”

The Price of Markups
People often get caught up on what the markup on items are. They will see a product marked up by 100% or 50% and will focus on trying to get the retailer to sell the product at a cheaper rate, but there is a lot that isn’t seen.

People don’t see the cost of freight and shipping. For anything that’s brought in from out of country, there’s the cost of bringing it across the border, plus the cost of the company to ship it from the supplier. Those costs need to be recovered in the cost of the product which leads to the markup.

What you might not see as well, is that the markup needs to include the cost of inventory. You can mark up an item 50%, but part of that markup is to cover the cost of the inventory that stays in stock and doesn’t sell. If a product is in stock and not selling, money isn’t coming in. The markups need to cover that loss. The reality is that the store will not sell every piece of product, and markups are created to reflect that.

Most retailers don’t own their own building either. The cost of their lease, plus turning lights on, air conditioning, free WiFi for their guests, and a plethora of other costs are factored into that markup. It’s not a markup to gouge you, but a markup to run their business and hopefully, at the end of the day, have some kind of profit to say they’ve made at least a little money.

If you were to take a local business owners total time spent working and the amount of money they make in a year and average it out, we can almost guarantee that you’d be shocked at how little it works out to be. Local business owners run their business because they have a passion for what they do, employees to care for, and ultimately, the customers that they serve.

Fundraisers, Donations and Handouts

Local businesses are often looked at for donations to various fundraisers in the community. From Girl Guides, sports teams, community organizations and more, local retailers are looked to for help from cash and prize donations. Get to know a local business owner and you’ll quickly find out how often people come into their establishment asking for handouts.

Pro Shop at Cheam Mountain Golf Course

Pro Shop at Cheam Mountain Golf Course

These businesses don’t have those items simply sitting around at no cost to them. Those donations are given out from the small profits they’ve made on the mark-ups mentioned above. Retailers aren’t given big pay checks or unlimited items from suppliers to give away to fundraisers. Retailers, our local businesses, are giving out of their own pockets because they care about the community they live in. They believe in the causes that make this community great.

“You don’t get to see the late nights a retailer has put into problem solving or perfecting the product they put on the shelf the next morning.”

The Unknown Costs

Beyond markups, supply costs and everything else, what people never see is the amount of time, knowledge, research, failures and successes a local retailer has put into their store. You don’t get to see the late nights a retailer has put into problem solving or perfecting the product they put on the shelf the next morning, or the hours, days or years that they’ve put into learning everything about a certain product field and discovering which product is the best to put on their shelf and in your hands, and why and how it works for their store. They don’t show the little things, like making private deliveries for a customer that needs some extra help, or a quiet donation to a cause that’s having difficulty covering basic costs.

Local retailers are in business for more than profit. Yes, they are making a living, but they are also providing employment and economic growth in our community. The money they make and the employees they pay in turn buy/rent homes in town, they shop at local stores, play local sports, visit local restaurants and more. The money they bring into their store is to keep this community healthy and strong. It’s the backbone of this community.

The cost of running a retail store in a small community is high but the reward is so much greater. Next time you’re in a local retail business, try to see things through their lens and maybe say thanks for the hard work they’ve done to be here. We need them a lot more than we know.

The Book Man Downtown

The Book Man Downtown

Boomerang Five - Chilliwack Cultural Centre

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Boomerang Five - Chilliwack Cultural Centre

Boomerang Five - Chilliwack Cultural Centre

Local music talent shines in a magnificent concert!

Shining the spotlight on musicians once again, Boomerang returns to Chilliwack with three fantastic bands! On November 21, Sarah Wills will head a lineup of musicians that will fill the theatre with fantastic jazz and even some rock and roll. Seats are limited due to social distancing protocols, so get your tickets soon so you can experience a stellar lineup of musicians.         

"The concert should be a wonderfully relaxing night filled with jazz of all sorts and some acoustic rock. We have three sets that showcase acoustic rock, gypsy jazz, and then classic jazz combos of swings and sorts,” explains Sarah Wills. “All the musicians in it are people I've played with or have been fellow music acquaintances with, and I'm happy I get to play with some of them again. The journey of getting this concert together has been a big roller-coaster, but the people that have been working on this concert with me have made that process a breeze so we can create a great night of music and R&R when it's needed most!"

