When working remotely, it’s important to stick to the same cyber safety guidelines as though you were in the office. With the FBI reporting an uptick in cybercrime related to coronavirus,1 it’s important to stay vigilant while connected at home.
Use Strong Passwords
Passwords for WiFi and work accounts should be unique and tough to crack. Start with a special phrase that is at least 12 characters. Incorporate uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid including personal information, and don’t use the same password for everything.
Updates Matter
Install the latest updates for all devices, programs, and apps, which typically include improved security measures. Where possible, opt for automatic updates.
Double Up on Security
Multi-factor authentication gives your work accounts an extra layer of security. This feature requires you to confirm your identity by way of another device when logging in somewhere new. Also, consider requiring a password for online video conference calls.
Consider a VPN
If your company does not use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), consider investing in your own. This software secures your network to reduce your risk of a hack. Popular services include NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
Watch Out for Fake Emails!!!
Hackers often target individuals first with personalized fake emails or phishing emails. Before you act:
Review the Sender’s Email Address:
It may look like a message from your bank or a colleague, but a misspelled or incorrect email address indicates it’s fake.
Hover, Not Click:
Place your cursor over the link to read the URL. An unrecognizable site is a big red flag, so don’t click it.
Check the Tone:
Urgent, fearful messages requiring immediate action and a deadline are typically fake — even if they look like they’re from a co-worker.
Report It:
Notify your IT department immediately of the message following company protocol.
Keeping Your Kids Safe Online
With schools moving to virtual learning and limits on outdoor activities, kids are spending a lot more time online. Here are some tips to help make sure they use their devices safely.
Know What Your Kid Are Up To
Understand your kids’ Internet habits. Know what sites they visit for school and for fun, and talk to them if you see something unusual.
PRO-TIP:
For the little ones, try installing YouTube Kids instead of normal YouTube on their devices.
Block Dangerous Websites
Talk to your Internet provider if you want to block certain websites from your network.
Set the Ground Rules
Consider asking your kids to stay nearby when they’re using their devices and setting rules for what sites they can visit and when — i.e. YouTube allowed after school hours only.
Have a Conversation with Your Kids
Outline the rules and set expectations for responsible online behavior.
Educate kids on cyber safety so they understand for themselves the risks of unfamiliar websites, mysterious downloads, and conversations with strangers on the web.
Share tips on creating strong passwords, protecting personal information, and using social media safely — especially relevant for teens and tweens.
Are things beginning to open up a little? The August events calendar suggests that they might be!
That said, please check into the details of the events listed below before you attend and follow the COVID protocols.
Here are some handpicked events happening in August 2021 in the Fraser Valley.
Have fun!
Abbotsford
Abbotsford International Airshow 2021
Fri., Aug. 6 – Sun., Aug. 8
Abbotsford Int’l Airport – 30440 Liberator Ave, Abbotsford, BC See Website
They say: “SkyDrive brings the aerial excitement of Canada’s National Airshow back to the skies over Abbotsford with a drive-in twist. Airshow fans will enjoy the show from the comfort of their own 400 square foot-space on the airfield alongside their vehicle. Performers include the snowbirds, F-22 Raptor, CF-18 Hornet and F-18 Super Hornet.” Photo Credit Please see footnote below.
Sun & Soil Concert Series – Ryan McAllister
Fri., Aug. 20, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Mt Lehman Winery – 5094 Mount Lehman Rd, Abbotsford, BC See Facebook
They say: “This concert series celebrates our Handmade & Homegrown community of Abbotsford by featuring local musicians, local farms, and local food for an intimate and flavourful concert experience.”
Horsepower for Hospice Show & Shine
Sat., Aug. 21, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Mt Lehman Winery – 5094 Mount Lehman Rd, Abbotsford, BC See Facebook
They say: “Join us for this FREE (by donation) Classic Car Show & Shine event at Mount Lehman Winery! There will be fun for the whole family with entertainment, food trucks, prize draws, and of course lots of vintage cars! Register your vintage car for only $35 on our website. The event will take place rain or shine. Join us for fun and support Abbotsford families! Event generously sponsored by TravelandRV”
Langley
Golf For Kids Sake 2021
Wed., Aug. 11, 2021
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley – 20538 Fraser Hwy #201, Langley, BC See Website
They say: “Proceeds from the golf tournament will ignite the potential of young people through the power of mentoring. Funds raised will ensure that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley is able to continue serving over 400 children and youth each year by providing them with another caring and trusting adult in their lives.”
