In the Community

Just let go

Rainforest Programs for Adults - Forest Pharmacy: Learn about forest plants and common weeds that heal Sunday, Feb. 4, 1-2: 30 p.m. at Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, 3663 Park Rd., North Vancouver. Fee: $5. Registration: 604-990-3755. Info: www.dnv.

Holiday Hi-Light Festival: Park & Tilford will have a display of more than 50,000 lights at the community gardens until Dec. 31 at 333 Brooksbank Ave., North Vancouver.

Wednesday The Ambleside Orchestra rehearses Wednesdays, 3: 305: 30 p.m. at Highlands United Church, 3255 Edgemont Blvd., North Vancouver under the direction of Nicolas Krusek. There are opportunities for string players.

THANKS to the efforts of five local youth, the holidays were a little brighter for those struggling with mental illness on the North Shore.

Kids thrive in karate page 29 Kindermusik page 32

THE FOLLOWING is a selection of volunteer opportunities from various community organizations, made available through Volunteer North Shore, a service of North Shore Community Resources Society.

QUESTION: I am a 42-year-old single woman and once again I will be alone for Christmas. My parents died many years ago and my only sister lives in another province.

TRADITION steers so much of what we do at this time of year that it's easy to forget the importance of making fresh memories. Two of the best Christmases I've had were remarkable because they broke from the norm. They were Dec.