A couple of things coming up. So many things to do! All but one are in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Ta Da!

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On October 5th, Ottawa’s Augustine College welcomes you to their 17th Annual Hymn Sing. When you grew up singing hymns almost every day courtesy of an Anglican school, this constitutes good times. In fact, one of my most treasured possessions is my Anglican Hymnal, small and blue, given to me in grade one. I still know the numbers of the really good ones. Really, there are precious few venues where I can show off about this, the Augustine College Hymn Sing being one of them.

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On October 9th, author of Tax Me, I’m Canadian, one Mark Milke will be in town to speak about his book and Kevin Page will be honoured as Taxfighter of the year. The book itself has been around for a while but Mark has updated it. Now I had that book, the early edition, before I knew Mark. Then I moved to Calgary and became friends with him, imagine that, thereby proving that dreams really can come true. Incidentally, our office shares a wall with the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, who are sponsoring this event, and sometimes, I march right on in and demand that they Lower My Taxes! I do this for all of you! I think they really appreciate it.

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First Place Options is holding their fundraising banquet on October 18. While I am tapping away at my computer, First Place Options is doing the tough work of helping women (and men) cope with unwanted or difficult pregnancies. They do this for people who are decidedly pro-choice. They do this in a climate where people attack the work they do and cast aspersions on their motivations. But the people there are compassionately helping others in an area where few supports remain. There are good deals to be had at the silent auction, too. But really, don’t just come for deals, because after all, they are looking to raise funds. So put aside your Scottish genes, or in my case, Polish/Czech Wartime Frugality, and have a great time.

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Consider also coming to Prince Edward Island, the land of Anne of Green Gables, for the National Life Conference. October 23-25. My talk is about abortion and its effects on the family. But let’s be honest, the real reason to go is so you can stand steadfast, looking out over the ocean while the wind blows your decidedly not red hair back–and consider whether you really love Gilbert or not.

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Finally, Rachel’s Vineyard is having a retreat, November 8-10.

Rachel’s Vineyard is a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion. Weekend retreats offer you a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where women and men can express, release and reconcile painful post-abortive emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing.

Another group doing good work, to help after abortion. I think it must be a tough journey, and I’m grateful groups like Rachel’s Vineyard exist to help along the way.

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