"The bands we have playing consist of traditional jazz, gypsy jazz, and acoustic rock. Gypsy is special because it doesn't have drums; it has guitar and bass acting as a steady rhythm section to allow the violinist to shine and showcases everyone in varying gypsy jazz styles from slow ballads to fast swing. I've invited local rising rock band Tayos to come to play an acoustic set that will sound amazing as they have always put on great shows in the past. Finally, we have trad jazz, which is what we are opening with, classic jazz."

These astonishing talents will tell their own stories through their range of alternative, folk, and country music. Each with their unique take, these performers are sure to inspire anyone interested in producing their art or anyone who wants to see what incredible talent can be found locally. Whether you are looking for a fun evening out or want to come out and support the local music scene, Boomerang is the place to be!

Boomerang Five is coming to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on November 21, 2020 at 7:00 pm. For more information, call the Centre Box Office 604-391-SHOW(7469).

Chilliwack Agriculture - The Heart of our Community

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Chilliwack Agriculture - The Heart of our Community


Check out the farms we recently had an opportunity to film as part of the virtual Agricultural Tour with Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation this year:

The first stop on the tour is Brightside Eggs, a family-owned and operated poultry farm committed to sustainable and humane farming practices, animal care and animal health. These 3rd generation farmers are passionate about producing food for local families.

“Farming is like any job, except you punch in at age 5, and you never punch out” Heritage Farms is a family farm that raises Canadian grass-fed and grain-finished beef and also offers certified organic, free-range eggs. The Garcia family takes pride in teaching their children respect for the animals and the value of hard work, and in providing the highest quality beef that is ethically and sustainably raised.

The third stop on our tour is Bredenhof Hop Farms and R & T Poultry. Raymond and Tracey Bredenhof started their poultry farm with 5,000 birds and have expanded to 250,000 birds per year. They branched out to grow hops about 5 years ago and are now one of the largest hop growers in the region – and they do all their own processing and distribution as well!

The fourth stop on our tour is Sparkes Corn Barn, which is owned and operated by Ian Sparkes and family. Sparkes sweet corn is grown locally in Chilliwack. To maintain freshness and optimum maturity, Sparkes does a planting every few days so there is corn ripening throughout the season. The corn is picked fresh daily and delivered directly from the fields to the convenient drive-thru stands, ensuring it is ripe, fresh, and full of flavour. And, Sparkes only grows non-GMO product!

The fifth and final stop on our tour is Golden Oak Acres, a family-owned and operated farm in Chilliwack that recently transitioned from poultry to dairy farming. Chris Kloot, dairy farmer and City of Chilliwack Councillor, is passionate about supporting Canadian farmers and protecting our food sovereignty. Watch to hear why Chris loves Chilliwack agriculture.

Check out our new highlight reel from the last three years of tours before this year.

Creative Shift, powered by PechaKucha Live Stream Replay

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Creative Shift, powered by PechaKucha

The Chilliwack Creative Commission put together the 6th annual PechaKucha event. This event has been a way to connect the community to undercurrent of the creative work that’s being done in Chilliwack.

The PechaKucha style of presentation allows the speaker 20 slides/images that lasts 20 seconds each. It keeps the event fast paced and interesting.

We had the pleasure of taking photos of this year’s online event while it was hosted from the incredible studio at Cowork Chilliwack.

Learn about the untold stories of Chilliwack's creative economy. The 6th annual PechaKucha event was held online this year and featured local speakers each with a unique story to tell delivered in a very unique format.

Local musician Ted Kim shines in a passionate concert!

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Local musician Ted Kim shines in a passionate concert!

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Live local music returns to the stage as Boomerang Four shines the spotlight on incredibly musicians right from your own backyard. Ted Kim of Dear Father will head a lineup of musicians that will push boundaries and give you an evening out you won’t soon forget. Seats are limited due to social distancing protocols, so get your tickets soon so you can experience a stellar lineup of musicians as they kick off the return of the series with a spectacular mix of alternative folk and rock and roll!

