Winter is making its presence known in the mid-Atlantic region with chilly temperatures and snowstorms. The cold temperatures have led to a number of fun activities for Canadians this winter. In Ottawa, skiers can check out the winter wonderland that is Canadian Tire Centre, while those with a little more money to spend can head to Quebec City for a winter retreat.
When it comes to entertaining kids, it’s hard to beat a summer day at the beach. But what do you do if the beach isn’t an option? You could always try a beach party, but that’s not much fun for the adults. Why not try something different?
Barbie Butz is a freelance columnist for The and Paso Robles Press; you can e-mail her at [email protected]. 
Wow! It’s nice to get your press releases back now that everything seems to be back to normal. Nonprofits are hosting events, people are coming together and sharing their lives, and I’ve even gotten a few hugs from family and friends! I especially congratulate Bill Plume, a Paso Robles resident and my good friend, who was named Senior Citizen of the Year by the Central Coast Senior Citizens Commission. I had the pleasure of working with Bill for many years when he was president of the Grand Paso Robles Toy Bank. As president of Coats for Kids, I was on the committee that planned the distribution of toys, coats and jackets each December in Paso Robles. The toy bank is not Bill’s only occupation; he is a member of the Paso Robles Optimist Club and has been involved with the Salvation Army for many years. This honor and recognition are well deserved. Well done, Bill! Did you miss our Atascadero Municipal Orchestra concerts? Guess what, you can see the orchestra at the Fall Concert Preview on June 15, followed by an exciting Movie Night concert on June 22. June at Atascadero United Methodist Church, 11605 El Camino Real, Atascadero. We’ll get through this together, Atascadero. 
These are open-air concerts. So bring your chairs and snacks (no alcohol please) and park in the parking lot in front of the church. The group also announced the resumption of weekly concerts at Atascadero Lake Park starting on the 29th. June through August 31, every Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the bandstand in the lakefront park. Again, bring your chairs and coats as the evenings are usually cool. For more information about the band or concerts, visit atascaderoband.org or contact them at [email protected]. This year, the Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival Committee and the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce are launching a passport program that will be held on Saturday the 26th. The month of June is beginning. With this passport, the holder can visit more than 12 wineries, 6 breweries and 1 distillery at any time between June 26 and December 31 for free tastings. Passport holders also get free corkage at participating restaurants and discounts at local hotels. In keeping with festival tradition, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero. This is how it works. Purchase your passport from the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce at WinePassport.givesmart.com. Pick up your passport at the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce office or send it by mail. Reserve a tasting table at one or more of the participating wineries. (Not required for breweries and distilleries). Visit a winery, brewery or distillery and show your passport. Collect a unique stamp, hole punch or marker at each location you visit. Enjoy a free tasting. Turn in your completed passport to the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce and you will receive a 25% discount coupon for the local Atascadero Lakeside 2022 Wine Festival! An opening event with live music, games, wine raffle, raffle and passport sales will be held at Lake Atascadero Park. I’ll have more details soon. For more information, visit atascaderochamber.org. Enjoy the weekend and the warm weather. Recipe in next week’s column! On you.
May:
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