We are still accepting refundable recyclables here at the school. If you are dropping off Monday-Friday between the hours of 8 - 3 please leave them in the two small wooden boxes beside the shed at the top of the bus loop. If you are dropping off on weekends or after school hours, you can drive down to the garage and place the bags or boxes in the new shed beside the garage. We would like everyone to know that we are very appreciative of any and all donations of refundables. Thanks for your continued support of our school.

Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village is now closed for the winter season. Tapadh leibh gu mòr. A sincere thank you to our 27,600 visitors this year and to our many wonderful staff and volunteers!

November 20th – Programs available for Seniors, Chris Woodford.

November 27th - Seniors Social Christmas Gathering. Music provided by Eric MacInnis.

December 4th - Life Planning - Cassandra Yonder

December 11th - Games, conversation and music provided by Janet Gillis and Cathy MacMillan

December 11th is our last session for 2024.

Sunday, Nov. 24th – Come visit the Àros na Mara Centre for the Àros na Mara Christmas by the Waters of Iona Christmas party. Everyone welcome! Time 1 to 4pm. Cookie decorating, holiday craft making, games, and voting on the nicest tree. Enjoy some hot chocolate, cider, tea, coffee and cookies. Admission is by donation.

Tuesday, Nov. 26th – Winter Holiday Planter Workshop at the Àros na Mara Centre. Come on out and join Kristina for some fun time building your planter and enjoying some hot chocolate, tea and coffee. All supplies are provided. Time: 1pm. Cost: $40. Pre-registration is required. Please email: kristinarose444@hotmail.com by Nov.22nd.

Wednesday, Nov. 27th - Seniors Social Christmas Gathering, St. Columba Church Centre, Iona. Enjoy a light lunch, music by Eric MacInnis and conversation. Time 11 to 1.

Wednesday, Nov. 27th – Volunteer and Supporters Appreciation Evening at the Àros na Mara Centre. Calling all volunteers and supporters of Central Cape Breton Community Ventures and Àros na Mara to join us for an evening of celebrating volunteers and supporters. Enjoy a light lunch and refreshments. There will be some door prize draws. Time: 6:30 to 8 pm. RSVP to Madeline Harvey at: mad.c.harvey@gmail.com by Nov. 22nd.

Sunday, Dec. 1st – Christmas at the Àros na Mara Centre and Holiday Home Tours. Take a peak inside beautiful homes around the Lake. We have 5 homes for you to see. Tickets available at the Àros na Mara Centre on Dec. 1st. Cost: $20 per person, includes tour of the Àros na Mara Centre, house tours and refreshments at the Àros na Mara Centre. Winner of the nicest community tree will be announced.

Now until Nov. 20th there are delicious fruitcakes for sale. Dark fruitcake – 2lbs - $20 - Light fruitcake – 1.5 lbs - $15. Order before Nov. 20th Email Janet Gillis: jamesville520@bellaliant.net or Phone: 902-371-0446. Pickup the cakes during the Festival or arrange another time.

Tickets for sale: 1st Prize: 2 tickets to the Barra MacNeils- an East Coast Christmas at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay, on Saturday, Dec. 21st, and includes 2 Swiss Chalet Dinners, gas/gift cards, chocolates plus other goodies! Value$300; 2nd Prize: 2 tickets for A Christmas Carol at the Highland Arts Theatre, in Sydney on Saturday, Dec. 14th, show time 7:30 pm, includes gas/gift cards, chocolates plus other goodies! Value -$250 - Tickets $5.00 each or 3 for $10. DRAW DATE: DECEMBER 8, 2024 - contact: Central CB Community Ventures board members to purchase tickets or email:ccbcvi@gmail.com Lottery License No. AGD-347990-24

Proceeds from the Festival are for children’s interactive equipment at the Àros na Mara Centre. Hope you enjoy the Festival

Thank you. Wela’lioq. Tapadh leibh. Merci.

Pickleball is starting up at Rankin School of the Narrows on Monday, Nov. 4th Time: 6 to 7:45.

See dates below:

Nov. 4th, 18th, 25th . Dec. 2nd, 9th, 16th

Jan. 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th ,Feb. 3rd, 10th, 24th

Mar. 3rd, 17th, 24th, 31st .Apr. 7th, 14th, 28th

May 5th, 12th, 26th , and June 2nd

For further information please contact: Christopher Woodford, Recreation and Physical Activity Coordinator Municipality of Victoria County, P: (902) 294-0063, christopher.woodford@victoriacounty.ca

1st Annual Christmas by the Waters of Iona Festival, Nov. 24th to Dec. 1st

Nov. 24th, Christmas at the Àros na Mara Centre

Dec. 1st House Tours around Iona

Yummy Christmas Fruitcakes for Sale:

Dark fruitcake – 2lbs - $20

Light fruitcake – 1.5 lbs - $15

Order before Nov. 20th

Email Janet Gillis: jamesville520@bellaliant.net

Phone: 902-371-0446

Pickup the cakes during the Festival or arrange another time. Proceeds to the Àros na Mara Centre

More details to follow. Save the date and get ready to celebrate! Central Cape Breton Community Ventures and Àros na Mara

Fall Yoga returns on Fridays starting October 18th, St. Columba Church Centre.