Chilliwack musician Ted Kim has performed at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre in the past as part of Boomerang Three, and this time he’s taken on the task of organizing an incredible lineup of musicians. The assortment of artists he’s asked to join him is nothing short of spectacular: Anna Ratzlaff and Jason Ratzlaff of Portraits of Us, Cole Prpich, Christa Keats, Dion Weisbrod from The Unbranded, Jeffrey Trainor, Bronsen Rasmussen from Fear The Wolves, and Jonas Wilson. 

“It’s going to be a great night, and I’m very excited to share the stage with some of Chilliwack’s talent!” says Ted Kim. “We’ve come up with a lighting concept that’s kind of a dawn to dusk theme that will match each performer and match their performance. Another great thing about the show that I’m excited about is that it’s not genre-specific. We have artists performing everything from folk to rock and roll!”

“I love working with the artists and the Chilliwack Cultural Centre to put out the next show in the Boomerang series,” Kim continues. “I’ve always found that performing at The Centre is very professional and the staff knows how to set the mood for every show to really bring light to the music and the performances!”

The Boomerang series offers opportunities to local artists to perform in a professional setting, and it’s something that the program lead, Amber Bergeron is passionate about.

“The Boomerang Concert series is funded through our Youth Engagement Program, which aims to give musicians under thirty in our community a chance to create something, and get real hands-on experience performing in a casual, but professional setting,” Amber explains. “We give them the tools, resources, and mentorship they need for a good show, and they take their skills and knowledge to put together a memorable performance. The Idea behind the naming of the series “Boomerang” is a metaphor for all the hard work and creativity that is put into these shows. The effort that goes into what you will see on stage will repay these young musicians with more tools, experience, and knowledge to continue pursuing their art form in the future.  And not only are all of the performers classified as “young” musicians but most of the staff working on these shows, from the marketing team to the lighting and sound technicians, are also young members of the community, honing their craft and gaining experience in the industry.”

These astonishing talents will each tell their own unique stories through their range of alternative, folk and country music. Each with their unique take, these performers are sure to inspire anyone interested in producing their own art, or anyone who wants to see what incredible talent can be found locally. Whether you are looking for a fun evening out, or want to come out and support the local music scene, Boomerang is the place to be!

Boomerang Four is coming to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on October 17, 2020 at 7:00 pm. For more information, call the Centre Box Office 604-391-SHOW(7469).

Chilliwack Agriculture Tour Highlights

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Chilliwack Agriculture Tour Highlights

This time of year we would have normally been on the Chilliwack Agriculture Tour but this year was a lot different. Before we start posting all of the Agriculture Tour videos we made for this year, enjoy a highlight reel from the last three years of tours, and stayed tuned for the VIRTUAL 19th Annual Chilliwack Agriculture Tour, coming soon!

Chris Funk – The Wonderist! at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre

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Chris Funk – The Wonderist! at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre

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Experience the thrill of live magic and music with Chilliwack’s own Chris Funk – The Wonderist!

 Take astonishing acts of magic, a violin concerto, a guitar loop recorded live on stage, and then add in the delightfully charismatic personality of Chris Funk and you have The Wonderist. On October 9th and 10th, Chris Funk – The Wonderist will be taking on his first show within Chilliwack since moving here. Seats are limited due to social distancing protocols, so get your tickets soon so you can witness Chris Funk as he baffles audiences with amazing illusions and an engaging multimedia experience that will leave you scratching your head and wondering how he did it. 

Having spent the last fifteen years traveling the world, performing in theatres, cruise ships and on TV, Chris Funk’s talents have earned him worldwide recognition. He has had appearances on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Masters of Illusionsas well as SyFy’s Wizard Wars. His unique approach to magic has garnered him performances at Las Vegas’ Planet Hollywood, Hollywood’s World-Famous Magic Castle as well as on Disney Cruise Lines. Whether it’s Sri Lanka, Chile, LA, NY, Las Vegas, the middle of the ocean, or the Midwest, Chris’ show has garnered standing ovations and a reputation for excellence.

“I'm so excited about performing at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre for two reasons,” says Chris Funk. “First, now more than ever before, we all need a little wonder and awe in our lives. The entertainment industry has been hit with this massive challenge and it’s had to make so many changes with social distancing. The fact that I can perform my show for a live audience is an amazing feeling! I've modified the show that I've toured to accommodate all the measures we need to take right now to stay safe.”

