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What’s happening around the North Okanagan

COMMUNITY CALENDAR: Check out what’s on this week, and beyond, around Vernon and area

Nov. 28

Quartetto Gelato at the Performing Arts Centre, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., presented by NOCCA. With 30 years of sold out performances around the world, this iconic Canadian quartet brings a performance that features virtuosity combined with a taste of opera, vaudeville, humour, and downright amazing entertainment. ticketseller.ca or 250-549-7469.

Nov. 29

Santa’s Elks Christmas Toy Breakfast Wednesday 6:30-9:30 a.m. at the Vernon Elks Lodge. Bring an unwrapped toy and receive a free pancake breakfast and enjoy live entertainment, or receive a to-go bag and coffee on request.

It’s a Wonderful Life Powerhouse Theatre production Nov. 29-Dec. 2 @ 7:30. Ticketseller.ca

Nov. 30

Gallery Odin opening receptions Thursday, Nov. 30, 6-10 p.m. & Saturday, Dec. 2, 2-6 p.m. at 215 Odin Rd., Silver Star Mountain. The gallery is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1-6 p.m.

READ MORE: Nutcracker sleigh ride returns to Spallumcheen theatre

Dec. 1

Vernon Winter Carnival event tickets, including raffle tickets, go on sale Friday at 9 a.m. for the Feb. 2-11 Carnival.

Mistletoe Magic at Mackie seasonally-inpired meal and live music at Mackie Lake House Friday. Tickets $75 at ticketseller.ca.

Artsolutely Vernon Community Arts Centre’s 18th Annual Sale and Fundraiser where you’ll find thousands of a one-of-kind handcrafted items from local artists. Twenty per cent of all sales goes directly to community arts programming and necessary upgrades at the Arts Centre. The rest supports Okanagan talent and our small business community. Artsolutely is open daily from Dec. 1-23 and is free to attend. Hours: Mon-Fri 9-7, Sat 9-5, Sun 11-4. Find us at the entrance to Polson Park, 2704a Hwy 6.

Dec. 2

Shoparama Holiday Gift Sale Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 10-5 at the Vernon Rec Centre Auditorium & Gymnasium 3310 37th Ave. A merry mix of artisans, entrepreneurs and home-based business from all over B.C. Come for the 1,000’s of unique gift and décor items, baking, specialty foods, as well as entertainment, door prizes, liquor tastings and an international themed concession. Local buskers and spot prizes all weekend long. Admission is free but you are encouraged to bring a cash donation for the Food Bank Kettle.

Christmas Bazaar & Tea at All Saint’s Anglican Church, 3205 27th St., entrance off 26th St. Saturday 1-3 p.m. Tea $8 including sandwiches and goodies. Handmade gifts and homemade canned goods. Baking: bread, cookies, tarts, all your favorites! Christmas gifting items, fresh swags and planters.

Christmas Psychic Fair MysticaFair Psychic Fair Saturday 12 noon-5 p.m. @ 2913 29th Ave - The Essence Bookstore and Teahouse. Admission is $5 cash donation to our non-profit hosts. Meet up with some of the Okanagan’s finest readers - visit our FB page or our website for more details: www.mysticafair.com.

Halina Artisan Fair Saturday 9-4 featuring local independent artists, crafters and home-based businesses. Free admission.

The Melodia Singers with conductor Terry Logan and the Kampana Bells with conductor Janine Carscadden present A Hometown Christmas on Saturday, at 3 p.m. at the Amstrong Bible Chapel. Tickets are $20 at Shepherd’s Hardware, the Chamber of Commerce and at the door. Under 16 free.

Dec. 4

Halina Centre Christmas lunch/dinner Monday featuring entertainment, door prizes and turkey with all the trimmings either from 11-3:30 or 4-7:30. Tickets $25. Sponsored in part by Regency Parkwood Retirement Resort.

Dec. 5

A Christmas Carol walking theatrical experience at O’Keefe Racnh Tuesday to Saturday at 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Ticketseller.ca or call 250-549-SHOW(7469).

Dec. 7

Under the Winter Sky Diversity Dance performance at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre Thursday, 7 p.m. Ticketseller.ca

Dec. 8

Sleigh All Day Polson Artisan Market Dec. 8-10 @ Kal Tire Place. Friday 5-8 p.m., Saturday 10-8 and Sunday 11-4.

