It is that time of year again to be thinking about Community Christmas Care and how we can provide a happy Christmas to many families and individuals in the community. Your generous donations – be it cash, groceries or gifts of toys and other items suitable for teens would be much appreciated and will be accepted at most supermarkets and other locations including The Squamish Chief office. Cheques and cash donations will be accepted at he Squamish Savings locations, the Chief office or mailed to: Community Christmas Care, PO Box 516, Squamish, B.C. V8B 0A4.
Online donations are accepted through Canada Helps on the website at www.communitychirstmascare.com. Income tax receipts will be issued.
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The 2014 Realtors Care Blanket Drive is on until Monday, Nov. 24. Donations include sleeping bags, gently used blankets, gloves and mittens, winter jackets and other warm clothing. The items can be dropped off at Royal LePage Black Tusk Realty, Remax Seat to Sky and MacDonald Realty. Donations of clothing and blankets will be delivered to Helping Hands. If you wish items picked up, please call 604-815-8043.
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This evening, Thursday (Nov. 20) at 6:30 p.m. at the Squamish Public Library, local author Gram Fuller will introduce his latest book: Turkey and the Arab Spring. Please take note that the library will be closed tomorrow, Friday (Nov. 21) for staff training. The library will re-open for regular hours on Saturday (Nov. 22) at 10 a.m.
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The Shannon Falls Retirement Residence at 38225 Third Avenue is having a Christmas craft and bake sale on Saturday (Nov. 22) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents and staff have been busy knitting and making crafts all year and on Saturday, freshly baked squares, cookies and other goodies will be available.
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Tickets are still available for the Seniors’ Christmas Banquet to be held in the Squamish Seniors Centre on Friday (Dec. 12).
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The annual Christmas Bazaar and Luncheon at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, at 2449 The Boulevard, will be held on Saturday (Nov. 22) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tables will be laden with Christmas baking, bread and preserves and the children can enjoy the popular cake walk. There will also be a section for crafts, knitting and sewing and, a table with new and gently used items. Tickets will be available for the 50/50 draw and more.
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A Memory Tree Celebration will be held at the On the Farm Market on Mamquam Road on Friday (Nov. 28) at 6 p.m. It is co-hosted by the Squamish Hospice Society and the Squamish Funeral Chapel and it will be a time of reflecting on our loved ones from the past and supporting friends and family over the holidays. The evening will include Christmas carol singing lead by Carol Grolman and, the Cloudburst Café will be open. Anyone wishing more information on the Hospice Society is asked to call 604-657-20098 or go to www.squamishhopice.com.
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The menu for the monthly luncheon at the Squamish Seniors’ Centre on Thursday (Nov. 27) at 11:45 a.m. includes lasagna, salad and winter apple crumble. Tickets at $9 for members and $10 for non-members are available until Nov. 26. The popular Mamquam Elementary School Choir will be performing during the luncheon. Nancy Warwick from the Squamish Public Library will also have a display of interesting books for seniors.
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A series of watercolour classes will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at the Seniors Centre with classes at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. and the instructor will be talented Mike Sherlock. International Dance is every Wednesday at p.m.
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The winners in the in-house draw at the Harvest Tea at Hilltop House held in October were: Barbara Rudkin – Sea to Sky Gondola pass, Richard R at HTH – Cut’N Loose gift certificate, Chris Perevenoff – a crystal owl, and the 50/50 winner was Flora Thorburn.
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The Women’s Auxiliary to Squamish General Hospital is now able to accept Visa and MasterCard for purchases at the gift shop. The WA will hold its annual Christmas raffle and bazaar at the Squamish United Church on Saturday (Nov. 29).
The next Squamish Farmers’ Market will be held on Saturday (Nov. 22) at the Squamish Elementary School from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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The monthly draw for the Rotary 200 Club lottery was held on Nov. 6 and the winners were: Anne Carney ($100), Richard Raffell ($120), Joanne Hoff ($130) and Rick and Elaine Hunter ($150).
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The Over the Hill Hikers will meet on Tuesday (Nov. 25) at 9 a.m. at Canadian Tire for a Skookum, IMBA Loop/Fred hike. For more information, call Heather at 604-892-9003.
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The Tantalus Walking Club will meet on Thursday (Nov. 27) at 10 a.m. at the dog pound for a walk around Amblepath over to the Mamquam Trail. For more information, call Joyce at 604-898-5594.
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The Hearts in Motion Walking Club will meet tomorrow, Friday (Nov. 21) at 10 a.m. at the entrance to the Nexen lands for a waterfront walk. For more information, call Yvonne at 604-898-5268 or me at 604-815-0152.
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Squamish Eagle Watch Volunteer Interpreters are gearing up for the launch of their 19th Eagle Watch Season. This year’s opening ceremony is Saturday (Nov. 29) at 10 a.m. at the Brackendale Dike, Eagle Run Viewing location on Government Road.
Beginning Nov. 30, Eagle Watch Volunteers will be on the dike every weekend. Through to about February from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The volunteers will also be on the dike every day of the Christmas Holiday to share their expertise and provide close up ethical viewing of eagles with our excellent, high-powered Olivon spotting scopes. Bring the family, friends and cameras for a most memorable environmental experience. For more information contact Dr. Judith Knapp, program coordinator at [email protected] or 604-898-2072.