Starting to feel a little winterish? Have we got some antidotes for you!

For those of you who are feeling withdrawal from the Saturday morning Market community, Trinity United is hosting regular Saturday breakfasts to fill that gap. Bacon, eggs, home fries, toast and coffee or tea - $5. Bagel, muffin or juice - $1. An hour or so of community connection - priceless. 9 - 11 every Saturday till the market reopens in mid February.

For you card players out there, Bell Rock Euchre starts up again on Thursday Jan. 8 and continues the first and third Thursdays of the month through March. Doris Ritchie tells us that they've moved the games to afternoons so that people won't have to drive in the dark. Come at 12:30 for the luncheon and stay for euchre. Bell Rock Hall. Cost - $2 includes lunch.

Rock Lake Seniors begins its 2009 season on under new president Ruth Peters. Congratulations to Doris Ritchie on her successful six year (!) term. Weds. Jan. 14. Pot luck lunch at noon. Entertainment by Gord Struthers.

Trinity United will continue sponsoring community family nights again this year. These fun evenings are designed for families of all ages and include a kid-friendly dinner and entertainment. This year the evenings will focus on games. The first one is Jan. 23 at a mere $5 per family. Everyone welcome.

Congratulations to Rita Bush, who won the Treasures and Trash annual gift basket his year. Don and Pam Larmon provide this treat every year for a lucky customer. People threw their names into a box and Bev Smart drew the winner.

Verona Community Association's Christmas for Kids program provided special bags of presents to about 35 youngsters this year, ranging from baby to high school. Each bag contained clothes, treats, and gifts tailored to the child's age, size and interests, wrapped by a merry band of elves on a special night at the Lions Hall. The committee is very pleased with the results of this year's campaign - the store collection jars actually yielded more money than last year. Buoyed by this good response, the committee is keen to plan next year - possibly another big fundraising event.

The Canadian Blood Services holds another Blood Donor Clinic at the Lions Hall next week. Over the years, Verona has held out a lot of arms for this worthy cause, and we hear that there's still a shortage. If you're a veteran who's fallen away from the giving habit, try to schedule half an hour for the cause. If you've never donated before, check out the scene. It's a very welcoming place and a truly rewarding thing to do. Do book your appointments in advance though. Clinic: Monday Jan. 12 from 2:30-6:30. To book your appointment call 1-800-236-6283.

You will remember the wonderful story of Linda Bates' campaign to stock a remote rural school in Haiti with educational supplies. Her efforts spurred a remarkable response in $37,000 of books, pencils, markers and other things that we here take for granted, but which were entirely lacking in this school. In fact, the response was so great that there was enough to outfit a second school. Linda is determined to get to Haiti to help distribute the materials, and this month a fundraising dance/reception will help her and some others raise money for this. Bauder Road is donating its music, along with a number of other very, very fine bands. There'll be a silent auction as well. This event promises to sell out, so be sure to get there early. Sat. Jan. 17 7 - midnight at the Lions Hall. By donation at the door. For more information call Linda at 374-1307. .

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