Community

Damien Smith, with father Thomas Smith, is “frozen” with joy as he watches a special message Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds recorded for Damien’s 9th birthday on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Contributed)

Shuswap boy celebrates 9th birthday with family, community and Ryan Reynolds

People from around the world send birthday cards showing young Canoe resident he’s not alone

Damien Smith, with father Thomas Smith, is “frozen” with joy as he watches a special message Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds recorded for Damien’s 9th birthday on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Contributed)
Helen Watson, posing for a photo for her 100th birthday, turned 105 on Saturday (Nov. 21). (File photo)

B.C. woman who survived Spanish Flu turns 105

Helen Watson has packed a lot into life – including being in two pandemics

Helen Watson, posing for a photo for her 100th birthday, turned 105 on Saturday (Nov. 21). (File photo)
Dwight Ballantyne started #WeSeeYou day to draw more attention to the plight of remote indigenous communities. (Special to The News)

B.C. man aims to bridge gap between remote communities and rest of Canada

Schools across country to send activity kits to isolated towns for Dwight Ballantyne’s #WeSeeYou Day

Dwight Ballantyne started #WeSeeYou day to draw more attention to the plight of remote indigenous communities. (Special to The News)
Renegade Prospectors co-founders Rick Curiston and Tina Francis pose near Cayoosh Creek. Former Agassiz resident Curiston recently celebrated one year sober from alcohol and eight years drug-free, loving his new lease on life, family and their love for treasure hunting. (Contributed Photo/Tina Francis)

Former Agassiz DJ turned prospector finds treasure, renewed life in Lillooet

Eight years drug-free, Rick Curiston reflects on his passion for agate, gold hunting

Renegade Prospectors co-founders Rick Curiston and Tina Francis pose near Cayoosh Creek. Former Agassiz resident Curiston recently celebrated one year sober from alcohol and eight years drug-free, loving his new lease on life, family and their love for treasure hunting. (Contributed Photo/Tina Francis)
Plaid Friday is coming up on Nov. 27, and is a great opportunity to support local businesses and maybe win a prize. (Photo credit: Stock image)

Get your plaid on and get ready to shop locally on Plaid Friday

Support Ashcroft businesses on Nov. 27 to get some unique gifts and win prizes

Plaid Friday is coming up on Nov. 27, and is a great opportunity to support local businesses and maybe win a prize. (Photo credit: Stock image)
Get creative with gingerbread and show off your creation in the first Ashcroft and Area Gingerbread Contest. (Photo credit: White77/Pixabay)

Bake up a storm and get ready for Christmas gingerbread contest

Plus virtual and actual art shows, a Christmas raffle, Legion face masks, and more

Get creative with gingerbread and show off your creation in the first Ashcroft and Area Gingerbread Contest. (Photo credit: White77/Pixabay)
The Lytton RCMP detachment is decked out for the holidays, but this Christmas tree is much more than just a festive decoration; it’s a key part of the “Adopt an Elder” campaign. (Photo credit: Sgt. Curtis Davis)

Lytton RCMP spreading some holiday cheer this Christmas season

‘Adopt an Elder’ campaign will provide welcome gifts and show respect to elders and seniors

The Lytton RCMP detachment is decked out for the holidays, but this Christmas tree is much more than just a festive decoration; it’s a key part of the “Adopt an Elder” campaign. (Photo credit: Sgt. Curtis Davis)
Members of the Ashcroft Curling Club get ready for the first day of the curling season at the newly reopened Ashcroft curling rink on Nov. 3. (Photo credit: Barbara Roden)

Ashcroft Curling Club doubles membership as new season starts

Curling rink is back in business following one-year closure for upgrades to equipment

Members of the Ashcroft Curling Club get ready for the first day of the curling season at the newly reopened Ashcroft curling rink on Nov. 3. (Photo credit: Barbara Roden)
Last year’s South Cariboo Elizabeth Fry Society Toys for Joys drive-thru in Ashcroft was a huge success, but a few changes have had to be made to this year’s campaign, taking place on Nov. 20. (Photo credit: Barbara Roden)

Toys for Joys and Santa for Seniors help make a happy Christmas

Anyone donating to Toys for Joys on Nov. 20 will receive a free hot beverage from Tim Hortons

Last year’s South Cariboo Elizabeth Fry Society Toys for Joys drive-thru in Ashcroft was a huge success, but a few changes have had to be made to this year’s campaign, taking place on Nov. 20. (Photo credit: Barbara Roden)
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. hosts free weekly webinars to help those dealing with dementia. (Photo credit: Stock image)

Holidays can be challenging for those dealing with dementia

Free webinars provide strategies for coping with dementia-related issues

  • Nov 17, 2020
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. hosts free weekly webinars to help those dealing with dementia. (Photo credit: Stock image)
Can your Christmas light display be seen from the International Space Station? Then sign up to be part of the Ashcroft/Cache Creek Christmas Lights tour, which starts on Dec. 1. (Photo credit: Stock image)

