The Howe Sound Performing Arts Association (HSPAA) is pleased to be sponsoring the Inspiration Concert that will be held at St. John's Anglican Church on Sunday (Feb. 6) at 2 p.m. Many of the performers will be showcasing their talent in anticipation of the annual Howe Sound Music Festival in April and HSPAA executive director Veronica McPhee said this concert will give some of them added confidence.
They include Aaron Purdie, Carol Grolman, Erik Musseau, Joy Keelor, Veronica McPhee, Yuko Iwanaga and Julie Murakami (violin and piano), Kevin Olafsson (Japanese koto), Dana-Marie Battaglia and band, and the trio of Bryne Knight, Kristine Miles and Jonathan Reich. Admission is by donation.
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The Squamish Historical Society will meet on Thursday (Feb. 10) at 7 p.m. in the Arts Council building on Cleveland Avenue. The guest speakers will be the Squamish Monetary Fund and their proposal for "Squamish dollars." An invitation is extended for everyone to attend.
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It is time for the monthly Acoustic Jam at the Brackendale Art Gallery on Sunday (Feb. 6) from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Organizer Rita Kyle said a warm, friendly atmosphere awaits all performers and those who just want to sit back and enjoy some great music.
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The Caregivers Support Group will meet at the Seniors Centre on Wednesday (Feb. 9) from 2 to 3 p.m. The group provides a safe and confidential setting that encourages people to share and provide support for one another during the many difficulties encountered in a caregiving role. Should you wish more information, please call Donna Howard or Nadine Goodgrove at (604) 892-6400.
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The Valentine Tribute to Leonard Cohen will be held at St. John's Anglican Church on Saturday (Feb. 12) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 each and include local singers, wine and cheese bar and silent auction. Tickets are available at the Squamish Adventure Centre, Billie's Bouquet and by phoning the church at (604) 898-5100.
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Members of the Over the Hill Hikers are asked to meet on Tuesday (Feb. 8) at 9 a.m. at Cherry Drive in Valleycliffe for a Seven Stitches, Pipe trail and Summers Eve hike. To join or for more information, please call Heather at (604) 892-9003.
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The Tantalus Seniors Walking Club will meet at Pat Goode Park off Cheakamus Way on Thursday (Feb. 10) at 10 a.m. for a Coho Trail walk. For more information, please call Joyce at (604) 898-5594.
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The Chronic Disease Self Management program begins on Wednesday (Feb. 9) for six week to March 6, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Seniors Centre. Learn to better manage your health, set goals and problem solve and take action to lead a healthy life. Please register by calling toll-free to 1-866-902-3767. On Thursday (Feb. 10), there is a session on Managing Medications at 10 a.m. at the centre.
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A special Valentine Breakfast is being held on Monday (Feb. 14) at the Clock Tower Café at 9:30 a.m. in the Senior Centre. All ages are invited to attend. The café is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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The Hilltop House Support Society will meet in the south activity room on Thursday (Feb. 10) at 9:30 a.m. The group always welcomes new members.
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Bingo is back at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #277 on Monday (Feb. 7) with doors open at 5:30 p.m.
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The Women's Auxiliary to Squamish General Hospital was able to purchase items for Hilltop House as part of their "wish list" for 2010. Current beds are 80 inches long and not able to accommodate taller residents. At a cost of $5,000, a longer bed was purchased. Four Roho cushions ($3,500) will help functionally impaired residents who are at risk of pressure ulcers. Also, two tilt commodes used to take patients into the shower will help functionally impaired residents and be a great benefit to the staff regarding injuries with transfers of patients. The cost was $5,000. In the hospital, in the Med/Surg/Maternity unit, a phototherapy light/bili bed was purchased for $3,800. Currently the staff is unable to manage two newborns that need to have phototherapy at the same time. Let's continue supporting the Women's Auxiliary who give so much through their volunteering and fundraising.
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The location for this year's Robert Burns Night and Dinner was the new CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park on Saturday (Jan. 29) with more than 250 in attendance. This annual event is hosted by Mount Garibaldi Masonic Lodge #127. The Toastmaster was Worthy Master Murray Gilchrist and at the head table were Worshipful Masters (and spouses) from all seven North Shore Masonic Lodges and, from the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of B.C. and Yukon, were Grand Master Worshipful Brother J. Alan Cross, and his Junior and Senior Grand Wardens. There were also Freemasons from across Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and as far as Nooksack, Wash, near Bellingham. On behalf of Mayor Greg Gardner, Councillor Bryan Raiser brought greetings from the District of Squamish.
Rt. W. Brother Joe Freeman, who gave the Toast to the Immortal Memory was from the Gizeh Shrine (which is all B.C. Shriners) and the reply was from Mason Dan Mellor. The Shriners are the "fun" branch of Freemasonry, but they fundraise for crippled children's hospitals and burn units throughout North America.
The Black Tusk Caledonia Pipe Band with new Pipe Major Eric Musseau entertained with many favourite Scottish tunes. The pianist was Jane Walker and George Sloan and Marilyne Clark led the crowd in singing the Star O' Rabbie Burns. The delicious dinner and desserts were provided by Chef Big D's and staff. Gilchrist was informed by the Grand Master that the way the event was organized this year, Squamish is now the largest Burns Night Supper held by Freemasons in B.C. and the Yukon.
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The Hearts in Motion Walking Club will meet Friday (Feb. 11) at 10 a.m. at the Seniors Centre for a walk in the Dentville area. For more info, call Darlene at (604) 892-2092 or myself at (604) 815-0152.
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Back by popular demand, Doreen Ramus will read from Emily Carr's journals about the famed artist's 1933 visit to Brackendale next week. The presentation, which takes place next Thursday (Feb. 10) at 1 p.m. at the Squamish Seniors Centre, will include a slide presentation of Emily Carr sketches and historical photographers of the visit. Admission is by donation.
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"In the Know" is a monthly networking and information sharing sessions for parents and caregivers presented by FORCE (Families Organized for Recognition and Care Equity) and the Society for Kids' Mental Health. This month's event is planned on Wednesday (Feb. 9) at 7 p.m. at the Squamish Public Library. Dr. Jana Davidson, whose experience includes working with children and youth with ADHD, eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, is the featured speaker and the topic is medications. Please register in advance by emailing [email protected]. For more information visit www.forcesociety.com
