A Roast Beef Dinner will be held Sunday, Feb. 16,, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Church, 718 Cathcart Blvd. (handicapped accessible). Cost: $18 per person (children under 12, free).Tickets available by calling 519-383-6933 (Tues.-Fri., 8:45-12:45) or at the door.

We are a non-profit volunteer organization in Niagara Region whose mission is to save surrendered or stray dogs who are currently in community animal shelters awaiting adoption but who have been scheduled to be put down (killed) because their shelter is over capacity. Many of them are in the United States, but also are in kill shelters in Mexico, the Carribean, Central America and Asia. We arrange to have these unfortunate animals adopted in Canada or place them temporarily in foster homes until we can find them a forever home. Last year we found adopters for over 1500 dogs and placed another 300 with foster families. While we have over 200 dedicated volunteers, we are often unable to keep up with demand. We are always in need of caring souls as interested as we are in helping animals in distress. If you can help by volunteering, we can find you a role you will enjoy. We are in urgent need of foster families who can take a dog into their lives and care for it, or them, until they are adopted. Please visit our website at www.niagaradogrescue.org and fill in an application to adopt or foster one of our dogs, contribute to a worthy cause or volunteer to help out. Thank you.

The monthly meeting of the Peterborough Astronomical Association's will take place on February 7th, in the customary location  at the Rotary Education Centre/Guest Services Building, Riverview Park Zoo, Peterborough.

This year’s “Novice Astronomy Classes” are focused on the practical aspects of learning about astronomy. You will introduce to astronomy related subjects at a very basic level, but in a logical sequence.  This month's session is entitled  “Constellations”. Learn about constellations, what an “asterism” is, the historical significance in mythology (Greek and Roman), agriculture and navigation. See how they change through the seasons and most importantly, how they can be used as “pointers” to find other things in the night sky. If you are interested, be at the above mentioned meeting location by 6:00 p.m. The classes will run 45 minutes each session, before our regular meetings. 

Our main presentation for February will start shortly after 7:00 p.m. and this month, it will feature PAA Member, Rodger Forsyth, our “Gadget Guy” and a talk on the “iOptron CEM25P – Centre-Balanced Equatorial Mount”. The mount is a very important piece of equipment for any telescope so it is worth learning about how one of these creatures work. Come out and learn about astronomy gear and what all is involved, the price is right…it costs you nothing but your time.  

Next will follow  the “Sky This Month”. Be informed about the locations of the planets of the solar system and what is happening in the sky above us for the month to come.

There will also be the usual opportunities to come and check out the PAA and all it has to offer, also at no cost. This is an all ages meeting and  the venue is barrier free. Also, you don’t need a telescope to belong, but a curious mind helps.