Events for May 2017

BLOOM, The Abbotsford Tulip Festival returns to the same beautiful location in the country for another year of blooming beauty and springtime fun from April 10 to May 7. The popular outdoor festival offers visitors a chance to marvel at 10-acres of rainbow-coloured fields featuring more than 2.5 million tulips in a vivid display of breathtaking beauty. Located just an hour outside of Vancouver and minutes from the Sumas-Abbotsford border, BLOOM, The Abbotsford Tulip Festival is the ultimate spring experience. Visitors are invited to enjoy the view, get up close with the blooms, and tiptoe through the expansive tulip fields during this limited time event. They can also pick their own spring bouquets in the sprawling u-pick tulip field or purchase pre-picked tulips in the "Bloom-Mobile", an on-site flower shop. The agri-tourism attraction offers a covered picnic area, food trucks and many family-friendly games and activities. Visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the stunning fields of flowers while they last and take advantage of the many photo cut-out boards located throughout the grounds.

21st Annual Strawberry Sale Fundraiser. Purchase a bucket of Fresh, Clean, Cut Strawberries packed in their own juices with no sugar or water. Small 11lb pail $42.00 and Large 30 lbs pail for $75.00. Pre-order and payment is required. Please order online at www.abbotsfordsumasrotary.org

The Abbotsford Youth Commission has been presenting the URoc Awards in recognition of outstanding youth, youth friendly adults and youth friendly businesses and organizations in the community since 2002. Abbotsford is a City of Character and the URoc Awards recognize individuals who demonstrate the values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Empathy, Courage and Service. Every year the AYC presents these awards at their Community Appreciation Ice Cream Social. Youth Awards are presented to young people who have demonstrated leadership, supported their peers and / or have volunteered in the community. Youth selected for the award will have made significant contributions to their communities or families. The award brings attention to the important role that youth leaders play in the community. Youth Friendly Adult Awards are presented to adults who have excelled at building positive relationships with young people helping them to see their full potential; demonstrated dedication and commitment to services for youth; shown innovation in the delivery of services to youth; provided opportunities, support or services to youth. The award brings attention to the incredible caring and dedication of adults working with youth in the community. Youth Friendly Business Awards are presented to businesses and organizations that have performed an exceptional job in providing support and services to youth. Award winners will have provided opportunities to youth or funding for youth activities; have exceptional hiring or training practices for youth; and / or will have proved themselves as genuine assets to youth in Abbotsford. The award brings attention to the extra contributions that many businesses and organizations make for youth in our community.

The Fraser Valley Watermedia Society is excited to have their Annual Spring 2017 Art Show from Wednesday, May 3, 2017 until Sunday, May 14, 2017 at the Clearbrook Library, 32320 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, BC. The show will feature a wide range of new watermedia paintings by local artists. The show will be open to the public during library hours with the Opening of the Show at 5:00 pm Wednesday, May 3, 2017. The artists will be present at an Artists' Reception on Thursday, May 4, 2017 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Our Featured Artists for this Show are Laurie Thomasson and Carol Portree, both winners of Artists’ Choice Award 2016; Sheila Kirk, winner of Award of Excellence 2016 and the winner of the People’s Choice Award 2016 is Pat Maertz. There will be a free draw Sunday, May 14 at 3:00 pm for an original painting. Please contact the Clearbrook Library at 604-859-7814 for library hours. The Fraser Valley Watermedia Society is delighted to welcome new members to come join their membership. Members of the Society meet weekly. For more information regarding the show or membership, please call Carol Portree at (604) 850-9694. We invite you to visit our website at www.fvwatermedia.com

LIVE WELL Exercise Clinic is a medical fitness clinic specializing in supervised exercise and healthy lifestyle coaching for people with different health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and Prevention. *Hear from our members *Promotional Pricing *Tour the clinic

Registration is not required for this event.

The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and partners, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board and the Fraser Valley Indo-Canadian Business Association are pleased to host this valuable opportunity for Abbotsford residents and business people to meet the candidates in the Abbotsford Riding prior to the Provincial Election on May 9, 2017.



 

Join us on May 6 and 7, 2017 to continue the dialogue and further understand the benefits of Cannabis for Cancer, Arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Epilepsy, Insomnia, Crohn’s Disease, Anxiety and Depression, Skin Care, as well as overall Health and Wellness. Be immersed in two days of an exceptional array of speakers, exhibitors, musicians, and fun hands-on workshops such as Cannabis Juicing, Healthy Edibles, Skin-Care as well as Growing Your Own Cannabis, plus many samples and giveaways! Over 50 national and international experts as well as 60 exhibitors will share about the therapeutic, medical, recreational and environmental benefits of Cannabis as Canada paves the way for other global leaders in Legalization.

