Georgians light candles marking the Orthodox Christmas at Trinity Cathedral complex in Tbilisi, Georgia, late Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008. The Eastern Orthodox Churches mark the occasion according to the old calendar, two weeks after Western denominations.  (Sergey Ponomarev/AP Photo)

What’s Up Today

St Alban’s Church Caroling on 21 December
The St Alban’s Church will be caroling on Sunday 21 December following their 6:00 pm Evening Prayer in church, at the Pines Retirement Home and the George Town Hospital. For more information call 949-2757.

Webster Memorial United Church holds Youth Christmas Concert
Webster Memorial United Church will be holding a Youth Christmas Concert in their Church Hall on Sunday 21 December at 6:00 pm. All are invited to attend.

Boatswain Bay Presbyterian Church holds Children’s Christmas Programme
The Boatswain Bay Presbyterian Church will be having their Children’s Christmas Programme on Sunday 21 December at 7:00 pm. Admission is free and all are invited.

West Bay MLAs hosting Annual Senior Citizen’s Christmas Party
The West Bay MLAs will be hosting their Annual Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party on Monday 22 December at 6:30 pm in the John A. Cumber Primary School Hall.
All West Bay residents 60 years and over are invited to share in this joyous occasion.


General Notices

Department of Agriculture (DoA) Abattoir announces schedule of abattoir service
Livestock producers wishing to utilize the services of the Department of Agriculture (DoA) Abattoir should be aware that the last day for slaughter before Christmas will be Monday 22 December. 
The abattoir service includes livestock pick up; slaughter and meat delivery Free of Charge. To schedule abattoir service, please contact the Department at 947-3090.

Boatswain’s Beach’s Christmas Announcements
Boatswain’s Beach, Cayman’s premier attraction will be closed on Christmas Day, 25 December, to give their staff an opportunity to celebrate this meaningful occasion with family and friends.
The public is invited to spend Boxing Day, 26 December, at the marine adventure park when they resume regular operations.
Boatswain’s Beach would like to thank the entire community for their unwavering support this past year and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Bountiful New Year.

CINICO Office Hours for the Season
The Cayman Islands National Insurance Company (CINICO) advises the public that its office will close at 12:30 pm on Christmas Eve (Wednesday, 24 December) and be closed all day on Christmas Day (Thursday, 25 December) and Boxing Day (Friday, 26 December).
Also, CINICO’s office will close at 12:30 pm on New Year’s Eve (Wednesday, 31 December) and be closed all day on New Year’s Day (Thursday, 1 January).

Government Office Hours for the Season
The Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs advises the public that all Government offices will close at 12:30 pm on Christmas Eve (Wednesday, 24 December) and on New Year’s Eve (Wednesday, 31 December 2008).

National Trust presents a Christmas Card Tradition
The National Trust is pleased to present A Christmas Card Tradition created by local artist Debbie Chase van der Bol, “Christmas Eve – Cayman Style”. An image of the card is available on the Shopping Page of their website www.nationaltrust.org.ky. The cards are CI$12 per pack of 8 cards for members. Please contact the Trust at 949-0121 or info@nationaltrust.org.ky to reserve your cards.

‘Save Miss Lassie’s House’ Raffle
The drawing for the ‘Save Miss Lassie’s House’ raffle has been postponed until April 24, 2009 at the last performance of Gimistory at Smith’s Cove. Cayman National Cultural Foundation apologises for any inconvenience. Tickets are only $10. First prize is a cruise for two. Second prize is two airline tickets to New York, courtesy Cayman Airways. Tickets are available at the Cultural Foundation office at the Harquail and various sellers. All proceeds go to the restoration of Miss Lassie’s House.

Cayman Islands Baptist Church invites to worship
“A Community of Love” invites all to worship and fellowship at Pedro Castle Road, (across from Savannah-Newlands Community Playfield), Savannah, Grand Cayman. 10:00 am Sunday Worship Service with Childcare for Babies and Preschoolers. Many spectacular events planned for January 2009.
Phone (345) 926-2422 / 946-2422 or email cibaptist@candw.ky for details of activities and times.

Frank Sound Church of God introduced 2nd Sunday Worship Service
The Frank Sound Church of God introduced a 2nd Sunday Morning Worship Service. Bus Service is also available island wide. Contact the church at 947-3691 for more information or Mrs Francis at 927-5082 for bus service.

