Community events are posted here on the South Wellington and Area Community Association web site and to the sign board on the front of the South Wellington Community Centre, 1555 Morden Road, as well as at other locations throughout the area.
Please note that some events listed are not initiated by SWACA, but are consonant with our community objectives, so we want to let people know about them!
Community events and SWACA meeting schedules for 2009 can be viewed in calendar form here>>.
Community Potluck Dinner
December 15
6:00pm
South Wellington Community Hall, 1555 Morden Rd.
S.W.A.C.A. invites all South Wellington and area residents to a community potluck dinner. Bring your favorite dish to share with friends and neighbours. EVERYONE WELCOME!!!
Call 2450440 or 7542820 for more info.
S.W.A.C.A. Breakfast & Photos with Santa
December 12
9:00am – 11:00am
South Wellington Community Hall
Breakfast and photos with Santa community event. More information available here>>
RDN Community Meeting
November 23
Cranberry Community Hall - 1555 Morden Road in South Wellington
6:30pm - 9:00pm
This will be an interactive session to discuss future land uses in the community of South Wellington including opportunities for additional commercial and industrial development and the creation of a rural village.
S.W.A.C.A. Christmas Craft Fair and Bake Sale
November 22
9:00am – 1:00pm
South Wellington Community Hall
Table rental $10, please book your table early to ensure a spot. Call 250-754-2820.
Boot Camp for Women
November 12, 19, & 26 - Thursday evenings
5:45PM – 6:45PM
South Wellington Community Hall
Join instructor Suzie Kelly for a three-week trial of our new female boot camp! Women age 16 and up who want to stand taller, feel stronger, happier and healthier. All levels of fitness are welcome. (teens under 16 are welcome with parent or parent permission).
$10 drop-in fee or pay for all 3 the first night for $25.
To register call Kelly at 250-722-0123 or Krista at 250-245-0440.
Public Notice of Open House
Cassidy Highway 1 Centre Median Project
November 10
3:00pm - 8:00pm
South Wellington Community Hall 1555 Morden Road
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure invites the public to attend an open house regarding a proposed new centre median barrier on Highway 1 and associated new turnaround facilities from Cedar Road to Nanaimo River Road. This will be an opportunity for the public to review and provide input on the project. More information is available here>>
Halloween at the Hall
October 31
6:30pm -8:30pm
The South Wellington Volunteer Firemen will once again be hosting their fantastic Halloween Night celebration at the Fire Hall at 1555 Morden Rd. Hotdogs and refreshments will be ready at 6:30 and the fireworks will commence at 8pm.
2010 Winter Olympic Torch Relay Celebration
October 31
4:00-6:00pm
Wheatsheaf Ball Field in Cedar.
Hot chocolate, hotdogs, entertainment, treats and costume parade. Call your RDN Area ‘A’ Recreation Programmer at 722-0123 for more info.
Classic Yoga
Starting Tuesday October 27
6:00pm - 7:30pm
South Wellington Community Hall
Learn to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body and feel the physical benefits of improved flexibility and muscle tone.
All Levels Welcome! $10 / session
Instructors: Regis ‘Durgadas’ Chapman & Leila ‘Shakti’ Rai (Certified Sivananda Yoga Teachers)
silentmotionyoga.com
S.W.A.C.A. Community Market
October 25
9:00am – 1:00pm
South Wellington Community Hall
This market is usually a mix of garage sale items, crafts, local plants or produce, local business, art etc. Tables are $10 and going fast so call 250-754-2820 to reserve yours now!
Octoberfest in South Wellington
October 24
The Cranberry Volunteer Firemen are hosting an OCTOBERFEST on Saturday, October 24, 2009. Cocktails are at 6 p.m. and Dinner is at 7 p.m. It's a Prime Rib dinner and dance. Tickets are available from Richard Miller 250 753 9652.
Badminton
Starts October 01 and runs weekly through Dec 10, 2009
Thrusday Evenings at the South Wellington Community Hall.
Children are welcome to play from 6:45-7:30pm, with adults and teens play from 7:30-9pm. Racquets and birdies are supplied; there is a $2 drop in fee for adults and teens, $1 for kids.
