Abbotsford's Lepp Farm Market welcomes Anthony Sedlak, the chef host of The Main on The Food Network, who will steam up the kitchen when he leads two cooking classes at the shop, on June 24 and on July 16.

The classes are from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on both nights, and cost $67 per event. Our own Chef Dez will be there on June 26, for a free demonstration and book signing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Lepp's also offers a barbecue class and cooking for newlyweds. See details at leppfarmmarket.com.

SILVER HILLS SPROUTS PARTNER

Silver Hills Sprouted Bakery has entered into a sponsorship agreement with www.Diabetic-Diet-Secrets.com to provide healthy diet alternatives for people with type 2 diabetes. Along with healthy snacks and foods it sells at its outlet at 30971 Peardonville Rd., Abbotsford, Silver Hills bakes diabetic-friendly breads made with organic sprouted grain from a wind-powered farm in Alberta.

A SWEET PROPOSAL

Abbotsford residents Katie Oliver and her fiancé Spenser are the winners of the Tracycakes Wedding Cupcake Contest. Contestants were asked to share their love stories explaining how they met and a bit about their pre-matrimonial journey in 500 words or less, for a chance to win 200 cupcakes for their wedding day. Katie's story spanned more than a decade and included a proposal at Tracycakes complete with a cupcake topped with an engagement ring. Katie and Spenser are getting married in August in Maui, with a reception in Abbotsford later that month, when they will share their winning cupcakes with their wedding guests. See the happy couple at www.tracycakesonline.com.

HARMONIZE WITH TAX FACTS

Learn what the new HST will mean for your business. The Canada Revenue Agency holds an information seminar tonight at the Mission Library for business owners and operators on B.C.'s new Harmonized Sales Tax, which kicks in on July 1.

The info session is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 1-888-691-4501 to register and to see if there is still space available. For more detailed information about the transition to HST and how it will affect your business, go to www.cra.gc.ca/harmonization, or to hst.blog.gov.bc.ca.

BARLOW STILL PITCHING

James Barlow, who was the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce president last year, will have his ear closer to the ground as he was named to the B.C. Chamber of Commerce board of directors at its AGM at the end of May.

He not only represents Abbotsford, but is also one of the two representatives on the board from the Lower Mainland, outside of Vancouver. The other is David Bodnar of Surrey, past chairman of the B.C. Chamber.

BEST WESTERN BESTS

Local Best Western inns are mopping up awards. The Best Western Regency Inn & Conference Centre at 32110 Marshall Rd., Abbotsford, received the Best Western Director's Award for outstanding quality standards. The Director's Award recognizes Best Western International hotels scoring in the top 20 percent of all 2,400 North American properties in cleanliness and maintenance.

The Best Western Country Meadows, at 3070 264 St., Aldergrove, took the Best Western Chairman's Award, the chain's highest honour for outstanding quality standards. Hotels must meet BW's requirements for design and high customer service scores to qualify for the distinctions.

n Send us your news about events, a new business, moves or appointments. Contact Christina Toth at 604-854-5244, or . Her column appears Tuesdays.