An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. What did you do?
Sending out a birthday wish to my son-in-law, Robert Stahel. I assume you will be making a wish before blowing out the candles on your cake and thought you might like a definition for wish: something you want to happen or be different; for example, a birthday wish, like “I wish I didn’t have to put out a major fire before I get to eat this cake.” Not saying that you are getting old or anything and need a lot of candles to represent your age!
Welcome to a new member of our community. Ron and Joanne Hardy are proud to introduce their baby boy, Kaelen Malachi Eiten Hardy. The name Malachi is from the Bible and the other two names mean strong and powerful. Kaelen was born Nov. 22, 2006 at 1:09 a.m. after 21 hours of labour. Ron said he was with Joanne the whole time and that it was a powerful experience. Kaelen has been given strong names to help carry him through his life and it sounds like he has loving parents to support him. Welcome baby!
An update on the Christmas Hamper Program. I spoke to Roberta again and she has some statistics on the program: 330 hampers were dispersed, equalling 1,048 people served. Of that amount 440 were children 17 and under and 98 were 60 years old and older. 101 hampers were sponsored by individuals, families and groups. Roberta says there were an incredible number of volunteers who helped make this year a huge success! Thank you Smithers!
Getting into shape for the New Year? Fitness Northwest is the site for belly dancing lessons taught by Omana. I always thought belly dancing was kind of racy and saucy and consisted of shaking your shakeable parts but after talking to Omana I discovered there is history and culture involved and that there are many types of belly dancing. The courses taught in Smithers are Middle Eastern dance from beginner to advanced. There are three different classes; a class in veils, cymbals and classical belly dancing with about 40 students ages six – 65 presently enrolled. Something to watch for is March 10 when there will be a belly dance performance at the Della Herman. If you want a taste, drop ins are welcome at the beginner’s class on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
Also Jan. 27 and Feb. 24 Hot Arabian nights will happen at the Old Church. Something to help melt the winter ice!
Closing with: Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing until it gets there.
– Josh Billings.