Knox Classic Cinema Friday features It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) at Knox Presbyterian Church 1:30 p.m.

Vernon Community Singers celebrate 30 years with Sing Out Your Joy on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. Directed by Terry Logan and accompanied by Bonnie Johnson, at Trinity United Church 3300 Alexis Park Dr. Tickets are $20 each, children (16 and under) free, available at the Schubert Centre and at the door.

Cowboy Christmas with Rob Dinwoodie & friends Friday at the Vernon Alliance Church. Ticketseller.ca or 250-549-7469.

Dec. 9

Children’s Christmas Gift House Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the People Place, 3402-27th Ave., for kids big on heart but low on cash to pick out gift for the significant adults in their life. Donations are needed: new or like-new items can be dropped off at The Morning Star, People Place, Vernon Curling Club, Ladies World or Royal LePage-Downtown Realty. Info., 250-558-6585 or peopleplacesociety@gmail.com

Falkland Country Christmas Market @ Community Hall, 5706 Okanagan Hwy, Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Famous delicious pancake breakfast with potatoes, fresh fruit, and farmer sausage $10, kids $5 with profit going to Homeless Christmas Dinner (Dec. 24 and 25) in Vernon. Chili, desserts, hot drinks. A real Santa is coming at noon, so bring your kids and cameras! Many local vendors with handmade gifts! This event is not to be missed during the holiday season! Beautiful drive to magical Falkland from all the nearby towns!

READ MORE: Giving Tuesday goes to the dogs with new Lumby foundation

ONGOING:

BCOAPO Vernon Seniors Br. 6 meets every third Tuesday of the month, except July & August, at 1:30 p.m. at the Schubert Centre. Interesting guest speakers and we invite you to join us for fellowship and to learn ways of improving your life as well as having a voice. For info call 250-545-0384

Knox Yarn & Darn Too much yarn? Donate! Not enough yarn? Take what you need! The yarn cubby at Knox Presbyterian is now open for donations of yarn, needles, patterns. Or, grab what you need to finish a project, or make a gift. Half finished items welcome. Tuesday - Thursday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. @ 3701 32nd Ave.

Stories Out Loud If you have trouble with your vision and find it hard to read, or you just want to hear a great short story, visit the Okanagan Regional Library Vernon branch’s Stories Out Loud program, a free, drop-in program offered every two weeks and open to all adults. It’s at 1:30 p.m. every second Tuesday.

North Okanagan Radio Amateur Club meets in person and online the third Thursday of every month. Interested in becoming a licensed radio ham? Then come and join us. Club members also meet socially for coffee in Armstrong and Vernon on a weekly basis. NORAC plans to run a basic radio amateur license course in Vernon starting in Jan 2024. To find out more visit www.norac.bc.ca.

Vintage Car Club meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Schubert Centre.

Cardiff Miller Art Warehouse 19,000 sq.ft. hall in Enderby with entertaining, technology-based art installations. Featuring The Forty Part Motet, a virtual 40-piece choir as well as 3 other large works by artists Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller. Open Nov-Dec. 17 Sundays only @ 507 Granville Ave.

Monday at the Arts the Towne Theatre presents Nyad on Dec. 4 @ 2:45 and 6:15 p.m. Wine/cider/beer bar. Tickets at door and theTowne.ca. 19+ only.

Single Friends 70+ Join us for weekly coffee, lunches & dinners, social outings, pot lucks, events in the community, games & cards. Our meeting place is Vernon Family Church Hall. Call Carol 250-260-5238.

Vernon Flying Club/COPA Flight 65 meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month except December. New members welcome, at 6210 Tronson Rd. For further information contact flyingclubvernon@gmail.com.

Vernon Newcomers no meeting for December. The next meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 6:15 p.m. at the Vernon Public Library. For more information people can email new2vernon@gmail.com. In February, we’re back to the first Tuesday of the month.

Vintage Car Club meets the second Tuesday of the month at the Schubert Centre at 7 p.m.

Freemasons meet at the Masonic Lodge at 3005A - 32nd St. every month except July and August. Miriam Lodge #20 tyles at 7:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month. Kalamalka Lodge #160 tyles at 7:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month. Travelling Freemasons are always welcome.

