Community CALENDAR

Community calendar is for nonprofit organizations and fundraisers. Please forward your items, at least one week in advance of your event, to communitycalendar@ lethbridgeherald.com

• “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” by Joe Landry, will be presented by Rotary Club of Lethbridge Sunrise, continuing Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec.

8 at 2 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 20 Rocky Mountain Blvd. W. Directed by Fran Rude. Doors open 30 minutes prior to performance. Cast: Morgan Day, Tony Deys, Mark Campbell, Stephen Graham, McKade Hogg, Jordana Kohn and Sheila Matson. Tickets $20, available from the Enmax Ticket Centre or online at www.enmaxcentre.ca/. For more information, visit www.lethbridgesunrise.ca.

• University of Lethbridge presents the Brown Bag Lecture Series, featuring “Female Employment in the Middle East and North Africa: An Empirical Analysis,” Dec. 7, noon-1:30 p.m. at the Prentice Institute Boardroom, L1102. Pascal Ghazalian, an economics professor, will discuss his study that examines the effects of national and firm-related factors on female employment in manufacturing firms located in the Middle East and North Africa.

• Gem of the West Museum in Coaldale will host the 23rd annual Carol Festival Dec. 7. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., performance begins at 7 p.m. Come out and enjoy the music of the season from local choirs, singers and musicians.

• The Lethbridge Christian Women’s and Men’s Choirs will present their annual Christmas concert, “On This Holy Night,” Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 1818 5 Ave. S.

• Growing Abilities is a parent support and play group for children with differing abilities. It is open to parents/caregivers and their children with disabilities, as well as siblings and support staff. There will be planned activities based on children’s developmental needs, abilities and interests. There will also be open-ended activities for siblings and space for parents to connect. This group will be facilitated by an Early Childhood Educator and a Parent Educator, so one-on-one support is not available to children. Give it a try at Family Centre Downtown on Fridays from 2-3:30 p.m. at #225, 200 4 Ave. S. The program is free but people are asked to register by calling 403-320-4232.

• TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a non-profit organization which provides support to people wanting to lose weight, meets regularly in Lethbridge and area. Details: Eileen Schmidt, 403-405-2410, or visit the website, www.tops.org.

• Celebrate Recovery — a Christcentred recovery program for any hurt, hang-up and habit, meets Friday nights at Park Meadows Baptist Church, 2011 15 Ave. N. 6 p.m. - supper ($3); 7 p.m. large group; 8 p.m. - open share small groups; 9 p.m. - Solid Rock Cafe. Email celebraterecovery@parkmeadows.ca for more information or visit http://celebraterecovery.ca/wp/.

• Nord-Bridge Bingo welcomes the public (18 and over) for a cash bingo with no surcharges Fridays at 1 p.m. (except holidays) at 1904 13 Ave. N. A regular book is $5, extra games $1 each. Come early for breakfast or one of the daily lunch specials. Call 403-329-3222 for more information and/or bus scheduling.

• The Senior Club in Raymond is looking for new members. Cost to join is $17. The centre is open six days a week from 2:30-4:30 p.m.; there is a game room with two pool tables, darts and cards. Potluck is held the second Monday (cost $3 if you bring food or are a member). Rook is played every Friday at 3 p.m. A social supper is held the fourth Thursday (cost $8). Music provided at meals. If you’re interested in providing entertainment, call Ross Jensen at 403-752-3222.

• The Sounds of the Season concert series has returned to City Hall, bringing holiday music for residents to enjoy. Concerts are free; donations of unwrapped toys and gifts for children and youth aged 17 and younger and/or nonperishable food items will be collected for the Christmas Hope Campaign. The schedule includes: Dec. 7, noon, LCI Jazz Band; Dec. 11, noon, Galbraith School; Dec. 12, 10:45 a.m., Lethbridge Montessori School (Scenic); Dec. 13, 11:30 a.m., Wilson Middle School; Dec. 17, noon, Lethbridge Community Band Tuba Christmas; Dec. 18, 11:30 a.m., Children’s House Daycare & ECS; Dec. 19, noon, St. Patrick’s Fine Arts Division II Choir; Dec. 20, noon, St. Patrick’s Fine Arts Division I Choir; Dec. 21, 1 p.m., AC Vocals. The lineup can also be found online at www.lethbridge.ca/holidayconcerts.

• Breakfast With Santa will take place Dec. 8 from 9 a.m.-noon at Coalhurst High School. $5 per person or $20 per family. Includes pancake breakfast and kids’ crafts. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Featuring: “A Villainous Christmas,” a Coalhurst High School drama production. Pet Santa’s reindeer and get a bag of magical reindeer feed. Cookie decorating, holiday treats, music, Santa letter writing; crafts. All fund raised support events and activities at Coalhurst High School.

• Galt Museum’s Saturdays at 1:00 hands-on history program for children to attend with adults continues Dec. 8 from 1-2 p.m., featuring “Button Trees.” Learn the history of why we use trees to celebrate during the holiday season while making your own tree art from buttons to take home and display. Museum admission applies (free to annual pass holders).

• En Plein Air ’18 opening reception takes place Dec. 8, 3-5 p.m. at the Dr. Foster James Penny Building, 324 5 St. S. Artists from across southern Alberta who sketched or photographed the landscape at the Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage during the summer will be exhibiting their finished works from Dec. 6-21. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Admission is free.

• Six O’clock in the Chapel will take place Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at Southminster United Church (Buchanan Chapel), featuring a brief, reflective vesper service with beautiful music. Worship leader is Jane Meaker; special music by vocal duo Marg Chubb and Maureen Furtado. Everyone is welcome.