Cedar Community School Programs
Cedar Community Schools offers a large variety of parks and rec type programming for all ages. You can pick up the program listing in front of the office at South Wellington Elementary School, or call the community school coordinators at 250-722-2414.
Imagination Station
Tuesdays from 1:00pm – 2:15pm
Thursdays from 8:45 – 10am
Back for a second year, this is a Community Schools Program housed at South Wellington Elementary School until the spring. Lots of fun for preschoolers with various hands on stations such as a Veterinarian’s office, Store, Café, Camping, etc. Parents/Caregivers must stay with the child. Open to all families in the area. Please sign in at the school office, or call 250-754-2873 for more info.
Reiki Class
October 17, 24, & November 7, 14
4 sessions
Saturdays from 1:30pm- 4:30pm
Location: Lavonne Garnett Counselling & Reiki office, 2219 Gomerich Road, South Wellington
Reiki Master, Lavonne Garnett will be teaching a Level One Reiki class, starting October 17.
You will learn:
- history of Reiki
- ideals & principles of Reiki
- basics of body energy centers-chakras centering & grounding
- how to start sensing energy how to practice hands-on self-healing - how to treat others, hands-on cleansing process exercises for increasing & clearing energy visualization
You will receive a Reiki Level One attunement to open your chakras for channelling energy & a Reiki Level One certificate, after attending all 4 sessions.
Fee for Level One is $200. The fee for the first eight residents of Area “A”, who apply, will be $110, subsidized by a grant, sponsored by the RDN Area “A” Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission Grant in Aid & SWACA, & a discount from the Reiki teacher.
Please make cheques payable to SWACA (South Wellington & Area Community Association) and mail to 2219 Gomerich Road, Nanaimo, V9X 1R8.
For more information, please phone Lavonne at; 250-740-0068.
Explore the World of Hand Drums
Why not come and drum for an evening of fun!! Come share a musical experience tapping into the rich drumming legacy of West Africa. No experience required.
Wednesday's Sept 30/09 - November 4/09
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 Cost: 6 sessions/ $72.00
**To reserve a drum $3.00
All classes located at Grass Root Rhythms Studio, South Wellington.
Drop in's Welcome. $ 12.00 per session.
**To Book a Drum event and spice the evening up with your friends. **On going classes.
Contact Gisele Jacob 250-753-8499 or 618-5914 for more info. email:grassrootrhythms@shaw.ca
Meditation Group
Wednesday nights starting September 30
7:00pm – 8:00pm
A new Meditation Group is starting up in South Wellington! It will take place Wednesday nights starting September 30th from 7pm – 8pm; the drop-in fee is $5 per night. Please bring a blanket and/or mat and wear comfy clothing.
For more info call Stacey at 250-245-1335.
Community Garage Sale
Saturday July 25
9:00am - 2:00pm
2080 Minto Ave. - South Wellington
Community garage sale hosted by local artist Claire Singleton. Bring your items that you wish to sell and browse the selection. Donations to the SWACA garage sale items are greatly appreciated. If you wish to participate with items for sale, please contact Claire Singleton at (250) 741-1674.
Claire's art studio will also be open to the public during the garage sale. For more information on her work please visit her website at; www.claresingletonartist.ca
Thelma Griffith Adventure Park - Grand Opening Celebration
Friday, July 03
5:00pm – 7:00pm
SWACA and the RDN are co hosting a Grand Opening Celebration at Thelma Griffith Adventure Park on Minto Ave. on Friday July 3rd from 5 – 7 pm. There will be free hotdog's, veggies and fruit, refreshments, and cake. Lots of fun for families! Face painting and balloons! Bring a lawn chair and come on out for the evening. See you there!
Please remember there are no washroom facilities at the park, and if you would like to bring the family dog please remember a leash and bags to clean up behind him/her…thanks!
