Canning News

It’s that time of year to thank all the organizers, volunteers and supporters that make fundraisers and social events a huge success. Profits generated from each event have benefited many organizations and individuals in need and without support from the community, this would not have been possible. Great job, everyone!

This is also the time of year for inclement weather that tends to grind events to a halt and has done so in the past, such as the school closures Mon., Dec. 17. In the advent of a storm, call ahead for cancellations and rescheduled dates and times.

The Canning Volunteer Fire Department held its third annual food drive in support of the local food bank Sat., Dec. 8. Volunteers joined the efforts bringing in truckloads of non-perishable food items and monetary donations. Also joining in the efforts were Kings North MLA Mark Parent, Kings County Councillor Jim Taylor, and members of the Emergency Health Services, who were stationed outside of Valu-Foods, Canning.

Food drive update: as of Dec. 17, food bank treasurer Wayne Dykens noted that the monetary total, excluding food items, was up to $5,762, with an additional expected donation from the EHS still to come.

Total overall value is estimated at well over $12,000. “This year has been one of our best years yet. It’s amazing the amount of generosity in our community. The people are so supportive,” Dykens says.

Dykens also added that 100 per cent of the donations received goes directly to people in our community. The food bank is run completely by volunteers like Harry Currie and his wife Joan, all of whom put in a lot of hours. Don and Jack are also regular volunteers. The food bank is a joint effort between the Canning Interchurch Council and the Canning Lions Club, who both give support with the building and lights.

Remember to continue to give generously to your local food bank to help those in need. Contact Harry Currie at 582-3886 to drop off non-perishable food items during the mornings at 1000 Seminary St., Canning, or you can drop off items at the post office year-round.

Northeast Kings Educational Centre: Reminder to students - it’s that time of year when students receive Christmas gifts they want to show off to their friends.

However, the school can’t be held responsible for items’ safekeeping. The school is asking students not to bring valuables such as iPods and digital cameras to school as they can become lost, misplaced or stolen and many are never recovered.

Students should also check the lost and found periodically as unclaimed items will eventually be donated to charity as were Fri., Dec. 14.

Mrs. Cameron’s Family Studies department is seeking donations of any colour or type thread for sewing projects.

Ms. Brothers’ English department is looking for magazines suitable for classroom use like Canadian Living and Chatelaine with subject matter pertaining to: food and recipes, parenting, cars, wildlife and sports.

To purchase a yearbook at $35 each, contact Ms. Whitman in the library. It is sure to become a treasured keepsake.

The Home and School Council encourages parents, guardians and staff to participate during monthly meetings held on the second Tuesday of each month. Discussions pertain to topics relevant to the school and generally run for one-and-a-half hours each and begin at 7 p.m. in the library.

NKEC Mittens: The 8K/T Team is selling mittens in room 215 with three sizes available: small $8, medium $10, and large at $12 while quantities last. Contact the school 582-2040.

Glooscap Elementary School: Library fundraiser - students are asked to continue to save grocery receipts from Sobey’s and Canning Valu-Foods throughout the year, and a special thanks to all who have already. November’s student winner of a book or poster prize was Grade 1 student Jared Woodworth.

New Information: The province of Nova Scotia has changed the entrance age for primaries. Now any children who will be turning five on or before Dec. 31, 2007 may come to school in September.

Dates to Remember: students from NKEC and Glooscap return from Christmas break Thurs., Jan. 3.

There will be a New Year’s dance at the Canning Lions Hall Mon., Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. with Harmony Made performing. A light snack will be provided.

Donations may be made to the Daniel McLellan Memorial fund for children with leukemia. Tickets are $35 per couple and are available at the Village Meat Market, Canning; and Party Central, New Minas. Contact Sean Conahon at 692-0452 at Apple Valley Talent.

Bookmobile returns to the Canning Lions Hall Jan. 8 at 7-8 p.m.

Sincere wishes for a safe and happy holiday season to all.