TOO GOOD TO MISS!
For nonprofit, charity or fundraising events in Hamilton and area. Deadline is two weeks prior to publication. Submit your Too Good To Miss events on our website. Just click on Event Listings at thespec.com. If you have any difficulties or questions please call 905-526-3420. All phone numbers are 905 area code, unless otherwise listed.
VOLUNTEERS
Dundas Community Services Assisted Transportation Program needs volunteers to drive seniors and person with disabilities in Dundas who need rides and assistance to medical appointments and grocery shopping. Flexible schedule. Mileage paid. Info: Ariel, 627-5461 Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation will be the recipient of the proceeds from the Burlington Mall Gift Wrap Program. We are seeking volunteers to wrap gifts at Burlington Mall from Dec. 22 to 24 with shifts ranging from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. This is a great opportunity for high school students (16 years or older) to get their volunteer hours and a great way for adults to get into the holiday spirit VON Hamilton, volunteer opportunities for people who wish to deliver meals, provide rides to seniors for medical appointments or visit with people in their homes to brighten their days. If you have a couple of hours per week to spend with someone, contact 529-0700 or voncsshamilton@von.ca Cancer Assistance Program is looking for volunteer drivers in the Hamilton area for its transportation program. teamlead@cancerassist.ca or 383-9797, ext. 102
SELF-HELP/WELLNESS
Fibromyalgia Support Group, Dec. 26, 1 to 3 p.m. Bay Gardens Funeral Home, 947 Rymal Rd. E. Community Room, second floor. Not wheelchair accessible. 870-1477 Holiday drop-in support and
activities group, Dec. 25, noon to 4 p.m., lunch and Christmas carols. Dec. 26, noon to 4 p.m., gingerbread house and cookies; Dec. 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., gamers. Dec. 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., make your own stress balls. Dec. 29, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., make and create with clay. Barrett Centre for Crisis Support and Mental Health Rights Coalition, 100 Main St. E., Suite 103. 545-2525 or 529-7878
Refuge Recovery, Dec. 24, 6 p.m. De La Sol Yoga Studios, 430 York Blvd. Recovering addicts who use Buddhist principles to fully heal from their addictions. Email: refugerecoveryhamilton@gmail.com or 540-3569 Hamilton Prenatal Nutrition Project, Dec. 26, 27, 28, 1 to 3 p.m. Are you pregnant? Join one of Public Health Services’ nine free weekly prenatal nutrition groups to learn about having a healthy pregnancy and taking care of your baby. For dates, times, and locations: hamilton.ca/PrenatalGroups or call 546-3550. Participants receive free child minding for children 1 to 6, free bus tickets, grocery gift cards
Dundas Community Services in partnership with Catholic Family Services, “Individual and Family Counselling” clinic every Thursday from 12:30 to 4 p.m., 3A — 2 King St. W., Dundas. First clinic is Jan. 4. A fee will be charged to clients based on income. Register, or for more information, 627-5461 St. James Anglican Church Community Coat Drive, now to March 18, 2018. Clean coats, boots and sweaters for men, women and children in need wanted in the Hamilton area. Deliver to St. James Anglican Church, 137 Melville St., Dundas. Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to noon. 627-1424 Al-Anon and Alateen Hamilton and Burlington, help for anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking. 522-1733, alanonhamiltonburlington.ca Mental Health Rights Coalition, #103 — 100 Main St. E. Need to talk about mental health or addiction issues? Peer Support 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. 545-2525 or mentalhealthrights.ca
TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. St. Stephen-on-the-Mount Church, 625 Concession St. Diana 388-6335 or Joanne 574-8318
