Perennial Plant Sale, sponsored by BV Genealogical Society, at the goat statue parking lot on May 28. View plants from 8 a.m., sale at 9 a.m. Raffle tickets sold at Safeway on weekends, the draw at noon on plant sale day. Anyone with need to donate platnts, have them picked up or with help digging can call Jan Smith at 847-9758, or Marj Coupe at 846-9239. Drop off plants at Central Park Building parking lot Friday, May 27, 1 p.m. To 7 p.m.
Join the Scrabbleheads at the library on May 25, a word filled tournament. Registration at 6:30 p.m., games start 7. Our last tournament saw 23 people. Come out and play real people with laughter and enjoyment.
Don’t forget the Bulkley Valley Retired Teachers Association is taking in School District 54 plus Hazelton. First official social on May 27 at the Golf Club. Call Elaine Thompson at 847-3285 with questions.
Visionary retirees required to help carve out “A New Vision of Aging”. All you need: life experience and a willingness to share it. Call Rita at 1-250-563-3566.
Groundbreakers is launching its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Harvest Box program. Sign up and receive a box of locally grown produce every month. Call 847-9728 for applications and information. You can sponsor a box as a gift or donate directly to a charity. Live outside Smithers? No problem, there are producers in Hazelton and Burns Lake. Being part of Groundbreakers CSA means supporting a community non-profit organization dedicated to a self-reliant, resilient, healthy community with a strong local food system.
Bulkley Valley Farmers Market had its first day on May 7. Weekly music, special days, and all your favourite locally made, baked or grown products.
We desperately need an animal shelter now. The Northwest Animal Shelter Association has entered the Pepsi Refresh contest for $100,000. Currently at number 12 out of 83. Here is your chance to see that shelter built with just the click of your mouse. We are up against big city charities. Here in the north we have next to nothing to help out our furry friends. As humans with a brain, it is assumed we know how to care for animals in a compassionate manner. Dogs tied up in the back yard and left, animals left to starve or freeze to death, definitely not humane. We have a huge geographical area, rampant overpopulation, challenging cultural and societal attitudes towards animals and brutal conditions in winter. Many animals live in ways that would horrify. Culls and shoots are still continuing. Up here it’s not just adding extras to the animal’s lives — it’s literally life or death. We are responsible to care for all animals. Having a safe place for them where they can receive food and care is essential. Vote every day, tell your friends, spread the word. A direct link to vote: www.nwas.ca.
Lorraine Doiron writes the weekly View from the Porch column.