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COMMUNITY CALENDAR: What's happening around the North Okanagan

Check out all the events, meetings, concerts and more around Greater Vernon

April 30

Dark Skies & Flora Gallery Vertigo's new show for May 2025 features DeAnna Josephson on through to May 31. Opening Night Reception Friday, May 9, from 6:30-8 p.m. Featured Member for May is Leila Ward.

Radium Girls Powerhouse Theatre show based in 1926 when radium was a miracle cure, as well as a spreading terrifying illnesses. Show goes April 30-May 10. Ticketseller.ca

May 1

Vernon Friends of the Library annual sale at a new location this year: the Schubert Centre. Biggest book sale in the valley, and has been held for 36 years! Thursday from 3-8 p.m., Friday 10-8 and Saturday 10-4.

Broadway Lights, Vegas Nights featuring Manhattan Skyline Orchestra, Okanagan's newest show band, at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre Thursday 7:30 p.m.

May 2

First Friday Art Trail local artists open their studios for fun Friday outings: 

• Mandi Irmen 10:30-1 @ studio in Gallery Vertigo, 2901 30th Ave.

• Lisa Nagy 10:30-4 pop-up in Gallery Vertigo.

• Mary Tremayne 12-4 @ 2502 22nd St.

• Gabrielle Strong 12-4 @ Studio Artist Caetani Centre, 3401 PV Rd., also see the Creating Space exhibition.

• Lana Schuster 12-5 @ 2408 24th Ave.

• Cathy Shultz 1-3 pop-up @ Vernon Public Art Gallery, 3228 31st Ave.

• John Lawrence 12-4 @ 7354 Pleasant Valley Rd.

• Christine Kashuba 12-8 @ 7371 McKoryk Rd., artist demo 3 p.m.

• Deborah Wilson 12-4 @ 6002 Bella Vista Rd.

• Sue Schierer 2-6 @ 4712 Belleview Dr.

• Nancy Vince 2-5 @ 3021 Coachwood Crescent (Coldstream).

• Bob Kingsmill 2-6 @ 8405 Aberdeen Rd. (Coldstream)

• Heidi Thompson 10-8:30 @ 9905 Coldstream Creek Rd. Reception from 6 to 8 with live music and artist talk

Artist Map and Bios @ www.firstfridayokanagan.com/map  

Counterpoint Choir Friday (7 p.m.) and Saturday (2 p.m.) spring concert Songs of Nostalgia, Songs of Hope at Knox Presbyterian Church. Tickets, $25, available from choir members, Shear Dimensions Hair Design or possibly at the door.

CANCELLED Sikh History: The Forgotten Chapters visuals and storytelling about Gurus, warriors and the events that shaped Sikhism. Friday at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre, 6:30 p.m. Ticketseller.ca.

May 3

Nature Walk Saturday, 9-11 a.m. join the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club at Kalamalka Park on the trails from the Twin Bays parking lot to Turtles Head Point. Take Kidston Road to the main parking lot of the park and meet in the first lot, by the interpretive signs kiosk. No pets please. www.nonc.ca

Camp Mackenzie Garage Sale 8 a.m. to 1 pm at Zion United Church Hall, 2314 PV Rd. Armstrong. All money raised goes to provide camperships for local children to attend Mackenzie Camp. Donations of good quality used items accepted Thursday, May 1, 12-4 at the church hall.

Okanagan Master Gardeners will be offering advice at the May 3 Enderby Garden Club Plant Sale, May 10 Vernon and District Garden Club Plant Sale as well as the Armstrong Garden Club Plant Sale May 10.

Marriage as a Fortress of Well-Being: A Baha'i Perspective. All are welcome to this public talk Saturday, 1-3 p.m. in the Vernon library meeting room. Refreshments will be provided. Hosted by the Baha'i communities of Vernon and Coldstream. For information call Eva Strom 250-550-6761.

Mimosa Cosmopolitan and sparkling fusion of French pop, Brazilian sambas and Cabaret at the Vernon Jazz Club Saturday 7:30 p.m. Tickets at vernonjazz.com

If You Could Read My Mind Gordon Lightfoot tribute Saturday 7:30 p.m. at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre. Ticketseller.ca

May 4

Pleasant Valley Community Garden Annual Spring Plant Sale and Fun Day Sunday 12-3. Free garden talks, free kids' activities, refreshments and plants galore @ 1802 45th Ave., off PV Road. For more information, Elaine 250-470-1410.

Christina Bell: A Musical Homecoming Sunday 2 p.m. at Trinity United Church. Opera arias, musical theatre and jazz. Ticketseller.ca or $20 at the door (children 18 and under free).

