Our annual Light-Up is coming up Saturday, December 6. Thank you so much Foothills Lions and Partners for sponsoring this event. There will be a daytime event at the Sheep River Library from 1-3 with cookie decorating, a storyteller, hay wagon rides, and fire pit to keep you warm. Also, a Family Shinny at the Scott Seaman Outdoor Rink from 3:30-4:30. Then head to Main Street and Government Road in Black Diamond for Light-up festivities in the evening from 5-9. The lions are also sponsoring our New Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31 from 5-8 at the Flare and Derick in Turner Valley. Stay tuned to the Town’s website for full details on these events.
The Foothills Philharmonic is pleased to present their Junior Singers “Winter Wonderland” with special guests Ensembles Men’s chorus and Ladies’ Vocal Jazz. This show is on December 6. Then on December 12 at 7:30 they are presenting the Philharmonic Chorus and Orchestra “Northern Lights and Sounds of Joy”. There will also be an afternoon matinee December 13 at 3:00. Tickets are very reasonable, and kids 12 and under are free. To find out more and to get your tickets, go to footphil.com.
For over 20 years The Magic of Christmas Foothills has helped families in our towns of Diamond Valley, Okotoks, and High River. The families in need that we serve each holiday season are referred to us by various agencies in the Foothills. Each family receives gifts, gift cards for groceries, a family stocking, and backpacks filled with useful items. Santa and his elves meet each family the Saturday before Christmas to give out the gifts and have their pictures taken. Please help by donating new and unwrapped toys and other gift items, fit cards, and monetary donations. The donation deadline is December 11 and to find out where you can drop off donations, email the wonderful Hazel at duffyisaac@shaw.ca or call 403-819- 7628. There are also gift boxes at various businesses around our towns.
The Turner Valley Legion also has a drop box for the Christmas Hamper Program through the Salvation Army. New unwrapped gifts can be dropped off there. Some wish list items include camping gear, ear buds and head phones, watches, perfume, girls/ boys hygiene kits, comic books, hair tools, sporting gear, room décor, and throw pillows, and crafting supplies and kits. Please drop off before December 13.
The Sheep River Library is hosting Gingerbread junction on December 6 from 10-2. This is a whimsical workshop full of seasonal cheer, perfect for little makers who love the holidays, crafting, and all things cozy and cute. They will make gingerbread houses and other holiday things. There is a charge for this junction which includes all suppliers, for more information or to register, please go to the Library’s website or drop by.
There is a drop box for gently used clothing in the AG parking Lot, and others in Okotoks. These boxes are for clothing only! Larger items can be dropped off to either the Okotoks Recycle Centre, located on the Landfill lot, or Missions for Bibles in Okotoks. They will sort and sell your donations and the proceeds go towards close to 30 different charities, including the Foodbanks, the Mustard Seed, Foothills FAIM, Rowan House, or many other local charities. Leaving larger items outside of the box greatly increases volunteer time and costs in the disposal and clean-up process. It also creates a very unsightly mess.
Did you know that December 1 marks the date that twelve countries signed the Antarctic Treaty, declaring the continent a scientific preserve and banning military activity. This Treaty was signed in 1959. The Antarctic Ice Sheet covers approximately 98% of the area with ice 1.6 km thick and contains about 90% of the world’s ice, and therefore about 70% of the world’s fresh water. Eight species of penguins make their home in the Antarctic, and you cannot visit there without special permits. Sounds pretty cold so I’ll just be an armchair visitor.
Just a reminder, the High Country SPCA’s Christmas Market is held on December 6 at the Flare and Derrick, if you got to any markets this season, make sure you go to theirs!
If you have an events or news for January, please drop me a line at elaine.w@telus.net before December 15.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Elaine Wansleeben
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