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Christmas concert captivates Forest Grove audience

Community news happening around the Forest Grove area of the South Cariboo
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The Forest Grove Elementary School StrongStart children won over the crowd at the Community Christmas Concert on Dec. 19. They performed 'Jingle Bells

On Dec. 19, the annual Community Christmas Concert entertained a standing-room-only crowd with a wide variety of stellar performances.

Forest Grove Elementary School (FGES) principal Shawn Nelson welcomed everyone to the evening’s entertainment.

As she has done for many years, pianist Marg Huber started the evening off with a rousing rendition of our national anthem.

Mistress of Ceremonies Renée Van Osch and Master of Ceremonies Ethan Jones took over the microphones and did an excellent job of presenting performers and skits.

A lovely surprise for the audience was a performance by the Wetzig family. Katharina, 6, and Maria, 8, assisted by their father, Thorsten, sang two beautiful old German carols.

Then the true stars of every Christmas concert took centre stage. The StrongStart gang swung into “Jingle Bells” with an enthusiasm that had bells flying and a small lead singer dancing in front.

Nelson and Peggy Reed’s K-3 group presented a musical based on a poor family’s plight.

As she has done for several years, Kerry Tunnacliffe wrote the play presented by her Grades 4-7 students. A Gold Rush Christmas was a perfect follow-up to a unit her classes have been working on. Set in a roadhouse on the Cariboo Waggon Road, the play included claim jumpers and travellers, music, dancing and a poem by Robert Service.

The last three performances were a perfect ending to the concert.

Kira Saenger and Sarah Batalha presented a lovely rendition of “Hallelujah.”

Brian Meyer with his mellow voice has performed at many concerts. This year, he invited the audience to join him as an echo on “Do You Hear What I Hear?”

Then came Brian Beattie. This talented gentleman with the golden trumpet brought the concert to a close with a soaring “Oh Holy Night” and “Silent Night” that filled the school and our hearts.

 

Bottle drive

FGES is holding a bottle drive on Jan.19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be door-to-door pick-up around the Grove. If you plan to be away at that time, you can leave recyclables on your porch. Please let the group know if you plan to do so.

Pick-ups are also available from the Upper Bradley Creek area and along Ruth Lake/Eagle Creek Road to Forest Grove.

Recyclables include plastic and glass bottles, tin and Tetra Pak containers for pop, juice, water, beer and all alcohol.

Proceeds from the drive will go to the fund to purchase new playground equipment.

Contact numbers are Heather Van Osch at 250-397-2991 and Richard Bergen at 250-397-2876.

 

Movin’ and Shakin’

If all that holiday feasting and TV watching left you feeling a bit sluggish, here is something that will get you up and moving.

Dance instructor and well-known belly dancer Cathy Bowen is starting an exercise program, beginning Jan.14 at 6 p.m. at the community hall.

“The program is called Movin’ and Shakin’. It will include soft aerobic dancing peppered with belly dancing,” says Cathy.

“There will be nine sessions. There are so many new people in the area, so it is also a good way to become acquainted.”

Cathy can be contacted at 250-397-2865.

 

Legion election

The Forest Grove Legion is starting the new year with a new president Jim Tindale. The vice-president is Doug Smith, secretary is Darlene Tindale and treasurer is Linda Smith.

Directors for 2013 are Reg Hayward, Ed Kennedy, Walter Janke, Barb Thomas, Shirley Lalonde, Jo-Ann Armstrong and Mike Smith.

Legion general meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.