Practical Advice on Caring for Aging Parents We’re getting older, we’re living longer, and we’re changing what it means to age. We’re also entering new territory. How do we plan for longevity, what does it mean to age well, and how can we - and those we love - live safely, securely, and independently for as long as possible? We believe true retirement readiness is about more than savings and investments. It’s about living - and aging - well. A comprehensive plan needs to address longevity, health care, and end of life - as moments that matter for you, your family, and your finances. We believe your plan is most secure when your aging loved one’s plans are too. That’s why it’s critical to think and talk about the decisions that may be around the corner for you and your family. YOU WILL DISCOVER: - How the "Sandwich Generation" can excel in spite of relational stresses - The four estate planning misconceptions to avoid - Proven dementia behaviour management techniques - How to avoid double taxation on your parents' retirement accounts THIS INTENSIVE HALF DAY BOOTCAMP IS FOR YOU IF: - You have noticed your parents’ behaviour recently change and aren’t sure what to do next - You and your siblings disagree on how best to care for your aging parents - You are concerned about your parents’ ability to manage their finances independently - Your loved ones are contemplating a move to a health-assisted living community - You are looking to initiate a family meeting to discuss your parents’ estate plans - You are looking for a better understanding of caring for parents’ facing mental health challenges - You are beginning to talk with your loved ones about their plans and wishes for end of life

BeYOUtiful Bridal Wedding Show Visit and meet with local wedding event vendors in the business. Planning a special event or wedding great way to see what latest trends are in the industry. Door Prizes to be won. FREE TICKETS at www.beyoutifulbridal.ca

Join us at the TELUS Future Home to experience the potential of a fibre optic network and preview the future of home technology. Residents can visit the Future Home from Friday, May 12 until Saturday, May 13, 2017. The 585-square-foot Future Home offers an immersive experience to demonstrate how technology will soon make our lives safer, healthier and more efficient than ever before. New experiences include an EcoHub that looks at the energy saving and eco friendly items in a home at the click of a button and an intelligent kitchen with a smart stove, counter, skillet and interactive recipes. Visitors can also see how a UV light can clean a stove hands-free. All Future Home visitors are invited to enter to win a prize pack courtesy of Samsung, which includes a 55” Samsung UHD LED Smart TV (retail value $2,300), a Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 LTE 9.7 (retail value $550) and a Samsung Galaxy S7 (retail value $899). TELUS PureFibre. Internet reimagined.

Join us for free photos with Mom on Friday, May 12th from 5pm-7pm. Photographer Jayme Lang will have everything you need to make your picture, perfect! Share your photo on Instagram with #HSMakeHerDay or email it to info@highstreetfv.com for a chance to win a $150 Highstreet prize package! Located across from Envision Financial in our Community Room.

We are excited to present to you, “An Evening in Wonderland” Celebrate with us at this glamorous evening of cocktails, dinner and dance, LIVE Magician and entertainment and more at our 2017 Gala - An Evening in Wonderland! This exciting event will take place MAY 13, 2017, at the Abbotsford Banquet & Conference Centre and will be a night to remember. Come enjoy Magician/Comedian Chris Yuill, a delightful Dinner and Dance, Special Guests, Silent Auction and LIVE auction including Disneyland tickets and more. Come enjoy an evening of fun in our community as you show your support for some amazing people living with epilepsy.

Passion & Purpose Breakfast Series At House of James Coffee House Thursdays May 18, 2017 and June 15, 2017 7:30 AM to 8:45 AM Enjoy a short video by John Maxwell and a lively discussion on the topics of Building Momentum, Taking Risks, Being Creative, Trusting Employees, Coaching Challenging Employees, and more. Facilitated by Don Goertz, business/life coach and realtor

This event will feature presentations on sustainable business practices from a variety of perspectives, as well as an opportunity to network with the University of the Fraser Valley School of Business and members of the Abbotsford business community. This event is free to attend and light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP to busevents@ufv.ca by May 15, 2017.

The all new Royal Canadian Family Circus SPECTAC!™ 2017 is coming to the SEVENOAKS Shopping Centre parking lot for 10 Shows, May 19-22, 2017.