Empire Days Parade
Sunday, May 17
1:00 PM
SWACA along with the South Wellington Elementary School and Friends of Morden Mine, has a float entered in the Nanaimo Empire Days Parade. You are more than welcome to join us on the float; check-in is at Old Victoria and Needham St. at 11am (or thereafter) and the parade starts at 1:00pm. Just let the official know you are with SW and they will direct you to our position. If you cannot join us hopefully you will find time to attend the parade and cheer very loudly when you see the South Wellington float go by!
Giant Plant Sale & BBQ Hotdog Concession
Saturday, May 9
10:00am -2:00am
South Wellington Elementary School (1536 Morden Road)
Great plant selection! Great prizes! Free plant while supplies last! Come check out our unique assortment of plants and other gardening items, enter a draw to win a fantastic piece of garden art by a local artist, ask our experienced gardener for advice, learn how to use recycled net for all your trellising needs, have a bite to eat at our BBQ concession and socialize with your neighbours, all while you help raise money for the students! If you have plants or other items to donate or need more info, please call Krista at 245-0440.
Drumming Classes
Why not break up the Ho hum of life's pressure and come and drum for an evening of fun! Join a musical experience taping into the rich drumming legacy of west africa. No previous experience necessary. All classes located at Grass Root Rhythm Studio, South Wellington. Drop in's welcome. $12.00 per session. Call Gisele Jacob 250-753-8499 after 5:00 pm or e-mail; grassrootrhythms@shaw.ca
Weekly classes begin: Wednesdays April 8 - May 13 /09
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Cost: 6 sessions/$72.00
**To reserve a drum: $3.00
Vancouver Island Rare Bird Sighting in South Wellington Area
January, 2009
On January 24th, 2009 a Northern Hawk Owl was identified in the South Wellington area. SWACA member Gillian Butler reported the sighting and since then Morden Road has been visited by many birders, wildlife photographers, and others interested in seeing this beautiful bird.
Northern Hawk Owls are more often seen in the North and is an extremely rare sighting for Vancouver Island, possibly the first time seen in the Nanaimo area. Aptly named, the bird has a distinctly Hawk like appearance, and unlike most Owls this particular species hunts primarily during the day, but also at night.
The Owl has been most co-operative and spent a lot time perched atop a bare tree on the side of the road, scanning the fields for it's favourite prey, the vole or field mouse. This proximity, combined with a seemingly tolerance for humans, has given many adults and children a rare opportunity to observe the Hawk Owl's fascinating behaviour.
The Northern Hawk Owl has fantastic eyesight and hearing, and judging by how many times an unfortunate vole has been carried back to the perch, the hunting has been successful. It has been most interesting to watch it cache it's prey in a nearby willow tree and then later, with lightening speed, retrieve it for a quick snack.
Residents of Morden Road have been great hosts to not only the Owl, but to those who have travelled from near and far for this special occasion, and we would like to thank everyone for their generosity and good humour. The crows were harassing the Owl for a short time, and a Peregrine Falcon took a swoop at it a few days ago, but for the most part, everyone but the mice are enjoying it's visit to our neck of the woods.
Community Badminton
Weekly starting January 08 (every Thursday evening)
Cranberry Community Hall -
1555 Morden Road
Weekly drop-in badminton for all ages starts January 08, at the Cranberry Community Hall.
The drop – in fee is $2.00, with rackets and birdies provided.
Children and beginners play from
7:00 - 8:00 pm and the adult and teen players from 8:00 - 9:00 pm.
Social Ballroom Dance Class
Weekly starting January 12 (every Monday evening)
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Cranberry Community Hall -
1555 Morden Road
Social Ballroom classes is an eight week community program session hosted by S.W.A.C.A with dance instructor Gwen Spinks (see her website at www.wannadance.ca). Gwen has a large repertoire of dance classes and will be happy to adjust the dances taught depending on what the participants would like to do. Singles are welcome to attend!
The regular cost is $72 per person for the eight lessons, or a drop-in fee of $12 per lesson. S.W.A.C.A. is pleased to offer a sale of $50 per person for eight sessions or a drop in fee of $8.
Please contact Krista to register for classes;
Tel: 250-245-0440 or info@southwellington.com
SWACA maintains an electronic mailing list. If you would like to be notified of community meetings, events, and SWACA projects, please bookmark this web page or send us an email to