Have your say on TNRD budget
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District is in the process of building its 2024 budget, and wants to get feedback from residents.
Property owners in the TNRD only pay for the TNRD services they receive, whether they are within a member municipality or an electoral area. A large portion of your TNRD tax bill goes toward solid waste management and the regional library service.
To learn more about the budget for your area, go to www.tnrd.ca/budget2024. You’ll find general budget information, key dates in the budget process, and information about how to contact staff, ask questions, and provide feedback. You can also email finance@tnrd.ca or call (250) 377-8673.
Skating academy
The Ashcroft Academy of Skating is dedicated to teaching fundamental skating skills and figure skating for anyone aged 2.5 years and older. The academy is a member of Skate Canada, the oldest and largest figure skating organization in the world and the governing body for the sport of figure skating in Canada. Skate Canada goes far beyond figure skating, however; it is the largest learn-to-skate teaching organization in Canada.
Registrations for January 2024 are now being accepted. Sessions take place on Saturdays and Sundays at the Drylands Arena in Ashcroft, and run from Jan. 6 to March 10 (depending on the session). For more information, or to register, go to www.ashcroftskating.com.
Walk Strong and Fit Nation
The Cook’s Ferry Indian Band is hosting Walk Strong and Fit Nation sessions every Monday and Wednesday. All are welcome to join the Walk Strong indoor walking group (noon to 1 p.m.; all ages and exercise levels) and/or Fit Nation (1 to 2 p.m.), which features a warm-up and a walk in the gym, complete with gentle chair exercises and meditation. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and exercise shoes, and water is provided.
No registration is necessary. All sessions are held in the Cook’s Ferry gym in Spences Bridge.
Calling all quilters
The Nicola Valley Quilters Guild, in conjunction with Dragonfly Quilting and Gifts, will be holding a Pop-Up and Trunk Show in Merritt on Nov. 17 and Nov. 18. At 5 p.m. on Nov. 17 and 11 a.m. on Nov. 18 there will be a special one-hour presentation featuring thread, batting, needles, and some cool notions, while the pop-up shop will feature a huge selection of fabric, notions, and batting.
The event will be taking place upstairs at the Merritt Legion (1940 Quilchena Avenue), and those who register before the event will receive a $25 gift card that can be used at the show. For more information, or to register, email dragonflyquilting@csm.ca or call (604) 575-8660.
Early Years park play and snacktivity
Ashcroft Early Years Provider is holding a Park Play Day on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Cache Creek park. On Monday, Nov. 20 there will be a Snacktivity session, with participants making (and enjoying) smoothies. The session takes place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Ashcroft HUB.
Activities are free, and for children aged 0 to 6 years and their parents/caregivers.
Royal Purple bingo: new time
Come down to the Cache Creek Community Hall on Sunday, Nov. 19 for bingo, sponsored by the Ashcroft-Cache Creek Royal Purple. Please note the new times: doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the bingo action starts at 6 p.m.
Loon Lake Christmas dinner
The Loon Lake Community Recreational and Agricultural Society is holding a Christmas dinner on Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Loon Lake Community Hall (doors open at 5 p.m., and dinner starts at 6 p.m.).
The cost is $15 per person (kids 12 and under are free), and reservations must be prepaid by Nov. 20. To reserve and pay, go to https://loonlakecommunity.ca/.
Christmas card-making workshop
Enchant some special with recipients with handmade Christmas cards! The Ashcroft HUB is hosting a Christmas card-making workshop from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26, for adults, and parents with youth 12 and older. Join Sandra and create three unique cards; the cost of $18 per person covers all materials.
To register, go to https://bit.ly/3MHhmjo, call (250) 453-9177, or email ashcrofthub@gmail.com.
Ashcroft Indian Band Christmas market
Vendors are wanted for the AIB Christmas Market, taking place at the Ashcroft Band hall on Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
All vendors are welcome, and tables are by donation (minimum $5 per table), with proceeds going towards craft supplies for the AIB Health Centre. For information, or to book a table, call (250) 453-9325.
Santa Parade
Guess who’s coming to town? Santa, that’s who, and he’ll be here sooner than you think: on Friday, Dec. 1, to be precise, when the annual Ashcroft Santa Parade rolls through town. The Ashcroft HUB is encouraging people to participate in the parade: this year’s theme is “Anything Christmas”.
If you, or your organization/business, would like to take part, either on foot or with a float, contact the HUB at (250) 453-9177 or email ashcrofthub@gmail.com.
Ashcroft HUB Christmas market
Stop the presses! The Ashcroft HUB’s Christmas Market will have a very special guest dropping by: Santa Claus himself. Pictures with the Jolly Old Elf will be available (by donation).
The market will feature more than 60 tables of gift ideas, and takes place on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Glasses found
Late last week a pair of glasses was found in the Dunes area of the Mesa in Ashcroft. If you lost them, call (604) 861-2454 with a description to claim them.
Loon Lake 2024 calendar
Congratulations to all of this year’s Loon Lake photo contest winners, who have now been announced. The judging was carried out by Stephanie Nicoll-Russell, Jenny Gaylard, and Jim Bird.
You can view the winners at https://loonlakecommunity.ca/photo-contest-enteries-2023/. Even better: you can look at them all year round by purchasing the 2024 Loon Lake calendar, which features all of this year’s contest winners, as well as a special Loon Lake Pets collage.
Calendars are $23 each, and if you order by Nov. 30 you’ll get your calendars in time for Christmas (they make a wonderful gift). Calendars can be picked up, and shipping is also available for an additional $5 per calendar.
To order, go to www.loonlakecommunity.ca.
Coffee (and more) is on
Drop by the Ashcroft HUB every Monday starting at 1 p.m. for their weekly Community Coffee session, and enjoy coffee, conversation, and more.
On Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. you can enjoy coffee, homemade soup, biscuits, dessert, and great company at the 70 Mile Community Hall. Lunch is by donation.
Soup’s On runs every Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Alban’s Anglican Church hall in Ashcroft. All are invited to come on out for a tasty home-cooked lunch (by donation), coffee and tea, conversation, and companionship. Volunteers are also welcome.