A popular place to be during the Olympics will be the Squamish Spirit Centre (Brennan Park Recreation Centre) and the place will definitely be decked out in RED. Wear red and skate free on Friday, Feb. 12 between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. but remember, skate rentals are still in effect. There is so much more to do as the Family Fun Zone runs from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. and the Squamish Spirit Centre opening ceremonies are from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Stay for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games opening celebrations live on the big screen.
A young piper of the Black Tusk Caledonia Pipe Band has just undergone open heart surgery. A fundraiser is planned by the band tomorrow (Feb. 6) at the Grizzly Bar & Grill. There is a pool tournament from 3 to 6 p.m. It is $10 to enter with half proceeds going to the winner. There is burger and beer from 6 to 8 p.m. The Band will also be playing during this event. Your support would be appreciated.
There is sure to be lots of toe-tappin at the Eagle Eye Theatre tonight (Feb. 5) at 7:30 p.m. when talented fiddle player Jocelyn Pettit takes to the stage along with many guest musicians. The concert will feature original, contemporary and traditional Celtic music. It will also be the release of Jocelyn's first album and CD's will be available for $15 for tonight only. Tickets are $10 adults and $8 for seniors and students and available at Gelato Carina or at the door. This young lady was also an Olympic Torch Relay runner this week and on Feb. 14 she will be one of many musicians opening for pop star Nelly Furtado at the first medal night. We are all proud of you Jocelyn and all success in the future.
I am looking forward to wearing my "Ask Me I'm A Local" button and they are yours for the asking at The Chief and the Squamish Adventure Centre. I hope we will give our visitors in town for the Olympics a real friendly Squamish Welcome.
There's a new charitable endeavour called Project Love in Squamish. Co-ordinators help those in need establish themselves in new homes by providing basic necessities comforts such as food, basics for babies, furniture, bedding and kitchen wear. Organizers are reaching out to the community for help, specifically to fulfill a great need for single and double beds. Small microwaves, blankets and pillows, pots and cooking wear and food are also appreciated. Most people seeking assistance are coming off the streets, the homeless shelter or low income housing and are moving into there own places so they have very little if not nothing to get started with. Donations can be dropped off at The Project Love Centre at 38054 Second Ave.
It's GrassRoots Jam time at the Brackendale Art Gallery on Sunday (Feb. 7) from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. There is a friendly atmosphere at the Gallery with plenty of room for friends who like to play their instruments and for those who like to listen or sing along.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #277 is holding a Valentine's Dinner and Dance on Friday (Feb. 12) with beef tenderloin on the menu including dessert for $25 each and featuring chefs Tilly and Jason. The cocktail hour is at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:45 p.m. and followed by an evening of dancing with the band Lane and Piche and special guest Hillary. Tickets are available at the Legion office.
The Over the Hill Hikers are asked to meet on Tuesday (Feb. 9) at 10 a.m. at Ross and Government Roads for a Rusty Bucket hike. For those wishing more information, please call Heather at 604-892-9003.
The Howe Sound Women's Centre offers yoga classes by donation each Thursday from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. for all levels. There are four spots available for childcare so please call ahead to 604-892-5748. A free hot lunch program each Friday is for women and children and runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 38021 Third Avenue.
The first annual draw calendar sponsored by the Women's Centre originally sold for $25 each but the remainder of the calendars are now on sale for just $5. There are cash prizes to be won each month.
During the month of February, Greg Fischer of Gelato Carina will be keeping his doors open and provide live entertainment every night to provide a venue where visitors and locals can celebrate in downtown Squamish. In order to reimburse his performers, he will be charging a $5 admission fee at the door. The first entertainers tomorrow night (Feb. 6) will be Carolyn Grass & Friends featuring Carolyn Grass and Louise Martin and they will be on stage from 9 to 11 p.m.
Members of the Tantalus Walking club are asked to meet at the Fisherman's Entrance and Spit for a walk on the dyke down Woodpecker Trail on Thursday (Feb. 11) at 10 a.m. For more information, please call Joyce at 604-898-5594.
The West Coast Railway Heritage Park is getting into the Olympic spirit too opening up its Canada Club each day from Thursday (Feb. 11) to Sunday, Feb. 28 from 2 p.m. to midnight. There is a chance to socialize, enjoy wine and beer and snacks and take in the Olympic events on two large television screens. This event is for adults 19 plus and there is no cover charge.
My friend Evelyn Dawson and I took in the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit display last week at Brennan Park. It was interesting talking to the young men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces as they explained some of their upcoming duties to us during the Olympics. It was also good to see members of our Squamish Fire Rescue, Squamish Emergency Program and Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary at the site on Jan. 30.
The Hearts in Motion Walking Club will meet at the entrance to the Nexen Lands for a waterfront walk on Friday, Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. For more information, call Darleen at 604-892-2092 or myself at 604-815-0152.
It is good to know Save-On-Foods, the Municipal Hall, Nesters Market, Extra Foods and the Adventure Centre now have containers available to dispose of our used household batteries.
