Eleanor Deckert
There will be no Christmas 2013 gatherings in the TNRD-owned Avola log schoolhouse community hall.
The building is still a "construction zone," as the flooring in one of the washrooms has been removed and has been left wide open to the dirt cellar.
Although discouraged, Avola has never yet allowed the Grinch to steal Christmas. What to do for a Christmas tree? community concert? sharing cookies and cocoa? gathering for a meal? reading aloud the Christmas Bible story and carolling?
Brainstorming for possibilities with neighbours, pooling resources and unwilling to give up the most important event of the year, several items are now on the calendar for building community spirit over the Christmas holidays in Avola.
Happily, the generous hospitality of Larry Meidinger's Log Inn Pub will provide a place for a variety of events.
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m., Meidinger has invited the whole Avola community to hold its annual dinner at the Pub. With a Christmas tree and decorations, cheery music and neighbours, it is sure to bring community spirit back to the season.
The Avola Book Club continues to meet weekly, sharing Christmas crafts in each others' homes. Using the once-every-three-weeks delivery of the Bookmobile they chose the ridiculous "Skipping Christmas" by John Grisham, and will enjoy the movie "Christmas with the Kranks" based on the book, at Daisy's on Dec. 11.
A "Cookie Exchange" has become a tradition for the ladies in Avola and this year Fay will be the hostess at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12.
The Winter Solstice on Dec. 21 will be marked with a second annual candlelit walk along the river and bonfire in the early evening. This will be a time for storytelling, remembering and looking ahead, friendship and laughter. Everyone is welcome to follow the lantern-lit path.
The Nativity Story will be narrated and illustrated with a slide show and carols at 3 p.m., Dec. 23 at the Log Inn Pub on the wide-screen TV. Hearing the familiar words and joining in this tradition has been a central part of Christmas in Avola for many years.
Grinch-be-gone! Visitors to Avola, family and friends: Welcome!
In a fascinating turn to the traditional Christmas Story, the door is open and there is room in the Inn this year for the Child who offers peace, love, hope and joy.