Depression, anxiety, fears and panic attacks. Recovery Canada has a program that will help. Weekly meetings available. 304-6802 or visit recoverycanada.org
MEETINGS
The Owl Foundation, free talk, Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m. Hamilton Naturalists Club, Peter Thoem talks about mishaps that befall owls and their treatment at The Owl Foundation. Royal Botanical Gardens, 680 Plains Rd. W. Meet and greet, 7 p.m. 637-7136 Valley Town Toastmasters, Jan. 4, 7 p.m. Dundas Town Hall, lower level, 60 Main St., Dundas. Topic: World Braille Day, honouring Louis Braille, inventor of the Braille reading method for the blind and sight-challenged worldwide. valleytowntoastmasters.com
FUN TIMES
Celebrate the season Dec. 24, noon to 5 p.m. Dundas Legion, 280 King St. W., Dundas. Music by DJ Jane Watson and carol singing contests. 627-7221
Knit ‘N’ Natter, Dec. 23, 10 to 11:30 a.m. and Dec. 27, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Burlington Public Library, 2331 New St., Burlington. Bring your own supplies and projects in this social group for beginners to advanced knitters and other fibre crafts. 639-3611 Kaleidoscope Singers, a mixed choir of about 35 singers is looking for new members. Rehearsals are Mondays, 1:30 p.m. starting Jan. 15. Experience reading music would be an asset. Info: Fred at kaleidoscopesingers@cogeco.ca
Taoist Tai Chi Open Houses: Jan. 3, 1 to 2 p.m.; Jan. 5, 10:30 a.m. to noon and beginner class on Jan. 11, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Barton Stone/Mt. Hope United Church, 21 Stone Church Rd. W. Learn about the Health Benefits of Taoist Tai Chi TM. Info: 383-6347 Jammers, Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. Branch 58 Legion, 1180 Barton St. E. Tai chi My Style, Dec. 24, 10 a.m. to noon, 947 Rymal Rd. E. Free, easy flowing and practical at your own pace. Sundays, rain or shine. 527-7255 Catch the Ace, Dec. 27, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Branch 551 Legion, 79 Hamilton St. N., Waterdown. Join Habitat Hamilton at our fundraiser. 689-6112
Karaoke with Dorrie, Saturdays, 8 p.m. Branch 622, Legion, 12 King St. E., Stoney Creek. 662-4171
GOOD FOOD
Mission Services Hamilton
Christmas Community Dinner, Dec. 23, 5 p.m., 309 James St. N. Free.
Fish Fry, Fridays, 4 to 7 p.m. $5.75 to $10. Branch 163 Legion, 435 Limeridge Rd. Open Mic Night with Annette and Corrie, 7:30 p.m. 387-4515
SALES AND MORE
Harper’s Holiday Market, Dec. 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1039 Wilson St. E., Ancaster. Includes local vendors that promote sustainability, delicious food and art in their individually unique crafts.
MISCELLANEOUS
Dairy Farm Open House, Dec. 28, 1 to 4 p.m. Loewith and Sons Dairy Farm, 1401 Powerline Rd. W., Ancaster. Dress warmly, enjoy free hot chocolate with whipped cream, sample some Canadian made artisan cheeses, guided tours and more. Winter Lights at the Rock, Dec. 22, 23, 5 to 8:30 p.m. David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden, 1185 York Blvd. The Rock Garden awakens the spirit of winter, explore multicultural traditions and activities. $10. 527-1157 Escarpment Train Show, Dec. 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden, 1185 York Blvd. RBG’s newest train experience takes you on a journey through four seasons of Canadian landscapes. Pre-registration required: 527-1157 Burlington Lakeside Festival of Lights, Dec. 22 to Jan. 1, 6:30 p.m. Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington. 332-2277
New Year’s Eve Gala, Dec. 31, 7 p.m. Greek themed evening, Hellenic Community Banquet Hall, 22 Head St., Hamilton. Tickets: $60, Children 6 to 12 years $20, children 5 and under free. More than 20 prizes. Tickets must be prepurchased. Reserve: 573-5333. All proceeds to St. Demetrios Hellenic Community of Hamilton and District.
