December 3, 2010
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15
Feeding the town a Christmas feast By Samantha Stokell Pioneer Staff Copper Point will host its seventh annual Feed the Town Christmas dinner, which helps raise funds and food for the local food bank. The golf club expects one thousand people to partake in the festivities to be held on Sunday December 5th. “2009 was our busiest year by far, when we had about 950 people,” said Brian Schaal, general manager of Copper Point. “In the first couple of years there was a stigma that the dinner was just for people in need, but word is spreading that everyone is welcome.” The dinner started in 2004, not as a promotional tool but as a response to the many donation requests the club received. “Then-president Ron Mason commented on how many donations were requested and said, ‘Why don’t we feed the town?” Mr. Schaal said. “And we thought, that’s a good idea. Let’s feed the town.”
With the help of local sponsors and approximately 20 volunteers, the resort will serve 30 large turkeys, 1200 cans of cranberry sauce, 20 gallons of gravy, more than 50 pounds of stuffing, 500 pounds of veggies, 500 pounds of potatoes and 1000 slices of cake and pie. Anne Riches, food master extraordinaire at Copper Point, will make sure everyone who comes for the dinner gets a Christmas dinner. “I’ll get up at two in the morning, put the turkeys in the oven and then start peeling potatoes,” Ms. Riches said. “I love doing it. It’s nice to help people.” The dinner is also an opportunity to donate non-perishable food items or money for the Columbia Valley Food Bank, though it’s not a requirement to enjoy the food. Santa will also make an appearance at the dinner, with photos printed off during the meal for people to take home with them. Doors are open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Library Christmas Silent Auction opens Submitted by Lynda Tutty Friends of Invermere Public Library The Christmas season at Invermere Library traditionally starts with the annual Silent Auction. Many people in the ColumbiaValley start their Christmas shopping by browsing through the variety of auction items collected by the Friends of Invermere Library. Bidding opened on this years’ Silent Auction on Saturday, November 27th at noon. The Friends of the Library invite everyone to come discover what treasures are displayed in all available corners of the library. This year the Friends of the Library added a new event to the Silent Auction. The Friends invite the community to the first Holiday Dessert Party on Thursday, December 16th from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. A variety of traditional, homemade goodies will be featured. “The Friends of the Library plan to create a festive event for everyone who enjoys the excitement of auction bidding,” explained Sheryl
Thomas, president of the Friends of the Library. The Holiday Dessert Party is the final opportunity to bid on the Silent Auction items. Bids will be welcomed at the party until 7:30 p.m. when the auction closes. The auction features almost 100 items: artwork, household items, books, jewellery, children’s items, and gift certificates for golf and dining are among the unique offerings. “The community is so supportive of the Library. Many businesses and individuals donate auction items every year,” Ms. Thomas said. The variety of auction items means there is something to interest almost everyone. The Holiday Dessert Party will feature live Christmas music, festive decorations and an opportunity to socialize and enjoy the Christmas spirit at the Invermere Library. Everyone is welcome to join the Friends of the Library to celebrate the holiday season with dessert and coffee. All funds raised at the Silent Auction support the programs of Invermere Public Library.
Library Lego play date Dozens of local children enjoyed playtime at Invermere Public Library last week, with an arts and crafts evening, followed by a Lego afternoon on Friaay, November 26th. A range of different themed Lego-related games kept everyone entertained. Pictured is Carolyn McCleary, 8, from Invermere, whose parents are Kris and Rich McCleary. Upcoming special events at the library are a Seniors’ Day on December 8th and a Christmas Cookie Exchange on December 15th. Photo by Kate Irwin
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