Christmas trees are being accepted for drop-off at Daryl’s Custom Landscapes outdoor storage yard until Saturday January 23. Residents can drop off their trees at his property located at McIrvine Road and 8th Street. Access the lot by taking the first left driveway north of eighth street. There will be an established area in his yard for drop off. Daryl’s stepped up to replace the January 16 Fire Brigade drop-off/pick-up which was forced to cancel due to the province’s stay-at-home order. For more information, call Daryl Eyolfson at 275-9563.
The jackpot is growing! The Riverside Foundation for Health Care 50/50 jackpot is over $7,100, and is expected to grow quickly! Earlier buying results in bigger pots! Three chances for $5, 10 chances for $10 and the best deal of 60 chances for $20. Sales close January 28 at 9 p.m. Get your tickets now at www.riversidefoundation.ca/5050 or call the Foundation Office at 807-274-4803 to make arrangements for offline payment. Every dollar raised helps our local hospitals to purchase life saving equipment.
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 & Experts 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 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.
Rainy Lake Nordic Ski Club is holding a January challenge! 49 km on the 49th parallel – 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, visit them on Facebook or e-mail rlnordic@gmail.com.
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.
The Rainy River Valley Field Naturalists are looking for individuals to participate in the annual Breeding Bird Atlas Survey. For more information or to join, e-mail Ilka at boghunter@yahoo.ca, or visit rrvfn.org.
Volunteer opportunities
Paws and Claws Canada is in need of rural homes willing to take in barn cats. They have identified several cats, currently in horrible living conditions, which are not truly feral, but are also unsuitable for indoor pets. Many currently reside in the Rainy River “cat colony.” If you can offer a safe, comfortable home for an outdoor cat, e-mail pawsandclawsff@gmail.com.
Paws and Claws Canada is in desperate need of foster homes. They are currently unable to take in all the cats and kittens in need of care, due to a foster home shortage. For more information on what’s involved, or to volunteer, e-mail pawsandclawsff@gmail.com.
Meals on Wheels is seeking volunteer drivers. Meals are delivered over the lunch hour. The program welcomes individuals, teams or organizations. To find out more, call Gaby Hanzuk at 807-274-3764.
The Legion Ladies Auxiliary to Branch 29 is always on the lookout for new members! If you would like to know more about joining this group of fun and hard working ladies please contact Cindy Noble at 271-2021 or Joanne Gosselin at 274-5932.
