Flu clinics
Interior Health is offering flu shot clinics around the region starting on November 1. The flu shot is free for those at risk of complications from influenza, as well as people who come into contact with those at risk, such as health care providers, first responders, and hospital visitors. There will be a flu shot clinic at the Ashcroft community hall on November 1 (9 a.m. until 3 p.m.; open through lunch); at the Clinton Health and Wellness Centre on November 3 (10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.); at St. Bartholomew’s Health Clinic in Lytton on November 8 (9:30 to 11:30 a.m.); at the Spence Bridge Improvement District building on November 8 (1:30 to 2:30 p.m.); and at the Cache Creek community hall on November 9 (9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; open through lunch).
Learn to dance
Anyone who has ever wanted to feel great on the dance floor will be interested in the “Social Dance” classes being offered by Simply Joyful Dance at the Ashcroft HUB from November 7 to 24. Participants will learn simple footwork and basic choreography for common social dances. There will be six 90-minute classes for adults at a cost of $100 per couple, and six 45-minute classes for pre-teens at a cost of $45 per couple. A minimum of six couples per category is needed. For more information contact the HUB at (250) 453-9177.
Strength in being a boy
The Kamloops YMCA-YWCA is presenting its first Strength in Being a Boy conference on April 26, 2017, and is now looking for boys who want to be involved in the planning of the conference. The six-week session begins on October 27, and participants will be doing a host of activities that focus on a variety of issues that impact their lives.
The conference is for boys, and planned by boys, who will decide what workshops they want, what to have for lunch, and all the activities they would like to see at the conference. Each weekly session is 1.5 hours long, and runs on Thursday through December 1. For more information, or to register, call the YMCA-YWCA at (250) 372-7725 or (250) 554-9622.
Cache Creek craft fair
The annual Cache Creek Christmas Craft Fair returns on Saturday, November 19 at the Cache Creek community hall. The event is sponsored by the Ashcroft branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, and there is no charge for admission. The fair is open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.; for more information call the Legion at (250) 453-2423.
Be pedestrian aware
ICBC is warning drivers—and pedestrians—to take care, especially with the shorter days now that fall is here. Crashes involving pedestrians traditionally spike at this time of year. On average, 59 pedestrians are killed and 2,300 are injured in crashes every year in B.C., with almost half of these fatalities occurring between October and January.
Pedestrians can help stay safe by making eye contact with drivers, wearing bright and reflective clothing, and staying focused on the road; keep your eyes off your electronic devices and don’t wear ear buds or headphones. Drivers need to be careful, particularly when it’s dark and when using or approaching intersections or making left-hand turns.
Publication consultation on at-risk species
Until November 30, British Columbians are invited to share their ideas on new ways to protect species that are at risk in B.C., and how to better support activities such as monitoring, research, and stewardship. Input received will be used to identify priorities for new policy and programs in the months and years to come.
Environment Minister Mary Polak notes that “British Columbia is home to more native plants and animals than any other province. All British Columbians share the important responsibility of ensuring our incredible natural heritage is protected for generations to come. This consultation will provide valuable feedback about what is working well, and innovative solutions to protect B.C.’s species at risk for generations to come.”
Feedback can be left on the news Species at Risk Engagement website at http://engage.gov.bc.ca/SpeciesAtRisk.