“The second reason, is that I get to perform in my new hometown. Last year I was on the road 220 days of the year. I didn't get to sleep in my own bed after a show. Always a hotel or a cruise ship room. I'm pumped I get to bring my passion to my home audience!” Chris’ excitement of performing for the first time in Chilliwack since moving here is palpable and promises to be a show you won’t soon forget. “The show will combine my two passions. Magic, and some live music. You'll see some creations that have made appearances on some of the largest television shows in the world, such as America's Got Talent, Fool Us and Masters of Illusion.”

Bold, powerful and delivered with a hilarious comedic flair, Chris has masterfully created a not to be missed show that will leave you mystified.

Chris Funk – The Wonderist is coming to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on October 9 and 10, 2020 at 7:30 pm. For more information, call the Centre Box Office 604-391-SHOW(7469).

Barney Bentall at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre

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Barney Bentall at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre

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The Chilliwack Cultural Centre celebrates ten years of entertainment with a live-streamed show starring Barney Bentall not to be missed!

The Chilliwack Cultural Centre is ten years old in October! And what a decade it has been! From the opening gala in 2010 to the spectacular performance by Bria Skonberg last Fall celebrating our 10th Season kicked off, The Centre has truly become the place “Where Art Comes to Life!” And we are ready to celebrate!

For the past decade, the Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre Society has brought an incredible selection of shows to the community. Audiences have been entertained in both the HUB International Theatre and the Rotary Hall Studio Theatre with a variety of performances that range from sensational theatre to thrilling music concerts. From outrageous fringe shows to classical and contemporary dance. And from mystifying magic to adventure films and shows for kids. 

As the home of the Chilliwack Academy of Music, the building studios are often overflowing with the sounds of music, adding to the ambience as the Academy grows the music community in our area.

The partnership that is enjoyed with the Chilliwack Players Guild has seen many vibrant productions on the theatre stages over the years, delighting both performers and patrons.

The O’Connor Group Art Gallery, curated by the Chilliwack Visual Artists Association, and located in The Centre, is continually providing a delightful space for the public to come to view incredible, inspiring works of art – free of charge.

Both CSOPA (Chilliwack School of Performing Arts) and the Chilliwack Lions Music & Dance Festival each year have animated the stages with awe-inspiring talent from young performers.

With many more live events than could possibly be listed here, the Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre Society overflows with pride at the connection that has been made between artists and the community and will continue to do so once the current crisis has passed.

So let’s celebrate ten years of incredible talent coming to perform in our town with the one of a kind Canadian rock legend Barney Bentall on October 3 commemorating The Chilliwack Cultural Centre’s milestone anniversary in a live-streamed performance that is free for everyone to enjoy!

Canadians first met Barney Bentall in the late ’80s as leader of the Legendary Hearts when MuchMusic embraced an indie video of the heartland anthem “Something to Live For”. A frequent collaborator with Jim Cuddy from Blue Rodeo, Barney’s reputation as a poignant songwriter, has had him join a circle of peers that includes Blue Rodeo, K.D. Lang, The Tragically Hip, Colin James, 54.40, and The Odds. Barney remains very much part of the fabric of Canadian music culture. Bentall has performed at The Centre in the past and is thrilled to help celebrate a decade of live entertainment!

While these are challenging times, the arts are alive, and this celebration of live entertainment is sure to be an evening you won’t soon forget. Join the live stream and spend an incredible evening with Barney Bentall as he sweeps you up into the narrative of his songs with a rich voice that splendidly brings them to life.

While tickets are sold out, this performance is one that the Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre Society wants to share with all of you, as the success over the last ten years would not have been possible without the support of the community. Please visit the website for live-streaming information and join the celebration!

Barney Bentall is coming to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on October 3, 2020 at 7:30 pm. Join the live stream to celebrate! For more information, call the Centre Box Office 604-391-SHOW(7469).

Hair Around Chilliwack - Part 2

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Hair Around Chilliwack - Part 2

We are doing a new feature here on Around Chilliwack: highlighting some of the great hair stylists and barbers in our city. You can check out Part 1 here.

