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What’s happening around the North Okanagan

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

April 30

Spring Concert The Bell Amente Handbell Choir presents at Trinity United Church, Alexis Park Drive in Vernon, on Tuesday April 30, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. The AccordiAnnas will be their special guest performers. All are welcome, with free admission. Donations to support local charities will be accepted at the door.

May 1

Singalong, Trinity United Church, 1-2 p.m., with Robert Paul King, a veteran pop, rock and country music performer who makes his home in Vernon. He is also an accomplished songwriter, and a leader of seniors’ singalong programs. King believes singing should be lots of fun as well as expressive. Join him on the first and third Wednesday of May for singalong fun.

The Bellamy Brothers The Love Still Flows… Wednesday 7:30 p.m. at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre. Ticketseller.ca or 250-549-7469.

May 3

Major Yard Sale 2805-17th St., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday; furniture, shop and garden tools, ornaments, pet supplies, pictures, dishes, electric alternating pressure mattress, windows, blinds, etc. All sales in support of Hazel’s Cat Rescue.

Starlight Drive-In opening weekend featuring Dune: Part 2 Friday and Saturday 8:30 p.m. Tickets at ticketseller.ca

Comic Strippers extreme hilarity, no extreme nudity for all genders, 19+ at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre Friday 7:30 p.m. Ticketseller.ca

Friends of the Library annual Book Sale for two days only on Friday and Saturday at the Vernon Curling Rink. This a great opportunity to stock up on books for your summer reading. Fiction, non-fiction, mystery, sci-fi, children and youth books, and so much more and all at very reasonable prices. Cash only please. The sale will begin on May 3 with a $5 early bird entry from 8-10 a.m. The regular sale runs from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on May 4. Net proceeds support library programs.

May 4

The Compassionate Friends are having a barbecue fundraiser at Armstrong Askew’s Saturday, selling hotdogs and a pop for $5 and cheeseburgers and a pop for $8 (cash, debit or credit card). There will be a draw for a $400 gift basket from Krause Jewelers with entries selling for $5 each or five for $20. The draw will happen on the same day and the winner will be notified as soon as the draw is done. The gift basket has wine, wine glasses, napkins, necklace and pendant, jewelry cleaner, cloth and small jewelry box, and some mini bottles of flavored oil and vinegars.

Camp Mackenzie Garage Sale 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Zion United Church Hall, 2315 PV Rd. Armstrong. All money raised goes to provide camperships for local children to attend Camp Mackenzie. Donations of good quality used items accepted Thursday, May 2, 12-4 at the church hall.

Nature & Birding Walk Join the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club at the Bishop Wild Bird Sanctuary in Coldstream from 9-11 a.m. Meet in the parking lot of Sovereign Park on Kidston Road. www.nonc.ca

Down the Lees Okanagan band at BBDB’s Saturday featuring new EP Dirt. Benefit show features a number of artists, kicking off at 6 p.m. All ages, tickets $25 at the door.

Michael Occhipinti Quartet featuring Yvette Tollar on vocals, the quartet presents the music of John Lennon and Joni Mitchell Saturday at the Vernon Jazz Club, doors open at 6:45, show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at vernonjazzcom.

May 5

Get Growing Event Sunday 12 noon to 3 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Community Garden, 1802 45th Ave. off Pleasant Valley Road. Annual plant sale, free garden talks, food, and fun activities for children. Contact Elaine at 250 470-1410 for more information.

Darcy & Jer No Refunds Tour Sunday 7:30 p.m. @ Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre. Ticketseller.ca

READ MORE: New Vernon writer astounded by strength of local writing community

May 7

Stronger Parents - Stronger Children/Youth free presentations Tuesday 6-8:30 p.m. at VSS foyer (2100 15th St.) featuring guest speakers, sponsored by Shuswap North Okanagan Division of Family Practice. Vaping Preventaion and Education by Interior Health legal substance reduction coordinator Jared Dennis, Anxiety in Children and Youth from SD22’s mental health and health promoting school’s liaison Natasha Baccus and team leaders for child and youth mental health Christine Rothwell, and Demystifying Autism Funding SD22 inclusion specialist Candice Young and child and youth with support needs social workers Jane Minhas. Each topic will run twice, 6:15-7 and 7:10-7:50.

May 8

Vernon & District Family History Society meeting 7 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church (lower level) 1204 30th Ave. Trevor Dyck from the BC Archives will speak about the types of materials available at the Archives and how to search for information. The resource centre is is open Tuesday 10 a.m.-noon, and 7-9 p.m., Wednesday 10-noon and Saturday 1-3 p.m.

May 9

Royal BC Museum at home livestream virtual tour of Enderby’s Cardiff Miller Art Warehouse Thursday 4 p.m. with Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller. Free event, but register at https://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/visit/events/calendar/event/community-conversation-enderby. Then join in the Community Conversation at 6 p.m., which includes entry to experience the artworks at 5 p.m.

May 11

Paddlewheel Spring Community Garage Sale and Stationhouse Museum opening at 7813 Okanagan Landing Rd. Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Refreshments available (cash only please). Call 250-558-4233 for info & table rental ($10). Hosted by Okanagan Landing Community Association.

Armstrong and District Garden Club will be holding its annual sale on Saturday, May 11, at the IPE grounds in Armstrong, 3375 Pleasant Valley Road. Come and shop from the wide selection of perennials, annuals, fruits, vegetables and more!! Sale runs from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

ONGOING:

Okanagan Artists of Canada show at the Village Green Mall for the month of April. Over 40 artists will be displaying their art.

Try it Tuesdays introduction to square dancing free at the Halina Centre 4-5 p.m. through April and May from Star Country Squares.

National Association of Federal Retirees hosts Koffee Klatch at the Village Green Mall food court every third Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Casual event and friends are welcome that are eligible for membership (ie. active and retired Canadian Armed Forces, federal public service, RCMP and federally appointed judges, as well as their partners and survivors.

People Place needs gardens for our 20th annual Garden Tour June 8. This is our major fundraiser for the year and we still need a few local gardens for this self-guided tour: large, small, full of flowers or xeriscaped: all gardens welcome! If you know of a garden we should include or if you’d like to feature your garden, please give us a call at 250-558-6585 or email us at manager@peopleplacevernon.ca

Enderby Farmers Market 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday in downtown Enderby.

Parkinson’s Disease support group meets the third Thursday of each month at People Place (in the basement) from 1-2:30 p.m.

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

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.

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.

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. To find out more visit norac.bc.ca.

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. Sessions are Thursdays 9:30 -11:30 a.m. and Saturdays 10 - noon at Peace Lutheran Church, East Hill. 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 Scottish Country Dancers.

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.

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.

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.

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