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- Friday - November 7 - $25,000 for arts programs
Friday - November 7 - $25,000 for arts programs
Plus, funding for underwater drones for drowning incidents.
William Johnson
November 07, 2025
Good morning!
TGIF—and can you believe we’re already sliding into the holiday season? (At least based on all the stores I’ve been in recently.) I’d love to know what festive events or activities you’re planning (or planning to attend) around the Valley this year. Hit reply and share what’s on your list.
In today’s issue, Robyn from our team looks into new arts funding in Abbotsford—and there’s plenty more local news to catch up on before the weekend.
Enjoy!
– William
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News
Abbotsford launches first-ever arts grant program
Abbotsford wants to give local arts a boost. Its new Arts and Culture Grant Program will distribute $25,000 in grants to artists, cultural practitioners, producers and nonprofit cultural organizations around the city, with a hope that it boosts community connection—and stimulates the economy.
Need to Know
🎨 The Langley Volunteer Bureau's Cards for Seniors program delivered handwritten cards and artwork to local veterans for Remembrance Day, continuing a tradition that has produced over 38,000 cards since 2020. [Langley Advance Times]
🐕 Residents at the Aspire seniors apartment held a dog costume parade Thursday afternoon honoring organizer Sue Phypers' late dog Coco, with dozens of the building's canine residents participating. [Langley Advance Times]
💼 The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce supported Budget 2025's productivity focus while calling for Fraser Valley investments in flood mitigation, Highway 1 expansion, and aerospace sector growth. [Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce]
💊 Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA Á'a:líya Warbus urged the provincial government to end drug decriminalization after Chilliwack recorded 28 overdose deaths by September. [Chilliwack Progress]
🤿 Harrison Hot Springs council approved up to $3,500 to help Kent-Harrison Search and Rescue purchase an underwater drone for responding to drowning incidents. [Mission City Record]
🎄 The inaugural Festival of Trees gala on November 15 at the Coast Chilliwack Hotel will auction decorated Christmas trees to purchase specialized mattresses and an interactive mobility system for seniors at Chilliwack General Hospital. [Chilliwack Progress]
🛼 Chilliwack-based NWO Roller Derby Association raised $2,391.68 for the Gender Support Network during its October 25-26 tournament, exceeding its $2,000 fundraising goal. [Chilliwack Progress]
🎓 Shane Wiseman announced his retirement from Silver Creek Elementary School after 27 years in public education, including five years as the school's principal. [Hope Standard]
🎃 Mission RCMP responded to 46 calls on Halloween, down from 56 in 2024, with integrated task forces preventing the violence that occurred the previous year. [Mission City Record]
🥚 Local food matters in the North. Meet Kieran McKeown of Daybreak Farms, continuing her family’s legacy and feeding her community close to home. Read her story.*
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🗓 Things to do
North Otter Winter Market: A festive market on Saturday, November 8 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 5370 248 Street in Aldergrove features over 50 vendors selling holiday décor, artisan crafts, and seasonal gifts, with entry by donation and a concession available.
Seminar: Winter Greens Porch Pot Demo: A live demonstration on Saturday, November 8 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Cedar Rim Nursery on Glover Road teaches participants how to create winter porch pots using fresh evergreens, festive accents, and professional design techniques.
Sidekick's 3rd Birthday Party: Sidekick Brewing celebrates three years on Saturday, November 8 from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM at 45530 Vedder Mountain Road with $3 beers and live music by Chad Blackey at 7:00 PM performing hits from the 1950s through 1990s.
Have an event to tell us about? Fill out this form to have it highlighted here.
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