City Summer Beats – Concert in Douglas Park
Sat., Aug. 14, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Spirit Square – 20550 Douglas Crescent #4B6, Langley, BCSee: City Summer Beats See Website
They say: “Enjoy a fantastic lineup of live music at this family-friendly event. Everyone is welcome – Be sure to bring your dancing shoes!”
Twilight Drive-In
Metro Vancouver’s Only Drive-in Theatre
Thu., Aug. 5, 9:10 p.m.
Twilight Drive-In Theatre – 3350 260 Street, Fraser Hwy, Langley Twp, BC
They say: “Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins stars Henry Golding as Snake Eyes, a tenacious loner who is welcomed into an ancient Japanese clan called the Arashikage after saving the life of their heir apparent…”
For more information and movies in August see http://twilightdrivein.net
Langley Eats Local See Website
They say: This annual event celebrates the abundance of our region with a fantastic lineup of local vendors and activities for the whole family. Explore the diversity of what is produced in Langley and nearby, from vegetables to breads, cheeses, berries, wines and more. Join us to celebrate our local farmers and producers who care for this delicious array of ingredients, all the way from their field to your plate.
Summerset Festival
Fri., Aug. 27 – Sun., Aug. 29
Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada 23433 Mavis Ave, Langley, BC See Website
They say: “Summerset Music & Arts Festival takes place inside the palisades of the Fort Langley National Historic Site on the majestic Fraser River, offering a venue with unsurpassed beauty and history. A former fur trading post of the Hudson’s Bay Company and the “Birthplace of British Columbia”, guests can tour the historic site, enjoying world-class music & art and mouth-watering local food and beverages.
“Summerset has set up a variety of activities throughout the festival including cornhole, a kid’s play centre, food trucks, vendors, and a dedicated merch area. Check out everything Summerset has to offer August 27 – 29th!”
Live Music Night with Cambree Lovesy
Fri., Aug. 27, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Fraser Valley Cider Company – 22128 16 Ave, Langley, BC
For more events at the Fraser Valley Cider Companysee their website
They say: “The five foot firecracker from Abbotsford, B.C. brings an infectious energy with her onto every stage…”
Photo: @cambreelovesyofficial Please see foonote below
Surrey, BC
Summer POP! — Devon More Music
Fri., Aug. 6, 7:00 p.m. – Sun., Aug. 8, 4:30 p.m.
Darts Hill Garden Park – 16th Avenue and 170th Street, Surrey, BC See Website
They say: “Bring your own bubble to Dart Hills Garden Park for a POP! Summer Stroll. Take in one of many micro-performances – including a one-woman symphony, built from scratch by Devon – before you stroll your way to the grand finale. 4 chances to stroll by Friday, August 6th – Sunday, August 8th”
Vineyard Lunch with wine & Rock n’ Roll live music
Sun., Aug. 15, 12:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Vinoscenti Vineyards – 15560 Colebrook Rd, Surrey, BC
See EVENTBRITE
They say: “A long awaited vineyard lunch and music event will be the highlight of this summer. Served in the vineyard & buffet style, the lunch includes multi course items such as roast beef, salmon filet, vegetables, fresh seasonal fruits, and a glass of wine, from 12 noon to 2 pm. Live Rock n’ Roll music begins from 2:15 to 4:30 pm with a break from 3:15 to 3:45 pm.”
“YARD” Biggest Jamaican African fusion party of the summer
Sun., Aug. 22, 4:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: 13565 105 Ave, Surrey, BC Get Tickets
They say: “A VIP experience with premium drinks 3 top-class Dj at the turn get your drip & come get lit with us.”
Alfresco Festival 2021
Fri., Aug. 27, 11:00 a.m. – Sun., Aug. 29, 4:00 p.m.