Christmas lights tour promises holiday cheer and festive feelings

Residents and businesses in Ashcroft and Cache Creek can take part, with prizes for the favourites

Can your Christmas light display be seen from the International Space Station? Then sign up to be part of the Ashcroft/Cache Creek Christmas Lights tour, which starts on Dec. 1. (Photo credit: Stock image)
Plaid Friday is coming to Ashcroft on Nov. 20. (Photo credit: Submitted)

Get ready for Plaid Friday in Ashcroft and shop local

Support local businesses on Friday, Nov. 27

Plaid Friday is coming to Ashcroft on Nov. 20. (Photo credit: Submitted)
Christmas markets are on the way to local communities, along with other festive events, including a Christmas Lights tour in Ashcroft and Cache Creek. (Photo credit: Stock photo)

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas with upcoming events

Christmas markets are going ahead in Ashcroft, Cache Creek, and Clinton this year

Christmas markets are on the way to local communities, along with other festive events, including a Christmas Lights tour in Ashcroft and Cache Creek. (Photo credit: Stock photo)
Hazel Krause (with her sister Bailey peeking out behind) with her Reserve Grand Champion sheep (open class) at this year’s Provincial Winter Fair. (Photo credit: Monty Kinvig)

Ashcroft 4-H club looks for new members to keep tradition going

Club has a long history in the area, and offers many options for members

Hazel Krause (with her sister Bailey peeking out behind) with her Reserve Grand Champion sheep (open class) at this year’s Provincial Winter Fair. (Photo credit: Monty Kinvig)
Packed Christmas hampers ready for delivery in 2017. In 2019 the Community Resource Society delivered a record 182 hampers to area residents, and this year will not be able to accept most donated food items as they have in the past. (Photo credit: Barbara Roden)

Christmas Hampers going ahead with novel fundraising drive

Unable to accept donated food items as in the past, organizers have a new fundraising idea

Packed Christmas hampers ready for delivery in 2017. In 2019 the Community Resource Society delivered a record 182 hampers to area residents, and this year will not be able to accept most donated food items as they have in the past. (Photo credit: Barbara Roden)
(from l) Lisa Bowden and Matt Clough of Ashcroft Terminal, Martina Duncan (Soup’s On coordinator), and Mike Bell (Ashcroft Terminal) at Soup’s On in August 2020. The Terminal sponsored Soup’s On again on Oct. 23, and will be back to sponsor another lunch in December. (Photo credit: Barbara Roden)

Soup’s On gives a hats off to Ashcroft Terminal for helping out

Program looking for other businesses willing to help provide lunches for locals who need a hand

  • Nov 12, 2020
(from l) Lisa Bowden and Matt Clough of Ashcroft Terminal, Martina Duncan (Soup’s On coordinator), and Mike Bell (Ashcroft Terminal) at Soup’s On in August 2020. The Terminal sponsored Soup’s On again on Oct. 23, and will be back to sponsor another lunch in December. (Photo credit: Barbara Roden)
The Clinton Memorial Hall (pictured during the 2018 Annual Ball) received $80,000-worth of renovations and upgrades in 2016 — including to the stage equipment, lighting, and sound — and might soon be hosting plays once more. (Photo credit: Barbara Roden)

Clinton resident wants to raise the curtain on new theatre group

Live theatre is ‘something the community as a whole would appreciate’

The Clinton Memorial Hall (pictured during the 2018 Annual Ball) received $80,000-worth of renovations and upgrades in 2016 — including to the stage equipment, lighting, and sound — and might soon be hosting plays once more. (Photo credit: Barbara Roden)
Even though there will be no Remembrance Day service in Clinton this year, people can still take time to remember and give thanks. (Photo credit: Needpix.com)

Clinton’s Remembrance Day will be different, but never forget

Rockin’ and Talkin’ with the Clinton Seniors’ Association

  • Nov 3, 2020
Even though there will be no Remembrance Day service in Clinton this year, people can still take time to remember and give thanks. (Photo credit: Needpix.com)
BC Cancer’s Mobile Mammography Service will be in Ashcroft Nov. 10 and 12. (Photo credit: BC Cancer)

Free breast screening mammography clinic coming to Ashcroft

Plus there’s still time to provide feedback about changes you’d like to see at the Ashcroft Library

BC Cancer’s Mobile Mammography Service will be in Ashcroft Nov. 10 and 12. (Photo credit: BC Cancer)
Salla Sukow sings the women warrior song at a recent Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw gathering. Ceremony will be part of the Indigenous Court process. (Zoe Ducklow photo)

Indigenous Court to offer alternative sentencing options for northern Vancouver Island

Final approval from the Judicial Council is expected in January

Salla Sukow sings the women warrior song at a recent Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw gathering. Ceremony will be part of the Indigenous Court process. (Zoe Ducklow photo)