Vernon Elks meat draw third Sunday of each month, doors open 1 p.m. draw 2-4. Bar and kitchen open. Call 250-549-1883 to reserve your table.

Halina Centre Floor curling on Monday mornings at 9:30. All equipment supplied, $3 members, $5 drop-in. First time free. Bingo every Tuesday afternoon at 1 (doors open at noon) and Friday night at 6 (doors open at 5). Mahjongg 1 p.m. every Wednesday, open to experienced players and everyone who would like to learn the game: $3 for members and $5 for non members. Dance the Afternoon Away every Thursday 2-4 p.m. to old time music plusCome alone, bring a partner or just listen. 50/50 tickets and snacks. Everyone welcome.

Overeaters Anonymous (OA) meets in Armstrong on Sunday afternoons at Zion United ChurchHall (2315 Pleasant Valley Blvd). Doors open at 2 p.m. and meeting begins at 2:15. For more information, call Karen at 250-540-7172 or visit oa.org. Parking and wheelchair accessible.

Vernon Scottish Country Dancers meet at Knox Presbyterian Church Hall on Alexis Park Drive every Tuesday evening 7-9 p.m. Come join us and learn to jig, reel and dance the Strathspey. Instruction in basic steps to get you going. Check us out on Facebook - Vernon Scottish Dancers.

Taoist Tai Chi This practice helps people of all ages and all physical abilities to relax, build strength, flexibility and to find balance inside and out. Taoist Tai Chi improves all our circulatory systems so the body functions more efficiently resulting in better health and immunity to disease. Open for sessions Thursdays 9:30 -11:30 a.m. and Saturdays 10 - noon at Peace Lutheran Church. No mats or equipment necessary, wear flat shoes and relaxed clothing. Contact us at bcinterior@taoist.org or 250 542-1781. Visit taoist.org to learn more about us.

Scrabble’s Back! We delight in teaching ‘newbies’! Bring your dictionary, have fun, meet new friends, and even learn new words every Wednesday, 10 a.m., Vernon’s Schubert Centre. Everyone welcome.

A Circle of Men a place to be supported in all aspects of life without fear of blame or judgement Thursdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. A group of men with a desire to take responsibility, to live authentic lives and to be accountable to ourselves, our families and our community. For location and to confirm attendance call or text Grant at 250-896-0376 or email gmwaldman@outlook.com.

Vernon Community Concert Band We welcome all new members to join our band. In operation since the 1980s, we practice Wednesday nights from 7-9 p.m. at W.L. Seaton Secondary School. We play at various venues around town between Oct-June. Haven’t played in a while? Not to worry. Please drop in and we will provide the music! Have questions? Call Sue at 250-540-7786.

The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is an international, non-profit, non-denominational, self-help organization for parents who have experienced the death of a child at any age, from any cause. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month at People Place, located at 3402-27th Ave. For further information contact: Lainey at 587-343-1285 or Ramona at 250-308-5584 (evenings are best), or email Vernon@tcfcanada.net.

Mah Jongg If you love games, you’ll love American Mah Jongg. The Vernon library hosts a weekly program that is free and open to the public, for both experienced and novice players at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday in the magazine area on the second floor.

North Okanagan Wood Carvers meet every Tuesday, 1-4 at the Vernon Community Arts Centre. Our year begins in September and goes until mid May. Beginners always welcome!

Are you a single senior 65+ (widowed or divorced), looking to make new friends? Do you like to dance, play games, dine out, etc? We are open to your suggestions also. Come meet this friendly group every Wednesday 10 a.m. at Village Green Mall, food court (look for the sparkly centrepiece). Have questions contact Sandy 250-558-7990. Looking forward to meeting you.

Vernon & District Garden Club meets every fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m., in the Vernon Arts Centre, 2704 Highway 6 (Polson Park). There will be a guest speaker each meeting. Guests are welcome.

Vernon Turning Club meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 2 p.m. Meetings are held at the Men’s Shed, 7158 Meadowlark Rd. (just past the weigh scales). Meetings often include a demonstration of a project. New members are welcome.

Army Navy & Air Force Live music and dinner available every Friday night. Meat draw Saturday’s 2 p.m., kitchen open!

