Indicators of health in river systems include how suitable the water is to support life and how much water there is through the year 鈥� water quality and quantity.

The weather outside can be frightful, but things inside at Courtenay Recreation鈥檚 The LINC Youth Centre are definitely delightful.

With sunshine a rare treat these days in the Comox Valley, health-conscious locals are dutifully taking their supplements of vitamin D, the so-called 鈥渟unshine vitamin鈥� that鈥檚 normally produced in the skin from exposure to sunlight.

One would expect that the markings M+S, or Mud and Snow, on a tire would mean that it was designed for proper winter traction in all conditions.

Busy yet successful was the overall sentiment emerging from the various Christmas campaigns wrapping up for the year in the Comox Valley.

Ring in the New Year this Saturday with a Community Contra Dance at the warm and fuzzy Merville Hall, just down the road from Campbell River and up the track from Courtenay.

The Black Creek Community Association (BCCA) offers a new season of classes for you and your family this winter.

Local dance instructors Keith and Holly Foraie will teach regular classes starting Jan. 13 and 17 at the Courtenay Upper Legion Hall.

Classes for stained glass will start on Monday, Jan. 10 at 1 p.m. for seniors 55 and older at the Comox Seniors Centre at 1801 Beaufort Ave. in the pottery room.

Do you take too much when you travel? Ever come home with clothes neatly folded that never saw the light of day?