Meet Michelle from Hair By Michelle here.

Michelle works out of the Ashley Scissor Hands studio and she’s a breathe of fresh air. Highly stylish and straight to the point; you’ll love getting your hair done by her.

“My name is Michelle and I offer services under Hairby_Michelleetoupin

I have an amazing husband whom I’ve been with for 11 years, whom has helped to support me in creating my own thriving business. When I’m not in the studio, I spend time with my horse, Ella, as she is my heart, my adventure and my zen. I have been passionate about hair since my early years, but didn’t pursue that passion until my late twenties. I am drawn to colours and I find it so exciting to be able to create amazing tones and colour combinations in my clients' hair. When you walk away from my salon, I feel like you’re a piece of art work and I can’t wait to show you off! I believe colours influence our moods and personalities; it’s amazing how hair with a little pop of colour can improve our mental health. I take pride in building personable connections with my clients. I love spending our time together creating, talking, laughing, and sharing, occasionally mixed with some inappropriate conversations too!

I invite you to stop by and visit our salon in the heart of downtown. Diesel, our adorable shop dog, will greet you and melt your heart.”

Hair Around Chilliwack - Part 1

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Hair Around Chilliwack - Part 1

We are doing a new feature here on Around Chilliwack: highlighting some of the great hair stylists and barbers in our city.

Meet Chris Franklin from Michael’s on Main. 

Part of why we love Chris is that she’s so generous and kind. We asked her to do a write up about her and her store; not once did she mention herself. She’s a treasure in our community.

Check out Part 2 here: https://www.aroundchilliwack.ca/blog//hair-around-chilliwack-part-2

“Michael’s on Main hair & nail studio has been around a long time... 72 years now in the very same spot on Main Street... that’s A LOT of hair & nails being transformed! Not only are they happy to accept clients that may be new to town, or maybe someone is needing a change, a new look, a fresh set of eyes on the hair that doesn’t seem to want to do anything for them, but they also have some loyal clients who have been with Michael’s for over 50 years! It’s clear to see that each stylist loves what they do, whether it’s precision cuts, funky styles, men’s hair, corrective colour, straightening, foils, balayage, and yes, even perms are making a bit of a comeback! Their nail technician, Rose, has been perfecting her craft for over 30 years & she still loves to give advice & make everyone laugh to this day. Michael’s believes wholeheartedly in giving back to the community they serve so help support the Crystal Gala (raising money for the Crystal Gala Breast Health Unit at Abbotsford Regional Hospital that services the Fraser Valley); Chilliwack Community Cupboard (gives food, clothing, housewares, school supplies etc to families with school age children in need); Chilliwack Bowls of Hope (feeding children who may not have access to healthy food); Children’s Hospital; Chilliwack Hospice; Wilma’s Transition Society; Pearl Society; and Chilliwack Giants Youth Football to name a few. They’re award winning, including a Hairdresser of the Year, once upon a time! The team at Michael’s want to make everyone who walks through their door feel like they’ve dropped in for a great visit with people who care about them & happened to leave with some awesome hair or nails!”

The Chilliwack Cultural Centre celebrates ten years of incredible art and entertainment!

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The Chilliwack Cultural Centre celebrates ten years of incredible art and entertainment!

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The Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre Society is thrilled to be celebrating The Centre’s tenth anniversary on October 3 with a performance by Barney Bentall. For the past ten years, the Chilliwack Cultural Centre has been the hub for the arts in Chilliwack, bringing not only performances, but art classes, and gallery exhibits, to showcase the different kinds of art that can be experienced. This celebration concert will also be live-streamed so that everyone can help us celebrate this milestone anniversary.

The Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre Society continuously strives to provide the community with a place to be immersed in arts and culture. The Centre’s upcoming 2020-21 presentation season promises to continue with that goal while also maintaining new protocols in place to accommodate patron, volunteer, artist, and staff safety. Join us for the live-streamed anniversary show on October 3, as Barney Bentall celebrates The Centre’s ten years in Chilliwack with a fantastic performance that you will not want to miss! 

