First of all, a belated Thank you! to all those who were brave enough to run for Council, and also to those who turned out to vote, and then very hearty congratulations to those we have elected to do the job! We wish you all the success in the world in fulfilling your office.
I grew up in Scotland in a small community about the same size as Ashcroft, where the nearest community was about three miles away. Like Ashcroft and Cache Creek, each was separate and distinct. Everyone in our town knew nearly everyone else, even their history for the past two or three generations.
Two or three weeks ago I realised I don’t KNOW too many people here. Sure, I say, “Hello” when I meet acquaintances in the Post Office or the grocery store, and we might even discuss the weather or some other mundane topic, and we wave to each other from our vehicles, but that is all done at a distance. Of course, we do have real friends we rely on and cherish but not nearly so many. I’m sure many of you sometimes feel that way, too.
One way of narrowing this distance is to belong, be it to a church, a group of people with similar interests, or simply by being a good neighbour - and I don’t mean just to the folks next door! Sometimes it is difficult to take the first step, but I can assure you that you will be warmly welcomed to our Seniors’ group at the centre. Why not drop by some Monday for Bridge or Tuesday for carpet bowling or card games and get to know us? We have a room where you can practise hand crafts, or just read if that is what you like to do.
Our last business meeting for 2014 was held Nov. 20 and we had a most successful summary of what had been done and what is still to come.
The Christmas Bazaar will be held on Saturday, Nov. 29 so the Centre will be closed on Friday Nov. 28 for set up, and open for the Bazaar the following day. Come and join us at 1pm and pick up some really good bargains at the crafts table, and delicious treats at the bake table. The Money tree raffle will be drawn and there will be other chances to try your luck.
Other dates to mark on your calendar are Thursday, Dec. 11 for our Christmas lunch, which will be at the Legion Hall, upstairs (there is a lift available if you need it) at noon, but come at 11:30 am and mix and mingle. The centre will close with Bridge on Monday, Dec. 15 and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 5 for more Bridge. Tuesday, Jan. 6 will see the start-up of carpet bowling and card games. Our next, and first business meeting for 2015, will be be on Jan. 15 and will have a pot luck lunch starting at 12 noon.
Looking forward to seeing you at some or all of our meetings, take care over this wintry season and all the best for 2015.
Joyce West