Community Updates – August 23, 2012

Community Updates – August 23, 2012
1) Fish Lake Gathering – Saturday Aug 25 to Sunday Aug 26th

Tsilhqot’in Cheifs and youth are preparing to host a gathering at Fish Lake on Aug 25 – 26th. It will be an opportunity to meet Cheifs, Elders and community members, try horse-back riding, fishing, great food and witness a telent show, music, tournaments and more. The gathering will provide the area’s supporters with the chance to learn more about the Tsilhqot’in culture and territory and why protection of other water bodies in the area such as Nabas (Little Fish Lake), and nearby Yanah Biny and the Dasiqox (Taseko River) are vital to First Nations communities. Fish Lake is located three hours southwest of Williams Lake. For more information contact TNG mining, oil and gas Manager JP Laplante at 250-267-3759 or organizing youth at 250-394-7020.

2) Kids Running for Kids celebration BBQ update:

On June 30th, approximately 70 local young people, who formed Kids Running for Kids , began a relay run from Williams Lake to Vancouver, with the goal of raising $50,000 for BC Childrens Hospital. The group arrived in Vancouver on July 7th, and presented a cheque for $77,726.47 to the Hospital Foundation. Kids Running for Kids is still gratefully accepting donations, and is looking to reach $100,000 raised.

Mayor Kerry Cook and Williams Lake City Council invited the community to help raise even more funds for BC Childrens Hospital by attending a barbeque for the Kids Running for Kids group. City Councillors cooked hot dogs at 6 pm in Boitanio Park on Thursday, August 16th to close out this summer’s Performances in the Park series, organized by the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society.

Donations made at the BBQ or any before August 26th will be matched by the CN Miracle Match program. Mayor & Council presented each Kids Running for Kids participant with a Certificate of Appreciation at the Aug 16th event. Stephen Forgacs, Director of Communications for the BC Childrens Hospital Foundation was on hand to thank the children and award them a Certificate.

3) Volunteer with Citizens on Patrol (COP)
Citizens on Patrol must be at least 19 years of age, pass a criminal records check, and interested in making our community a safer place for everyone. Members patrol the community, record suspicious events and report these observations directly to the RCMP using radios. COP also requires office volunteers to perform data entry functions, general office work, communicate information to members, and co-ordinate patrols. If you wish to assist the RCMP in making our community a better place to live please call Dave Dickson at 250-392-8701 or Bob McIntosh at 250-305-1041 or 250-303-1428. Everyone is invited to attend our monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 7pm at the Community Police Office at 327 Oliver Street (corner of 3rd & Oliver).

4) The Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex Fitness Centre offers free orientations for those adults 55 and older. Registered personal trainer Judy Orosz will provide an orientation to the facility and teach you about how to use the equipment safely, gym etiquette, and what times of the day would be best for you to work out. She will help you gain confidence in using the equipment and answer any questions you have regarding your own fitness. Please call ahead to book your complimentary session at 250-398-7665.

5) Women’s Contact Society AGM is September 10th at 6pm.

Contact Ashlee Turatus at 392-4118 or email officeassistant.wcs@telus.net for more information. The Women’s Contact Society is located at 301 – 19 North First Avenue (above Caribou Ski).

6) Free Zumba Classes

The Women’s Contact Society has started to offer a new, free fitness program with a licensed Zumba Instructor. Classes will be on Mondays from 3-4 pm and Thursday from 5:30 - 6:30 pm in the Centre’s board room. To register call 250-392-4118. Drop-ins are welcome, however space is limited.

7) Community Garden Plots at the Memory Garden (at the bottom of Carson Drive)

The Williams Lake Food Policy Council wants to invite you and your friends to use a garden plot during the 2013 growing season. It's fun, healthy, community building, lowers your grocery bill, and gives you exercise. Phone or email Cody Slinn to claim one of the 4' x 8' or 4' x 12' beds: codyigk@hotmail.com / 250 392 0294.

You are also welcome to join the Gardener's Group Committee, who are shaping the future of this garden in terms of content, governance, philosophy etc. Contact Cody for details.

8) Annual Tour de Cariboo on September 8th

It’s time now to start seriously training for the 20th Annual Tour de Cariboo coming up on Sept 8th. The tour is a bicycle ride, race or relay from Williams Lake to Gavin Lake to raise funds for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Williams Lake. The ride is supported by recovery vehicles in case people have to cut their ride short. Free overnight accommodation is also provided at Gavin Lake for participants. Contact Big Brothers and Big Sisters for more information at 250-398-8391.

9) The Cariboo Caledonia Pipe Band, the second of two Scottish bagpipe bands in the WL area. Our inaugural practice will be Sunday Sept 9, 2012 2:30 pm at the Legion basement. Contact Bill Sheridan for more information.

10) CCC Tourism Summit & Conference, September 30 - October 2, Wells, BC

Tour Barkerville & celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Gold Rush Trail in Wells, BC!

The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast annual conference is the tourism industry event of the year in our region! Delegates from across the region and from all areas of the tourism industry convene to network, educate themselves and show support for the Tourism Industry. The Conference is designed to educate, provide networking opportunities, influence new ideas and recognize our amazing industry leaders here in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast!

To register, donate, nominate someone or just visit the website - http://www.landwithoutlimits.com/agm.html

11) Latest Update from the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society is available. Please email for a copy.