Environment Canada issued a frost alert recently which reminds us that once Thanksgiving has come and gone, it will soon be snowbird time. Given that a significant proportion of Elbows Up Canadians are avoiding the US for their winter sunshine, it’s worth looking at government advisories about other potential destinations. On Thursday, Canada issued an updated safety and security section to its travel advisory for Mexico specifically warning those who use online dating apps. For the country as a whole, the Canadian advisory said Canadian visitors should “exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.” Read the full travel advisory at LINK: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico
Barry’s Bay Recreation Committee has announced the dates for Winter Markets at the Paul J. Yakabuski Community Centre in Barry’s Bay. There are limited vendor spaces available at a cost of $15 per table. Valley artisans and food vendors may sign up for one or all four dates. Please register your interest by Nov.15th to allow sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and confirmed. For more information email Sheri Levergood at slevergood@gmail.com or Kelly McKay at kellymckay55@gmail.com
Valley gardeners should note that the September meeting of the Madawaska Valley Gardening Club which usually takes place on the third Thursday each month was re-scheduled due to the Opeongo Seniors Centre anniversary week events. The meeting will now be held next Thursday, 24 September at 7:30pm (come at 7pm for a social time) at 19 Stafford Street, Barry’s Bay. The featured speaker is Laura Galenkamp on Creating Healthy Bouquets.
Community Resource Centre in Killaloe seeks donations of gently-used winter snowsuits for kids for their Snowsuit Big Give in late October. Please drop off any winter items that your children have outgrown at 15 Lake Street, Killaloe.
Seniors Community Luncheon of chili and cornbread followed by a presentation on Advance Care Planning will be held at the BLR Community Centre, 22 Burnt Bridge Road, Palmer Rapids on Friday, Sept.29th. Lunch to be served at noon, presentation begins at 1:30pm. Please register for either lunch or presentation – or both – by no later than September 25th. Email: seniors@crc-renfrewcounty.com or phone 613-757-3108.