Memory Tree
The Ashcroft and District Hospice Society’s Memory Tree is now up inside the Ashcroft post office, and will be there until Dec. 31. There are ornaments and pens beside the tree, and you can leave a message on the tree in memory of a cherished family member, friend, or pet who remains forever in your heart. Donations to the Hospice society are gratefully accepted.
Christmas break at Drylands Arena
There will be free public skating at Drylands Arena in Ashcroft over Christmas break, so get ready to burn off some of those holiday calories. Free skating sessions will be held from noon to 3 p.m. (Dec. 29) and from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. (Dec. 27 and Dec. 30).
A sticks and pucks session will take place at the arena from 9 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29. The cost is $3 per person.
Regular arena scheduling resumes on Thursday, Jan. 2. Please note that in the event of snowfall or other emergencies, these times may be cancelled.
Loon Lake membership renewal
It’s that time of year again! If you’re a member of the Loon Lake Community Recreational and Agricultural Society, it’s time to renew your membership for the upcoming year, and if you do so before Dec. 31 you’ll be entered in an early bird draw. You could win a free membership, a gift certificate to Loon Lake’s Hook, Wine and Sinker store, or a copy of the Loon Lake 2025 Community Photo Calendar.
Annual dues are $20 (one person) or $40 (family), and membership is from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025. To renew, or become a member, send an e-transfer to loonlakepurchases@gmail.com (please note “membership dues” and give your Loon Lake address), pay by cheque (payable to LLCRAS; mail to 1705 Loon Lake Road, Cache Creek, B.C. V0K 1H1), or pay online at https://bit.ly/3VHTCQF.
New Year’s Eve
Ring in the New Year with music, food, and more at one of several events in the area taking place on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
In Clinton, the Cut-Off Valley New Year’s Eve Rendezvous is taking place at the Clinton Memorial Hall. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner starts at 6:30 p.m., and live music, featuring the Pines Musicians, will follow. Tickets for this 19+ event are $50 each; text Dianne at (250) 954-9446 or email stay@clintonpines.ca.
A New Year’s Dance in Spences Bridge, featuring DJ StarBabies with Sanatra, will be taking place at Clemes Hall; doors open at 8 p.m. The event includes door prizes, an all-night buffet, and bubbly and noisemakers at midnight; tickets are $25 each (advance sales only), and can be purchased at The Packing House and the Spences Bridge post office.
SofaKing will be lighting up the New Year’s Eve Celebration in Lillooet, which runs from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Lillooet Legion. Show up and get ready to party like it’s 1999 with some classic rock, and a midnight lunch. Tickets (cash only) are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and can be purchased at Rev It Up and Timber Mart in Lillooet.
Ashcroft Library book sale
The Ashcroft Library is holding its biggest book sale of the year, now through Jan. 4, with assorted books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, and magazines available for purchase via donation. Bring your own box or bag and fill it up for free (while quantities last). All proceeds from the sale go to support local library programs and programming.
Suddenly One
The Suddenly One: Building Connections program has returned, and takes place every other Thursday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Ashcroft Library (private meeting room at the back). The next meeting will be on Thursday, Jan. 9.
Suddenly One is for men and women of all ages who suddenly find themselves alone. The event will feature coffee, tea, and conversation, with people able to share their thoughts, stories, and experiences surrounding loss and living alone. There is no agenda; topics and activities are up to the participants, all in an accessible, respectful, and confidential space.
There is no cost to take part, and participants can attend as many or as few sessions as they would like. For more information, email ashcroft.hospice@gmail.com.
Clinton bonspiel
Book a spot now for a cash spiel coming up in Clinton from Feb. 21–23. Each team is guaranteed three games (six ends per game) at this fun event for mixed teams (each team must contain at least one member of the opposite sex). The cost is $240 per team; for more information, email curlclinton24@gmail.com.
Adult badminton
Badminton season has started again, with free drop-in sessions taking place every Thursday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Cache Creek Community Hall. Adults from throughout the region are welcome to attend; for more information call (250) 457-9164.
Winter road maintenance
Who do you contact about road maintenance if you don’t live in a municipality?
Within the Thompson-Nicola Regional District’s boundaries, all provincial highways and local roads (outside of municipalities) are maintained by private contractors, through the Province of B.C. In fact, no regional district in the province has jurisdiction over road maintenance within its boundaries.
The TNRD encompasses 45,000 square kilometres, and the province has established five Service Areas within the regional district: Service Areas 13, 14, 15, 16, and 20. The TNRD has a webpage available to help you find out which Service Area you are located in or driving through, and the contact information for the road maintenance contractor in that area. For more information, visit tnrd.ca/road-maintenance.
Nominate a deserving community member
Nominations are being accepted for British Columbia’s two highest honours: the Order of British Columbia and the Medal of Good Citizenship.
The Order of British Columbia, the province’s top honour, celebrates outstanding achievement, excellence, or distinction that has benefited the province or elsewhere. Eligible nominees are those British Columbians (former or current residents) who have made extraordinary contributions.
The Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to their local communities without seeking remuneration. This prestigious honour recognizes acts of selflessness, generosity, and contributions to the betterment of someone’s local community. Youth aged 15 to 25 and posthumous nominations are welcome.
Nominations for both honours must reach the Honours and Awards Secretariat no later than Friday, April 4, 2025 to be considered this year. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3TVHtYh (Order of British Columbia) or https://bit.ly/3SbG12O (Medal of Good Citizenship).
Free energy-saving kit
If you live in an income-qualified household, you can get a free kit to help you save energy and make your home more comfortable all year round. Each kit includes simple, energy-saving products that you can install yourself, including four LED light bulbs, high-efficiency shower heads, weather-stripping, an LED night light, a fridge and freezer thermometer, and more. With this kit, you can seal up the drafts around your home, save on lighting costs, and reduce your home’s water use.
It takes less than five minutes to apply for your free kit, which is available to qualifying homeowners, as well as renters who have a utility account in their own name. For more information, including an income chart to see if you qualify, and to order a kit, go to https://bit.ly/4cKrD8y.
