A bite-sized look at local news and community events happening in Agassiz and Harrison. Have a mini story to share? Email nina.grossman@ahobserver.com or call (604) 796-4302.
Social Justice Film Festival
Celebrate the season of crisp air, waning daylight and falling leaves by embracing the most powerful shift of all: Social change.
The 11th annual Agassiz-Harrison Social Justice Film Festival is returning to the Agassiz United Church with a focus on child poverty as a local, provincial and global problem.
The annual event brings light to social justice issues by screening educational films and documentaries that open viewers’ eyes to global crises and injustices along with providing frameworks and ideas to help create change. The films are open to the public and admission is by donation, with a canned food drive taking place both nights.
This year, the first film is ‘Four Feet Up,’ a National Film Board of Canada documentary by Nance Ackerman described as an ‘intimate look into the profound experience of poverty in Canada.’
‘Four Feet Up’ is screened on Thursday, Nov.1 at 7 p.m. at the Agassiz United Church. can help.
The following night, Friday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m., the church will screen ‘The Beginning of Life:’ a documentary formed ‘from interviews in nine countries and across cultures, ethnicities and social classes’ about the biggest investment humanity can make: ‘a loving and safe envionment for children.’
Lions Christmas Sale
Since May, the Agassiz Harrison Lions Club has been collecting gently used Christmas items – everything from ornaments, decorations, stockings and lights to Christmas china, mugs and possibly even trees.
On Nov. 10, the Lions will give locals a chance to score some great Christmas items at a Christmas sale, held at the All-Saints Anglican Church hall at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Money raised will benefit the Lions Club’s community work.
Stop by and fill up on all your yule-tide needs at this special community Christmas sale.
Warm up to Christmas
The Lions sure are busy this time of year! Another upcoming event is the annual ‘Warm up to Christmas,’ a wine and cheese evening at the Harrison Memorial Hall Nov. 17.
The Agassiz Harrison Lions Club wants to kick off the festive season and thank the community for its ongoing support with a night of music, drinks and fun. The free-admission event cheerfully accepts donations at the door and includes beverages and snacks.
There will be wine tasting – (non-alcoholic vintages also available) – assorted cheeses to sample and other tasty treats to enjoy while listening to your favorite sounds from the 60s’, 70s’ and 80s’.
Attendees can also enjoy music by the local Harrison Highlanders and a special opportunity to learn line dancing from a qualified teacher. Surprise performers arranged by Harrison Festival executive director Andy Hillhouse are sure to delight hall-goers.
Along with a a 50/50 draw, raffle, silent auction and door prizes, everyone will leave the Memorial Hall ready for the holidays!
Free admission is by advance ticket only. No tickets will be available at the door. Tickets are limited so get yours now. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., festivities start at 7. Phone Terry Savoie at (604) 796-3388 to reserve your ticket now.
Weed like to hear from you
How do you feel about buying bud in Agassiz?
The District of Kent, in an effort to continue its public consultation on retail cannabis, is holding a community information meeting Nov. 13 at Kent council chambers.
Initially, District staff implied it would host an open house early in 2019, but an earlier date was confirmed at the Oct. 22 council meeting, a few days after the 2018 election.
Related: District of Kent yet to set date for cannabis consultation
The District has been waiting to legislate cannabis sale until federal and provincial guidelines were set, and is now looking to the public to find out how Kent feels about retail weed and any suggested bylaws or regulations around it.
A questionnaire for Kent residents can still be completed online or picked up in person at the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre, Agassiz library or at Municipal Hall. The deadline for completion is December 15.
Policy recommendations and council review are set for Jan. 28, 2019.
For more information on the District’s public consultations, check district.kent.bc.ca.
Seniors Health & Wellness Fair
Agassiz Harrison Healthy Communities is hosting a Seniors Health & Wellness Fair this month on Tuesday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Agassiz Seniors Community (formerly Cheam Village).
Marketed as a “must go” event with a free lunch, the day-long fair includes special guest speakers such as pain management specialist and newly published author Dr. W. Phimister to talk about solutions and strategies for conquering pain.
There will also be a panel discussion about pain and wellness and small group discussions with panelists.
Attendees can also check out exhibits from Public Health, Better at Home, the local Friendship house, Community Response Network, Senior Clinic CGH, Lifeline, Fraser Health, Agassiz Community Health Centre and many more!
Mark it down as a one-stop shop to answer all your senior’s health and pain management questions.
Blanket Drive
The Realtor’s Care Blanket Drive has returned and is calling for B.C. communities to donate their gently used warm clothing items and blankets. In Agassiz, donations can be dropped off at RE/MAX Nyda (2-1824 Highway 9, Agassiz) or at Sutton West Coast (7092 Pioneer Ave Unit C, Agassiz). Donors are encouraged to call ahead to ensure there is someone available to receive their donation.
Dan Friesen, of RE/MAX Nyda Realty is also offering donation pick-ups during the week of Nov. 13-20.
Anyone in the Agassiz, Harrison, Rosedale or surrounding areas who requires donations to be picked up can email Friesen at info@dan4realestate.com or call him at (604) 751-6799 for pick up days and times.
The Blanket Drive started 24 years ago, helping more than 345,000 people in the Lower Mainland stay warm and dry. According to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, more than 38,000 people received a blanket, coat or other donation from the Blanket Drive just last year alone.
The following donations are accepted for all ages:
•Gently used or new blankets or sleeping bags
•Warm clothing/ coats
•Hats, gloves, scarves
•New socks and underwear
•Plastic ponchos, bivy sacks