Boil water notice continues in Ashcroft
The boil water notice put into effect on May 5 for all users of the Ashcroft water system remains in place until further notice.
The notice was triggered by high turbidity levels in the Thompson River following sudden heavy runoff. Although turbidity levels have dropped, the water quality is still poor. High turbidity levels can pose a risk for populations such as newborns, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
All water intended for drinking, washing fruits and vegetables, making beverages or ice, or brushing teeth should be brought to a full boil for at least one minute before use. Residents will be informed when conditions change. For more information, visit the Village of Ashcroft’s website at www.ashcroftbc.ca.
Brushes and Booze 4
There is still space available on both nights of Brushes and Booze 4, which takes place in two separate sessions on May 26 and May 27 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Ashcroft HUB.
The cost is $40, which includes a complimentary drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase), snacks, and all the supplies needed to create a painting under the instruction of artist Jo Petty. The event is sponsored by the Ashcroft and District Lions Club, and $5 from each ticket sold goes to support the Lions.
To book a spot, call Kat Chatten at (250) 457-0732, or email attackkat@hotmail.ca.
Plein Air Paint-Out
The sixth annual Plein Air Paint-Out, sponsored by the Ashcroft Art Club and the Winding Rivers Arts and Performance Society, takes places from May 26 to 28. Artists from all over the province will be in the area, painting local scenery, buildings, and anything else that takes their fancy.
Members of the public are invited to the Wet Paint Show and Sale at St. Alban’s Church Hall in Ashcroft from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 28 to meet the artists and see their work.
Seasonal jobs for Aboriginal students
Thanks to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), the Ashcroft HUB has two seasonal job opportunities for students of Aboriginal ancestry looking for a rewarding full-time summer position. One position is for a program coordinator who will plan, coordinate, and manage programs and events; applicants must have experience working with youth and have completed high school. The other position is for a HUB assistant; applicants must be currently attending secondary school. A good understanding of technology, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and social media, is also required for both positions.
Applications for program coordinator close on May 25, and applications for HUB assistant close on June 15. For more information go to the Ashcroft HUB Society Facebook page, or email ashcrofthub@gmail.com.
Fire prohibitions
As of May 19, the Kamloops Fire Centre has introduced restrictions on the size of open fires and has banned stubble or grass fires in some areas. The use of burning barrels, fireworks, and binary exploding targets is also prohibited. Areas affected include the Lillooet and Merritt fire zones, and the southern prohibition area of the Kamloops fire zone.
Campfires must be no larger than one-half metre wide and one-half metre high. Cooking stoves that use propane, briquettes, or gas are allowed. The ban will remain in effect until October 15, 2017 or until further notice.
Award for seniors’ literary excellence
The Strathcona Place Seniors Society is seeking entries for the third annual John W. Bilsland Awards, which were started in 2015 to celebrate and foster the creativity of older writers across Western Canada.
Writers aged 55 and older who live in Western Canada are eligible to submit work for consideration for this year’s award. Prizes of $500 will be awarded in each of three categories: short fiction, short non-fiction, and poetry.
The deadline for awards submission is June 22, 2017. For entry rules and regulations, and to download an entry form, go to www.strathconaplace.com, and for more information email strathconaplace@outlook.com.