Colebrook Park – 14311 Colebrook Rd, Surrey, BC See Website
They say… “It’s in the trees and it’s coming – oh it’s coming. Yes, our favourite foray onto the foliage is finally returning and we can’t wait to join our Alfresco family for a three day wiggle in the woods. And with the first announcement of artists wetting our disco whistle just right – how could Daniel Avery, Daniele Baldelli, Lowlife, Crazy P Soundsystem, Sophie Lloyd, Jonjo Jury, Jaye Ward, Tech Support and the many more incoming not? – we’ve got our plans made, our disco bags packed and our festival head ready. Finally. See you in the trees! Alfresco Festival Friday 27th- Sunday 29th August 2021 Colebrook Park, Tunbridge Wells.”
FOOTNOTES
Photos – Please contact us for credit or removal rod@impactintl.net
Summer is officially upon us, with temperatures reaching up to the 30-degree range. And nothing accompanies good weather like a picnic. Today we’ll be taking a look at the best events and catering in the Fraser Valley this year, plus 3 great picnic spots. Read our last article about the 10 best picnic spots in the Fraser Valley here. Let us help you plan the perfect picnic outing.
Events & Catering
Dirty Apron Picnic for Two
Dirty Apron has curated the perfect picnic basket, complete with two sandwiches, two salads, two cookies, and two drinks, for you and that special someone to enjoy a nice day (or evening) together. They also offer a Gourmet upgrade, coming with local cheese, crackers, and fruit. Visit dirty apron.com to pick yours up today in preparation for a lovely outing.
A fine event curator, Olive & Thorn specializes in event decor and design for not only picnics but parties, proposals, and plenty more. Check out their Instagram (@oliveandthornevents) to find out more.
We actually ran into Olive & Thorn on Mother’s Day at Elgin Heritage Park and saw firsthand what they can do. They had a beautiful setup and what looked like delicious food.
Another event curator, Haven Events is a go-to if you’re looking to have a lovely setup complete with decor. They’re also an Instagram-based company (@haveneventsltd), showcasing their great work. And you won’t be disappointed.
Here’s a neat one. Stop by Downtown Langley to check out the participating restaurants of this year’s Pick Up Picnic. Meals are complete with your food and drink order, plus a special picnic package. Participating restaurants include Brogan’s Diner, Dal’s Poke, Egg BomB, Hot & Toasty Cafe, and more.
There’s a ton of lake-side spots down Chilliwack lake road, and all make for a nice picnic location. Sit down by the clear water with your family or even just that one special person and enjoy a fun day of outdoor bonding, featuring blue shiny water.
Bordering between the United States and Canada, Boundary Bay is sure to provide you with the perfect beach for a beach picnic. Relax by the ocean and look out on Washington as you sip your wine, or even just sparkling water (whatever your preference is). But you’re sure to have a good time here.
Located in Golden Ears Provincial Park, Alouette lake is the perfect spot whether you want to go for a weekend trip or even just a day trip. A great waterfront location as well as hiking and camping spot, there’s something for everyone at Alouette Lake.
As we speak it’s hard not to be struck by all of the things going on in the world and some online writers mentioning how difficult it is to think about celebrating Father’s Day this year. We want to honor that and at the same time celebrate the men in our lives Fraser Valley style.
1_ Celebrate Online Many businesses still are trending at full capacity so the typical Father’s Day brunch probably isn’t happening this year. you can still gather just be aware of what the restrictions are in your area and be sensitive to elderly people and whether or not you have been potentially exposed to the virus. you might be getting tired of it but a family Zoom celebration is an alternative especially if you have family members who might have recently been exposed to the virus.
2_ Celebrate Outdoors It’s a little easier and potentially a little safer to gather Outdoors. we expect parks and public places to be quite full so maybe consider celebrating fathers day in your backyard if that is an option.
3_ Celebrate at home Of course if your family has been living together and you want to celebrate at home you have lots of traditional options to choose from Like having brunch and playing family games.
4_ Hiking or going for a walk Many of the local trails are open to the people who live in the area, so why not go for a leisurely walk with your home crew. Some of our favourite walking trails include some Langley trails like Derby Reach (easy), the Fort to Fort Trail (easy), and Houston Trailhead (moderate). The dikes in Pitt Meadows are flat and have wonderful views. The trails in the lower part of Golden Ears Provincial Park A suggestion for a Golden Ears walk is to park in the Main Corral Parking Lot which is just after the entrance to the park and then follow the signs for the Mike Lake Trail (moderate).