Sarah Hagen North Okanagan Community Concert Association presents pianist Sunday 2 p.m. at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre. Ticketseller.ca or 250-549-7469.

May 5

Emergency Preparedness community workshop by the Seniors' Health & Wellness Institute COSCO Monday 9:30 a.m. at the Schubert Centre. $5, coffee and cookies included, everyone welcome, sponsored by the Vernon Retired Teachers' Association.

Red Dress Day North Okanagan Friendship Center Society is hosting a Red Dress Day Gathering on Monday, in honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+), from 10am-1pm at 2904 29th Ave. We welcome you to stop by anytime for refreshments and take part in a quiet act of remembrance by tying a ribbon to our display. You may write a name, a message or simply your organization's name in unity with the cause. Coffee, tea and sweet treats will be provided and guests are invited to wear red in support of awareness and remembrance.

May 6

Bring It On CMHA Vernon & District is the charity of choice for Watkin Motors Ford presents Thankful Thursday. The film will be Bring It On, a cult classic that centres around two high school cheerleading teams' preparing for a national competition, shown Thursday 6:30 p.m. at the Vernon Towne Theatre. 
May 6 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets at thetowne.ca/movie/bring-it-on---thankful-thursday.

May 7

Singalong with Robert King Wednesday 2-3 p.m. at Trinity United Church, Vernon. Coffee and goodies provided. All are welcome.

May 8

CNIB Canadian National Institute for the Blind will be hosting Vernon Mobile Hub meeting Thursday 10-3 at the Schubert Centre. Participate in recreational and social activities hands-on technology training and more. Free programs, to register call 1-800-563-2642 or show up!

Book SENSe Social Thursday 7–8:30 p.m. Vernon Library Meeting Room. Virginia Dansereau and Sue Urquhart to chat about this book: Smoke and Ash: Reflections on the 2021 Vernon B.C. Area fires, which they co-ordinated with designer, Heather Clay. Dozens more of our own community members have provided powerful images of the fire through the book’s poems, stories, art, and photos. Hosted by: Sustainable Environment Network Society (SENS) www.sensociety.org.

May 9

Tonye Aganaba soul, neo-folk, funk, hip hop and R&B artist on Vernon Performing Arts Centre stage Friday 7:30 p.m. Ticketseller.ca

May 10

Nature Walk Join the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club for a walk on trails around the Coldstream Cemetery Saturday at 9 a.m. Bird watching at the cemetery and along the creek, perhaps adding on a walk to Friesen’s Country Tyme Garden for coffee, and return. Take Howe drive south from Kalamalka Road to cemetery. www.nonc.ca

Plant Sale Armstrong Garden Club event Saturday 8:30-12:30 at the IPE grounds in conjunction with the Farmers Market. Perennials, annuals, shurbs, vegetables, houseplants, Black Diamond soil. Sale facilitates the club's contribution to community programs.

Dance-a-Thon on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Schubert Centre. You can join in the dancing or just watch. A silent auction will take place. Everyone is welcome to attend. Cost is $10.  All funds raised will go to the Schubert Centre.

Lumby Showcase Downtown Community event, Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mother's Day Tea and Bazaar Saturday 1-3 p.m. at All Saints Anglican Church. We are hosting a Tea with Strawberry Shortcake for $8 a person. There are lots of great choices at our Bazaar tables including: jams, jellies & pickles; fabric, knit and crochet crafts; home made baking including bread, buns, cookies and much more-all your favorite goodies; plants, regift. Contact us at allsaintsvernon@gmail.com

Spring Ring BC Guild of English Handbell Ringers invites the community to the closing concert of our Spring Ring, a gathering of handbell ringers from around the province. It will be held at on Saturday at Trinity United Church on Alexis Park Drive at 7 p.m. and admission is by donation.

Underground Local Losers film screening, art showcase and live music at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre Saturday 7 p.m. featuring nightshades, Satoshi Yano and the Tragically Lit and 3Rivers Collective.

May 11

The Stampeders One More Time tour hits Vernon Performing Arts Centre Sunday 7:30 p.m. Call 250-549-7469.

May 12

Hotel California original Eagles tribute at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre Monday, 7:30 p.m. Ticketseller.ca

May 13

Seasons dance and music from Latin and South America, Native America/First Nations and the Pacific Islands depicts the journey of life Tuesday 7 p.m. at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre. Living Legends show by donation.

May 15

W.L. Seaton 75th Anniversary Open House Thursday, May 15, from 5-6 p.m. at 2701 41st Ave. This marks a significant milestone in our school’s history, and we look forward to celebrating with the Vernon community, starting with a welcome message from our principal and a slideshow presentation, followed by guided school tours, historical and student displays and light refreshments.