Chair Yoga Time: 10am-11am.

Mat Yoga Time: 11:30am to 12:30pm.

Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat, blanket and water. If you don't have a mat, don't sweat, there will be a few available for use. Fee for class: Free. All welcome. Instructor: Kristina Rose. For further information email: Kristina Rose at: kristinarose444@hotmail.com. If school is cancelled at Rankin School of the Narrows the class will be cancelled for the day. Sponsored by: CCBCVI, Wellness Committee and Victoria County Community Health Board

Seniors Social Community Gathering – Ages 55 and up – Starting on Wednesday, September 18th at the St. Columba Church Centre, Iona, 11am to 1pm. Come and enjoy a free light lunch with tea and coffee provided. Come out to socialize, meet new people and make new friends. Card and board games will be available for use. Learn about your community, listen to a presentation or visit with a friend. We ask that you please not wear scented products. Thank you for your understanding.

What’s happening and when: September 18th – Dealing with Grief, Cassandra Yonder; September 25th, Show and Tell what Iona and area looked like back in the day; October 2nd, Walking with Urban Poles Demo Session, Chris Woodford. Hosted by: CCBCVI, Wellness Committee and New Horizon for Seniors Program

Àros na Mara Learning & Discovery Centre - Iona Port

Discover the magic of the sea at Àros na Mara Learning & Discovery Centre! Immerse yourself in interactive exhibits, explore the marine life displays, and enjoy hands-on activities for all ages, including our touch tank.

🏠 Àros na Mara, Gaelic for "House of the Sea," invites you to explore, learn, and have fun!

🕐 Open Thursday to Sunday, 10am-2pm. Admission is by donation.

👉 Plan your visit today at www.arosnamara.ca and experience the wonders of the ocean firsthand!

- Iona Port Café

Iona Port Café – is closed, but may be open for special events. Thank you to all our supporters. It was nice enjoying a cuppa with you!

Who: The Hills Of Boisdale Community Association
What: 2024 Annual Christmas Tea & Bake Sale
When: Sunday, December 1, 2024, 1-3pm
Where: The Boisdale Fire Hall, Hwy 223
Why: Supporting The Hills of Boisdale Community Association mandate, to foster and maintain a focus on community and the ongoing efforts of the growth of Park 223.

The Hills of Boisdale Community Association will be hosting (with Julia) a Festive Fair, outdoors, at Park 223

When: December 7, 2024, 4-7pm.

The Park 223 is located across from the Boisdale Fire Hall.

There will be lots of craft vendors, music, food & drink, Lantern Trail and tickets on a beautiful package containing a night at the popular Iona Heights Inn overlooking the beautiful Bras D’or Lake with a $50.00 gift card for the famous Frolic & Folk Pub & Grill (located on site), a delectable box of Jill’s Chocolates and many more interesting items.

We truly “Thank You” for your support

Darts Friday At 7.30 Fun night bar open

The regular meeting of the Boisdale Volunteer Fire Dept. will be held the first Monday of the month at 7pm.All Welcome

In the event of a prolonged power outage EMO will request we open the St. Columba Church Centre as a warming centre for anyone requiring assistance. If you require assistance before the warming centre is open you can call 1.) EMO Coordinator Lyle Donovan 1 (902) 578-1994 2.) Colin MacNeil 1 (902) 371-0598 3.) Gregory MacNeil (902) 295-7843 or any Fire Department Member. Iona Volunteer Fire Department

The St.Barra Preservation & Development Society would like to announce their new Christmas Island Monthly Draw!! Details: Monthly prize = > $500 Tickets => $10 ea (limit 100/month) Draws => 2nd Sunday of each month To purchase or sell tickets, please contact: Anna Burke Email: annaburke1@yahoo.ca Text: 902 622-6007 Betty MacKenzie Email: mcknzbetty@aol.com Text: 902 537-1759 Alanah Head Email: a_lanahhead@outlook.com Text: 782-777-1044 100% of proceeds go towards St. Barra Church (Christmas Island) building maintenance. Thank you, your generosity and support are greatly appreciated!