Birch Bark Yarns is (virtually) hosting the Sweater Knit-A-Long (KAL) & there will be prizes! The Knit-a-long is free and open to everyone – Knitters, Crocheters & Markers are all welcome! Beginners & Expects are welcome! To join us, join the “Sweater Weather K.A.L.” Facebook group. More details are available on the group page as well as on our Facebook Page @birchbarkyarnsco. The Knit-a-long will run from mid January to March 31 2021.
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and the Alzheimer Society has several special events planned:
Tuesday, January 12 6:00 pm I will be hosting a talk about how to have a great visit with someone in the early, mid and late stage dementia. Here you will learn the tips and tricks in conversation so that everyone is glad the visit happened.
Tuesday, January 26 6:00 pm my co worker from Dryden, Heidi, will be hosting a talk about brain health for everyone, not just people who have dementia. This webinar will teach you the dynamics for maintaining a healthy brain and what we can ensure maximum brain health for all.
Thursday, January 28 2:00 pm will be hosted by me and I will look at the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer disease, what normal forgetfulness and aging looks like and how to tell the difference.
Friday, January 29 2:00 pm my coworker from Kenora, Rylee, will be hosting a Finding Your Way informational session. Rylee will look at what we can do to protect our loved one from wandering and what to do if wandering occurs.
All these sessions are open to the public and free of charge. For more information or to register, call 807-468-1516 or email rylee@alzheimerkrr.com.
Rainy Lake Nordic Ski Club is available for skiing and walking/snowshoeing. In order to comply with COVID guidelines the chalet is open only for people accessing rental gear. Face masks must be worn in the chalet (no substitutes please) and users must social distance. No gatherings or parties allowed. Get outside and get some exercise! Memberships online at zone4.ca; per person day use $10 plus equipment rental fees $5 if you use our gear.
The Rainy Lake Nordic Ski Club is holding a January challenge! 49 km on the 49th paralel – hit the trails and cover 49 km in the month of January! All registrants are entered for prizes. Free for members, $10 for non-members. For more information, fisit them on Facebook or e-mail rlnordic@gmail.com.
The outdoor rinks across from McIrvine Park and at the East End Hall have been flooded, and are available for free use this winter. The shacks are closed to the public, but outdoor benches are available for changing into skates.
The NWHU is encouraging residents to get outside for physically distanced recreational activity. The province is allowing outdoor skiing trails, skating rinks and sledding hills to remain open during the province-wide shutdown.
If you have questions for the Medical Officer of health, Dr. Kit Young Hoon, she participates in a live Question and Answer session every second Thursdays at 1 p.m. over facebook Live at the NWHU Facebook page. You can also access the chat through GoToMeeting, with links available here: https://www.nwhu.on.ca/covid19/Pages/public-sessions.aspx.
Fort Frances Girls Hockey Radio Bingo is back! Starting October 19, the bingo will run Mondays at 7 p.m., on CFOB. Prizes range from $500 to $1500. Cards are available at Windey’s, CC Complex, Rainy Lake Sports, Ski’s Variety, Einar’s Grocery, The Place, Taggs, Cloverleaf and Zig’s Place.
The Valley Adult Learning Association is offering a variety of free online courses for adults age 19 or older. The courses are available in live format or independent learning modules, and technology supports may be available for those who meet criteria. For more information or course descriptions call Barb or Kim at 274-3553, or email vala@jam21.net.
The Fort Frances Public Library will be closed to in-person and curbside pick-up until after the provincial shut-down. The drop box will be available for returns, but no late fees will be charged at this time.
Fort Frances Rocks is a Facebook community designated for people in and around Fort Frances to paint, hide, discover and share unique and fun rock art. Check out the page for some guidelines for taking part in painting you own rocks or finding other contributors rocks in the community.
Anishinaabemodaa – Waking up Ojibwe – is a partnership between Seven Generations Institute, SayitFirst and the Rainy River District School Board. Their Facebook page posts videos and other resources to give First Nations kids, a way to hear and learn their own language.
The Fort Frances EarlyON Child and Family Centre has been posting fun craft and activity ideas on their Facebook page, that families can do at home.