You can experience the joys of live music again as The Centre welcomes back in audiences for the first time in six months. This first performance is one that the Society wants to share with all of you, as our success over the last ten years would not have been possible without the support of the community. Check our website for live-streaming information.

With a seven-show lineup for the fall, The Society will inspire the community with a wonderful selection that ranges from captivating magic performances, energetic circus performances and a diverse collection of music shows. Starting the season with the tenth-anniversary show will be Canadian icon, Barney Bentall. With his rugged and fiercely ambitious work, Bentall will start the season off in a truly unforgettable way.  

The second show of the season will be Chris Funk; the Wonderist, one of the top headline magicians performing today. His refreshingly different style of magic has captivated audiences as he blends a world-class, Las Vegas-style magic show with side-splitting, sarcastic humour combined with live music. Recently moved to Chilliwack, this will be the first performance in Chilliwack by the world-renowned magician.

The Centre is also pleased to share the return of the Boomerang series. Boomerang Four will feature Ted Kim of Dear Father, as he brings new life to a contemporary blend of folk music. His beautifully haunting set won’t be the only one, as Kim will be inviting other talented local performers to join him in a night of live music that will have you smiling for weeks to come. Boomerang Five will feature Sarah Wills and another group of local performers.

Also returning is the gut-bustlingly hilarious Mike Delamont in God is a Scottish Drag Queen: Pandemic Edition. God, dressed in a floral power suit, comes down to skewer everything COVID related from hoarding toilet paper to hand sanitizer in an uproarious evening of pandemic comedy.

CircusWest will remind you how to fly high with Circus Luminous which will showcase their daring acrobatics, stunning aerials, and mesmerizing feats of balance that will astound and amaze. Through their daring acts of coordination and flight, the agile performers of CircusWest will take you on a spectacular adventure. 

Finishing off the first half of the season will be the Bergmann Duo performing Back to the Bench, as Elizabeth and Marcel create a special atmosphere as they connect with you through the magic of music. Communicating with an audience and bringing joy and inspiration through piano, the world-renowned duo will share an experience that you do not want to miss.

All of these performances will be held under the current public healthy order and are limited to fifty patrons. Seating is spaced out with a maximum bubble size of six patrons, and all audience members must wear a mask. If you would like to know more about our enhanced operating protocol, you can view it on the Chilliwack Cultural Centre website.

With the constantly changing environment of a COVID19 world, The Society is working towards keeping pace and making sure that The Centre is functioning at the highest of safety protocols while also keeping the arts alive. Thank you for your continued trust and support of the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. We look forward to welcoming you back! 

For more information about dates and times, and to purchase tickets, contact the Centre Box Office, online at www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or by calling 604-391-SHOW(7469).

Creative in Quarantine Community Project

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Creative in Quarantine Community Project

Chilliwack Museum & Archives Calls for Submissions for Creative in Quarantine Community Project

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The Chilliwack Museum & Archives is seeking creative pieces to display in the upcoming “Creative in Quarantine” Exhibition. The exhibition will be hosted from September 25, 2020 to December 23, 2020 and will feature imaginative works that the community of Chilliwack created at home during the COVID-19 economic shutdown.

The Exhibition will open on September 25, 2020 to coincide with Culture Days, a national celebration of arts, culture, and heritage. This year’s Culture Days theme, Unexpected Intersections, is meant to encourage creative and outside-the-box thinking to reveal new avenues of discovery, learning, and expression.

“During the pandemic, creativity has been flourishing at home; often as a method of expressing how we feel in these unprecedented times” says Sarah Belley, Education and Engagement Coordinator, “our goal is to bring multiple demographics of our community together to highlight the talent and experiences of Chilliwack”.

There are minimal specifications on what can be submitted and there is no age requirement! There is no limit to how many pieces can be submitted, however, the number of pieces displayed will be dependent on total submission and display space. Submissions may be of any medium including, but not limited to: crochet, textiles, polymer clay, ceramics, felting, paint, drawing etc. Wall mounted submissions must be submitted in a frame with a hanging mechanism.

Submissions are being accepted at the Chilliwack Museum from September 8 to September 18, 2020 and must be accompanied by a Submission Form, which can be picked up at the Museum or printed ahead of time from chilliwackmuseum.ca

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 - 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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