US Embassy Appointments
The Consular Section of the US Embassy in Jamaica has opened up visa renewal appointments for persons holding a ten-year, multiple-entry visa with an expiration date to 7 March 2009. Applicants must pay their fee and schedule their appointments online through the usual system at https://evisaforms.state.gove/default.asp?postcode=KNG&appcode=3.

Post office boxes available for rent
The Cayman Islands Postal Service advises that there are large and small post office boxes available for rent at the Airport, Savannah and Bodden Town Post Offices.
This means there is no waiting list. Persons interested in renting a post office box simply need to either drop by any of those post offices and fill the post box rental form or go online to www.caymanpost.gov.ky and download the post box rental form.
The annual fee for a large box is CI$250 and a small box costs $75. For more information, please call 949-2474.

Market at the
Grounds, Lower Valley
The farmers’ and artisans’ market located at the Stacy Watler Agricultural Pavilion in Lower Valley, is open every Saturday from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm. Locally grown produce, baked goods, arts and crafts etc are all available. Anyone also interested in becoming a vendor at the Market is asked to contact Gina Bodden at the Department of Agriculture at 947-3090.

The Mission House and Visitors Centre
This historic site of The National Trust for The Cayman Islands is open year round and offers guided tours of the house and grounds. There is also a National Trust shop offering a variety of gifts, toys and locally made artifacts. Opening hours are Tuesday- Saturday, 9:00 am- 5:30 pm, last tour at 4:30 pm. Admission to Mission House: Adults-CI$5.00, Children (under 12) - CI$2.50. Mission House is located at 63 Gun Square Road, Bodden Town. Call Jaime at 947-5805 for more information and to pre-book tours.

National Gallery’s Art Zone
On Mondays from 5:15 pm -7:15 pm Art Magnet (open to the public) will take place. It is an after school youth art group for teenagers where participants are encouraged to use this class as a safe haven for free thinking, discussion and expression without any judgment. The group finds common interests and develops projects by experimenting with a variety of mediums and media. Art Zone is located in various districts on a rotating schedule. Call for details. Contact Instructor Letitia Davis-Eden at 945-8111 or email assistant.ng@candw.ky.

National Gallery’s Art Sisters
National Gallery’s Art Sisters (open to the public) takes place on Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. It is an adult women’s group where members attend this group as a means to creatively and emotionally outlet their energy through discussion and artistic exploration. A variety of skills are taught in this academic programme such as painting and sculpture. This is an open class for women who want to find their creative spirit within. Instructor: Lorna Reid. Call 945-8111 for more information.

Red Cross Thrift Shop
The Red Cross Thrift Shop is open from Tuesday through Friday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and Saturdays 7:30 am to 1:30 pm. On Tuesday through Friday they now have extended hours from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Contact them at 949-6785 Ext. 31 for more information.

East End Library’s Opening hours
The East End Library is open Mondays and Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm; Wednesdays and Thursdays - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The cost of a library card remains at $2.00 per year for adults, while children’s membership continues to be free.

St George’s Anglican Church’s Bargains
Upstairs St George’s Church Pre-School, Courts Rd - off Eastern Avenue (turn at Cox Lumber). Open Fridays from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Saturdays from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm. All proceeds go to the St George’s Anglican Church Building Fund.

Cayman Islands Humane Society Spay & Neuter Clinic
A financially-assisted clinic is open at the Humane Society Animal Shelter on North Sound Road, providing spay and neuter surgery for all island pets. Spay/Neuter is a vital procedure that improves health and helps combat pet overpopulation. Please call 949-1461 to arrange an appointment and for further details.

Cayman’s Visa Section Location
Cayman Islands’ Visa Section offices are located at Island Air Hangar Building, Second Floor, 88B Owen Roberts Drive in George Town. Their telephone numbers are 244-2076 and 244-2054.

The Pink Ladies Volunteer Corps
Would like to inform the public that their Pink Hibiscus Coffee Shop is situated in the old X-Ray Department opposite the Mental Health Department just along from the Women’s Centre at the George Town Hospital and is open five and a half days a week. The telephone number is 329-3491 and telephone orders for take-away food are always welcome.

Blue Iguana Safari at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
Interested persons are invited to come and meet the Blues from Monday to Saturday, at 11:00 am at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. This one and a half hour fully guided tour takes one behind the scenes at the captive breeding facility. Cost is CI$24 and includes admission to the Park. Tickets available at the Park Gate, please call 947-9462 for more information.

