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Good morning,
October is already more than halfway behind us, so we're looking ahead to November—and a fun community fundraiser worth putting on your calendar.
St. Mary’s Elementary School in Chilliwack is bringing back its annual Oktoberfest fundraiser on Saturday, November 7. Now in its seventh year, the dinner and dance transform the school gym into an Oktoberfest-style celebration, complete with a traditional Bavarian meal, dessert, late-night pretzels, and live music from the wildly popular S-Bahn band.
It's a 19+ event, with proceeds supporting the school. And for local business owners, there are still opportunities to get involved through event sponsorships — learn more here.
Also in today's Current, we're sharing the story of Jade Lehti, a Chilliwack entrepreneur whose journey through hospitality and events has put her at the centre of some of downtown Chilliwack's most exciting projects.
Her story includes a business opportunity she initially turned down, a chance encounter at The Offy that changed her mind, and the work of bringing places like Hotel Morado to life in District 1881.
It's a story about taking chances, changing course, and building something special close to home. You can read her story below.
– William
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Traffic & Weather
🌤 Local forecast: Langley | Chilliwack | Abbotsford | Hope | Mission
🚘 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google, and find DriveBC’s latest updates.
🛣 Click here for links to road cameras across the Fraser Valley, including those for the Coquihalla, Highway 7, Hope-Princeton, Fraser Canyon, and Highway 1 in Langley and Abbotsford.
News & Features
The woman who almost said no to The Grand Hall
The first time Jade Lehti was offered the chance to run what would become The Grand Hall, she said no.
Then she reconsidered.
Today, Lehti is behind both The Grand Hall and Hotel Morado in District 1881, after a winding path through hospitality, community events, and a pandemic-era career pivot. In our latest feature, we spend time with Lehti to trace how one unexpected opportunity became two growing Chilliwack businesses—and what she wants to build next.
Need to Know
🗳️ Voters in both Langley City and Langley Township will choose between continuity and change, with an incumbent mayor facing a challenger in each race, as SkyTrain construction approaches. [Vancouver Sun]
🕵️ Chilliwack RCMP released a photo of a “person of interest” in an October 5 break-and-enter at a District 1881 coffee shop on Yale Road, asking the public for help identifying him. [Chilliwack Progress]
🏒 Canucks forward Aatu Räty cleared NHL waivers and will report to the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks, who host their home opener on October 17. [Daily Faceoff]
🚗 A B.C. Supreme Court judge dismissed an appeal by a customer who crashed a Corvette during a 2024 test drive from a Hope dealership, leaving him on the hook for $17,182.23 in repair costs, depreciation, and interest. [Hope Standard]
📋 Seniors and their families are using this readiness organizer to help keep daily life going when someone needs to step in at short notice.*
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🗓 Things to Do
80th Anniversary of Rotary Foundation: Mountainview Brewing Company in Hope hosts a celebration of the Rotary Foundation’s 80th anniversary on October 17.
55+ Mini Golf: Castle Fun Park invites adults 55 and over to play mini golf followed by a pizza lunch on October 19, with teams of four or solo players welcome.
Chilliwack Independent Film Festival: The festival marks its 10th edition from October 21 to 25 with screenings and industry events at venues around Chilliwack.
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