ONGOING:

North Okanagan Model Railroaders Association located in the Greenhow Building at the Historic O'Keefe Ranch is open every Saturday from 9:30-4. We welcome new members with an interest in the hobby of model railroading. For information call 250-260-0053.

Overeaters Anonymous is a 12 step fellowship. Anyone with a desire to stop eating compulsively is welcome. Beginning Sunday, April 27, we will be meeting between 2 and 3 p.m. weekly on Sundays at the Alano Club, 3204 Alexis Park Dr. Contact is Valerie at 604-375-3549.

Ethel Gama is a high achiever at her school of Memezile High in Sabie, South Africa. In addition to winning several awards for academic achievement, she was also awarded a laptop for her academic record. Volunteer administrators, Vicky & Myriam Bryant are betting on her and Ethel’s track record of high scholarly achievement. If you are interested in supporting Ethel in her studies in molecular biology, you can contact vernongranniesagogo@gmail.com. Or phone Carol Schroeder (250-545-8499), or mail her a cheque to: Box 1652, Vernon, BC. V1T 8C3.

Adult Children of Alcoholics and dysfunctional families (ACA) meets every Wednesday 6:30-7:30 @ Vernon Treatment Centre 2810 48th Ave. For more information call 403-604-3925 or visit adultchildren.org

Creating Space Artists of Caetani exhibition on until May 10 at 3401 Pleasant Valley Rd. 

Zumba classes Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. at Schubert Centre. Join in the fun, dancing for a hour, by donation.

Gallery Vertigo 30 artist/members exhibition on display for April at 2901 30th Ave., open from 10:30-4:30, Tuesday–Saturday. Artists such as: Charley Hampton, Diana Gritten, Howard Brown, Krystyna Laycraft, Lisa Nagy, and Linda Mowatt are joined by dozens more in the main exhibition space this month. The show features the wide ranging talents of the members. The featured member this month is Wanda Vincent.

Georgette Shop April Thrift Store Sale: 50 per cent off all sweaters and items marked with blue or green tags; jeans listed at $3. Your purchase supports local Canadian Mental Health Association programs. Thank you! Open 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat. 3100 28th Ave.

21st Annual People Place Garden Tour needs gardens to feature on the tour and volunteers to be stationed at each garden. If you can help, contact 250-558-6585 or manager@peopleplacevernon.ca

Courtyard Gallery Feature artist for May is Jocelyn Winterburn, presenting her Driftwood series. Guest artist is Melissa Nasby – fibre artist. Check out our new website at: https://courtyardgallery.ca. Hours are Monday to Saturday, from 10–4, at 907 Belvedere St., Enderby. 778-443-0529.

Jazz Jams at the Vernon Jazz Club (upstairs 3000 31st St.) 7:30 p.m. May 7, 21. Guest hosts, all ages, by donation.

BCOAPO Vernon Seniors Br. 6 meets every third Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Schubert Centre. We have a guest speaker at each meeting, introducing subjects of interest and benefit to seniors. We invite you to join us for fellowship and to learn ways of improving your life in our community. For info call Margaret 250-545-0384

Bluegrass Musicians come and join us for two hours of fun on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. All acoustic instruments welcome @ Halina Activity Centre (Club Room) 7-9 p.m. $5 for Halina Centre members/ $7 for non-members. Contact Diana Stanford 780-712-1357 for more info.

Yarn and craft give and take Too much yarn? Donate! Not enough yarn? Take! Knox Presbyterian Church offers a give and take for yarn, craft supplies, half finished projects etc. Take what you need and leave what you don't. Tuesday - Thursday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. @ 3701 32nd Ave.

Vernon Area Newcomers meet the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Vernon Museum. Please enter through the back door. For more information, email new2vernon@gmail.com.

Men's Shed Vernon A great place to build things, friendship and community. Visit our website to find out if it interests you: https://mensshedvernon.ca

Play and Learn Bridge North Okanagan Duplicate Bridge Club hosts 3 afternoon games a week at All Saints Anglican Church - 3205 27th St. Vernon. All levels of players are welcome. Drop in with a partner, or email us at: nodbcvernon@gmail.com for help finding one. For beginners and anyone wanting to refresh their bridge skills, we also offer a series of 9 bridge lessons twice a year. For more information visit: bridgewebs.com/nodbc

Senior Men's Drop-in Curling concluded for the season. Back on the ice in October.

North Okanagan Wood Carvers meet every Tuesday 1:30-4 p.m. end the end of May at the Vernon Community Arts Centre. Active since 1995, beginners always welcome.

