Well we got our first snowfall on October 12, time to get the snow shovels out and the garden in. I pouted for a bit as I love summer so much, but as it officially fall and not winter I got over it pretty fast.
November 5-11 is Veteran’s Week.
November 11 marks Remembrance Day, to commemorate the armistice, the end of World War 1, to honour the sacrifices of all military veterans who have served in their country’s defense. We wear a poppy and observe 2 minutes of silence at 11 am. There will be a ceremony at Oilfields High School on Nov. 11, please come at 10:15 to find a seat and so as not to interrupt the ceremony.
The annual Firefighter’s Food Drive will be Nov. 18 in Turner Valley, and Nov. 19 in Black Diamond, from approx. 6-9:30 pm. They come door to door for items to fill the Food Bank. Items especially needed this year are condiments, spices, cookies, crackers, canned meat and fruit, diapers size 5-6, pull-ups, body wash, bubble bath, soap, stocking stuffers, and new socks. Gift cards gratefully accepted as well for groceries. Thanks to our Firefighters from the Foothills for doing this, you are all awesome.
With the snow arriving, Jacket Racket is back. You can drop off your gently used, clean, winter clothing, for all ages, at ATB or the Town Office in Black Diamond, or the Library or the United Church in Turner Valley. The Church is home to the Oilfields Food Bank, and you can drop off or pick up these items on Tuesdays from 1-3, at 125 Royal Avenue.
November is when most of our Christmas Markets are. My two favorites are the High Country SPCA’s Market, which is actually on Light-Up, December 6, at the Flare and Derrick. They have an amazing Market with tons of good raffles, vendors, food, and more, in support of the SPCA. And just down the road is the Legion’s Ladies Auxiliary Market on Nov. 29 from 10-3, with bake sales, vendors, 50/50 draw, bucket raffles, Christmas décor sales, and the kitchen and bar will be open. The Ladies Aux. supports many charities in our area, including Rowan House, the Hospice, and more.
Other great Christmas Markets in the Foothills include: Millarville, Nov. 6-9 and 13-16, get a ticket early for this one. Okotoks Market Square Nov. 16, Saskatoon Farm, Nov.29-Dec. 1 and Dec. 6-8, High River Inclusion Foothills, Dec. 5-6, United Church Turner Valley Nov. 29, Granary Road, Nov 22- Dec. 14, DeWinton, Nov. 22, Springbank Nov. 1-2, Red Deer Lake Church, Nov. 15, Leighton Art Market, Nov. 8-Dec. 21.
Red Deer Lake United Church invites you to their annual Country Style Turkey Supper on Nov. 29. There will be the Christmas Market, silent auction, and a lovely supper, to find out details, go to rdluc.com.
Rowan House is an emergency shelter for women and children in crisis, with outreach programs as well. They will be hosting Rhythms for Rowan House on Nov. 8, at the Big Sky BBQ in Okotoks. This is a night of delicious food, talented musicians, a silent auction, and fun all in support of Rowan House. There is a discount for group tickets, to get yours and find out details, go to rowanhouse.ca/events.
An awesome concert coming up will be The Hearts on Nov. 29. This band is big on the Canadian Music Festival Scene and you will enjoy every minute of it. Part of Beneath the Arch Concert Series, it will be held at the Flare and Derrick at 7:30, to get your very reasonably priced tickets and support local youth with their bursaries, go to beneaththearch.ca.
Just a note regarding the Legion’s Spook House, unfortunately they couldn’t do it this year, so more steadfast volunteers are needed for next year if we want this spooktacular event to continue. I love the Legion, it is such a great place for all ages and they put on a good dinner and events all year long.
If you have any news or events for December, please drop me a line before Nov. 15 at elaine.w@telus.net.
Elaine Wansleeben
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