An annual event that many people anticipate is the annual Brackendale Eagle Count and it takes place on Sunday (Jan. 6) from the Brackendale Art Gallery. The eagle count is conducted by trained volunteers and is not open to the general public. The gallery will be open at 9 a.m. and residents are welcome throughout the day as the count is recorded. If interested, there will be eagle walking tours starting at 10 a.m.

After the annual eagle count on Sunday (Jan. 6), plan on being at the Brackendale Art Gallery for the monthly Acoustic Jam from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

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Storytime at the Squamish Public Library will resume on Monday (Jan. 7). Please check the website for full details and these fun free programs. The library will offer a Saturday morning storytime for working parents starting this month.

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The next Winter Farmers’ Market will be held in the CN Roundhouse and Convention Centre at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park on Sunday (Jan. 6) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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The Squamish Historical Society’s (SHS) 2012 Speaker Series begins on Thursday (Jan. 10) at 7 p.m. at the Brackendale Art Gallery. The first guest will be Corinne Lonsdale, the first person to receive Squamish’s “Freedom of the Municipality” award for her years of public service as mayor and councillor. She will have much to share as she presents “50 years… Changes and Challenges in Squamish.”

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In anticipation of Christmas sales, the Women’s Auxiliary (WA) to Squamish General Hospital purchased many gift-giving items for the gift shop at the hospital. We all know the hospital was closed for a period of time because of a flu outbreak and that also meant the shop was closed. Please drop by Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and pick up some great bargains at 50 per cent off Christmas items. Your patronage would greatly assist the WA in recouping some of their funds.

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Starting the week of Jan. 27, all moderate and mild exercise programs along with cardio fit, chair fit, men on the move and rhythmic fit classes commence at the Seniors Centre. Register at the front desk for any of these programs or phone (604) 848-6898 for more information.

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Sea to Sky Community Services (SSCS) is offering a 10-week course for you and your children ages six to 10 years. The Strengthening Families Program runs each Wednesday from Jan. 9 to March 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Squamish Elementary School. The workshops will help strengthen parenting skills, build family strengths, improve behaviours and more. There is no charge and dinner and childcare for younger children is provided. This is a friendly, fun program and as space is limited, please register now by calling Christine Williston at SSCS at (604) 892-5796 ext. 345 or email christine.williston@sscs.ca.

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The Hilltop House Support Society has its first meeting of the new year on Thursday (Jan. 10) at 9:30 a.m. There is always room for new members to join.

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The Squamish Scouts are offering Christmas tree chipping on Saturday (Jan. 5) at the On the Farm Garden Centre on Mamquam Road.

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If you have saved your cancelled stamps, there is someone in Squamish who collects the stamps for the Canadian Baden-Powell Guild. The funds received help scouting around the world. Barbara at (604) 892-9384 would be pleased to hear from you.

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The Over the Hill Hikers will meet on Tuesday (Jan. 8) at 9 a.m. at the north end of the Alice Lake bypass for a Cheshire Kitten/Cat Lake hike. For more information, call Heather at (604) 892-9003.

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The Tantalus Walking Club will meet on Thursday (Jan. 10) at 10 a.m. at the Adventure Centre for a commuter trail walk to Brennan Park and return. For more information, call Joyce at (604) 898-5594.

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The Hearts in Motion Walking Club will meet at the Dog Pound tomorrow (Friday, Jan. 4) at 10 a.m. for a trail walk. For more information, call Darleen at (604) 892-2092 or myself at (604) 815-0152.