This is a very difficult column to write as it will be my last one. After many years of writing about community comings and goings, I have decided to call it a day. I want to thank everyone who contributed over the years as without your input, there would not have been a column. I have truly enjoyed communicating with you and hope I didn’t “mess up” too many times.
It would not be Christmas without a visit to Christmas Place at 1840 Garden Place in Valleycliffe and all the displays, special music etc. are in place until Christmas Eve. Temperature and weather permitting, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be special visitors and they are looking forward to seeing the boys and girls on Dec. 22, 23 and 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. Each child will receive a candy cane. Take a drive by any night and view the nativity scene, church, toy shop and see Santa go up and down the chimney, along with many more fascinating items to put you and your family in the Christmas mood. Many of the neighbours also have interesting displays for all to see.
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The Squamish Public Library will be a busy place on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. during the Family Winter Celebration. Families will enjoy special stories, making crafts, participating in a sing-along and enjoying tasty refreshments. Registration is not necessary as this is a free event.
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Talented local musician and music teacher Cam Salay is hosting a Christmas concert and recital that will feature many of his talented students playing many of your favourite holiday hits. It takes place at the Brackendale Art Gallery on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. and there is no admission fee.
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A pioneer and well known citizen of Squamish since 1922, Marge Keyes passed away on Dec. 10 at Hilltop House. All of us who knew Marge express sympathy to her family.
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The Friends of the Squamish Public Library held a raffle recently and the lucky winners were: Leslie Tenta (Christmas tree skirt), Grace Green (handmade basket) and Scott R. (a basket of goodies). Thanks to all who supported this raffle.
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Seniors, don’t forget the Shortbread and Cider event tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. at the Seniors Centre. A fun group of seniors, the Side by Side Singers will get us all into the Christmas spirit with their selection of songs and carols. Please let the centre staff know if you will be attending by calling 604-848-6898.
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The Seniors Centre will be closed from Dec. 22 to Dec. 26 and reopens on Monday, Dec. 29 for carpet bowling. On Dec. 30, there will be board games and cocoa at 10 a.m. and on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, enjoy a Christmas movie at 12 noon. The centre reopens again on Friday, Jan. 2 for Grandparents and Me craft time at 10 a.m. and carpet bowling on Jan. 2. Keep Fit classes for all levels start on Jan. 5; registrations are now being taken.
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In January, anyone suffering from bad tinnitus is asked to email Peter for help at [email protected].
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The next meeting for the Squamish Valley Quilter’s Guild will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at the Sandman Hotel at 9 a.m. for a day of sewing. The meeting in the evening begins at 7 p.m. For more information, please call 604-898-1431.
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The Rotary 200 Club winners in the December draw were Elsie Stewart, Max Saenger, Sarah Braebrook and Mario Gomes.
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The Squamish Food Bank will distribute groceries at the Alano Club on Third Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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The Over the Hill Hikers will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 9 a.m. at the Stump Lake parking lot for a Four Lakes/McIntosh hike. On Dec. 30, the hikers will meet at 10 a.m. for snowshoeing and tubing at the Sea to Sky Gondola. On Jan. 6, they’ll meet at 10 a.m. at the end of Perth Drive for a Mashiter to Edith Lake hike. For more information, call Heather at 604-892-9003.
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The Tantalus Walking Club will next meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 30 and for the location, call Joyce at 604-898-5594. On Thursday, Jan. 8, the members will meet at 10 a.m. at the dog pound for an Amplepath walk.
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The Hearts in Motion Walking Club will meet tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m. at the Eagle Grove complex on Pemberton Avenue for a trail walk. Following the walk, we will meet at Eagle Grove for our annual Christmas pot luck luncheon. On Friday, Jan. 2, we’ll meet at Tim Hortons for a trail walk. For information, call Yvonne at 604-898-5268 or me at 604-815-0152.
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Before I end this column, I want to thank the great staff at The Squamish Chief for all their support and friendship over the years. That includes publisher Darren Roberts, the reporters, and Jill and Lynn, and the two gals in the front office, Louise and Denise, and anyone else I missed. I’ll drop into the office now and then and say hello.
Editor’s note: This is Maureen Gilmour’s last column, after decades of dedication to writing a weekly column for Squamish. Thank you, Maureen, for keeping us updated every week.
A special feature about Maureen will be published in the Dec. 31 edition of The Squamish Chief. Also, watch for ads about a Tea Party in her honour being planned for January. See you there!