5_ Do a home beer tasting party Pick up beers from your local breweries and do your own beer tasting. You can do this online too. Some of our favorite Fraser Valley breweries include Yellow Dog Brewing in Port Moody, Dead Frog Brewing in Langley, and Fieldhouse Brewery in Abbotsford. There are so many good breweries to choose from these days!
6_ Revisit some of the best games in sports history Many of the sports channels are still forced to show reruns. You can check the channel guide now and schedule recordings of anything that might show up for your Dad’s favorite teams.
7_ Go Fishing You will have to do some research to find out where you can fish in the Fraser Valley because finding a place to fish that is open is a challenge right now. One place to start is the Fishing the Fraser Valley brought to you by BritishColumbia.com. Check out the guide and then contact the location that you think might suit you. It will ruin the surprise, but if the man in your life likes to fish, he will know if his favorite location is open, so you can always check with him first.
8_ Go for a bike ride – Bike sales have skyrocketed during the pandemic. If you have a bike it’s a great way to practice social distancing and get some exercise. One of our favorite Fraser Valley rides is to park in Fort Langley and then head out on River Road for as long as you want. With some maneuvering, you can ride all the way to Abbotsford if you want (difficult)! When you get back to Fort Langley there are all sorts of restaurants, coffee shops, and bistros to visit.
10_ If you follow FV Lifestyle you know we are big fans of shopping local and wine. The Fraser Valley has some great wineries, so why not pick up some local wine and do an in-person or online wine tasting. To discover Fraser Valley wines see https://winebc.com/discover-bc-wine-country/fraser-valley/ Shout out: If you like blends and are open to recommendations one of our current favorites is Reserve 7 from Township 7
Since yet another round of restrictions during the pandemic, many of us are confined to our homes and communities, unable to (legally) go out and explore the Fraser Valley. With the month of May coming up, it still seems unsure whether COVID will calm down. Because of this, there isn’t a ton of food festivals, concerts, or farmers’ markets to enjoy in the nice pre-summer weather. But not all is lost. There is, however, a small handful of events for Langley and Abbotsford-dwellers to attend this May. So grab out your calendar, and see if any of these events is right for you and your family.
Please check with the event organizers ahead of time to see if the following events are still on. COVID restrictions are always changing and are impacting events.
Abbotsford
Here are a couple of events happening in Abbotsford in May.
Hanging Basket Sale – Back by popular demand!
The annual Telecare Hanging Basket Fundraiser is returning for another year. They assure us that they are doing everything possible to practice safe selling and pick-up including social distancing, wearing masks, and wiping things down with a disinfectant. Telecare’s phone lines remain open and are needed more than ever and they appreciate your support.
If you would like a high-quality hanging basket, drop by Trinity Christian Reformed Church, 3215 Trethewey St., Abbotsford on Saturday, May 1 between 9 AM and 2 PM and purchase your hanging basket on-site. To order online see https://www.telecarebc.com/hanging-basket-fundraiser
Food Festival – May 14
(Abbotsford)
Although that seems to be it for our list of Langley events, there’s still a variety of events taking place across the Fraser Valley. This brings us to my personal favourites, The Canadian Brewhouse and Grill are hosting their very own, Lobster Fest 2021. With tickets at 40 bucks apiece, you’ll be sure to get your fill of lobster, baked mac and cheese, and more deliciousness.
Langley Events
Horse Shows – May 2, 15, 16, 29 If anyone here is a fan of English or Western horse shows, Windsum is hosting a small variety of dressage events. Starting with the Summer Classic Dressage Show on May 2, they’re also hosting a Western show on May 15, an English show on May 16, and an English/Western on May 29.
More Horses – May 9
Another event for the horse people in the family. Pre Teen Pony Party Night (try saying that ten times fast) is taking place on May 9. It’s a one-hour event (3-4) and includes a mini warm-up lesson, games on horseback, a dance party at the end, and even a place to take selfies with the horses. Wow!
Mothers Day Event – May 9
Swing by the Evergreen Cultural Centre at 730pm for a lovely Mother’s Day, and enjoy a show by Ken Lavigne – a tenor singer and composer. If you and your loved one(s) are feeling up for a rather tasteful evening, consider grabbing a table for two at $70, or a table for 4 for $125. If you enjoy a classical music sound, this is worth checking out.