St Ignatius Catholic Church’s Series of Classes
The St Ignatius Catholic Church will be holding a series of classes on the Christian Faith and Catholicism. Classes will be held each Tuesday from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Interested adults, non-Catholic or Catholic, are invited to contact O’Neil Miller at the Church office at 949-6797.

CICS Support Group
The Cayman Islands Cancer Society Support Group is advising that the support group is free of cost to anyone in the community, including anyone who is affected by cancer or family, friends and supporters. Meetings are held every first and third Tuesday of every month at the CICS office on 33 Eclipse Drive, off Eastern Avenue, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Email office@cics.ky for more information.

Used Stamps
The National Trust is collecting used stamps.  Just drop them off at the Visitor's Centre at the Dart Park or Mission House. For more information contact the National Trust at info@nationaltrust.org.ky or 949-0121.

Humane Society Thrift Shop’s Location
The Humane Society is upstairs at the shelter complex on North Sound Road, around the left hand side of the building and up the stairs. Opening times are Mon-Fri 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Clothes, housewares, sporting goods and more. Call 949-1461.

C.I. Humane Society Dog Walking Volunteer Drive
The Humane Society is always looking for volunteers to walk their dogs and puppies on Saturday and Wednesday mornings. No experience necessary, but must love dogs. Regular walks are essential to the well-being of our canines and a great way for you to keep fit! Please call 939 4730 or email cihsvolunteer@hotmail.co.uk

Cayman Islands Humane Society Book Loft
The Humane Society Book Loft has late night shopping hours every Thursday 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Drop by after work to pick up one of their many thousands of used and new books at bargain prices - fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, reference, travel, self help, history, antique, education and more. Located above the animal shelter on North Sound Road. Call 949-1461.

Toastmasters Club
The Grand Cayman Toastmasters Club meets each Thursday at Woods Furniture & Design next to Foster’s Food Fair by the Airport at 6:00 pm till 7:00 pm. The Toastmasters Club is a public speaking club. All are invited. Please call George Ebanks at 916-0687 for any questions or further details.

Crisis Centre Hot Line
The telephone number for the 24-hour contact line at the Cayman Islands Crisis Center is 943-2422 and for administration the number is 949-0366.

The National Gallery’s Walkers Art Club
The National Gallery’s Walkers Art Club meets every Friday at 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm at the National Gallery Education Centre #5 Baytown Plaza, except the last Friday of each month. Call 945-8111 for more information.

Al-Anon Family Groups
Are you troubled by someone’s drinking? Is a family member or friend’s use of alcohol affecting your family life or happiness?
Al-Anon Family Groups invite you to join them where you will find fellowship and support in a safe and anonymous environment. Call 928-8843 for further information.

Cayman Islands Postal Service Saturday hours
The Cayman Islands Postal Service (CIPS) reminds the public that post offices are open on Saturdays between 9:00 am and 12:30 pm on Grand Cayman. Please note that H.M. Customs is closed at 12:00 noon on Saturdays at the Airport Post Office for parcel collection. Cayman Brac’s Saturday post office hours are 9:00 am to 11:30 am, and Little Cayman’s are 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.
The CIPS is also reminding residents that Saturday is an ideal time to stop by the post office to take advantage of CIPS’ growing list of Value-Added Services. Customers can pay their CUC electrical bills, garbage collection fees, and phone bills at most post offices on Grand Cayman.
They can also top up their pay-as-you-go Digicel and Cable & Wireless cell phones at most post offices on all three Islands while Cayman Brac residents can pay for their CINICO insurance at the West End Post Office.

Cayman Bridge Club
The Cayman Bridge Club meets every Tuesday at 7:15 pm at the Comfort Suites, West Bay Road. For further information please contact Helen Haines at 947-3217 or Jane Bird at 947-1903.

National Gallery’s Education Courses
Through the Ernst & Young-sponsored Continuing Education Programme, interested persons are invited to attend courses in Acrylics for Beginners, Photography, and Ceramics at the National Gallery Education Centre, Baytown Plaza, West Bay Road. Call the National Gallery at 945-8111 or email director.ng@candw.ky for more information.

Give Blood
If you are between the ages of 18 and 60 and are in general good health, you are invited to enroll as a blood donor. Please contact the Blood Bank at the Cayman Islands Hospital at 244-2674 or 244-2669.

