Happy Monday.

So, while I’m still waking up (with a big smile on my face), here’s some of what’s happening around the area:

- Have you plugged into the Library Summer Reading Programs for all ages and activities for kiddos age 5 and up? Library branches around the Valley are hooking kiddos up with fun ways to explore and experience reading. This FREE program includes a reading or read-to-me log and a bookmark to kick things off. Then comes the fun.

“Reading All Over The Map” takes kids on a trip around the world through books. This week’s program (which you have to pre-register for. So, call your nearest branch today) is Gold Rush Fever which runs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday (July 17). Kids ages 5 and up can get dressed up like miners, get involved in games and even pan for gold. Next week, from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday July 26, kiddos ages 6 and up can learn all about whales and make a mobile.

Call 334-3639 for more information. We’ll post August reading programs here shortly.

- Check out upcoming classes for youths at the Comox Valley Art Gallery including:

Drawing: Exploration of Materials with Grace Wolff
July 21, 23, 25 (M, W, F)
$60.00 incl. supplies
For ages 7-12
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon (3 sessions)
Students will be able to be creative and have fun while they are introduced to a wide variety of artists materials, mixed media, and drawing techniques.
Grace Wolff is a graduate of the Emily Carr Art and Design program at North Island College. Grace is an interdisciplinary artist who utilizes drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, photography and found objects to actualize projects. Grace has experience in teaching in the Comox Valley and in Alberta.

Drawing: Developing a Sketchbook with Grace Wolff
July 21, 22, 24 (M, T, Th)
$65.00 incl. supplies
For ages 13-18
Time: 1-3 p.m. on Monday, 10 a.m. to Noon on Tuesday, Thursday (3 sessions)
Developing creative potential though the use of the sketch book. Exploring students’ ideas in a step-by-step process. Students will be encouraged to bring their own work and ideas to the workshop.

- Get your tickets now for the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre’s production of Beauty & The Beast at the Sid. Evening performances are at 7:30 .m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There’s a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday (July 19) All matinee tickets are $10. Call 338-2430 or get tickets on line HERE

- If you are looking to stay out of the sun, but want to have a swim, the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre is open again with tot swims from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

- Make sure to catch the Nickel Carnival at the Lewis Centre from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday July 18. This fun event for kiddos ages 5 to 11 is all about games and prizes. Admission is $3. Combine it with a trip to Downtown Courtenay’s Market Days (9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday) and have some fun for the whole family.

- Brian Kruse School of Dance will host Fall class registration for ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop and musical theatre from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday (July 16) at 120B Headquarters Road. Call 250-338-9923 for more information.

- Young people who want to try out Irish Dance can try an intro class this month as well as sign up for the Fall term at Tara School of Irish Dancing in Campbell River and now in Courtenay. call Margaret Mullen at 250-850-1091 for more informtion.