Paintball – May 23
This one is for the Star Wars fans of the family. Blackwatch Paintball is hosting their first Star Wars event, titled “The Beginning” – so keep on the lookout for more of these if you’re into that sort of thing. A less sophisticated choice, but sure to amuse at least one person you know, you really can’t go wrong with Star Wars-themed paint
balling.
Classical Concert – May 30
And that brings us to the last non-conference or certification-related event in Langley. Taking place on May 30, from 3-4 pm, the Aurora Piano Trio is performing their “Concerts Café Classico” at the Langley Community Music School. Yet another one for the classical music lovers.
If you’re planning to check any of these out or have any other events you know of, let us know in the comments below.
St. Patrick’s Day 2021: What’s Happening This Year in the Fraser Valley?
One of the first yearly celebrations to be hit by COVID-19 last year was St. Patrick’s Day, so this year we wanted to take a look around the Fraser Valley to see if there is anything that we can do to take part in this annual global celebration of Irish culture.
As you might have guessed, there is very little happening in the way of events. As we contacted the different pubs and event organizers who have done things in the past, the message was almost always the same, “due to COVID we are laying low this year.” But that doesn’t mean that some of the restaurants and pubs, in particular, aren’t attempting to at least give a little nod to remembering St. Patrick.
If you are in the mood for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year, here are several things to consider in the Fraser Valley:
Abbotsford
The Canadian Brewhouse – Abbotsford
Green beer will be available at The Canadian Brewhouse. ON SPECIAL ALL DAY: $8.99 Green Beer Tankards, $8.99 Guinness Tankards
From the Dead Frog Brewery Website: “Wednesday, March 17th – Looking for a wee bit o’ fun, good eats, and great beer? Look no further! (On) Wednesday, March 17th we’ll have Bangers & Mash, an all-natural green beer crafted by our Brewmaster Cole, and stouts on Nitro! Green beer (naturally green – NO food colouring) $1 off 12oz glasses of Commander Imperial Stout Bangers & Mash! We’re open from 11 am until 10 pm. See you there!”
Normally, Dublin Crossing is the place to go in Surrey on St. Patrick’s Day, but it looks like they won’t be holding a special event this year. They are open, however, so you can always stop by year-round for an Irish pub experience!
In response to our inquiry to find out what was happening at the Clayton Pub They responded:
“(The Clayton Pub) will have green beer, but with Covid restrictions, it makes it really hard to go further than that. Wednesdays are normally our crab night and we tested an idea to dye our crab legs green in the spirit of St Paddys day, LOL this did not work out, the crab legs looked gross green so we scrapped that idea.”
Due to covid restrictions in place the White Hart Public House doesn’t have any events going on this year, however, they will have Green $4.50 pints of Red Truck all day long to celebrate, in the safest manner possible. The White Hart Public House was voted Surrey’s Best Pub, Burger, Appetizers, Happy Hour, Breakfast & Brunch, and Patio Dining in The Surrey Leaders Readers Choice Awards 2020!
Donegal’s Irish House has decided to address the challenges we are facing with COVID in a creative way that many of us have become familiar with their “St Paddy’s Day Party (for 2) in a Box.”
Here’s what they have to say:
“With all that’s going on in the world these days, we’ve set up a St Patrick’s Day Party in a Box for you, so you can celebrate Paddy’s Day in style with your significant other, in the comfort and safety of you own home…..there will be no grand parties this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get all the same goodies you would have if your come and partied with us.
“Order yours now, supplies are limited, and when they are sold out, there will be no more! Email us through this page, or via our Facebook page to order, links to both in the contact tab on this site.”
This conversation with Rod Clapton, President of the British Columbia Federation of Drift Fishers (BCFDF) and Mike Wilson – BCFDF member and Publisher of Fraser Valley Lifestyle was recorded podcast style by Fuelradio.com. In this episode, we discuss the future of fishing on the Fraser River, particularly for families and drift fishers. You can listen here:
Conversation (paraphrased) with Rod Clapton and Mike Wilson:
Rod Clapton started fishing as a child with his dad. Throughout his teen years, he continued fishing on the Fraser River near the Pattullo Bridge that connects Surrey, BC with New Westminster, BC. Fishing has always been and remains a passion for Rod.