JUNIOR DATEBOOK
Christmas Tours, Family Fun Days, Dec. 27, 28 and 29, 1 to 4 p.m. Nelles Manor, 126 Main St. W., Grimsby. Child $10, $15 adult, $30 family. Tours, kids crafts, refreshments. 289-235-7755
Flamborough Holiday Village, Dec. 22, 4 to 9 p.m. and Dec. 23, 1 to 9 p.m. 1079 Hwy 8. In support of McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation and Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation. Festive, fun-filled, family-friendly activities for all ages. Check out goods made by local vendors in the market place or have some food and drink by the fire. Games and activities for kids, too. 519-623-5959
MUSEUMS/GALLERIES
Christmas Evening Tours, Dec. 22, 7 to 9 p.m. Dundurn National Historic Site, 610 York Blvd. See the castle decorated for Christmas in the evening beginning with carol-singing in the front hall. Sample an assortment of traditional Christmas foods served in the historic kitchen. Tickets: $30. Pre-registration required: 546-2872 or dundurn@hamilton.ca Christmas in the Pioneer Spirit, Dec. 27, noon to 4 p.m. Battlefield House Museum, 77 Main St. W., Stoney Creek. Step back in time at the Gage family home. Adults $7, seniors/youth $6, children $5, infants free. 662-8458
Holiday Craft Drop-in, Dec. 27 to 30, noon to 4 p.m. Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology, 900 Woodward Ave. Adults $7, seniors/youth $6, children $5, family $20. 546-4797
Victorian Christmas, Dec. 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, noon to 4 p.m. Dundurn National Historic Site, 610 York Blvd. Adults $11.50, seniors/youth $9.50, children $6, infants free, family $30. 546-2872 McQuesten’s Childhood
Christmas, Dec. 22, 23, 24, noon to 4 p.m. Look back in time at Whitehern Historic House and Garden, 41 Jackson St. W. Adults $7, seniors/youth $6, children $5, infants free, family $20. 546-2018 Hamilton Children’s Museum, offers a variety of crafts and activities Dec. 27 to 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1072 Main St. E. Adults, seniors, youth $2, children $4, infants under 1 year free., family $9. 546-4848
Winter Whimsy, Jan. 3 to 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Jan. 7, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Variety of crafts and activities at the Hamilton Children’s Museum,
1072 Main St. E. Adult $2, senior/youth $2, child (6 to 12) $4, infant free, family $9. 546-4848 Merry and Bright: The Science of
Light, Jan. 2 to 7, noon to 4 p.m. Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology National Historic Site, 900 Woodward Ave. Drop-in activity centre to experiment with light and shadow, make your own sundial to take home. Adult $7, seniors/youth $6, children $5, infants free, family $20. 546-4797 Our Hamilton: Through Their Eyes, to June 30, 2018, noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. First World War and Hamilton’s involvement, collection includes letters, photos and personal items owned by Hamiltonians. Adults $4, seniors/youth $3.50, children $3, infants free, family $11.50. 610 York Blvd., 5462872 Fieldcote Memorial Park and
Museum, Exhibit: From The Ark, Ancaster 150, to Dec. 23, and Jan. 2 to Sept. 29, 2018. Tuesdays to Saturdays, 1 to 5 p.m. 64 Sulphur Springs Rd. Admission rates apply. 648-8144 or hamilton.ca/fieldcote
Theatre Ancaster celebrates 20 years of Great Theatre at Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum, 64 Sulphur Springs Rd. Memories from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to Shrek the Musical. Exhibition runs Tuesday to Saturday 1 to 5 p.m. to Dec. 31. Tickets: 648-8144
SENIORS
St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, West 5th site, offers a 6-week Memory and Aging program for adults age 65 and older. Learn about normal memory changes with age and practical strategies to improve everyday memory. A few openings remain for the group starting Jan. 5 (Fridays 1:30 to 3:30). Register: 522-1155, ext. 36254
Friday Fun Fitness, Dec. 22, 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. St. Joseph’s Villa, 56 Governor’s Rd., Dundas. 45-minute aquatic fitness program includes balance and strength training in a fun atmosphere. Heated pool. Easy access. Fridays 12:30. 627-3541 Sackville Hill Seniors Recreation Centre New Years Eve Dance, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Members $25, guests $27.50. Purchase tickets in advance. Includes finger foods and party favours. 780 Upper Wentworth St. 546-2541 Mindful Barre and Bands, Dec. 22, 1 to 2 p.m. St. Joseph’s Villa, 56 governor’s Rd., Dundas. An aquatic fitness class using resistance bands, closed loop resistance bands, and barre fitness. No registration required, free parking in front of pool entrance. $6 class. 627-3541 Free Wellness/Fitness Class, Thursdays, 2 to 3 p.m. Church of Christ, 321 East 27th St. YWCA instructor teaches healthy living and easy flowing Pilates. 745-5076
Stay Well Program, Dec. 22, 4, to 11:30 a.m. St. Joseph’s Healthcare, 100 West 5th St., group exercise class designed for older adults or those with chronic health conditions. Classes focus on increasing muscular strength, endurance, cardiovascular health, balance and co-ordination. Free. 522-1155