Journal back issues
A reminder to subscribers who are missing papers because of the postal strike: you can pick up the issues you missed at the Journal office on 4th Street in Ashcroft, while copies last.
The Journal also has surplus back issues available by donation for anyone who needs them for firestarters, craft projects, or anything else. Looking for sturdy cardboard boxes, for moving or storage? We have those as well; stop by the office during regular hours (Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) or whenever the editor’s vehicle is out front.
Christmas recycling
Do you have a real Christmas tree? It can be recycled for free at all TNRD solid waste sites between Jan. 2 and Jan. 31; just make sure that all lights, decorations, and tinsel have been removed.
Want to know where and when you can take items for recycling? All TNRD Eco-Depots and Transfer Stations are closed on New Year’s Day, with the exception of the Sun Peaks Transfer Station, which is open on all statutory holidays. To find hours of operation for your local solid waste site during the holidays, visit tnrd.ca/depothours.
Hospice Society office
The Ashcroft and District Hospice Society office on Railway Avenue in Ashcroft will be opening again on Monday, Jan. 6. However, anyone who needs support or assistance while the office is closed can reach out to the society by calling (778) 207-7575.
Spences Bridge Community Club
The SBCC will be holding its next monthly meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 8 starting at 7 p.m. at Clemes Hall. All residents are encouraged to come to the meeting and learn about the many exciting events and opportunities for volunteering that are coming up in the Bridge.
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. 23.
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.
