Christmas has certainly come to Vavenby – the fresh white snow on the ground, the lights going up around town, and the parties being held.
Vavenby Volunteer Fire Department (VVFD) held its Christmas dinner on Saturday evening, Dec. 7, at the fire hall. There were 22 firemen and guests present.
The party was organized by Jaimie Greene and Barb Pennell. Bayley’s Bistro catered the event. Noreen Venables cooked the meal with helper Lorna Szwaba.
Fire chief Sean Dawson gave a thank-you to the cooks for the delicious dinner.
Wells Gray Country Thompson-Nicola Regional District director Tim Pennell presented past fire chief Leo Vermette with two certificates of appreciation – one from MP Cathy McLeod and one from the TNRD. Lieutenant Jaimie Greene gave Dawson a gift of appreciation. It was Lego.
Two awards were handed out to the firemen. Larry Reiter received the Best Attendance Award for 2013 while the Firefighter of the Year for 2013 went to Neil McRae. All the firemen and members of the board were given small gifts.
Mothers get gifts
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, the Strong Start children at the Vavenby Primary School made a gift for their moms for Christmas.
The children were given a tile, put some paint around the border, then put paint on their hand to make a handprint on the tile.
After the craft there was a story about Santa and then the primary students joined the children for a little party celebration with snacks in the classroom and songs in the library.
Suddenly the children could hear bells jingling and there was Santa and one of his elves! Each child sat on Santa’s knee and told him what they wanted for Christmas. After that they all received a gift from has sack. It was a happy day.
Wednesday lunches get support
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, Tim Pennell, TNRD representative for Area A, went to one of the free coffee and 
lunch hours that the community holds at the Vavenby Christian Church (VCC) on Wednesdays.
He presented the community with a cheque for $1000 – a grant from the TNRD – to keep this social time going.
Pennell has wanted to do this since moving to Vavenby.
He said, “This evolved from a tragic event that brought people together. Neighbours get to know neighbours, then are more comfortable helping each other.”
This free coffee and lunch time held at VCC is every Wednesday beginning at 11 a.m. The last day before the holidays was on Dec. 18 but the program will start again on Wednesday, Jan. 8. Everyone is welcome.
Community supports outdoor rink
The volunteers who flood the town’s outdoor rink would like to thank the community for keeping the rink shovelled off.