The BCFDF started 25 years ago. At that time there really wasn’t a unified voice for river anglers or an association for drift fishers. Drift fishing is a method of angling separate from stationary bar fishing or fly fishing. It is practiced in rivers where anglers prowl the river searching, as opposed to waiting, for fish to come to them. It is much more active than stationary river fishing. The idea is to let the current carry your bait or lure through the river using a float or small weights for bouncing on the bottom. It is a highly skilled fishery technique requiring years of experience to master.
Photo BCFDF
Rod has been president of the BCFDF for 25 years. He says, “we’ve attempted to represent an aspect of the fishery, but our membership certainly includes anglers from all other methods. Our mandate is “Protection of Fish Stocks & Preservation of Angler opportunity now & for future generations.
The BCFDF formed because the other fishing organizations at the time mostly served a narrow, more exclusive group of fishermen and were not inclusive of other types of fishers. There needed to be a more inclusive group.
It is clear that fish stocks continue to decline, especially in the last 10 to 15 years. As part of the drive for resolution, Rod and other federation partners have tried to form “alliance groups” to further forward stewardship options on our rivers. This is an ongoing challenge.
There is a bit of a pecking order in the minds of “decision-makers” and some groups are being excluded from fishing the Fraser River. While the sport fishery contributes $1.1 billion per year to the BC economy and employs over 9000 people it is one of the groups on the lower end of the pecking order and is being excluded from fishing on the Fraser.
Photo Unsplash
Rod is a supporter of the heritage value and the social value of family fishing. “It’s priceless! It’s a wonderful experience to teach your kids and grandkids in nature.”
Rod acknowledges that First Nations people have constitutional priority. The ongoing concern is that the heritage of family fisheries are not being considered and not being granted. This is the biggest challenge for the group that he represents.
Over the last two years, family fishing has been denied on the Fraser River. Rod feels like this is a dereliction of responsibility by our fisheries managers. He believes that fishermen are capable of responsibly fishing selectively and targeting stocks that are healthy, leaving the stocks alone that are of concern.
Rod says the best bonding time he has had with his son is spending the day fishing. It’s a simple and inexpensive pastime.
Mike Wilson of Fraser Valley Lifestyle, also on our call, agrees. He adds that pretty much every time he goes fishing with his son they have a great conversation and have good quality time together. It’s not just about catching a fish. (Many days they don’t catch any!) It’s also about existing and spending time in the beautiful environment and the excitement of fishing. Mike says he’s been blessed to be a part of that. “We have to have access to the rivers to enjoy these great moments with our families and friends.”
Photo: Unsplash
Rod says it’s imperative that we work with our first nations brothers on these initiatives. He has consulted with First Nation bands, particularly on the Fraser River, recognizing that our goal of preserving the fishery for our children and grandchildren is mirrored by their goals. With the political and public sensitivity to the rights of First Nations peoples, it’s a delicate challenge to raise awareness and allowances for all of the different fishing sectors who would like to fish throughout the province.
“We’ve tried negotiating with the government and we have made headway with local First Nations people,” Rod explains, “Our biggest issue is with the government. The reality is we’re not getting very far with them.” He thinks the government has failed to manage fish species for all Canadians. The BCFDF has retained legal counsel and says someday the issue of protecting the Public Fishery may make it to the Supreme Court. It may be one of the few avenues left to him and those who share his passion to ensure that their children can take their children fishing.
Today there are many great organizations in addition to the BCFDF throughout the province that are involved in conserving the fishery. If we work together, we can support the great Canadian heritage of family fishing.
Put these notes after the sign-off and you could include Mike’s gratitude for Rod leading the charge at BCFDF for 25 years.
Link to website. There is lots of information about all of the details and all of their efforts. They are affiliated with a Fraser River Sports Fishing Alliance. BCFDF was influential in getting that organization up and running. See https://fraseralliance.com/contact/
It costs just $20 a year to join the BCFDF and gives you a voice. Rod says, “Individually we are ignored collectively we are heard.” See https://www.bcfdf.com/
Events like funerals and weddings have been really impacted by COVID-19 and the restrictions on gathering. We did an article in the late spring on weddings and how they were being impacted by COVID-19, and so we thought we would do a follow up by talking to a few wedding officiants to get their side of the ongoing story.
