Taking a back seat to all the ways we want to change and resolutions to keep in this new year is the Boxing Day disaster in Southeast Asia. We all want to do something but are not sure what. I certainly like Coun. Jeff Dawson's idea of Squamish adopting a village in one of the devastated countries. There are also many worth organizations like the Red Cross, UNICEF, World Vision and churches that are accepting funds for this cause.
Scouts Canada's Squamish Group is offering Christmas tree chipping Saturday (Jan. 8) at the Garden Center on Mamquam Road starting at 10 a.m. Your cash donations help support scouting programs. Also tomorrow the Scouts will be holding their annual bottle/food drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you will not be home tomorrow, your bottle returns can be taken to the Squamish Bottle Depot at #15 - 38927 Queens Way. Please let the staff know your bottles are a donation to the Scouts. Non-perishable food items will be donated to the Squamish Food Bank.
The cast and crew of Dracula: The Panto had their opening night at the Eagle Eye Theatre Thursday (Jan. 6) and there are also performances tonight (Jan. 7) and Saturday (Jan. 8) at 8 p.m. as well as next Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Jan. 13-15). The matinées this Saturday (Jan. 8) and next Saturday (Jan. 15) are two-for-one ticket deals. Tickets can be bought at Billie's Bouquet, the Eagle Run Coffee Company and at the door at $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.
The first monthly estuary bird count for this new year is on Sunday (Jan. 9). Please meet at the Howe Sound inn and Brewing Company at 8 a.m. All levels of birders are welcome to join expert birders in this enjoyable and educational event. Those wishing more information are asked to call Judith at 604-892-3340.
The Squamish Food Bank will open its doors from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday (Jan. 12) at Trinity Hall at Squamish United Church on Fourth Avenue.
Anyone wishing to have their children attend Time for Tots, Books & Babies or Preschool Storytime at the Squamish Public Library will now need to pre-register for these programs. The programs have become so popular the staff needs to limit numbers in order to continue to offer quality programs in a comfortable environment. Registrations for the seven-week session began earlier this week. The programs begin on Monday (Jan. 10). Family Storytime on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. will continue as a drop-in program wit no registration required. All are welcome. For more information please visit the library or call 604-892-3110.
Saturday evening (Jan. 8) at 8 p.m., Roy Hamaguchi is presenting a slide show entitled "The Eagles of Brackendale and How to Photograph Them." This event will be held at the Brackendale Art Gallery.
A Knack to Knit and Crochet session will be held at the Squamish Public Library on Sunday (Jan. 9) from 1 to 4 p.m. Those needing supplies are asked to pre-register.
The Sun Run Training Group begins Saturday, Jan. 15 and will meet each Saturday at 9 a.m. until April 9. Registrations are being taken at Brennan Park Recreation Centre or for more information, please call 604-898-3604.
The Hearts in Motion Walking Club will meet at the Tantalus Seniors' Centre at 10 a.m. next Friday (Jan. 14). For more information please call Elaine Kotyk at 604-898-9498.
On Thursday (Jan. 13) the Squamish Public Library will hold its first meeting of The Artist's Way Workshop from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and the group will meet every second Thursday. For more information please call the library at 604-892-3110.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Kay and Ed Wirachowsky and family on the passing of their dear granddaughter, Erica Fleming.