AVALANCHE SKILLS
The Avalanche Skills Training Course takes place Jan. 13-15 and Feb. 24-26, with a third date still to be confirmed. The course includes classroom work on Friday, followed by two days spent in the local mountains. Cost is $210, including all materials. For more details, phone Valhalla Pure Outfitters at 604-850-5523 and ask for Brent or Brock.
COIN COLLECTION
International Coin Collectors (ICC) has arrived in Abbotsford and continues Jan. 12-14, with plans to spend at least $250,000 purchasing old coins, vintage bank notes and scrap gold and silver. The company will be on hand at the Super 8 hotel, 1881 Sumas Way, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and tomorrow and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free. Info: 217-787-7767 or internationalcoincollectors.com.
WATERCOLOURS
The Fraser Valley Watercolour Society meets Thursday, Jan. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. in room N102 at Abbotsford Collegiate, 2329 Crescent Way. Local artist Carol Portree will demonstrate how to use photographs as references for paintings. Participants are invited to bring photos, a sketchbook and different sized mattes. The drop-in fee for non-members is $7. Info: Carol at 604-850-9694 or myartclub.com
COMPUTER BASICS
Mission Library (33247 Second Ave.) hosts a session on computer basics on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Learn mouse and keyboard basics for the extreme beginner. Info: 604-826-6610
RELIGION DAY
The Baha’i faith of Abbotsford host their annual World Religion Day program on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Matsqui Recreation Centre, 3106 Clearbrook Rd. The free event is open to the public and includes readings from various scriptures, musical presentations, a video, refreshments and a talk given by Harold Rosen, community interfaith educator.
HYMN SING
Clearbrook Mennonite Brethren Church (2719 Clearbrook Rd.) holds a hymn sing on Sunday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. with the Chancel Choir, the North Oaks Trio, and Russ and Carolyn Bayley. Info: 604-850-6607 or clearbrookmbchurch@telus.net
RAW ‘COOKING’
“Uncooking classes” with Maureen Terrey take place Jan. 15, 22 and 29 in Abbotsford. Learn to prepare raw vegan recipes that are wheat-, dairy- and gluten-free. For class fees and schedule, visit ezrawliving.blogspot.com, call 604-854-3310 or ezrawliving@earthanimals.ca
DOWNLOAD BOOKS
A session on how to borrow electronic books by downloading them to your computer or portable device takes place Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Clearbrook Library (32320 George Ferguson Way). The free program takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Call 604-859-7814. The session is also offered on Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 7 to 8 p.m. at MSA Centennial Library (33660 South Fraser Way, phone 604-853-1753).
GENEALOGY
The Abbotsford Genealogical Society holds its annual general meeting and elections on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Clearbrook Library (32320 George Ferguson Way), starting at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Info: www.abbygs.ca
ALPHA COURSE
New Life Church in Abbotsford offers the Alpha course, an introduction to the Christian faith. Participants can choose from one of two sessions, each running for seven weeks: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. starting Jan. 19 or Sundays at 8:30 a.m. starting Jan. 22. Info: office@newlifecrc.ca or visit the website newlifecrc.ca