Donelda Seymour
Photo Jamie Delane
Donelda decided to became a wedding officiant when she started to think about what she might do during retirement. She is a school counselor and would like to do something different than counseling once she retires.
A Backyard Wedding
A wedding that she performed recently was in a backyard. To plan the wedding they met at a Starbucks with masks on. There were 10 people in the backyard for the wedding and Donelda noticed that before and after the ceremony people were standing apart from one another and in their own little bubbles. The couple would have done a much larger wedding if it weren’t’ for COVID. The couple’s parents watched on Facebook because they couldn’t attend. She made the print on the vows very large so that the couple could read them from a distance.
By comparison, Donelda‘s first wedding prior to COVID was at Canada Place with about 800 people. She says it was beautiful but very long. She added that it was a very different preparation for that wedding compared to the most recent one that she did.
Donelda has really enjoyed some of the backyard weddings that she has done. She told us about one couple that had been living together for 15 years and wanted to get married. She asked them what brought them to this now? The fellow said that he really loves his partner and he just wants to honor her. He said that to me, this is the best way that I can do that. Donelda noted that this couple had never been to a wedding and neither had many of the people in their community. Donelda added, when they did the wedding in their backyard it was a really beautiful occasion and very touching.
Wedding Technology
Donelda finds that most couples are doing video and Facebook so that other people can tune in. Couples have to choose who is going to attend their ceremony due to restrictions and that is a very hard decision to make. With smaller events, couples are considering how to still make it nice and have people who are watching on video see the scope of the event. This is a challenge because some people have friends and family who aren’t techy.
Trade-offs
Donelda says with weddings today there are some trade-offs. Like anything, there are some gifts in it and some challenges. A smaller event on video can be a little bit more intimate, but fewer people get to share in the celebration. She mentioned that people are adapting. It can still be meaningful and something that people enjoy. That shouldn’t stop them from getting married. It’s just not going to look the same as it would have pre-COVID.
Donelda says, one of the touching things about doing this job is you get to bless someone‘s intention to honor and love someone. Donelda believes it’s a privilege to do what she does and wants to root for people who decide to get married.
Photo: vancouverofficiant.com
Kristen Olynick
Kristen is the owner of Vancouverofficiant.com which is a team of individuals who love connecting with people and walking along beside them to their wedding day. Typically, if people have found her website they can take a look at the team, their photos bios, and testimonials, and then choose to meet with the officiant and decide if it’s a good fit. Kristen says she handles all of the bookings so she is right in the middle of all the goodness that is going on.
Kristen became a wedding officiant after her husband told her that he thought she’d be good at it. He knows that Kristen has had a diverse background working as a nurse, teaching, living in different countries and that she loves serving and listening to people and hearing their stories.
She says being a wedding officiant isn’t about being a dynamic speaker. It’s about going on the journey with a couple. It’s highly relational so you have to love people. She says don’t get into this field if you’re not people-focused.
Dreams and Farytales
As far as COVID-19 is concerned she observed that starting in March, April, and May couples realized that their weddings weren’t going to look like they wanted them to look before the virus hit. Thoughts and dreams of a fairytale wedding were being lost. She says March, April, and May were the rescheduling months. The vast majority decided at that time to reschedule to a date in the summer or into 2021. Rescheduling and changing wedding dates causes chaos. Couples don’t know if they can get their venue again, so they often have to come up with a whole different plan.
Photo: vancouverofficiant.com
A Wedding Therapist
Kristen mentioned that in June, July, and August people began to realize that we are in this for a long time. These months are typically high volume wedding months. It was a difficult time for couples to decide, should they go ahead with their wedding? Kristen said she felt like a therapist at times. Her coaching and educational background came in handy. How do you think about planning a wedding with everything going on in the world? It’s one of the most important events in your life. For some the decision was really clear because relatives couldn’t come from overseas, so they postponed. But for others, it was a decision to have an intimate ceremony, or take the risk of putting their lives on hold for a year.
A Silver Lining
Kristen has observed that a lot of couples do see a silver lining. It can be magical to only have 50 guests or less. Also, it’s more affordable because large weddings can cost a lot of money.