The internationally renowned acts include the thrilling Hire Wire, the Motor Cycle Aerial Cyclone, the Acrobatic Aerial Strap & Silk act, Acrobats, Hula Hoop maze, Aerialists, the TZ Motorcycle Wheel of Destiny, Clowns and much more. (no exotic animals)

 “It’s an incredible showcase of elite circus acts from all around the world that has been designed for multi-generational families,” says Ringmaster Joseph Bauer. “It’s the essence of a traditional circus and this year families from the Abbotsford and area will be fascinated by the amazing new global cast of performers coming to perform for families.” Joseph is not only one of the finest Ringmaster on the continent, but is also a 9th generation circus performer in his own right.                                     

Royal Canadian Family Circus SPECTAC!™ 2017 is about giving children and adults like a glimpse into a traditional world; a world where “families are performing for families”, and where everyone can enjoy a truly affordable show together regardless of age. Because of the uncompromising quest for excellence, you’ll be amazed by this year’s thrilling Royal Canadian Family Circus SPECTAC!™ 2017.

For Canada’s 150th anniversary come join our entourage of circus families, families who have travelled the world sharing their talents with circus audiences on three continents.
   
 

We invite the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce Members, Non-Members and their Families to experience the all new internationally renowned Royal Canadian Family Circus SPECTAC! 2017 under the magnificent Big Top coming to Abbotsford at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre.

The internationally renowned acts include the thrilling Flying Trapeze, the Motor Cycle Cyclone, the Acrobatic Aerial Strap & Silk act, Acrobats, a Hula Hoop Maze, Motorcycle Globe of Destiny, Clowns and much more.

The Reduced Tickets exclusive to the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce is $12.50 (plus GST) per ticket (no service fee - regular $30 at the door - a saving of $17.50 per ticket!)

All those who have purchased this Exclusive Ticket will meet at the Chamber of Commerce Designated Area beside the Big Top. The Chamber of Commerce Group will be escorted into the Big Top at 3:20pm (before the doors open) and sit in a preferred special area.  
 

This classic fairy tale tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. “Beauty and the Beast Jr” is based on the classic Disney film and award winning Broadway musical, and features 25 Creative Edge Theatre and Dance students (ages 9-16) A portion of the proceeds from the performance will go to Education Without Borders, which provides educational opportunities and facilities in disadvantaged regions of the world.

A transformative experience awaits four English women as they holiday together at a beautiful villa in Italy. A play filled with humour and drama that celebrates re-discovering self and what is most important in life.

SOLD OUT!  Please join us for next months lunch & learn on June 14 - registration opening soon!


Chris Genge
President of 1st on the List Promotion Inc.

A website marketing firm that specializes in search engine optimization, pay per click management and website design. Chris works on developing current and emerging search engine marketing theories and techniques. He has focused on researching and implementing the most effective search engine optimization techniques and has been involved in the SEO industry since 1997.

Discussion Agenda:

Introduction to Search Marketing
-What is search marketing and how its become the way people find what they are looking for.
-Businesses are advertising less and becoming more visible when people need them instead.

How much of a difference can it make to a business
-Some examples of how traditional businesses are using Search Marketing to realize growth they have never recognized
-Don't get caught up in the golden nugget without expecting to put time and effort to get there

What are the different options in Search Marketing, explanation of each
-PayPerClick (Google Adwords, BING Ads etc)
-Search Engine Optimization (SEO)  Organic Search
-Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Houzz etc)

Finding the right medium for your type of business
-There isn't one answer for every business
-Think about where your customers are

Expectations
-Realistic goals
-Competition isn't what you might expect, (what is your real online competition?)
-Typical timelines

Scope of a Campaign for your business
-Search marketing campaigns can range from $100- to $1 Million per month, finding the right size for your business.
-The size of the company does play heavily into how much the right budget is for your business.

How to get started
-Do it yourself vs hiring an SEM firm
-Should you be involved in the actual process?
 

Fraser Valley youth and young adults are invited to share their ideas and experiences for building a healthy, vibrant community during a free one-day workshop “The Art of Storytelling,” hosted by the youth committee of the non-profit Fraser Basin Council. The event takes place Friday, May 26 at Trethewey House in Abbotsford. Are you between the ages of 16-25? Do you have project you’re passionate about and want to share? Are you looking for opportunities to connect with others in your community and gain leadership skills? Would you like to explore the many ways youth can and do make a difference where they live, work and play? Then this event is for you! In addition to youth-led discussion and activities, the workshop features local storytellers, a networking lunch with adult mentors and leaders from the community, and an afternoon of collaboration for participants to create a large-scale community artwork for local display. Come expand your horizons!

We are pleased to invite you to our next Business Breakfast event in Vancouver.Hack your growth using the largest professional network on earth with a comprehensive set of proven strategies and practical tactics! This is a great opportunity to meet people and start a new year creating new connections. Best of all, a Delicious Breakfast is provided with your ticket purchase