There was a work bee at Vavenby community hall on Sunday, Sept. 18. It was organized by Area A TNRD director Carol Schaffer and services coordinator Sherri Madden and paid for by a $5,000 grant from B.C. Hydro for landscaping.
Approximately 17 people showed up throughout the day to help plant close to 70 maple, dogwood, cedar, juniper trees, lilac bushes, etc., alongside the new fence and in the park. This was to beautify the park, for bird habitats, and to provide shade.
A beautiful Christmas tree was planted next to the outdoor skating rink. The plan is to decorate it when the season arrives. Lunch was provided for all of the workers.
Guest preacher has roots in valley
Also on Sunday, Earl Gerber, father of Vavenby resident John Gerber, was a guest preacher at Vavenby Christian Church. Though born and raised in Muskoka, Ontario, and living there now, he has some roots in the North Thompson valley.
Reverend Earl and his late wife Betsie came to the valley on Labour Day weekend, 1953. There was no church in Vavenby so he held services in people’s homes, in schools, and one in the Birch Island church. His first service was at Mrs. Graffunder’s house and his last service was in Barriere. He was based in Kamloops at the St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral.
While in Vavenby in the 1950s, Earl helped answer some of Alice Moilliet's questions about the Christian faith. This resulted in her coming to a personal faith in Christ, which re-energized her ongoing work with Vavenby Sunday School.
He mentored Moilliet through an exchange of letters in the years that followed. The Sunday School eventually led to the creation of the Vavenby Christian Church in 1974.
Reverend Earl said, “Next to Muskoka, the North Thompson is my favourite place in Canada.”
Nearly 70 at barbeque
Late Sunday afternoon, Vavenby Trails and Recreation Society held a community barbeque at the hall. It was by donation. Around 69 adults and children attended to help eat the barbequed hamburgers and hot dogs, the corn on the cob and salads. There was apple strudel and ice cream for dessert and juice, coffee, and tea to drink.
It was a happy group of residents present – all well fed and enjoying their meal. It was good to see so many young couples present.
Linda King thanked everyone for showing up and especially all of the workers. She said, “I would like to thank all the people who showed up for the work-bee, especially Carol Schaffer and Sherri Madden for being here and supporting the Vavenby community.”
Program for youngsters
Strong Start has begun at Vavenby Primary School. It is held on Tuesdays from 8:50 – 11:45. It is for children aged five and under. The leader is Mrs. Jody Phillips.
Strong Start teaches children how to share, to listen, and to play together. It gets them ready for Kindergarten. It is also great for parents and caregivers. It gets them out of the house. They can visit with each other and help their children with projects.
Crib and darts
The Vavenby crib and darts club will start up again next month. Days have been switched. Darts will start on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m., and crib will be on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.
Both are at the community hall and cost $3 for the evening. Come out and have a good time.