Vernon & District Family History Society Resource Centre at Peace Lutheran Church.

CNIB Peer Support Program meets the third Tuesday of the month, 1-3 p.m. at the Vernon library Jan. 21-Dec. 16 offering compassionate and supportive environment for those living with vision loss. Register at 604-431-2121, ext. 6022 or email Jamie.Auman@cnib.ca.

National Association of Federal Retirees hosts Koffee Klatch at a new location, Boston Pizza, 11:30 a.m. every third Tuesday of the month. Casual event and friends are welcome that are eligible for membership (ie. active and retired Canadian Armed Forces, federal public service, RCMP and federally appointed judges, as well as their partners and survivors).

Vernon Photography Club Would you like to learn to take photographs or take your photos to the next level? All levels of experience with any model of camera, are welcome. The program includes educational workshops, monthly field trips, and annual gallery exhibitions. Memberships run from September to June. More information including membership forms and fees, at www.vernoncameraclub.com.

Kalamalka Highlanders Pipe Band meets Thursday evenings at Knox Presbyterian Church. We welcome new members and provide instruction. Please contact Maureen at 250-306-2594. 

Parkinson’s Disease support group meets the third Thursday of each month at People Place (in the basement) from 1-2:30 p.m.  

Cardiff Miller Art Warehouse 527 Granville Ave., Enderby, now features eight multi-media installations and sound sculptures is open Saturday and Sunday 11-5.

Vintage Car Club meets the second Thursday of the month at the Schubert Centre at 7 p.m. New members welcome.

Freemasons meet at the Masonic Lodge at 3005A - 32nd St. every month. Kalamalka Lodge #160 tyles at 7:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month and Miriam Lodge #20 tyles at 7:30 pm the second Thursday of each month. Travelling Freemasons are always welcome.  

Seniors shinny 60+ shinny hockey on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:45-12 noon, 70+ shinny on Mondays 10:45-12 noon. Located at PV Arena, full hockey gear required, goalies play for free. Contact Greater Vernon Recreation for further information at 250-545-6035.  

Halina Centre Floor curling on Monday mornings at 9:30. All equipment supplied, $3 members, $5 drop-in. First time free. Bingo every Tuesday at 1 (doors open at noon) and Fridays 12-3. Mahjongg 1 p.m. every Wednesday, open to experienced players and everyone who would like to learn the game: $3 for members and $5 for non members. Dance the Afternoon Away every Thursday 2-4 p.m. to old time music. Come alone, bring a partner or just listen. 50/50 tickets and snacks. Monthly pancake breakfast, the fourth Saturday of every month.  

Are you a single senior 65+ (widowed or divorced), looking to make new friends? Do you like to dance, dine out, walks, bike rides, play board games or cards etc? Your input or suggestions on activities greatly appreciated. Come meet this friendly growing group every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. at the Village Green Mall food court (look for the sparkle centrepieces). We are looking forward to meeting you. 

Single Friends 75+ Seniors getting together for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, weekly coffee, social gatherings, community activities, etc. We meet at Vernon Family Church on Friday’s at 10 a.m., ask for Carol 250-260-5238.

North Okanagan Radio Amateur Club meets in person and online on the third Thursday of every month. Interested in becoming a licensed radio ham? Then come and join us. Club members also meet socially for coffee in Armstrong and Vernon on a weekly basis. To find out more visit norac.bc.ca. 

Vernon Flying Club/COPA Flight 65 meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month except December. New members welcome at 6210 Tronson Rd. For more information contact flyingclubvernon@gmail.com. 

Taoist Tai Chi This practice helps people of all ages and all physical abilities to relax, build strength, flexibility and to find balance inside and out. Sessions are Thursdays 9:30 -11:30 a.m. and Saturdays 10 - noon at Peace Lutheran Church, East Hill. Contact us at bcinterior@taoist.org or 250-542-1781. Visit taoist.org to learn more about us. 

Scrabble We delight in teaching ‘newbies’! Bring your dictionary, have fun, meet new friends, and even learn new words every Wednesday, 10 a.m., Vernon’s Schubert Centre. Everyone welcome. 

A Circle of Men a place to be supported in all aspects of life without fear of blame or judgment Thursdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. A group of men with a desire to take responsibility, to live authentic lives and to be accountable to ourselves, our families and our community. For location and to confirm attendance call or text Myles at 778-932-2371. 

Vernon Community Concert Band We welcome all new members to join our band. In operation since the 1980s, we practice Wednesday nights from 7-9 p.m. at W.L. Seaton Secondary School. We play at various venues around town between Oct-June. Haven’t played in a while? Not to worry. Please drop in and we will provide the music! Have questions? Call Sue at 250-540-7786.  

