By Robyn Rexin
Vavenby held its annual Christmas potluck dinner at the community hall on Saturday, Dec. 9. Everyone must have been famished as there was very little of the huge array of food left at the end.
The party was organized by Barb Pennell and sponsored by the Vavenby Trails and Recreation Society. Approximately 80 residents plus the five members of the Silvertones band from Clearwater attended the event.
The hall had a very seasonal atmosphere. Pennell made a lot of the decorations plus the centerpieces on all of the tables. There was a special table with coloring and activity books set up for the children.
The Silvertones added to the happy mood by playing and singing Christmas songs as people arrived and after supper.
Then Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived which really added to the children’s excitement. Each one sat on Santa’s knee and told him what they wanted for Christmas.
READ MORE: Santa visits Vavenby during Christmas potluck (2016)
Mrs. Claus gave them all a treat bag that contained a lollipop, small candy cane, and mandarin orange.
When the band started playing again some of the children got up and danced to the music and a few adults followed suit, including Santa.
Just before dinner tickets were sold for a draw that took place at the end of the evening. Some of the gifts were donated by Kinder Morgan and Home Hardware. Fields gave Pennell a good discount on the ones that she purchased.
There was a draw for the adults and one for the children. The kids who won were Brooklyn Ruttan, Kelsey Rexin, Ethan Meidl, Nathaniel Weber, and Brayden Busse. Those who didn’t win were given a gift.
Pennell had a lot of help setting up and running the affair. Her helpers were Doris Scarff, Lorne Yoerger, Fay Jones, Joan Harrison, Christina Fillion, and Katherine Chrystall.
Church hosts Christmas in the Village
The next morning, Sunday, Dec. 10, was Christmas in the Village at the Vavenby Christian Church.
It was a full church with approximately 70 people attending. More chairs were required.
The morning started off with the singing of some Christmas carols. The second Advent candle was lit and there was a video of Mary telling about her side and feelings of the Christmas story.
Katherine Chrystall got up next and sang a capella the Huron Carol. Chrystall has a beautiful voice and she said that she loves to sing.
After two more hymns by the congregation the children put on an impromptu interview with Karen Moilliet asking the questions.
Joseph was played by Zion Grant, Mary by Cate Lin Tourond, and the angel Gabriel by Hudson Wilkinson. The two shepherds were portrayed by Ethan Meidl and Kelsey Rexin. The performance was priceless.
Then two more angels, played by Presley Dowds and Nevaeh Grant, joined the children on the stage and sang a Christmas song called Come On Ring Those Bells.
Another part of the morning’s entertainment was a video made by Isaac Moilliet. He titled it Problems of Christmas. Isaac played all parts. The problems he acted out were decorating, the taking of the family picture, and food problems. It was hilarious. Isaac is very talented.
Chrystall sang Let There Be Peace on Earth next and then Ian Moilliet gave a short sermon. More carols were sung. Lunch, provided by the church members, followed after this delightful morning. The day got everyone into a happy and stress-free Christmas spirit
Volunteers needed for ice rink
With the colder temperatures flooding of the outdoor rink at the hall is taking place by Kevin Sheffield.
He desperately needs some help in the upkeep, though. Anyone willing to lend a hand phone Sheffield at 250-676-0078.
No more crib
Crib at the hall is finished for the season and will restart sometime in the New Year.
We hope to see more people out on Tuesday nights.