Photo: vancouverofficiant.com
A Dream Come True
One story that Kristen finds really touching is that of a couple where one participant was from the United States and one was from Canada. They were able to get married in the Peace Arch Park neutral zone. The couple was in their 60s and they fell in love a few years ago and wanted to be together. Once the paperwork was final the groom broke down and wept with joy. Kristen says she’ll never forget it. She felt privileged to share that moment with them. Their dream came true in a very difficult time.
Currently, we’re still permitted to have weddings. Kristen says she’s not there to regulate the COVID-19 guidelines. As a citizen, she wants to do what is mandated. Kristen says one of the minor challenges for her early during the pandemic is that she is a hugger and there is none of that going on.
Kristen is also trying to be positive and to see the silver lining. She says we’re still seeing couples getting married and she loves that. Kristen said she saw a surge of couples deciding to have a ceremony in recent months.
Photo Jamie Delane
Gordon Stewart
Gordon is a Marriage Commissioner which is a government appointment. Marriage Commissioner’s positions were designed to give couples a lower cost, strictly non-religious ceremony.
Peace Arch Park
Gordon did a wedding at Peace Arch Park at the beginning of the shutdown on March 21, 2020. The bride was from the US and the groom was from Canada. Each couple only had four or five friends and family in attendance. Gord says it was a beautiful day and a little bit odd because there was no traffic at the usually extremely busy border crossing.
Gordon observed that there was a flurry of ceremonies into May until the park was eventually closed due to its popularity not meshing with COVID restrictions.
Weddings Canceled
Quite a few ceremonies were canceled early on in the pandemic and Gord says overall the number of ceremonies he has been performing from April through July was down about 40%. A lot of the couples that canceled shifted into next year which could make next year very interesting for him.
Gordon has noticed that quite a few couples are deciding to go ahead with their ceremony, and then in the future when circumstances allow they’ll do a larger reception.
Getting Busier
Through August and September Gord found that he was actually busier than he was in past years. He speculates that it might be that people are becoming a little more relaxed or worried about a second wave and trying to squeeze in their ceremony in case there is another shut down. He says no one knows, and it is impossible to predict what is going to happen.
Gordon is finding that a lot more couples are getting married on short notice. He recently did a wedding where he was contacted on Tuesday and the wedding was performed on Saturday.
Wedding Technology
As far as technology is concerned Gordon has noticed that there are a lot of cell phone photos and videos being taken. One of the cool uses of technology is that friends and family from all over the world are able to watch.
Gordon has only been asked to wear a mask during the ceremony twice out of about 100 ceremonies that he has done during COVID-19. During one of his ceremonies, everyone even wore masks during the photo session.
For Gordon, October is looking like it might be as busy as it was last year.
Stay tuned for more!
We recorded our interviews with Donelda and Kristen and will be posting them here podcast and videocast style soon.
For a lot of people, Thanksgiving is a time to gather with friends and family, but like most special celebrations and gatherings this year, it might have to look a little different than in the past. By now, maybe you have become used to connecting with family and friends online. With BC officials encouraging residents to consider celebrating Thanksgiving virtually this year because of COVID-19 we were wondering what your plans are?
Earlier this week on September 29, 2020, there were 69 patients in the hospital and 20 of those were in critical care. The number of active cases declined to 1268 and recoveries increased to 7485. There are 3337 people who are under active public healthcare monitoring after being exposed to COVID-19.
There was one more death as a result of COVID-19 in the Fraser Health Region increasing the number of deaths to 234.
BC’s top doctor Bonnie Henry, is quoted as saying “rather than traveling to see friends are hosting a large family dinner, make it small this year and plan to connect virtually instead.”
Is that something you will do again this upcoming holiday?
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One of my favourite things to do when the weather is nice is pack up a cooler of good food and drinks, load up my kids and find somewhere to head for a day full of sunshine & exploring. I’ve put together a list of ten amazing picnic spots for you to check out this summer.
Use Strong Passwords
Updates Matter
Double Up on Security
Consider a VPN
Know What Your Kid Are Up To
PRO-TIP:
Block Dangerous Websites
Set the Ground Rules
Langley Eats Local
Olive & Thorn 
Pick Up Picnics 
Boundary Bay 
Horse Shows – May 2, 15, 16, 29 
Classical Concert – May 30
Dead Frog Brewery
The Clayton Pub
