The Coast Garibaldi Health Unit is offering free flu shots to people considered at high risk to the disease. Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. More than 1,000 Canadians die from influenza annually. People over 65 or with a chronic medical condition — especially heart or lung diseases — can get a free flue vaccine at the Health Unit in the Whistler Health Care Centre, 4380 Lorimer Road, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The vaccine offers up to 85 per cent protection against current strains of influenza. Call 932-3202 for more information. Free flu clinics will be held in Pemberton, Nov. 8, 1-2 p.m. at the Pemberton Lions Villa, and in D’Arcy, Nov. 14, at 9:30 a.m. Call 894-6367 for more information. Nesters Market and the Whistler firefighters will be teaming up for a display of pyrotechnics on Hallowe’en night. The firefighters will donate their time to organize the fireworks display, while Nesters will foot the bill. The fireworks will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Myrtle Philip School, on Oct. 31. All are invited. Cardinal Concrete is also supporting the fireworks display, which will take place after the annual trick or treat session in Tapley’s Farm. In other Hallowe’en-community news, Great Games and Toys is hosting a costume exchange Oct. 25-28. Children’s costumes can be dropped off up until Oct. 25, with the exchange taking place until Monday, Oct. 28. Odds and ends for kids will also be available. The Meadow Park Arena will celebrate Hallowe’en this Sunday, Oct. 27, with the annual haunted arena event. The haunted dressing room, which has become a favourite, is joined this year by the creepy condo for tots. Both are open during public skating hours, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, and included with the price of admission. Prizes will be awarded to children in costume, for both skaters and swimmers. Members of the Whistler Skating Club will be visiting homes this Saturday, Oct. 26, on a bottle drive. The money made from collecting bottles and cans will be used to pay skaters’ competition fees this year. Look for them after 10 a.m.
