In January 1993, the Howe Sound Players were asked to provide the entertainment for the Chamber of Commerce's annual general meeting. Doreen Ramus and I did a skit on what life was like "way back then", the present and a look into the future. We envisioned a chairlift taking folks from the Fields parking lot to the top of the Stawamus Chief! Hey Doreen, do you suppose the developers who want a gondola at the Chief were at that AGM and stole our idea?
For many years, the Squamish Food Bank used the facilities of the Elks' Hall for their monthly distribution of groceries. That of course is no longer possible and starting this month on Wednesday (Sept. 8), the distribution will take place at Squamish United Church's Trinity Hall on Fourth Avenue from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is always a bonus when fresh fruit and vegetables can be given out with the groceries. Anyone with fresh produce to offer is asked to take it to the hall on Wednesday, not later than 9:30 a.m.
The Squamish Public Library is celebrating International Literacy Day on Wednesday (Sept. 8), with a Sharing Tales of a Summer Well Spent. Do visit the library from 5 to 6 p.m. or 7 to 8 p.m. and share your summer experiences. It would be appreciated if you would register by phoning 604-892-3110 ext. 22 to share your tale. There is a time limit of 10 minutes. Time permitting, there will also be an open mike for those not registered. The library is now open seven days a week with the new hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Strengthening Families Program is offering a 14-session life skills training program for six- to 11-year-old children and their parents. The program runs one night per week, three hours per night for 15 weeks with the first night being for orientation. For each session, a meal is provided, there is daycare for preschoolers and transportation is available. The sessions will be held in Squamish Elementary School from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. starting Thursday Sept. 9 to Dec. 16. To register, please call Sea to Sky Community Services Society and talk to Suzie at 604-892-5796 ext. 239 or Mina at the same number, ext. 429. Volunteers are also needed and you are asked to talk to Mina or call the Volunteer Centre at 604-815-4121.
Volunteers for Peace is part of an international network of voluntary services and a group of international volunteers will be coming to Squamish from Sept. 11 to Sept. 23. They will be doing trail work and bridge building and will be under the supervision of the Squamish Trails Society. The group will be housed at the Squamish Baptist Church during their stay. Members of the community can reach out to these six young adult volunteers by perhaps bringing lunches to them or hosting a dinner or taking them for a drive around the valley. They come from the USA, England, Germany, South Korea, Japan and France. If you can offer the hand of friendship in any way, please call Bob Brant at 604-898-4698.
Teens 13 years and up are invited to join the Teen Book Club at the Squamish Public Library on Tuesday (Sept. 7), at 5:30 p.m. Pizza and pop are on the menu too! There was a variety of books available for this session and even if you did not take out a book, join the group and hear what others have to report about their reading.
The second Scrabble for Literacy Tournament happens at the Squamish Library on Saturday (Sept. 11). Pledge forms and more information are available at the library.
It must be the fall season as it is time for the Sea to Sky Singers to start rehearsals in anticipation of the Christmas concerts. Rehearsals are held each Tuesday in the Squamish Baptist Church starting at 7 p.m. on Sept. 14. For voice placement for new members, please call Veronica at 604-892-7819.
Once again the annual Terry Fox Run is being organized by the Squamish Firefighters Association. The run will be held on Sunday, Sept. 19 from Brennan Park to Rose Park. It will start with a warm-up at 9 a.m. and registration will continue until 12 noon. All pledges go to the Terry Fox Foundation and are used for cancer research. Pledge sheets are available throughout the community. You may also pledge online at www.terryfoxrun.org . Volunteers are also needed and for more information, please call the Squamish Fire Department at 604-898-9666 or Jordan at 604-898-9408.
The final auditions for the Squamish Youth Theatre's presentation of the musical The Sound of Music will be held at the Sea to Sky Hotel on Tuesday (Sept. 7), form 7 to 8 p.m.
Non-profit community groups and associations will be at the Community Registration Day to give out information and register members on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brennan Park Recreation Centre.
The Hearts in Motion Walking Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 10 at the Tantalus Senior Centre. For more information please call Julie Miles at 604-898-4316 or myself at 604-815-0152.
The Squamish Estuary Conservation Society Bird Count will take place on Sunday (Sept. 5). Please note that this is a change from the original date of Sept. 12. Meet at the Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Company at 7 a.m. and bring a friend! All levels of birders are welcome at this monthly activity. For more information, please call Judith at 604-892-3340.
Lantern-making workshops for the LanternArt Walk in the Squamish Estuary on Sept. 25 will take place this Saturday (Sept. 4) and every Saturday morning until the festival from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hot Spot/Squamish Volunteer Centre on Cleveland Avenue. On Sunday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. a special lantern-making workshop will take place at the Squamish Public Library. A nominal cost of $3 will be charged to cover materials.
