Dwight Winter Carnival - Don't Miss this One!

This weekend, starting tonight with the Princess Pageant, it's the 40th Annual Dwight Winter Carnival.

We hope you all got your clues in on time to help find the Bear! And that you've had your fish caught and weighed in at the Dwight Market for the Fish Contest.

Friday afternoon Kids Kapers and the Family Shinny games get underway.

Saturday morning, don't miss the Pancake Breakfast at the Community Centre, and all the activities of the day.

Be sure to check the schedule -- there is something happening for every age and interest, from minnow races to the Wildlife show, bbq lunch to teamaking. Dog sled rides to hockey games. It's a true northern winter carnival.

Get your carnival button, and we'll see you there!

Taxes Taxing You? There's Help

Free Tax Clinics are being offered through the Libraries and the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.

Educated volunteers can help you complete your income tax and benefit return if your income is low and your tax situation is simple. Volunteers do not complete income tax and benefit returns for deceased persons, bankrupt individuals or indiviuals who have capital gains or losses, employment expenses or buisness or rental income and expenses... but if you fit their profile, they are pleased to offer tax assistance.

Contact Peggy Hurley, 705 635 3319 for information on the Tuesday clinics at Dwight Library, Feburay 9 to March 30, from 12 - 4.30 p.m.

First come, first served.

Note that these are also on offer at Dorset, through the Recreation Centre on Wednesdays, and at the Baysville Public Library on Thursdays as well.

Child's Play -- Don't Miss This One!

All the World's a Stage, wrote the Bard, and 'ain't it the truth'.

Now Dwight Library is proud to host Kidplayhouse Productions, a Theatre Arts Program for kids grades 3 to 8.

It runs Mar.24, 6 - 8 p.m. for 10 weeks, ending with a performance.

Cost: $100 for the 10 2-hour sessions -- and there is a subsidy available if needed.

You must Pre-Register, by March 15 with the Dwight Library.

The Instructors and Facilitators know of what they teach -- Glenn Copeland has 25 years experience in children's television as a composer and actor. He creates and facilitates arts pojects in our area schools and communities.

Elizabeth Copeland has worked as a professional actor in productions from Shakespeare to Second City comedy across Canada, and isa published writer.

Up a Creek? Not us!

No one can accuse us ever of being up a creek without a paddle! Check out our wonderful new signs on the stacks!

Manners Matter, in People and Pets!

Puppy Manners Class, at the Dwight Community Centre, starting on March 4, 2010, with Muskoka Agility Dog's very own Lynda Yielding.

There is a sign-up and Information session at Pet Valu in Huntsville, 6.30 to 7.30 p.m. Feb 22. Then the classes start Mar. 4.

And then, starting Thursday evenings, the puppies come to mind their manners. Two sessions are on offer, with a maximum of 6 dogs per class. First session, 6 - 7 p.m.; second session 7.15 - 8.15.

The fee is $140

At the info session, you'll meet Lynda and be introduced to her training philosphy, bsed on behaviour development through clicker training and positive rewards. Understand your dog's threshold for training, and the principles of reward. You'll get a list of things to bring, including a variety of motivators and a mat and crate. It is important to understand that loose leash walking will be accomplished without choke or prong collars through this method.

A well trained dog is a joy for life!

Wii -- WHEEE!

Did you know that the Dwight Library has a Wii ? This is an interactive video game that gets folks up and active. You can play games together, you can play sports together.

And, while it's not just for the younger set (our local Seniors' Centres have these as well!) it's certainly hit with them!

We have kids playing every Tuesday and Thursday after school in the new space we've created for the 'teens. It's another way to bring children into the library!

Alice Munro... happy endings for Little Mermaids

The Book club topic for February is any work at all by Alice Munro. (listen here to her interview with Diana Athil) This celebrated Canadian icon from Wingham, Ontario has a prolific body of work... from short stories to full blown novels. One of the best known is the short story, The Bear Went Over the Mountain -- perhaps better known by the title of the movie made from this, Away from Her. Directed by Sarah Polley, and starring Olympia Dukasis, Gorden Pinsent, and Julie Christie, parts of this were filmed right here in Lake of Bays.

Check out one of Alice's works, or take home the movie from the library, and come to the Book Club to share your views! Next meeting: Tuesday Feb. 16, 1.30 p.m. at the Library.

In March, we'll be reading Any Known Blood, by Lawrence Hill. Get it now, and get a head start on the reading!