• The 27th annual Mayor’s Christmas Concert will take place Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at Southminister United Church. Featuring Lethbridge Community Silver and Gold Bands, with special guests Magrath Elementary School Choir. Tickets: $15 regular, 12 years and younger free. Tickets available at the downtown ATB Branch, 727 4 Ave. S.; at Casa, 230 8 St. S.; online at LCBS.ca; from band members and at the door. Accepting donations on behalf of the Christmas Hope campaign.

• University of Lethbridge presents Global Drums Dec. 8, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the University Theatre, W500. From African and Brazilian drumming to steel band and Taiko, the audience will be thoroughly entertained by the variety of percussion styles performed by both students and community members. Under the direction of Adam Mason, Global Drums has performed on stages around the world.

• General Stewart Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion hosts Euchre Saturdays at 10 a.m. Bring your partner to play. For more information call the office at 403327-6644.

• West Wind Gymnastics Club offers drop-in fun on Saturdays from 2-4 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to practise your gymnastic skills in a friendly, supervised environment. Age 5 and under $6 and must be accompanied by an adult; 6 and older $12.

• General Stewart Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion hosts Jitney Darts Saturdays at 3 p.m. For more information call 403-327-6644.

• Are you a male caregiver looking for something to do with your children on a Saturday morning? Me and My Dad uses fun to create a healthy environment where dads come together with their children. Relationships are not only built stronger between father and child but also lifelong friendships between fathers and their children. Come down to Family Centre downtown Saturdays from 9:3011 a.m. Located at #225, 200 4 Ave. S.

• Tai Chi Easy and Medical Qi Gong classes take place Saturdays, 10-11:15 a.m., at the Canadian Yoga Institute, 1238 3 Ave. S. Gentle rhythmical movements to enhance your posture and balance while quieting the mind. Another class takes place Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. Call 403-320-8036 for details.

• Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group meets the second Saturday of the month at 2 p.m. in Room C and D at the LSCO, 500 11 St. S. Trigeminal neuralgia is a neuropathic disorder characterized by episodes of intense pain in the face, originating from the trigeminal nerve. Individuals with TN and their family members are invited to attend meetings. For more information, call Don at 403330-7937 or email brewsd8@gmail.com, or Mackenzie at 403-380-2824 or email mackenzie.lea@hotmail.com.

• Ride Into Christmas with the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association Dec. 9 from 4-7 p.m. (6 km east of Lethbridge on Jail Road (Hwy. 512). Open house featuring free horse rides, Christmas music, Doris Wichers’ Winter Wonderland, petting zoo, food and drinks, Lethbridge Hurricanes on site from 4-6 p.m., and Santa. For more details, visit https://ltra.ca/.

• All women are invited to a brunch and program Dec. 11 at 9:30 a.m. at Luigi’s Banquet Room in Taber. Enjoy a “Christmas Reflections” panel, led by Jantine Kleinjan; music by Vanessa Kurtzweg from Foremost; a feature presentation by Malinda Harris from Garden Gate Floral. Cost for the morning is $15 per person. Reservations can be made by calling Jane at 403-223-1435 or Sylvia at 403-416-5075. Reservations must be honoured or cancelled by Dec. 9. Presented by Taber Christian Women’s, affiliated with RSVP Ministries. Bring a friend.

• Revellers Dinner and Games Night will be held Dec. 12 at the basement level at The Keg (Country Kitchen Catering) on Mayor Magrath Drive. Facility is wheelchair accessible. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30. Cost is $20 per person. A reminder that 2019 dues ($10) can be paid while picking up your December dinner tickets. Newcomers - are you a crib or whist enthusiast? Come for a great dinner and a night of cards. Tickets will be on sale one day only, Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 2-3 p.m. at the same location (use east side entrance). Details: Ernie, 403-381-7223; Gerald, 403-381-3620 or Alf, 403-3177242.

• Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre will host a trip to Cross Iron Mills Mall for shopping and see the lights of Calgary Dec. 12. Cost will include bus and a good time. Bus will leave the centre at 10 a.m. and return at approximately 10:45 p.m. For more details, call the centre at 403-329-3222.

• Farming Smarter Conference & Trade Show will take place Dec. 12-13 from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Lethbridge Exhibition Park, north parking lot, main entrance. For the agenda and registration information, visit the website, www.farmingsmarter.com.

• The 119th Christmas Bird Count will take place in communities across the country between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. In Lethbridge, the count will take place Dec. 16. To sign up or for more information, contact compiler Ken Orich at 403-3812351 or korich@telusplanet.net. Other southern Alberta bird counts include: Crowsnest Pass, Jan. 2, 2019 - contact Merilyn Liddell, birds@crowsnestconservation.ca; Milk River, Jan. 5, 2019 - contact: Ken Orich, 403-381-2351; Taber, TBD - contact Lloyd Bennett, 403-223-0456; Pincher Creek, TBD. To find other bird count information, visit Bird Studies Canada’s website at birdscanada.org/volunteer/cbc.

• The Food Explorers Cooking Club will operate for seven weeks from Jan. 11 to Feb. 15 at Interfaith Chinook Country Kitchen, 1103 3 Ave. N. Open to kids 712. Cost: Free. Kids will learn basic cooking skills and make delicious food each week. For details or to register, call 403-320-8138 by Dec. 14.

• The Home Depot Canada’s Lethbridge store is fundraising for Wood’s Homes again this holiday season through the Orange Door Project. Until Dec. 16, customers can donate $2 at the store’s checkout in exchange for an orange paper door. All donations will help Wood’s Homes to continue to provide support to homeless and at-risk of homelessness youth in Lethbridge.

• Overdue fines? Not a problem! Lethbridge Public Library’s Food for Fines program is running Dec. 1–12; pay off fines with a donation to the food banks. Each non-perishable food item is worth $5 toward your overdue library fines. Donations go to Interfaith and Lethbridge Food Banks.