The Marine Conservation Board
The Marine Conservation Board is reminding residents who do not possess Caymanian status, or who are on work permit, that a license is required if they wish to fish from shore for consumption.
‘Catch-and-release’ sport fishing for game fish such as Tarpon, Bonefish, etc. does not require a license.
The general public is also reminded that the taking of any marine species of fish less than 8 inches in length is illegal anywhere and by any means in Cayman waters.
This does not apply to baitfish species such as Fry, Anchovy, Sprat or Goggle Eye. Those persons who possess fish pots are further reminded to follow construction specifications of the traps required by law.
Further information can be obtained from the Department of Environment offices at the Marco Giglioli Building on North Sound Road on 949-8469.

Children’s Music Lessons
The Frank Sound Church of God invites children who are interested in Music Lessons which will take place every Saturday from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, to contact Sis Reid at 327-2202 or Bro Lenroy at 917-5390.

Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous meets daily to help those with drinking problems. For more information, call 926-9044.

CINICO
CINICO advises its members that when traveling overseas, they are reminded to call 866-760-3684 to obtain pre-authorization of health care services.
They also are reminded to present their CINICO member cards when registering for medical care at overseas health facilities. For more information call 949-8101 or visit www.cinico.ky

The Health Services Authority (HSA)
Is reminding all participants in the CINICO Health Insurance Plan, including Civil Servants, that they are required to present their CINICO benefits card when registering for service at any HSA facility. For further information contact their customer service representative at 244-2566 or 244-2572.

Breastfeeding Clinic at Health Services Authority
The Health Services Authority’s regular Breastfeeding Clinic is held each Thursday between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon in the Women’s Health Centre. There is no charge or need for reservation. Call Abigail Parchment at 945-5646 or Louisa Slocock at 949-4351 for further information.

National Gallery’s Little Artists Programme
The Little Artists programme at the National Gallery Education Centre is a drop-off programme that allows children aged 3 to 6 to explore their creative side.
The cost per session is $15.00 for members and $20.00 for non-members, and is held weekly at the NGEC, Bay Town Plaza (formerly Merren’s Plaza) each Wednesday from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. Children must register each week prior to the sessions by calling 925-3222 or emailing clareokeefe@hotmail.com.

National Recovery Fund Office Relocation
The offices of the CI National Recovery Fund are located at the National Trust Building on Courts Road, Eastern Avenue. The telephone and fax numbers remain the same - 943-3863 (ph) and 943-3864 (fax), and email: cirecovery@candw.ky

Cayman Aquatics Learn to Swim programmes
Cayman Aquatics wishes to inform the public that “Water Safety Comes First”. No one should ever be considered drown-proof. Prevention is the finest cure.
You can introduce the teaching of water safety skills as early as two months old and you are never “too old” to Learn Water Safety skills that may not only save your life but someone else’s.
For details or to receive a registration form call Captain Kendra at 916-6722.

Coral Stone Stables & Cayman Aquatics
Invites the public to come and share the sport of Western Style Horse-Back Riding Lessons.
Each bootkicken class is geared towards your level. Beginner through advanced techniques are taught such as how to mount, dismount, hold the reins, steer, and the four gaits – walk, trot, canter and gallop. Ages four & up. For details call Captain Kendra at 916-6722.

Cayman Crime Stoppers
Cayman Crime Stoppers is reminding all residents of the Cayman Islands of their telephone number, 800-TIPS or 800-8477, and that all calls are completely confidential and answered overseas. Also, any information given may result in a reward of up to $1,000.
For general enquiries and for persons wishing to volunteer their time or support to Cayman Crime Stoppers, email tips@candw.ky. Please note this email address is not setup to receive information or tips.

UCCI Library
The UCCI Library is open Mondays to Fridays 8:00 am – 7:30 pm and Saturdays 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Persons of the community who are interested can become members of the library. There is an application fee of $25 for non-students.
For persons who wish to borrow books, there is a refundable deposit of $100. Persons are welcome to come and just sit down and read if they prefer to.

Cayman Islands Public Library Book Club
The Cayman Islands Public Library is still looking for interested people to join the Book Club. Please call Victor at 949-5159 or 324-6952 for more information.

Kiwanis Club
For members, friends, guests and anyone interested in learning more about Kiwanis, the club meets every Wednesday at 12:30 pm at the Brittania Restaurant. Contact 946-5656 for more information.

