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What’s happening around the North Okanagan

COMMUNITY CALENDAR: Check out all the events around Vernon and beyond

Vernon Winter Carnival dozens of events underway daily until Feb. 11 including Drag Trivia, Teen Night Bounce & Glow, Painting Party, Peewee Hockey Tournament, Family Fun Park, St. James Family Fling, Polar Bear Swim, Blues Fest and more. Visit vernonwintercarnival.com for all events.

Feb. 6

Love and Logic parenting program begins Tuesday for 6 weeks at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Program cost is $45 per couple or $30 for an individual, every Tuesday until March 12 fro 6-7:45 p.m. Register at linktr.ee/stjohnsvernon or email joel@stjohnsvernon.ca.

Jörgen Dance Academy Ballet Master Class and Repertoire Master Classes Tuesday, 5:30 and 7:15 p.m. Register at ticketseller.ca, includes a ticket to the sold-out Anne of Green Gables ballet.

Art for Peace Night Tuesday, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Vernon Public Library, upstairs in the Okanagan Room. With this monthly event, we are continuing to have a conversation around how can art create peace in our hearts? Create a peaceful experience? Create peace in our community and in the world? The conversation is evolving and this time we will be looking at various quotes as well as interfaith prayers for peace. Art supplies will be provided or you’re welcome to bring your own. No “talent” necessary, all skill levels welcome! Bring your interest and ideas. All youth and adults are welcome to bring a friend. Co-sponsored by the Vernon Library and the Baha’is of Vernon. For more information, call Eva Strom, 250-550-6761.

Feb. 8

Vernon Probus meets Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 at Knox Presbyterian Church. We are an active seniors social group with many exciting activities and excursions. New members/visitors welcome. February will be our second annual games morning with 10 games offered. Come play a game or learn a new one. It’s Valentines month so wear red.

Feb. 9

Snowed In Comedy Tour Friday 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Centre. Dan Quinn, Erica Sigurdson, Paul Myrehaug and Pete Zedlacher. ticketseller.ca

Feb. 10

Nature Walk Join the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club for a nature and birding walk on the Grey Canal Trail from BX Creek to Rugg Road and back. Meet at the BX Creek and Falls Trail parking on Star Road, off of Silver Star Road at 9 a.m. Ice cleats on your boots might be required. info@nonc.ca

Let’s Dance Accentz Dance Studio’s A-Team featured Saturday 6 p.m. at the Performing Arts Centre. 250-549-SHOW (7469).

Feb. 11

Kindred Spirits Okanagan Symphony Orchestra features Martine denBok and erin Macdonald Sunday 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts Centre. ticketseller.ca

Feb. 12

Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary general meeting at 1 p.m. in the Education Rooms at the hospital. Anyone interested in joining the Auxiliary is welcome to attend. Call Elaine @ 250-542-8546 for more info.

Feb. 14

Valentines Prom Art After Dark event at the Vernon Public Art Gallery Wednesday 7-11 p.m. with Norsu, DJ BG, chocolates from Kin+Pod and cariactures from Pranic Forest. Tickets $25 at vernonpublicartgallery.com/valentinesprom or $30 at the door.

Vernon & District Family History Society meeting 7 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church (lower level) 1204 30th Ave. Program - My Summer 2023 Research Trip to Ontario, Quebec and the US New England States, by Linda Badke. The centre is open Tuesday 10 a.m.-noon, and 7-9 p.m., Wednesday 10-noon and Saturday 1-3 p.m. for those wanting to look into their family roots.

Feb. 17

Vernon Stamp Club welcomes members and any area collectors/inheritors for our 2nd monthly meeting and social at People Place from 1-3 p.m. Please bring your want lists or collections for appraisal, as three area dealers will be attending. A member auction will be held in the 2nd hour of the programme, so please no entry after 2 p.m.

Mystic Affair meet up with local readers from 11-5 on Saturday @ The Essence Teahouse and Bookstore - 2913 29th Ave. Admission $5 donation to the Centre. www.mysticafair.com

Feb. 23

North Okanagan Cycling Society Trail Ninjas mountain bike movie night Friday, doors at 6, show at 6:45. Tickets on sale at nocs.ca/merchandise

March 7

Learn to Play Bridge with the North Okanagan Duplicate Bridge Club. Register for our series of nine lessons (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) every Thursday, from March 7 to May 2. Beginners and anyone wanting to refresh their bridge skills are welcome. Location: Halina Activity Centre. Cost: $150 includes, text book and handouts. Past participants may attend some or all lessons for $35 (new text book and handout fee). For more information and to register contact: Maureen Sheasby: maureen.sheasby@gmail.com or Noreen Keats: radjr2005@yahoo.ca or visit www.bridgewebs.com/nodbc.

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ONGOING:

Cardiff Miller Art Warehouse a 19,000 sq.ft. hall in Enderby with entertaining, technology-based art installations, open every Sunday 11-5 @ 507 Granville Ave., Enderby. 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.

Vernon Area Newcomers meet the first Tuesday of the month at 6:15 p.m. at the Vernon Public Library. For more information visit the club website vernonareanewcomers.ca or email new2vernon@gmail.com

Play Bridge with Us! The North Okanagan Duplicate Bridge Club hosts three afternoon games a week at the Halina Activity Centre - 3310 37th Ave. For more information text or call Debbie 250-558—7121, or check our website: www.bridgewebs.com/nodbc.

BCOAPO Vernon Seniors Br. 6 meets every third Tuesday of the month, except July and August, at 1:30 p.m. at 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.

Senior Men (55+) Drop In Curling Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon. New teams formed each day. Beginner - Novice - Experienced - all welcome. More information at 250-542-6713 Vernon Curling Club.

Seniors shinny 60+ shinny hockey on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:45-12 noon, 70+ shinny on Mondays 10:45-12 noon. Located at PV Arena, full hockey gear required, goalies play for free. Contact Greater Vernon Recreation for further information at 250-545-6035.

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

North Okanagan Radio Amateur Club meets in person and online on 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 norac.bc.ca.

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

Freemasons meet at the Masonic Lodge at 3005A - 32nd St. every month. 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 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 more information contact flyingclubvernon@gmail.com.

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.

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 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.

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 Sco

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.

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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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Tuesday 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.

Gentle Yoga is offered on Fridays at 12 p.m. through the Okanagan Centre for Spiritual Living. Come and enjoy the Spiritual atmosphere as well. By donation at 2913 29th Ave.

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.

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.

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Jennifer Smith

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