The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is an international, non-profit, non-denominational, self-help organization for parents who have experienced the death of a child at any age, from any cause. Meetings are held at 6pm on the last Thursday of each month at The People Place in Vernon (3402-27th Ave.). For more information contact: Cliona at Vernon@tcfcanada.net, 778-212-6295 or Ramona at 250-308-5584.

Compassionate Friends of Lumby meet 6 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at the Lumby Museum.

Vernon Turning Club meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 2 p.m. Meetings are held at the Men’s Shed, 7158 Meadowlark Rd. (just past the weigh scales). Meetings often include a demonstration of a project. New members are welcome. 

Vernon & District Garden Club meets every fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m., in the Vernon Arts Centre, 2704 Highway 6 (Polson Park). There will be a guest speaker each meeting. Guests are welcome.  

Army Navy & Air Force Live music and dinner available every Friday night. Meat draw Saturday’s 2 p.m., kitchen open! 

Al-Anon meets Wednesdays 7 p.m. @ Peace Lutheran Church (1204 30th Ave.) in person, Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. at Trinity United Church (3300 Alexis Park Dr.) in person. Also Tuesday 7 p.m. in-person and Zoom meeting at Schubert Centre, ID 297150938, password 338604. For more information 250-545-4933. 

Alcoholics Anonymous meet @ Alano Club (3204 Alexis Park Dr.) everyday 7 a.m., noon and 5 p.m. Also Mondays 7 p.m. (men’s) and Fridays 7 p.m. Meetings @ Peace Lutheran Church (1204 30th St.) Mondays 7 p.m. (women’s), Fridays 12 noon and Fridays 7 p.m. Meetings @ building #43 (2201 53rd Ave.) Tuesdays 7 p.m. Vernon Family Church (3508 25th Ave., back entrance) meets Thursdays 7 p.m. Vernon Treatment Centre (2810 48th Ave.) Saturdays 12 noon. Killiney Beach fire hall meetings Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. Lumby Christian Church (1962 Maple St.) meets Wednesday’s @ 7 p.m. Armstrong meetings at Zion United Church (2315 P.V. Blvd.) Sundays, 7 p.m. For more info call 250-545-4933 or visit aa.org.

Pregnancy Outreach Program continues to provide services to people who are pregnant and/or have a baby under six months old. Follow us on Facebook at Vernon Pregnancy Outreach Program, text us at 250-306-9954 or call us at 250-542-1247.  

Women’s Group for newcomers/immigrants every Thursday, 3:30 p.m. at the Vernon and District Immigrant & Community Services Society. Childminding available for kids 12 and under. To register email zibragimova@vernonfrc.ca. 

Monashee Toastmasters Club meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at the Lumby Museum (1785 Glencaird St.) or on Zoom.If interested contact Mike 250-547-9335 (mftakahashi@shaw.ca) or Louise 250-547-6480 (cl.wilcox@hotmail.com). Or just turn up in person!  

Vernon Toastmasters is meeting in person every Thursday at a new location Halina Centre, doors open at 7:15 p.m. meeting from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Toastmasters has for 98 years helped people from diverse backgrounds to become more confident speakers, communicators and leaders. Guests welcome. Check out 1929.toastmastersclubs.org/ 

Hi Noon Toastmasters meets every Wednesday noon until 1 p.m. via Zoom. For further information, contact Ken at 778-442-5461 or kbarrtm21@gmail.com.  

Monday Night Vernon Toastmasters helps you build confidence by developing your speaking and leadership skills through their personalized educational program. Are you ready to move forward? Join us on Zoom the first and third Monday, 7 p.m. Contact Jackie at jaclow@telus.net. 

Gentle Yoga offered on Fridays at 12 p.m. through the Okanagan Centre for Spiritual Living. Come and enjoy the Spiritual atmosphere as well. By donation at 2913 29th Ave. 

Okanagan Centre for Spiritual Living (2913 29th Ave.) Weekly activities - Tuesday: Meditation for beginners 12-12:30 p.m. Opportunity to take a break from your day and go within. Followed by Science of Mind book study 12:30-2; introductory class that will introduce the newcomer to the profound depths of the Science of Mind and take the advanced student to new levels of Spiritual Understanding. Wednesday: A Course in Miracles class 5-6:30 p.m. Facilitated by Rev Dale for over 15 years. Thursday: Meditation (intermediate/advanced) 12-1 p.m. Opportunity to take a break from your day and go within. Friday: Mindful Marketplace 4-9 p.m. A Spring Market featuring local farmers and artisans. Live music & complimentary tea for all.



Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

20-year-Morning Star veteran
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