We have another information session to add to the list, this one coming up in mid-April.  In addition to the Safety Course in the Craft Room on Saturday, March 30, and the Service Canada presentation on Tuesday, April 2, we are also hosting a presentation by the staff of Smith Family Chiropractic.  They will visit the Centre on Friday, April 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. to provide information on and demonstrations of strengthening exercises for seniors for osteoporosis, prevention of falls, etc.  Hope to see you there!

We've had a lot of interest in the upcoming CPR/defibrillator course and it's now full.  We still have space in the free Craft Room safety course on Saturday, March 30, though.  If you use any of the equipment in the Craft Room, you won't want to miss that one.  And for the artists among us, watercolour classes will resume on Thursday, March 21, at 1 p.m.

The Centre has purchased a 30" snow blower to help keep walkways and parking areas clear.  If you are interested in learning how to operate it, please contact Lloyd Hanton.

If you would like to try on sample clothing with the Rural 60 logo, an assortment of sizes, colours and styles will be displayed at the Centre for 2 weeks.  You can place your order and pre-pay it during normal open hours.

Finally, a reminder that tickets for the AGM must be purchased by the end of April.  A roast beef dinner will be served at the Kakabeka Legion at 5 p.m. on May 17, followed by the meeting shortly after 6, so if you aren't able to attend the supper, you are still able to take part in the meeting.  Elections for 5 board members will be an important part of the meeting, so come on out and make your vote count.

There is a change of venue for the upcoming CPR/defibrillator course.  This training will now be held at the Kakabeka Falls Fire Hall.  All other details remain the same--Friday, March 1, at 1 p.m.  If you haven't already signed up, the registration sheet is on the counter in the front lobby at the Rural 60 Plus Centre.

We have two training opportunities on the calendar in March.

The first is a CPR/Defibrillator course on Friday, March 15, at 1:00 pm.  Ideally one member from each activity (disking, quilting, carving, etc.) will take the training to ensure that help is available when needed.  There is a $10 fee for the manual and a certificate will be issued to each participant on successful completion of the training.  There are 15 seats available and the sign up sheet is on the counter in the front lobby.

A free Craft Room safety course will be held on Saturday, March 30, at 1:00 pm.  We encourage all who use the Craft Room equipment to participate.

Congratulations to Angela Woodhouse-Wild, who won our silent auction for the band saw!

We have a few upcoming events to mark on your calendar.  During the week of March 4, anyone interested in purchasing clothing with the Rural 60 Plus logo can try on jackets at the Centre.  You can order and pay for the clothing at that time, and you'll be notified when it comes in.

Also, on Tuesday, April 2, at 1:00 pm, there will be a presentation by 2 Service Canada representatives regarding changes to CPP, OAS, Retirement, Survivor, Death Benefit, and Disability programs.

And finally, the AGM will be held on Friday, May 17, at the Kakabeka Legion.  Tickets will be available soon at a cost of $15 and must be purchased by the end of April.  The AGM will include elections for the Board of Directors.  There are 5 current board members whose 2-year term is up.  If you are willing to run for office or if you would like to nominate someone, please submit the name and phone number of the candidate to the Centre by April 26.

New LED lighting has been installed in most of the Centre now, including motion sensor LED lights in the foyer.  We hope to replace the remaining lights in the near future.

We want to welcome the 19 new members who are coming to the Centre and remind existing members that their annual renewals are due at a cost of $15.

And now, some thanks.  First, a huge thank-you to Shirley Robillard for her years of producing the Rural 60 Plus newsletter, and to Monique Duval-Lavallee for taking on that challenge.  Thanks are also due to everyone who worked on the "bat house" project, pre-fabbing them for students to assemble.  Thank you Bob McCluskey, Charlie Mintenko, Doug Hari, Hank VanVeller, Gary Jessiman, Oscar Mattas, Lorne Blaikie, Eldon Kangas, Shirley Robillard, Maureen Vaclav, Lloyd Hanton, Dave Chaykowski, Bob MacMaster, Carol Nesbitt, Diane Buchan.

And finally, a reminder that the Centre will be closed on Monday, February 18, for the Family Day holiday.

First, a reminder that the Centre will be closed next week and that 2019 membership renewals are now due at a cost of $15.

Due to a lack of participation, euchre afternoons are cancelled effective immediately.

For the knitters and weavers among us, there is a large and varied wool supply for sale at the Centre.  It will be displayed at Rural 60 Plus on Friday, February 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  For more information, call Tina Guzzell at 624-7580 or contact the Centre.

And finally, an overdue thank you to Mrs. Jan McCracken for her generous donation to our beginner carvers in memory of her late husband Brian.  The donation included carving tools, books, patterns, and wood blocks.  Thank you from all of us!

The Centre will be closed for one week beginning January 21 while we upgrade our light fixtures to become more energy efficient.  We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to see you when we reopen on the 28th.

This is the last week of operation for our Centre until after the new year.  We will be closed for 2 weeks from the end of day Friday, December 21, until Monday, January 7.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Board and membership of Rural 60 Plus!

And a reminder for card players that euchre will resume on Tuesday, January 15, and also on the 29th, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Yesterday, 117 people attended our Christmas dinner at the Kakabeka Legion, enjoying excellent food and great company!  A list of those who donated prizes will be posted shortly.

We are having a silent auction to find a new home for a used Craftsman band saw, as is/where is.  It can be seen at the Centre during our normal operating hours, and you can register your bid in the book provided until the end of January.  Bidding will start at $25 and go up in $2 increments.