Freedom to Read Week is observed from Feb. 23 to March 1 and freedom to read can never be taken for granted, even in Canada. It is interesting to know that books are removed from the shelves in Canadian libraries, schools and bookstores every day. Few of these stories make the headlines, but they affect the right of Canadians to decide for themselves what they choose to read. Some titles that have been challenged in Canada in the past include the popular Harry Potter series, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Golden Compass and Maclean's magazine.
Seniors have the joy of reading with Squamish Elementary School students from kindergarten and Grade 1 in the Big Buddy Book Time. The program is held once a month at the Squamish Seniors Centre and the next session is planned on Tuesday (Feb. 25) at 2 p.m. It is an opportunity for seniors to spend time with local children who may not have any grandparents nearby. Take your favourite book along or pick from the collection to read to the children. Please pre-register by phoning (604) 848-6898 or drop by the centre.
An article in last week's issue of The Chief informed the community of the good work and long hours of volunteering done through the Howe Sound Women's Centre. The need for more volunteers is most urgent as the centre runs the only women's shelter in Squamish, operates the secondhand store Pearl's Value and Vintage and helps women Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through the centre on Third Avenue. Please consider becoming a volunteer and for more information drop by the centre, call (604) 892-5748 or check www.seatoskycommunity.org/hswc.
The February winners in the Rotary 200 Club Lottery are Denise Imbeau ($100), Mario Gomes ($120), Judy McQuinn ($130) and Victor and Myrtle Huford ($150). On March 6, the grand final draw for $200/$1,000/$1,000 and $2,000 will be held at the Howe Sound Inn. The new 2014-'15 series are now on sale and for a ticket, check with local Rotarians. The next Rotary project is to support the Squamish Hospice Society to enable it to increase services in our community.
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned the Howe Sound Drama Club History project undertaken by Doreen Ramus, Eric Andersen and Louisa Ourom. The location of the photos is the Artisan Gallery on Main Street across from the Squamish Public Library. Whether you were ever involved in the drama club plays or musicals or not, please drop by and view the 30 large-format photos. The display, dating back to the 1960s to the 1990s, is really worth checking out.
This is a reminder to seniors that there is still time to enrol in the keep-fit classes for all levels at the Squamish Seniors Centre and the classes will end the week of March 24.
The Over the Hill Hikers will meet at the Canadian Tire on Tuesday (Feb. 25) at 9 a.m. for a Hoods in the Woods hike. For more information, call Heather at (604) 892-9003.
The Tantalus Walking Club will meet at Canadian Tire on Thursday (Feb. 27) at 10 a.m. for a Mamquam Trails walk through the Community Gardens to the river. For more information, call June at (604) 898-4069.
The Hearts in Motion Walking Club will meet at the Eagle Grove complex on Pemberton Avenue tomorrow (Friday, Feb. 21) at 10 a.m. for an estuary walk. For more information, call Yvonne at (604) 898-5268 or myself at (604) 815-0152.