The St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine
The St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine has a website that is a joint effort by the Department of Agriculture and the School that shows all the dogs that have been picked up and are at the government shelter. This website will allow owners that have lost pets to search the website for their lost pet. The website is http://smustudents.org. Please call 324-1636 for more information.

Grief Recovery Group
The Grief Recovery Group offers a free service and meets every Wednesday at 6:00 pm at the Conch Shell House in the Cayman HospiceCare facility, 42 North Sound Road. Call 26.HEAL (4325) or email chcjennifer@candw.ky for more information.

Dive Buddy Forum
There is a dive buddy forum setup on www.caymandivebuddy.com. Residents or visitors who need a dive buddy are invited to check out the forum and register their details.

The First Assembly of God Youth Meetings
The First Assembly of God church, located at 195 Old Crewe Road in George Town invites girls aged three to 16 to come to Missionettes, Fridays at 6:30 pm. On Saturdays at 2:30 pm there is Kingdom Blocks, this caters to boys and girls of all ages. For more information call 945-2182.

Cayman Islands Museum Gift Shop’s location
The Cayman Islands Museum’s gift shop is now at Pasadora Place Complex, Smith Road and continues to serve the public Mondays to Fridays. It is closed on Saturdays.

Please send your notices and information to covenant@candw.ky or news@caymannetnews.com 
call 946 6060 fax 949 0679


Cayman Brac & Little Cayman Notices

Reminder: Return Generators
Cayman Brac residents who now have electricity restored to their premises should arrange to return borrowed generators to the Recovery Command Centre on Cayman Brac, located in the Bodden and Bodden offices. Generators will NOT be collected. Call 925-6262 for more information.

Stake Bay Post Office hours extended
The Cayman Islands Postal Service (CIPS) has extended the Cayman Brac Stake Bay Post Office hours. Business hours will now be from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday to Friday.
Sister Islands residents are reminded that all post office box renters have 24 hours access to their boxes. All General Delivery customers on Cayman Brac will have access to their mail at Stake Bay Post Office only.

Vehicle Licensing Department and Treasury Dept operate from District Administration
The Vehicle Licensing Department is operating from the parking lot of the District Administration Building from Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.
This temporary relocation is due to damage sustained to the inspection building located on Stake Bay Street.
The Treasury Department, where all vehicle inspection and licensing fees are to be paid, is also open daily at the District Administration Building from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Ways of helping Cayman Brac Residents
QuikCash operations in Cayman Brac are up and running at CB Rent-A-Car’s office by the airport. Opening hours Sundays to Saturdays from 8:00 am-6:00 pm. Send money to your relatives and friends in Cayman Brac at Gerrard Smith Airport, Airport Road Cayman Brac. Contact Garston Grant at CB Rent-A-Car, tel: 948-2424 or Tricia Rankine at QuikCash, Bodmer Building, George Town or 945-3742.

Cayman Brac Day Care Centre & Youth Development Centre’s Opening Hours
The Cayman Brac Day Care Centre is open from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm daily for children who were previously enrolled.
The Centre’s regular hours, which were from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, will resume as soon as possible.
The Centre’s services cater to babies and toddlers only. School-aged children can instead participate in a youth programme at the Youth Development Centre, which runs between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm daily from Monday to Friday.
For more information on the Day Care Centre’s reopening, parents can call 948-2672. For more information about the youth programme, parents can call Tammy Banks-DaCosta at 916-6287.

Elector’s ID card put on hold
The new elector’s card is now on hold until further notice. Please contact District Administration building for further information.

Counselling Services
It is not necessary to have a problem to find counselling useful. People of all ages and from all walks of life can benefit and improve life areas by participating in counselling. Many people seek counselling to help them explore a general feeling that their lives are not quite right or to cope with feeling temporarily overwhelmed. For free, confidential services in a safe and supportive environment call Joachim JB Skye M.S. L.P.C, Brac Haven Counselling Center at: 948-2354.

Cayman Islands Postal Service resumes normal hours on Little Cayman
Little Cayman Post Office has resumed its normal hours from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

Little Cayman Baptist Church adds other services
Little Cayman Baptist Church will be having additional services such as Sunday School, and an 11:00 am Morning Worship Service. Contact Rev James Barron at 948-1072 or cell # 924-5959 for more information.