Al-Anon meets Wednesdays 7 p.m. @ Peace Lutheran Church (1204 30th Ave.) in person, Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. at Trinity United Church (3300 Alexis Park Dr.) in person. Also Tuesday 7 p.m. in-person and Zoom meeting at Schubert Centre, ID 297150938, password 338604. For more information 250-545-4933.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet @ Alano Club (3204 Alexis Park Dr.) everyday 7 a.m., noon and 5 p.m. Also Mondays 7 p.m. (men’s) and Fridays 7 p.m. Meetings @ Peace Lutheran Church (1204 30th St.) Mondays 7 p.m. (women’s), Fridays 12 noon and Fridays 7 p.m. Meetings @ building #43 (2201 53rd Ave.) Tuesdays 7 p.m. Vernon Family Church (3508 25th Ave., back entrance) meets Thursdays 7 p.m. Vernon Treatment Centre (2810 48th Ave.) Saturdays 12 noon. Falkland Senior Centre meets Mondays at 7 p.m. Killiney Beach fire hall meetings Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. Lumby Christian Church (1962 Maple St.) meets Wednesday’s @ 7 p.m. Armstrong meetings at Zion United Church (2315 P.V. Blvd.) Sundays, 7 p.m. For more info call 250-545-4933 or visit aa.org.

Vernon & District Family History Society Resource centre at Peace Lutheran Church 1204 30th Ave. (lower level) is open Tuesday 10 a.m.-noon, and 7-9 p.m., Wednesday 10-noon and Saturday 1-3 p.m. Are you wondering about your family’s roots? Come in and start look.

Monashee Toastmasters Club meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month at the Lumby Museum (1785 Glencaird St.) or on Zoom. Toastmasters is a win-win for those who want to get over the fear of public speaking with a supportive and fun group of members who learn from each other during our 1 1/2 hour meetings. We are very welcoming of guests! If interested contact Mike 250-547-9335 (mftakahashi@shaw.ca) or Louise 250-547-6480 (cl.wilcox@hotmail.com). Or just turn up in person!

Vernon Toastmasters is meeting in person every Thursday at People Place (101-3402 27th Ave.) doors open at 7:15 p.m. meeting from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Toastmasters has for 98 years helped people from diverse backgrounds to become more confident speakers, communicators and leaders. Guests welcome. Check out 1929.toastmastersclubs.org/ Send questions to hootyowl@shaw.ca

Hi Noon Toastmasters meets every Wednesday noon until 1 p.m. via Zoom. For further information, contact Ken at 778-442-5461 or kbarrtm21@gmail.com.

Monday Night Vernon Toastmasters helps you build confidence by developing your speaking and leadership skills through their personalized educational program. Are you ready to move forward? Join us on Zoom the first and third Monday, 7 p.m. Contact Jackie at jaclow@telus.net.

Women’s Group for newcomers/immigrants every Thursday, 3:30 p.m. at the Vernon and District Immigrant & Community Services Society. Childminding available for kids 12 and under. To register email zibragimova@vernonfrc.ca.

Okanagan Centre for Spiritual Living Weekly activities include Sunday meditation, and Sunday celebration at 10:30 a.m., Monday meditation, Science of Mind book study on Tuesdays, Wednesdays offer a Yoga class, A Course in Miracles, and the first and third Wednesdays of the month a Women’s Group meets. On the last Wednesday of each month there is a movement meditation, and once a month on a Friday is a chance to relax and have fun with a Games Night, held outdoors in fair weather and with indoor board games in winter. And drop-ins are welcome to all events at 2913 – 29th Ave.

Hike and Cycle Maps Vernon Outdoors Club now has hike and cycle maps and route info online at vernonoutdoorsclub.org, click on the Resources tab on the home page. Maps and route info are available free as a community service for personal use.

Pregnancy Outreach Program continues to provide services to people who are pregnant and/or have a baby under six months old. Follow us on Facebook at Vernon Pregnancy Outreach Program, text us at 250-306-9954 or call us at 250-542-1247.

Santas Anonymous Society for birthdays and Christmas for underprivileged children in the North Okanagan ages 12 and under. Bring your child’s care card and make an appointment by calling 250-542-4448.

Vernon Fiddlers Club is seeking new members who are developing or skilled in the old—time fiddle genre to jam, with a potential for performance at retirement homes and for old-time dances. Also seeking back-up players on guitar and piano who may have the opportunity to play lead. Call 250-306-8918.



Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

20-year-Morning Star veteran
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