HINTON:

Photos with Santa

Photos are available at the Parks West Mall at the following times on the following dates: Dec. 15, 3:30 to 7 p.m.; Dec. 16, 3:30 to 7 p.m.; Dec. 17, noon to 5 p.m.; Dec 18, noon to 5 p.m. There is a fee per photo. Proceeds go to Parent Link and the Hinton Youth Centre. For more information call Sherry Pitre at 780-865-1999.

The Charity Gala

On Saturday, Dec. 17, the Hinton United Way and Break-A-Leg Theatre are hosting a Charity Gala fundraiser. Food, comedy and dancing – just in time for the Christmas party season! Doors open at 6 p.m. with cocktails at 6:30 p.m and dinner at 7 p.m. Comedians hit the stage at 8 p.m. and the dance runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. It all takes place at the Hinton Centre, 965 Switzer Dr. Contact Don Engerdahl at 780-865-6055 for more information.

Seniors Christmas Light Tour

The annual Seniors Christmas Light Tour happens on Monday, Dec. 19. Have your Christmas lights been hung yet? Lights are asked to be turned on by 6 p.m. so the seniors can enjoy them. The tour runs until 8:30 p.m. This is a free event. Contact Silvana Campbell at 780-865-6060 for more information.

VALEMOUNT:

Winter survival for travellers

A course in winter survival is set for tonight, Dec. 15, at the Valemount Learning Centre. It is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information call 250-566-4601.

Fire Department Meeting

The regular meeting of the Valemount Volunteer Fire Department is set for tonight, Dec. 15, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Valemount Fire Hall.

Food Bank Distribution

Distribution will take place Wednesday Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 1445 fifth Ave. For more information call Dorothy Jones at 250-566-9713 or Don Sollows at 250-566-4858.

The Charity Gala

Valemount Community Theatre

Comedian Flip Shultz, who has been on HBO and Comedy Central and was a semi-finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, will be among the performers at this event on Dec. 18. Alberta comic James Uloth, who has performed in over 2,000 shows in four different countries, is also on the bill. This event is in  support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of British Columbia, while proceeds from silent auction and merchandise sales will go towards cancer support services in the local area. For more information visit www.thecharitygala.com or call Lorelei Schneider at 250-566-4116.

MCBRIDE:

Chamber of Commerce meeting

The McBride and District Chamber of Commerce will hold a directors meeting in the E-Free Church, Elks Hall, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 21.

Council meetings

The regularly scheduled council meeting of Dec. 27 has been cancelled. Council meetings will continue to take place on every second and fourth Tuesday of the month next year, with the first meeting of 2012 being held on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Questions can be directed to the Village Office at 250-569-2229.

Rick Hansen relay

The Village of McBride has the opportunity to select a feature medal bearer for the Rick Hansen Anniversary Relay, which will be passing through the village on March 19, 2012. To nominate someone to have the honour of carrying the medal, you can submit a story of 250 words or less explaining how this person has been a difference-maker in the community. Applicants must be at least 13 years of age to apply. Applications must include a first and last name, mailing address, date of birth, phone number and email address along with the story. Submissions can be dropped off at the McBride Village Office at 100 Robson Centre prior to 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 15.

Christmas reading and carols

Doreen Beck will be playing carols on the harp at the library from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17. The public is invited to come on by to hear some beautiful music and to join in on singing some carols, in addition to hearing some traditional festive tales. For more information email library@mcbridebc.org or call 250-569-2411.

DUNSTER:

Last winter market of 2011

The last Dunster winter market of the year runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17. The market will  then take a break over Christmas and New Year’s. The markets will resume again after the holiday season and run every Saturday from Jan. 7 to March 31 (the week before Easter). If you would like to make soup or goodies or for more information, contact Karen Shaw at 250-968-4331. Vendors are more than welcome with home-baking, crafts, miscellaneous treasures, etc. 

Forest Society AGM

The Dunster Community Forest Society’s annual general meeting is set for Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Dunster Community Hall. Everyone is welcome. Call Debby Ladouceur at 250-968-4429 with questions or concerns.